Kathie Shaw MSW, RSW, BCBA
Clinical Supervisor
Kathie is the founder and Clinical Supervisor of A Balanced Approach. She has been working in the field of Autism and ABA since 1993 and has specifically worked in the field of IBI since 2000 when the Provincial IBI initiative began. After completing her undergraduate degree at Trent University, she went on to receive her diploma in Social Work, then later her Masters in Social Work at Sir Wilfred Laurier University. In May 2011, Kathie finished her BCBA certification after completing the course work with Dr. Vince Carbone. She is a registered social worker and a member of the Ontario College of Social Workers. She is approved as a Clinical Supervisor for the DFO in the IBI program.
Kathie is passionate about working with children with autism. She is passionate about ABA and in particular Verbal Behaviour. She has a strongly held belief that every child has the right to learn to read, write, and most importantly have a friend. She believes that, generally, when people first hear the word “autism” that their expectations of that child are dramatically lowered. She believes that if expectations are appropriate and teaching strategies are accommodated children can and will learn.
Kathie works very closely with families to address concerns and help them cope with day to day living. She believes therapy needs to go beyond the therapeutic hours that the child is receiving and that parents are a pivotal part in a child’s progress.
Connie Embry BA
Senior Therapist
Connie Embry joined A Balanced Approach in March 2010 as a senior therapist. She graduated from the university of Guelph in 2008 with an honours degree in Psychology and a minor in English. In 2006 Connie started working directly in the field of autism as a volunteer at KidsAbility where she provided social support for the Kids in Motion program. In 2007 she became a Behaviour Therapist for the DFO receiving her ABA, IBI and Nonviolent Crisis Intervention training through Behaviour Institute. In 2009 Connie completed training for the IBI Regional Program as she became an Instructor Therapist for Lansdown Children's Centre.
Connie believes using a combination of ABA and IBI methods provides a challenging yet positive learning environment. She continues to find assisting children to reach their goals through positive support to be a rewarding experience and hopes to inspire and support all children to reach their full potential.
Shauna Pavone, BA
Senior Therapist
Shauna Pavone graduated from the University of Guelph in 2001 with an Honours Degree in Psychology and a minor in Child Studies. While studying at the University of Guelph, Shauna took many courses that prepared her for a career of working with children with Autism such as Children with Exceptionalities, Principles of Learning and Learning Disabilities. It was during her course with Mary Konstantareas on Autism that Shauna began learning about Applied Behaviour analysis (ABA). From this experience she began observing and volunteering in an ABA program. In 2002 Shauna began working as an instructor at New Haven Learning Center in Etobicoke. While at New Haven, she gained experience applying ABA to programs for children with Autism. In 2004 she began working with Kathie Shaw privately as an Instructor Therapist for an Intensive Behavioural Intervention (IBI) program. In 2005 she became a Senior Therapist. Shauna has been working for Kathie Shaw through A Balanced Approach since July 2007. Over the years Shauna has spent much of her time volunteering and working with children. Whether running after-school programs, summer camps, working in daycares or volunteering in special needs classrooms; she always enjoyed it! Shauna plans to begin working on becoming Board Certified in the near future.
