MEET OUR TEAM
WHO IS ACTN?
At Always Connected Treatment Network, we pride ourselves as a large team of professionals with a “small family” approach.
To best support our clients with quality and consistency, our service models are largely guided by the following core values:
• Open-Door Policy
• Commitment to Service Integrity
• Empowering Clients and their Families
• Community Integration
• Dedication to Progress & Growth
Always Connected to…Teamwork & Collaboration
Sarah Elkami Trdina, MA, BCBA, RBA (Ont), Autonomous Practice
Co-Founder/Executive Director
Sarah Elkami Trdina, MA, BCBA, RBA (Ont), Autonomous Practice
Co-Founder/Executive Director
Meet Sarah, our dynamo of behavior analysis and leadership at ACTN. With a Masters in Professional Behavior Analysis from Florida Tech, Sarah is both a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and a Registered Behavior Analyst in Ontario. Her journey began enriching the lives of children with developmental disabilities through recreation—a path she's championed for over a decade. Sarah's knack for growth extends beyond her clients; she's a driving force in our team's evolution.
Fun Facts:
When she's not shaping tomorrow's leaders or fostering community partnerships across the GTA and GHA, Sarah's a devoted mom to two, whipping up fun recipes, competing in board games, or hitting the great outdoors. Whether she's running marathons or scoring goals, Sarah embodies passion and energy in everything she does!
Languages Spoken: English
Lina Pezzo Szodo, OCT, MPEd,BCBA, RBA (Ont), Autonomous Practice
Co-Founder/Executive Director
Lina Pezzo Szodo, OCT, MPEd, BCBA, RBA (Ont), Autonomous Practice
Co-Founder/Executive Director
Meet Lina, our powerhouse of education and advocacy here at ACTN! Armed with a Masters in Professional Education from Western University and certifications as a Ontario Certified Teacher, Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Registered Behavior Analyst in Ontario, Lina is our go-to guru for all things education & ABA.
Starting her career as a dedicated teacher, Lina found her passion in special education and hasn't looked back in over a decade. Lina is also a Behaviour Management Systems Trainer. Her leadership at ACTN empowers our team and families with invaluable knowledge and advocacy within the education system.
Fun Facts:
When she's not chasing her three littles one around or navigating escape rooms with finesse, Lina's rocking karaoke sessions or jet-setting. Family, friends, and adventure—Lina's zest for life shines through in everything she does!
Languages Spoken: English, Italian
Sian Williams MSc,BCBA, RBA (Ont), Autonomous Practice
Clinical Director/Behaviour Analyst(Autonomous)
Sian Williams MSc, BCBA, RBA (Ont), Autonomous Practice
Clinical Director/Behaviour Analyst(Autonomous)
Sian holds a Masters of Science in ABA from the University of Galway in Ireland. Sian is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and
Registered Behaviour Analyst (RBA) in Ontario. Following a volunteer experience during her undergraduate degree, Sian started working in an early intervention ABA setting. Her passion for the field was immediate and she knew it was the field she wanted to pursue as a career path. Being a part of the clients' progress was incredibly rewarding and exciting for Sian. Sian's special area of interests include
ensuring best practices in ABA and service delivery, team member and client experience of services, employee well-being and burnout prevention. For Sian, the best part working at ACTN is the opportunity to work alongside a passionate, caring and diverse team of professionals. She appreciates working with incredible clients and families who inspire us daily. Lastly, Sian appreciates the opportunities for professional development and ongoing learning at ACTN.
Fun Facts:
Sian has travelled to 21 countries and lived in 4, but very much considers Canada her home. She has the privilege of being a mum to a wonderful little girl who keeps her busy and brings her endless joy!
Languages Spoken: English
Tanya Kallen MAS (Global Health)
Operations Manager
Tanya Kallen MAS (Global Health)
Operations Manager
Tanya holds a Master in Administrative Sciences with a specialization in Global Health. Her interest in administration started in college where she was involved in organizing events and managing student activities. She enjoyed the behind the scene work that made everything run smoothly. She then pursued a Masters which provided a foundation for her career. Tanya's keen areas of interest as an Office Manager are Streamlining Processes, Team Management, Compliance and Policies and Facilitating Effective Communication. She love the positive work environment, team dynamics, and company culture at ACTN.
Fun Facts:
Tanya is Ambidextrous, a Gardening Aficionado & Nature Lover.
Languages Spoken: English, Hindi, Punjabi
Stacy Page M.ADS,BCBA, RBA (Ont), Autonomous Practice
Interim Clinical Director/Behaviour Analyst(Autonomous)
Stacy Page M.ADS, BCBA, RBA (Ont), Autonomous Practice
Interim Clinical Director/Behaviour Analyst(Autonomous)
Stacy holds a Masters in Applied Disability Studies from Brock University. She is a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst as well as a Registered Behaviour Analyst in Ontario.
Languages Spoken: English
Rhianna Simmons, MPEd,BCBA, RBA (Ont), Autonomous Practice
RBA/Behaviour Analyst (Autonomous) Consultant
Rhianna Simmons, MPEd, BCBA, RBA (Ont), Autonomous Practice
RBA/Behaviour Analyst (Autonomous) Consultant
Meet Rhianna, a passionate Registered Behavior Analyst in Ontario and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Rhianna holds a Masters Degree in Professional Education specializing in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA). Her journey into ABA began during her undergraduate studies, where she discovered her calling for behaviour science and pursued a post-graduate certificate in the field. Rhianna's special are of interest within ABA is fostering the involvement of parents, caregivers, and siblings in the therapeutic process. She firmly believes that those closest to her clients have the most significant impact, and finds immense joy in supporting and witnessing their involvement. Being part of the ACTN team is incredibly rewarding to her. Rhianna believes the team culture is one of unwavering support and encouragement, where everyone is dedicated to helping each other achieve their highest potential. She feels inspired to work in such a positive and collaborative environment.
Fun Facts:
Rhianna as a deep love for nature and enjoy activities like camping, hiking, gardening, and swimming.
As a food enthusiast, she relishes cooking in her kitchen and exploring new restaurants to sample cuisines from around the world.
She is a proud animal lover and shares her home with two beloved cats named Zeek and Simba.
Languages Spoken: English
Ashley Mahenthiran, MEd, BCBA, RBA (Ont) Autonomous Practice
Clinical Supervisor, Level 1 (Supervised)
Ashley Mahenthiran, MEd, BCBA, RBA (Ont), Autonomous Practice
RBA/Clinical Supervisor, Level 1 (Supervised)
Ashley has completed Masters in Education, Foundations in Behaviour Analysis at the University of Cincinnati. Ashley has been involved with individuals with exceptionalities in various capacities (recreation, respite, education) since 2015. She began her journey in the field of Applied Behaviour Analysis in 2019 and fell in love after a placement while completing a graduate certificate in ABA and never looked back! Ashley is passionate about supporting her clients to learn new skills and succeed in a way that best reflects their unique learning styles! Ashley places high value in team collaboration in order to promote the best outcomes for her clients.
Fun Facts:
Ashley enjoys spending quality time with her friends and family, watching Netflix, and trying new foods!
Languages Spoken: English
Maryam Abid, MPEd, BCBA, RBA (Ont), Autonomous Practice
Primary ABA Therapist, Level 1 (Supervised)
Maryam Abid, MPEd, BCBA, RBA (Ont), Autonomous Practice
Senior ABA Therapist, Level 1 (Supervised)
Maryam holds a Masters in Professional Education with a Specialization in ABA from Western University. Her passion for working with children began during her undergraduate years, where she worked as an after-school English tutor for children with special needs. This experience led her to the field of Autism and ABA. She is eager to advance in the field and use my expertise to support families in need. Maryam enjoys working in this field and particularly has a deep interest in working with young adults in personal development and vocational skills. She thrives in fun and supportive environments where there is always an opportunity to learn from each other and work together as a team, and this is exactly what Maryam found at ACTN!
Fun Facts:
Her birthday is on Canada Day, so she gets to celebrate with lots of fireworks! She is a cat lover and a coffee fanatic.
Languages Spoken: English, Arabic
Dr. Jane Summers, PhD, Clinical Psychologist
Registered Psychologist
Dr. Jane Summers, PhD, Clinical Psychologist
Registered Psychologist
Dr. Jane Summers has over 30 years of clinical experience providing support to children, youth and adults.
Languages Spoken: English
Brittney Remedios, M. Sp.Path Reg CASLPO
Registered Speech-Language Pathologist
Brittney Remedios, M. Sp.Path Reg CASLPO
Registered Speech-Language Pathologist
Brittney holds a Masters in Speech and Language from Queensland University in Austrailia.
Languages Spoken: English
Grace Videla-Nash, MScOT
Registered Occupational Therapist
Grace Videla-Nash, MScOT
Registered Occupational Therapist
Grace holds a Masters in Occupational Therapy from the University of Toronto. Her journey into pediatric occupational therapy began with her passion for supporting individuals overcome challenges and achieve their fullest potential. During Grace's undergraduate studies in psychology and neuroscience, she was fascinated by the intricate ways in which early intervention can shape development. Her hands-on experience working in a child psychology clinic deepened her understanding of the profound impact that therapeutic support can have on a child's growth. This, coupled with her desire to contribute to an individual’s well-being and her interest in holistic, person-centered care, led her to pursue a career in occupational therapy. Grace's special areas of interest: Supporting mental health issues, sensory integration therapy, social skills training, attention training, and developing holistic coping strategies.
What Grace likes the most about ACTN is collaborating. She has gained insights from ABA which has been crucial for achieving goals and facilitating client progress. It has also enabled her to build rapport with clients more efficiently.
Fun facts:
Grace has been a vegetarian for 18 years, and vegan for 7 years! She is also training for a marathon!
Languages Spoken: English
Kandice Lynn, CRPO
Registered Psychotherapist
Kandice Lynn, CRPO
Registered Psychotherapist
Kandice holds a Masters in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University.
Languages Spoken: English
Caroline Summers, MSc
Registered Social Worker
Caroline Summers, MSc
Registered Social Worker
Caroline holds a Masters in Social Work from University of Windsor.
Languages Spoken: English
Ryan Machete
Transition Facilitator/Consultant
Ryan Machete
Transition Facilitator/Consultant
Languages Spoken: English
Kim Machete
Transition Facilitator/Consultant
Kim Machete
Transition Facilitator/Consultant
Languages Spoken: English
Sandy Ludwig, BMT
Music Therapist
Sandy is the founder and owner of Music4Life.
Languages Spoken: English
Margaret Guzowski
Registered Psychotherapist/Art Therapist
Margaret Guzowski
Registered Psychotherapist/Art Therapist
Margaret Guzowski, Registered Psychotherapist, has psychotherapy experience of 25 years working with children in multitude of settings including public and private sectors. She has a science degree from Queens University and Art Therapy degree from Toronto Art Therapy institute with master’s level thesis on Children with Brain Injury. She was trained at Bloorview Kids Rehab Hospital and with Play Therapy Institute. She created Therapeutic Arts Program for children with Special Needs and Autism that she directed and supervised for 15 years. Presently she works at Always Connected offering art therapy individual and group sessions, she works in private practice with adults and children offering psychotherapy in Mississauga. Her passion is helping children (and adults) thrive and feel well. She loves nature, and outdoors activities including hiking and trail running. She is a yoga and mindfulness teacher.