250-300-0763
Visionary
Intervention
Strategies for
Teaching Children with
Autism and Special Needs
OUR TEAM
All Vista Academy instructors are highly skilled behaviour interventionists and aim to provide maximum student support and whole-body wellness. Vista Academy instructs using the highest standard of evidence-based interventions following the principles of gentle Applied Behaviour Analysis.
Chloe
PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Chloe is originally from the Kootenays, where she began her seven-year-long career in ABA as a Behavioural Interventionist. Once she moved to Kelowna she began working with Vista as a Behavioural Interventionist in March 2020, a Senior Behavioural Interventionist in May 2021 and the Director in September 2022.
"Throughout my childhood I always found myself drawn to individuals others may have considered "different" and instead saw them as beautifully unique and the most interesting individuals you could meet. As I got older I become close with my neurodivergent classmates and I knew I wanted to spend my life around these beautiful souls and other special needs. During my career my eyes have opened to a world seen in a different light by my clients and each one has taught me something different and I am beyond thankful for the opportunity to connect with each child that comes into Vista. My goal is to make every client feel heard and safe and learn in an individualized fun way!"
Molly, B.Sc.
OPERATIONAL DIRECTOR
Molly or Miss. K is originally from the Shuswap and joined the Vista team as a Behavioural Interventionist in November 2020. In June 2021, she graduated with her Bachelor of Science from The University of British Columbia - Okanagan with a degree in Psychology. In January 2022 she became a Senior Behavioural Interventionist at Vista and became the Director in September 2022.
"In short, I love to learn, laugh, and celebrate those around me. Fortunately for me, Vista allows me all this and much more. The joy, curiosity and love the kids we work with have is unmatched, and getting to learn, teach, and experience life with them daily makes me beyond grateful. Directing a charity such as Vista has aligned with my personal mission in life as well as provide a space for these kids to feel safe, seen and celebrated. To contribute to the community, teach fundamental skills and celebrate little to big wins daily with our kiddos has brought me the utmost joy"
Mariza, B.A.
Senior Behavioural Interventionist
Mariza is originally from Ontario and came to BC in pursuit of her Bachelor of Arts from The University of British Columbia - Okanagan. She graduated with an honours in psychology in June 2022, having conducted research on the promotion of mental well-being in the classroom as well as post-concussion syndrome in the Kelowna community during her studies. She started with Vista in April 2022 and became a Senior Behavioural Interventionist in November 2023.
"The honesty, creativity, and joy that surrounds me at Vista is unlike any other. Working with neurodivergent kids reminds me that my job is not only to teach but also to keep learning from those around me, regardless of age. I'm so grateful to work at a place that allows me to celebrate, value, and empower each individual I work with. I have learned a lot about myself in my time as a BI and about working with neurodivergent kids, and I'm so excited to see what a future in the field of behavioural intervention has in store for me."
Kyle, B.Sc.
Behavioural Interventionist
Kyle was lucky enough to grown up in Kelowna and pursue his education at The University of British Columbia - Okanagan. He completed a Bachelor of Science with a major in psychology in the spring of 2022 and joined our team as Behavioural Interventionist in June 2023.
"I think that everyone deserves to understand, to grow, and to have opportunities. Vista Academy allows me to help others achieve this and so much more, to teach others, but also to learn myself. It is so important to be able to embrace and celebrate the things that make everyone unique, and I am glad to put my studies into practice with the help of Vista, and the exceptional clients that come through our doors every day."
Karissa, B.A.
Behavioural Interventionist
Karissa grew up in the Kootenays and moved to Kelowna 4 years ago to pursue her education. She completed a Bachelor of Arts with a major in psychology and a minor in history in the spring of 2023. Karissa joined our team in April 2023.
"I’ve always enjoyed working with kids since I was in high school, working as a student leader for a youth group was what inspired me to take my degree in psychology. Working at Vista, has allowed me to to work somewhere where I can make a difference and help kids like I originally wanted to with my degree. I can help kids in a way that can be fun, enjoyable, flexible for everyone and different everyday. I love not knowing what to fully expect in a day due to how creative the kids can be with play, this makes it fun and enjoyable to work with them."
Miranda
Behavioural Interventionist
Miranda is originally from Calgary, Alberta and started with us as a Behaviour Interventionist in August of 2023. She moved to Kelowna in 2021 in pursuit of an Associates Degree at Okanagan College and joined the workforce as a swim instructor where she grew to love working with children. Miranda hopes to learn more about working with neurodiverse children as she pursues her career in the disability sector.
Khushi
Behavioural Interventionist
Khushi moved to Kelowna three years ago from Mumbai, India. Khushi joined our team in June 2023 while working to complete her Bachelor of Arts with an honours in Psychology. She will graduate from the University of British Columbia - Okanagan in April 2024.
"I love working with kids as I grew up around them and have always wanted to have some of my own one day! Being surrounded by so many kids helped me notice that although similar in age, they all think and behave differently in the same situation. This made me curious about neurodiversity and I went along to gain more knowledge about how the modes of learning can be made more creative and diverse, so it best fits a kid’s personality. Working at Vista allows me to use my degree to help kids learn in a fun environment and support them in becoming their best selves. I extremely grateful to study and continue my work with Vista and all the amazing people here while on the land of the Syilx (Okanagan) Peoples."
Lexie, M.A.
Behavioural Interventionist
Lexie is originally from Kelowna and started with Vista in November 2022. In 2007, she obtained her Bachelor of Arts - Honours in English and Anthropology from The University of British Columbia Okanagan. She went on to complete her Master of Arts in English from Simon Fraser University in 2008.
Sean
Behavioural Interventionist
Sean was born and raised in Kelowna, B.C. and started with Vista in September 2021. Sean is currently in his fourth-year at The University of British Columbia-Okanagan in pursuit of his Bachelor of Arts in History. From there Sean plans to enter the Education program at UBC to become an elementary school teacher.
Aadyn
Floor Support
Aaydn is originally from Kelowna and started with Vista in October 2023, he is currently attending school for IT. Aaydn enjoys working at Vista because he gets to play with kids and build friendships.
Sarah, PgDip
Behavioural Interventionist
Brooke moved to Kelowna, B.C. in December 2023 after growing up in Cambridge, Ontario and started with Vista in January 2024. She completed her Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Psychology and minor in Economics from Dalhousie University. From there she flew over to Auckland, New Zealand to complete her Postgraduate Degree in Teaching & Learning (Primary) becoming a certified teacher in February 2024.
"Throughout my time in school, I learned that not every school is a perfect fit for the students that attend it. What I love about Vista is that it provides the opportunity for children to find a school that fits their needs and their way of learning, which can be different from a regular public school. Here, children are free to be who they are, often bringing joy to those around them. It creates a fun teaching environment that is different from the regular classroom. Working one-on-one with students also provides those little moments where you can see an idea click and the light bulb goes on and the progress that follows which brings me joy"
Ben, B.A.
Behavioural Interventionist
Ben has been in Kelowna since 2000, moving from Burnaby he grew up and attended The University of British Columbia - Okanagan to complete his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in the spring of 2021. Ben joined our team as a Behavioural Interventionist in January 2024.
"I have always had a passion for helping people and a desire to see people achieve their greatest potential. When I graduated with my degree in psychology, it never occurred to me that I might enjoy working with a younger age group. However, working at Vista has caused me to discover a new passion for working with young kids and helping them overcome any difficulties they may encounter and celebrating them in the development of their skills and successes. Being able to be support these kids unconditionally and be on their teams as they grow has brought me so much fulfillment"
Marcel
Media Manager
Marcel grew up in Sherwood Park, a small suburb of Edmonton, AB and has lived in Kelowna, B.C. for 3 years. Marcel obtains a Business Administration Diploma with a focus on Marketing through the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology.
"Marketing stood out to me because I love a good story and with great marketing I am able to assist companies in telling their stories in a humourous or fun way. I am a life long learner, love to be outside in the mountains, riding my bike or enjoying the local sights in the Okanagan. Working with non-profit organizations like Vista has been a great opportunity for me to learn more about the community I have made my home."
Anishia Denee, M.P.Ed, BCBA.
Behavioural Analyst
Anishia Denee is the owner and Behaviour Analyst of Ballantyne Behaviour Consulting. She began working with autistic kids in 2013 and completed a Bachelor of Arts degree at UBC in 2015, majoring in Psychology. In 2020, she graduated with her Master of Professional Education in Applied Behaviour Analysis and started her company. Since then, she has completed her board certification and has expanded her specialization to include ADHD as well as Autism. Anishia is currently on the Registered Autism Service Provider list in BC as a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst. She has experience working with children ages 1.5 to 16 in home and centre-based settings, as well as parent coaching. Anishia is passionate about providing compassionate, trauma-informed care, and her approach emphasizes self-advocacy over compliance.
"My passion for working with neurodivergent kids has continued to grow each day since starting in this field nearly ten years ago. Their honesty, authenticity, curiosity, and ability to find joy in the small things motivates me to embrace those qualities in my own life. As I was diagnosed with ADHD when starting my undergrad, I have navigated through the process of receiving a diagnosis, struggling to learn how my brain works best, finding the accommodations I needed to be successful, and discovering the strengths of my neurodivergence. I hope to help the neurodivergent kids I work with feel valued, safe, understood, and capable, while supporting them and celebrating who they are"
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