Our Team
Get to Know Us
Get to know the team behind Branch Out Learning and Behaviour Therapy!
Through collaboration, passion, dedication and growing together the Branch Out Team has built a reputation based on providing exceptional quality of service and support through creative, community minded programming for families in the East Kootenays. There is a talented group of special people who are dedicated and passionate about the success of each child and family.
Read all about the team, and feel free to get in touch with additional questions.
Simone Bourassa
Behaviour Consultant, Clinical Adviser
Over 18 years experience working with families and individuals with challenging behaviour, Autism Spectrum Disorder or developmental disabilities. Collaborating with families, communities and professional team members, Simone has an undeniable passion for supporting people. Simone's education in psychology/neuro-science (B.A. Psych) and Applied Behaviour Analysis (M.A.) provides the foundation of the Branch Out program.
As a RASP category A Behaviour Consultant,
E-RYT 500 hour yoga teacher, Neuro-Science based Certified Life Coach and Certified Equine Assisted Learning Facilitator, Simone brings a whole person minded approach to Branch Out.
Registered Autism Service Provider (RASP),
Behaviour Consultant,
Clinical Adviser.
Amber Fijala
Behaviour Interventionist, Program Coordinator-Elk Valley
Amber brings some wonderful skills and over 12 years experience
working with children and families to Branch Out.
She has a BA. honor's in Psychology and has worked as a Behaviour Therapist, Senior Behaviour Therapist, Staff Trainer, Residential Program Supervisor for a children/youth therapeutic living environment, a Home Facilitator and Community Support Worker within a variety of school settings.
This woman understands children and families!
She is incredibly dedicated and always looking for new ways to support families, children and the Branch Out staff.
This woman's super hero cape is flying!
Program Coordinator, Behaviour Interventionist -Elk Valley
Natasha Black
Behaviour Interventionist
This girl has drive, knowledge and heart felt care for providing the best possible service to Branch Out kiddos and families!
Natasha has a masters degree in neuroscience and loved getting to know staff, families, and kids through Branch Out summer camp.
Natasha is an integral part of Branch Out and brings amazing dedication to our tutoring and EA services as well as being an incredible and natural Behaviour Interventionist. She has a natural, organized and creative nature. She is also a yoga teacher who understands behaviour and the mind and emotions behind it. These qualities embody the whole person centered foundation of Branch Out.
We love Natasha!
Behaviour Interventionist, Elk Valley
Grace Smith
Behaviour Interventionist
Capable, personable, bubbly and friendly
are some more qualities Grace uses to describe herself- We couldn't agree more!
What a joy to have this gal on the Branch Out team. Grace holds a Bachelor of Health Science and is very excited to begin a Masters in Occupational Therapy this Fall.
Moved from Australia to Canada, she is a lover of the outdoors, connecting with others and taking on new adventures. Grace loves to be active; skiing, swimming and anything out of doors.
Grace brings a wonderful passion and skill set to Branch Out with 2 years experience working within the Autism space as well as experience in adult mental health, swim teaching (both autistic/aquatic therapy and neurotypical), and summer camps.
Grace has a deep passion for working with children and absolutely adores the opportunity to engage and support kiddos to understand and participate in all the environments of life!
Behaviour Interventionist- Elk Valley
Michaela Matters
Behaviour Interventionist
Originally from Fernie, Michaela is enthusiastic to give back to our communities.
While she completes her bachelor in social work she is always learning and pursuing more knowledge and the best possible practice to support individuals and families.
Michaela is the roll model for always learning, always finding opportunities to learn and grow! Whether that is taking extra time to understand the needs of a family or individual or time spent reviewing goals and strategies to best support those with whom she works. Michaela goes above and beyond expectations. Every time.
Michaela is Branch out newest team member and we think she fits in perfectly to learn, collaborate and grow with Branch Out!
Behaviour Interventionist- Elk Valley
Want to learn more about the amazing team behind East Kootenay Behaviour Intervention Program? Get in touch, we’re always happy to hear from our families and community members