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.

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Registered Autism Service Provider (RASP),

Behaviour Consultant,

Clinical Adviser.

Amber Fijala

Behaviour Interventionist, Program Coordinator-Elk Valley

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Amber brings some wonderful skills and over 12 years experience

working with children and families to Branch Out.

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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.

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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!
 

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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!

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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!

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Behaviour Interventionist, Elk Valley

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Georgia Barry

Behaviour Interventionist

Georgia is just a ray of sunshine who loves to get out of doors, taking learning and fun to exciting new places!

Georgia has a bachelor's degree in outdoor education and has loved working with children with all abilities through YMCA, inclusive summer camps, surf instructing and volunteering teaching English in a Cambodian orphanage. Georgia is passionate about inclusive opportunities for kids and building learning into movement and the outdoors! Georgia's enthusiasm and creativity weaves itself into learning goals, one-one or group sessions, and camps in a natural and inspiring way. She brings amazing energy and skills to the  Branch Out team!

We are so thrilled to have Georgia on our team!

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Behaviour Interventionist, Elk Valley

Cathy Zwicker

Behaviour Interventionist

Cathy joined the Branch Out team in March 2021.

Cathy's passion and enthusiasm settles her in to Branch Out perfectly!

Cathy is a current Masters of Counselling student, finishing up her final practicum in the Elk Valley. Her passion for getting out, being active and working with children and youth has been a large part of life for Cathy, having spent the majority of her life volunteering and coaching swimming for Special Olympics.

Cathy is very excited to combine her passion and education at Branch Out Learning Therapy!

Cathy feels Branch Out has been the best part of moving to the Elk Valley and we are SO lucky to have her on the Branch Out team!

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Behaviour Interventionist- Elk Valley