About

Unlocking Potential

About Us

We are an early intervention clinic providing specialized therapy for young Autistic children and children with developmental differences and their families 2019. Our goal is to provide welcoming, developmentally appropriate, and effective intervention programs to reduce the challenges experienced by neurodivergent children.

Our Mission

UP Early Intervention Clinic provides caring, creative, and supportive learning experiences for young children, their families, and caregivers. Our clients benefit from an increased quality of life, confidence in their abilities, and stronger connections with others.

Our Programs

In our in-clinic therapy program children receive services from skilled professionals in our early intervention space at the Pacific Autism Family Network hub located in Richmond, BC. Our parent coaching programs offer flexible support to teach you to help your child directly with focused or comprehensive supports. Our early start playgroup offers coaching in effective strategies to support your child’s development in a relaxed, fun group class. Our in-clinic group programming options for different age groups help children prepare for kindergarten settings, and our level up groups and playdates provide structured socialization opportunities for young children.

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Our Services
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Why Choose Us

We know things may seem uncertain right now, but you are not alone (thank goodness!).

We are a neurodiversity-affirming organization that provides a safe and engaging environment for you and your child. We recognize and embrace every child’s unique strengths, voice, and autonomy. Our program supervisors are dually-certified as both Behaviour Analysts (BCBAs) and ESDM Certified Therapists and we provide specialized training and regular professional development for all of our staff so they can provide the highest quality of care. We cultivate a strong, supportive culture that results in a low staff turnover rate that allows for consistency in your child’s life.

 

Clinical Team

  • Sherise Devine, MS, BCBA, RASP-A

    Director of Clinical Services

    Team Role Here
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    Sherise Devine, MS, BCBA, RASP-A | Director of Clinical Services

    Education: Masters of Science degree in Applied Behavior Analysis
    Credentials: Board Certified Behaviour Analyst, Certified ESDM Therapist, RASP Category A Consultant

    Sherise has been working as a behaviour analyst since 2000 and has had the privilege to work with hundreds of children and families touched by Autism over the span of her career. As far back as she can remember, Sherise has had a passion to work with young children.  Sherise was one of the first Certified ESDM Therapists in BC! In addition to her extensive clinical experience, Sherise has held a faculty position at Douglas College for over 10 years within the Faculty of Applied Studies department. Sherise is passionate about supporting students and new practitioners to develop high-quality skills to advance our field in ways to support Neurdiversity. When Sherise is not at the clinic, you can find her at the pool or walking her tiny dog Chewy. 

    Favourite Game: Hide and seek
    Clinical superpower: tailoring the support plan to fit the unique needs for each child and family

  • Maria Sample, MA, BCBA, RASP-A

    Director of Programming

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    Maria Sample, MA, BCBA, RASP-A | Director of Programming

    Education: Masters of Arts degree in Special Education and Autism
    Credentials: Board Certified Behaviour Analyst, Certified ESDM Therapist, RASP Category A Consultant

    Maria (she/her) is a passionate leader with a deep love for the science of behaviour analysis, and is an experienced service provider in private practice, home based and clinic based settings. Maria specializes in naturalistic, developmental behavioural interventions and parent coaching and support, applies organizational behaviour management, acceptance and commitment training, and systems analysis concepts to a dynamic and complex clinic environment. She has published and presented research and served as a subject matter expert for the BACB.

    When Maria is not at the clinic, you can find her spending time with her husband, daughter, and fur baby, Daisy. Maria has also been training and performing in circus arts for the past 10 years, and it is still her favourite hobby. 

    Favourite Game: Building obstacle courses
    Clinical superpower: meeting the child where they are at and holding space for little children’s big feelings.

  • Mackenzie Golding, MEd

    Case Manager

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    Mackenzie Golding, MEd | Case Manager

    Education: Master of Education in Special Education, Concentration in Behaviour Disorders
    Mackenzie has been working in the field of education for over 8 years and is passionate about supporting children with diverse needs and making education more inclusive and accessible. Mackenzie entered the world of ABA in 2016, as a residential support worker, and was inspired by the positive impact ABA-based interventions had on clients. Mackenzie has experience providing services using the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) across home and early childhood education settings. She has completed her Master’s degree at the University of British Columbia and is working towards becoming a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA).
    When Mackenzie is not at the clinic, you can find her enjoying the outdoors or relaxing with a good book!

    Favourite Kids Activity: Singing and dancing along to fun children’s songs.

    Desired Superpower: To be able to freeze time

  • Elora Watts

    Case Manager

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    Elora Watts | Case Manager

    Education: Capilano University
    Joined our team: October 2022
    Favorite food: Sushi
    Hobbies: Baking
    Favorite kids game: Honeybee Tree
    Desired super power: Flying

  • Larissa Enock, MS, BCBA, RASP-A

    Junior Behaviour Analyst/Case Manager, Clinic Manager

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    Larissa Enock, MS, BCBA, RASP-A | Junior Behaviour Analyst/Case Manager, Clinic Manager

    Education: Master of Science in Applied Behaviour Analysis
    Credentials: Board Certified Behaviour Analyst, RASP Category A Consultant


    Larissa (she/her) is a Junior Behaviour Analyst/ Case Manager at UP Clinic. She entered the word of behavior analysis as a behavior interventionist in 2012 and immediately felt she had found her place as it combines her interests in behavior and working with young children. She has since completed a Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis and became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in 2020. Larissa enjoys working in a clinic-based environment because there are so many wonderful people to collaborate with.

    When Larissa is not at the clinic, you can find her on an adventure with her dog, Douglas, or relaxing at home with a crossword or book.

    Favourite kids activity: Crafts
    Desired superpower: Everlasting energy

  • Rebecca Rath

    Clinic Supervisor

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    Rebecca Rath | Clinic Supervisor

    Education: Registered Behavior Technician
    Joined our team: June 2023
    Favourite Food: All dressed chips
    Hobbies: Snowboarding, Pottery, Travel
    Favourite Kids Game: The floor is lava!
    Desired Super Power: Teleportation

  • Davis Chan

    Behaviour Interventionist

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    Davis Chan | Behaviour Interventionist

    Education: Douglas college – Certificate in Behaviour Intervention
    Joined our team: March 2021
    Favourite Food: KFC
    Hobbies: Fine art photography
    Favourite Kids Activity: ZINGO
    Desired Super Power: The ability to bring out the best in others

  • Hayley Chan

    Behaviour Interventionist

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    Hayley Chan | Behaviour Interventionist

    Education: UBC BA Major in Psychology and Minor in Special Education
    Joined our team: November 2023
    Favourite Food: Sushi, Pasta/Noodles
    Hobbies: DIY projects, Bullet Journaling, Playing with my dog, Hanging out with family/friends
    Favourite Kids Game: Lego and playdough!
    Desired Super Power: Teleportation

  • Ka Wing Leung

    Behaviour Interventionist

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    Ka Wing Leung | Behaviour Interventionist

    Education: Bachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing Sciences
    Joined our team: December 2023
    Favorite Food: Home-cooked meals
    Hobbies: Cooking, Watching TV shows
    Favorite Kids Game: Barbecue Party
    Desired Super Power: Time Travel

  • Amber Shikaze

    Behaviour Interventionist

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    Amber Shikaze | Behaviour Interventionist

    Education: BA in Speech Sciences, Minor in Psychology; ECE Assistant (UBC)
    Joined our team: January 2024
    Favorite food: Baked mac and cheese
    Hobbies: Hiking, Backpacking, Camping, Snowshoeing, Squash, Board games, Singing
    Favourite kids activity: Marble run
    Desired Superpower: Weather Manipulation

  • Ruby Poon, BCaBA

    Behaviour Interventionist

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    Ruby Poon, BCaBA | Behaviour Interventionist

    Education: Board Certified Assistant Behaviour Analyst (BCaBA)
    Joined our team: June 2024
    Favourite Food: Crème brûlée
    Hobbies: Traveling
    Favourite Kids Game: Scavenger hunt
    Desired Superpower: Able to understand and speak all languages in the world

  • Sumaiya Ejaz, MS

    Behaviour Interventionist

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    Sumaiya Ejaz, MS | Behaviour Interventionist

    Education: BSc in Psychology, MSc in Behaviour Analysis and Therapy
    Joined Out Team: August 2024
    Favourite Food: Noodles and Donuts
    Hobbies: Baking, Traveling, and Watching Movies
    Favourite Kids’ Activity: Hide and seek
    Desired Superpowers: Photographic memory and teleportation

  • Sheila Valencia

    Behaviour Interventionist

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    Sheila Valencia | Behaviour Interventionist

    Education: BGS in Education, minor in Early Learning and Human Development
    Joined our team: August 2024
    Favourite food: Oreos
    Hobbies: Crocheting, singing, and trying new cafes
    Favourite kids activity: Playdough
    Desired superpower: Teleportation

  • Madelline Nobel

    Behaviour Interventionist

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    Madelline Nobel | Behaviour Interventionist

    Education: UBC BA in Psychology

    Joined our team: July 2023

    Favourite Food: Any home cooked meals

    Hobbies: Crocheting, Watching movies

    Favourite Kids Game: Hide & Seek

    Desired Super Power: Telekinesis

  • Daniel Khotawanich

    Instructor of Social Skills

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    Daniel Khotawanich | Instructor of Social Skills

    Education: Masters of Education in Special Education, Concentration in Autism and Developmental Disabilities

    Daniel entered the field of applied behaviour analysis in February of 2019. Over the years, he found his passion of supporting young neurodiverse children using Naturalistic Developmental Behaviour Interventions. Daniel has experience providing services using the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) across home, early childhood education, and clinic-based settings. In 2021, Daniel obtained his master’s degree in education from The University of British Columbia and is currently working towards obtainining becoming a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA) and also a certified ESDM therapist.

    When Daniel is not at the clinic, you can find him playing pick-up basketball, snowboarding, or spending time outdoors with family and friends.

    Favourite Kids Activity: Pop the Pirate
    Desired Super Power: Time Travel

Administrative Team

  • Vanessa Chan

    Front Desk Staff

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    Vanessa Chan | Front Desk Staff

    Education: Simon Fraser University (Health Sciences)
    Joined our team: June 2023
    Favorite Food: Sushi
    Hobbies: Hiking, playing with my dog and going out with friends/family
    Favourite Kids Game: Musical chairs
    Desired Super Power: Teleportation 

Speech-Language Team

  • Nicole Davies, MS, SLP(C)

    Consulting Speech-Language Pathologist

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    Nicole Davies, MS, SLP(C) | Consulting Speech-Language Pathologist

    Nicole provides consultation in the areas of speech and language for our in-clinic program. She is extremely helpful with supporting early language development when, M children are just learning to communicate and has superpowers in helping kids with articulation difficulties. 

  • Chelsey Chichak, MS, R-SLP, SLP(C), CCC-SLP

    Consulting Speech-Language Pathologist

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    Chelsey Chichak, MS, R-SLP, SLP(C), CCC-SLP | Consulting Speech-Language Pathologist

    Education: Masters of Science in Communication Disorders
    Credentials: Registered Speech Language Pathologist, Certified by Speech and Audiology Canada (SAC) and American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA)

    Chelsey (she/her) is the owner of Mainland Speech Language Pathology Inc. and provides consultative Speech and Language Therapy services to the UP Early Intervention team. She is passionate about helping to support complex communicators in finding their voice and ways to communicate with others. She specializes in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and supporting Early Intervention Services in an inclusive supportive environment.

    When Chelsey is not at the clinic, you can find her spending time with her husband and two daughters at the barn. Chelsey is also a Hippotherapist and provides Speech and Language therapy utilizing the movement of a horse. Chelsey is the current President of Speech and Hearing BC and spends her time volunteering to support advocacy issues in our province.

    Favourite Game: Whatever game the child likes playing in whatever way they like to play it

    Clinical Superpower: Interpreting communication that might be subtle and hard to spot

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What People Say About Us

  • “Truly transformative, exceeding expectations in a number of areas (eg. language, play skills, everyday behaviour.)” – Mark and Sarah, parents of former client (unsolicited testimonial)

    Mark and Sarah

  • Our boys flourished at UP clinic. We quickly saw progression in their speech and communication skills. They also developed social skills that help them be with groups of peers. The UP [Program] launched their path of success. It’s as if we, as a family, all learned a new language together that we were missing. It helped all of us understand how the boys learn and process information. – Alison, parent of former clients

    Alison

  • “Our son’s experience has been great since he has always been excited about his sessions at Up. As parents we have also had a great experience with all the staff who have worked with him over the years. He made amazing progress on his communication right after he started sessions and we also saw lots of progress in terms of behaviour. We believe Up was key to his development in his early years.” Javier and Paulina, parents of former client (unsolicited testimonial)

    Javier and Paulina

  • “Our son grew so much during his time at UP Clinic. We felt supported during a time where we did not know what to expect. Knowing our son was in a safe environment and learning new skills was very comforting to us.” – Tamar and Julian, parents of a former client (unsolicited testimonial)

    Tamar and Julian

  • “Our daughter benefited from the caring, kind, gentle and compassionate nature of the clinic and the BIs and BCs that worked with her. Her progress was constantly assessed and utilized in the creation of her treatment goals and sessions plans. We as a family were able to see her progress in-vivo and also scientifically through the performance charts that were available. There was careful planning around her challenges and also a good amount of push for her to surpass her boundaries” – Caralynne and Shane, parents of former client (unsolicited testimonial)

    Caralynne and Shane

  • In my search I came across the UP Early Intervention website. What caught my eye was that they could start working with my son without an official diagnosis. So instead of wasting precious time waiting for his diagnosis I could get his treatment started.

    My family and I were not expecting changes in his behaviour as fast as we did. [We] saw changes in his behaviour for the better in the first 2 weeks. He was making more eye contact, listening, and following directions.

    The UP program provided a safe space for my son to grow. The program provided a routine, worked on his personal needs and used his interests to get him to learn new skills. He was loved and cared for like he was their most important students, but they do that for each child. – Hardeep, parent of former client

    Hardeep

  • We were so nervous to start the boys at a program, but our worries were quickly put aside as we saw how happy the boys were. It changed our relationship with them. The program is based on a method that has been studied and tested, and we agree is effective for early intervention. The UP program tailors their approach to each child on an individual basis, focusing not only on areas needing growth, but each child’s unique strengths and nurturing each family as a unit. – Alison, Parent of Former Clients

    Alison

  • We witnessed a huge improvement in his overall development and he is now able to adjust to his kindergarten class with minimal support.  We also appreciated how UP provided a lot of great recommendations for support in other areas, which allowed for him to overcome a lot of obstacles regarding his feeding and social behaviour.  UP has provided an excellent supportive environment for children who are on the spectrum.  The staff are very friendly and attentive to the needs of the families and the BI’s have all been very patient and kind to the children.  We are very happy with our decision to have our child attend UP for his early intervention – Madison, parent of former client

    Madison

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