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About Us

At Moving Forward Autism Services and Tools, we strive to ensure that regardless of where you and your child are at in their development, that you are on a path to reach their full potential. Located in North York, our center provides evidence-based behavioural services to families of children ages 2-12 diagnosed with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

We utilize a strengths-based approach to assessment and intervention in the work we do to help children and their families. We are committed to excellence and are constantly testing new concepts and ideas related to education and skill acquisition for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, which is why our programs and services are based on evidence, research and current best practices. We value diversity and strive to foster an inclusive environment that is warm and welcoming.

Mission – What we aspire to

To support families with individuals diagnosed with intellectual and developmental disabilities in achieving an improved family quality of life.

Vision – What we are committed to

We believe that resilient families hold the key to their own success stories. That is why we strive through education, training and one-to-one teaching to support families in their communication and interaction, parenting style, family structure, sibling relations, and parents’ emotional and physical well-being.

Values – What we believe

We believe that early intervention is key in building resilient children and resilient families.

We believe that every child and family matters. Everyone fits in here at Moving Forward Autism Services and Tools.

We believe in working collaboratively with parents and community partners, which further strengthens the work we do with education, training and one to one teaching strategies.

Our Clinical Team

At MFAST, we put priority on the overall client experience and understand the qualities and responsibilities involved in serving our clients. Each of our consultants, have a strong blend of related education, experience and qualifications that give them the ability to relate to the kids, and at the same time earns the level of respect and results from each of our clients.

We are proud of the team we have built, and are passionate about our cause – helping you and your child to enjoy a better quality of life.

Susan Pike, BCBA, M.ADS, RSW

Clinical Supervisor

Susan is a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst, with a Masters in Applied Disability Studies, Specializing in Applied Behaviour Analysis. She is also a Registered Social Worker with the Ontario Collage of Social Workers and Social Service Workers, and holds several relevant certificates. Susan has dedicated the last 20+ years providing therapy, tools and training to families with children impacted by a variety of social, emotional, neurological and psychological difficulties.

Susan has worked with children and their families in a variety of settings. She specializes in applied behavioural analysis and brings a dynamic combination of experience and training. Susan has an extensive background in providing assessments and developing service plans that utilize effective evidence based practices for children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. She views collaboration with community partners as an essential part of providing a holistic approach to helping families.

Patti Malatesta-Di Sante, BA, ECE, RYT-200
Senior Therapist

Patti graduated from York University with a Bachelor degree in Sociology, holds a diploma in Early Childhood Education from Seneca College and is a Registered Hatha Yoga Teacher.

She has 16 years of experience as an instructor therapist providing private therapy for children with autism and other learning exceptionalities. She is also trained in PECS, PRT, Crisis Prevention and First Aid & CPR.  She has also worked in daycares with infants, preschool and school-age children. In addition to working in center-based programs, Patti has been responsible for conducting private social skills groups, parent training, sleep training, running children’s Yoga programs and camps. Currently, Patti is our center’s Senior Therapist and is responsible for developing and overseeing ABA treatment plans, assessing students and developing behaviour plans.

Sareen Bakkal, CYC

Instructor Therapist

Sareen is a Child and Youth Care Worker graduate from Seneca Collage. She is trained in Crisis Prevention Intervention, Suicide Intervention, High-Five Training, Mental Health and First-Aid, CPR and is a member of the Ontario Association of Child and Youth Care (OACYC). Sareen has 5 years hands-on experience working with children with special needs within the school board and within private settings.

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