Our Team

 

Shayna Gaunt, MA, BCBA


Founder of Kid Mechanix

Shayna Gaunt has over 20 years of experience implementing the science of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)  with individuals with Autism, Apserger’s Syndrome, ADHD,  Learning Disabilities, Downs Syndrome, and other developmental delays.  She is the founder and director of Kid Mechanix, Inc.  She also has international experience providing clinical expertise and training workshops to clients in the US, Costa Rica, England, Egypt, and Qatar.

Shayna conducts individualized training workshops for schools and other professionals. She incorporates evidence-based treatments such as Discrete Trial Teaching (DTT), Verbal Behaviour (VB), Precision Teaching (PT), Pivotal Response Training (PRT), Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), and Direct Instruction (DI) into her programming.

Shayna Gaunt graduated with an Honours BA in Behavioural Psychology from Wilfrid Laurier University and achieved an MA in ABA from the University of Nevada, Reno.  She has been a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA) since 2005.

 

Bianca Bozzelli, MADS, BCBA


Executive Director and Owner

Bianca Bozzelli has been working in the ABA field since 2014 under the supervision of Shayna Gaunt implementing ABA programming. She practices Discrete Trial Teaching (DTT), Verbal Behaviour (VB), Direct Instruction (DI), Precision Teaching (PT), and social skills.

With her BCBA certification, Bianca applies her extensive experience and knowledge to supervision, training, and the application of ABA in the classroom.

With a personal commitment to long-term development, Bianca has completed additional certifications and trainings including an International Certificate Program in Dual Diagnosis, PEAK (Promoting the Emergence of Advanced Knowledge), ESDM (Early Start Denver Model), PRT (Pivotal Response Treatment), Principles of Healthy Child Development (High Five), among others.

Bianca has experience conducting school-wide professional development for staff, working on multi-disciplinary teams, and teaching part-time at Humber College in the Bachelor of Behavioural Science program.

In addition to working with Shayna Gaunt at Kid Mechanix, Bianca also worked at How to ABA (a platform for professionals working in the field of ABA).

All Kid Mechanix staff have obtained (and maintain) their Registered Behaviour Technician (RBT) certification. Any new staff who have not yet completed their RBT certification are working towards becoming certified.

In addition, many of our staff are currently completing (or have completed) their Master’s degree with a specialization in ABA, and are working towards their BCBA designation.

Our amazing and dedicated staff bring lots of experience to Kid Mechanix from a variety of backgrounds including Psychology, Social Work, Developmental Disabilities/Child Life Specialist, and Nursing.

 

Caroline Amzallag, BA, RBT

 

Program Supervisor

Caroline Amzallag is our Program Supervisor for Kid Mechanix.

She graduated from McGill University with a BA in Cultural Studies and Psychology. In 2018, she earned her Registered Behaviour Technician (RBT) certification.

Before becoming a Program Supervisor, Caroline was an Instructor Therapist for over two years at Kid Mechanix.  Caroline is an extremely hard worker and a creative problem solver with a passion for helping children reach their highest potential.

 
 
Tara Funston, MSc, RBT
 

Senior Therapist

As a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), Tara has 5+ years of experience in ABA working both 1:1 and in groups with children and youth.
 
Tara has completed both her BA in Psychology with an Emphasis in Linguistics as well as her Masters in Psychology, with a Specialization in Applied Behaviour Analysis.
 
Tara is currently working towards achieving her board certification (BCBA).

 

Amanda Zappia, ECE, MADS

 

SENIOR THERAPIST

Amanda has been a member of Kid Mechanix since 2015 and has experience working with children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in various environments including home, centre-based, and school.

Amanda has a diploma is Early Childhood Education (ECE), a post-graduate certification in Autism and Behavioural Sciences, a BA in Psychology, and achieved her Masters in Applied Disability Studies with a Specialization in Applied Behaviour Analysis.

Amanda will be sitting for her board certification (BCBA) exam over the next few months!

Interested in Applying?

If you share our passion and commitment to working with children and youth, we want to hear from you!

From time to time, Kid Mechanix will add more members to our team – so if you are enthusiastic, dedicated, and excited at the thought of learning more about Applied Behaviour Analysis, visit the CONTACT US located at the top right of the web page.

In return, we will provide you with comprehensive training in a highly-supportive environment, so that you too can enjoy the satisfaction that comes with making a difference in the lives of those we serve.

 

Seeking Supervision?

Looking to become a Registered Behaviour Technician (RBT), Board Certified Assistant Behaviour Analyst (BCaBA), or a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA)? We provide supervised training to all our staff.

Are you a student seeking a placement/field work opportunity?

Kid Mechanix has worked with Brock University, York University, McMaster University, Mohawk College, St. Lawrence College, and more!