Staff

I worked at CH.I.L.D for five years, implementing individualized treatment programs and practicing alternative teaching and behavioural intervention strategies. I worked with children one-on-one and in small groups, alongside their incredible families, and as part of a strong team of therapists dedicated to promoting the academic, social, and emotional development of children with autism spectrum disorder. I am thankful for what I learned from these experiences throughout my years at CH.I.L.D.

At CH.I.L.D, the process of adapting teaching materials and instructional strategies to each child’s unique learning style and witnessing the positive results taught me the importance of flexibility, patience and persistence in special education. By breaking down a child’s ultimate goal into smaller, attainable steps, I learned that progress and personal success are always possible. Most importantly, at CH.I.L.D I discovered my passion for teaching and learning from students with autism.

Today I am a special education teacher in a Primary Autism Program with the Toronto District School Board. In my classroom, I apply the training, teaching strategies, assessment practices, and methodologies that I gained from working at CH.I.L.D.

Thank you CH.I.L.D, for starting me on my career path and allowing me to discover my love for working with these special students. And thank you for the amazing and selfless work that you do, bettering the lives of your students and their families, providing them with hope and successes, and nurturing each child to reach their potential.

Michelle

Instructor Therapist

March 2012

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My name is Krystal Patterson. I have been employed at CH.I.L.D for six years and I am a R.E.C.E, E.C.E.C, IP. I wanted to work at CH.I.L.D. so that I could gain experience working with children that have various exceptionalities and assist them in growing to be able to live their lives to their fullest potential.

What I like the most about working at CH.I.L.D. is having the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the children and families that I work with. Working at CH.I.L.D. has taught and given me the skills and knowledge to make these differences and allows me to apply this knowledge in all my practise with all the children I work with. It has given me the professional knowledge and skills of how to work in a team to develop programs and plans to work for the best interest in each individual child we as a team work with. It has also shown me the importance of working with the children, staff, parents and other team members as a whole to see the success of these plans.

Each individual child I work with has touched my heart in a unique and special way that makes them unforgettable and makes me want to be a better therapist to help them advance in life. The best part of my work at CH.I.L.D. is seeing the progress the children have made from when I started to where they now. To start with a child six years ago that needed to be carried into the center to know that now they run to me with open arms or that was not able to even make verbal sounds and now greets me with a warm and friendly hello and make eye contact when they do it is the most unbelievable feeling. Especially knowing that I as a therapist had a part in that success. CH.I.L.D. also provides the opportunity for students and volunteers coming into the field to have hands on opportunities in the field to have an opportunity to gain insight and perspective in the field of working with children who have exceptionalities.

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I admire the passion you have for, and the detail you have put into your centre, from every intricate detail in your client’s programs to the natural wood in your colourfully themed rooms. You are truly an admirable woman. I especially adore the way you have organized the centre to help your therapists grow by teaching them to see where their clients are developmentally. I’ve never heard of any centre doing this. Your centre is definitely one of a kind and the first to promote the development of its therapists. That is such a refreshing blessing!

Karissa Baboolal
Instructor Therapist

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Coming into the workforce from six years of university and college, I was very eager to start my career working with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, their families, friends, and all individuals supporting their development and integration. After endless applications, hours of researching service providers, a few flop jobs, interviews and more research, I found Sandy Palombo and fell in love with CH.I.L.D.

The way she thinks outside the “IBI box” and uses innovative techniques of play therapy is a true inspiration. From the day I came in for my interview, I knew that I could learn something from Sandy. To top it all off, Sandy consistently supports staff continuing their education, lending insight on personal strengths and taking time to discuss and guide enrichment. This dedication to staff, lends itself a path to outline Sandy’s true dedication to her clients and their development.

Thank you Sandy for all that you have taught me. I am forever grateful for the respect you treat me with, and will continue to push the limits, using your “outside the box” techniques.

Danielle

Instructor Therapist