About Us

Courtney Schulze is a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA) with nine years of experience supporting children and families impacted by autism and other developmental disabilities. Courtney received her Master’s of Education in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) from the University of Cincinnati, Ohio.

Courtney has dedicated her time to multiple areas of clinical support for children with developmental disabilities including helping with the international implementation of digital ABA software to better track and support children’s outcomes with the Canadian government, assisting in the development of an employment program for adults on the autism spectrum, and working directly with children and families implementing behavioural intervention programs. She works on all areas of child development using a behaviour analytic approach, and specializes in verbal/non-verbal communication, behavioural sleep treatment, and sexualized behaviours/education.

Courtney founded Northern Star Behaviour Services in Edmonton, Alberta in April of 2021 determined to offer the highest quality of care families could receive in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) intervention. Her leadership and dedication to families and children is continuously exemplified in her work. Northern Star is proud to offer tele-health services in remote communities to families who could not otherwise access services based on their geography, as well as other minority culture groups including Indigenous populations.

Through the creation of Northern Star Behaviour Services, Courtney is excited to lead by example offering meaningful intervention, education for parents and families, and significant outcomes that parents feel leaves a lasting impression in their lives.

Mack Riesterer is the Co-owner and Director of Operations of Northern Star Behaviour Services. His background in Power Engineering equips him with skills in problem solving, team management, and system efficiencies. While our clients may never meet Mack, he is always working in the background, whether it is software related, or another variation of staff support.

Mack is the husband of Courtney, the Director, and enjoys supporting their family-owned operation. Mack is also contributing to Northern Star endeavours to support First Nation and Indigenous families, as he is proudly Metis and would like to see equitable care available for all cultural backgrounds.

Veena attained her Bachelor’s degree in Education at the University of Alberta in 2007 and worked with a wide range of special needs individuals in Edmonton, Alberta at various schools, homes and agencies. It was during this time she realized that she wanted to specialize in treating behavioral challenges and cognitive deficits and ventured from Canada to USA to pursue her Master’s degree. In 2012, she graduated from the University of Washington with a Master’s in Education specializing in Applied Behavior Analysis and was awarded the Golden Millennial scholarship for top honors of academic achievement. She received her BCBA certification in 2014 and moved to Los Angeles, California to work as a Clinical Supervisor (BCBA) in IEBI (2014 – 2016) and at Intercare Therapy (2016-2022) with her area of specialties being in Discrete Trial Training (DTT) , early childhood development and training parents to apply behavioral interventions to increase their child’s growth in various developmental domains. She has a strong passion for applied behavior analysis and has observed progress in over a hundred clients by applying the interventions and principles of ABA. In June 2022, she and her fiancé moved to her hometown of Edmonton, Alberta to be closer to family and is currently enjoying life back in Canada.

Jennifer is Northern Star’s Administrative Coordinator and handles the day-to-day duties behind the scenes. She provides support to the families we serve as well as the clinical team.

She is devoted to helping parents navigate through the complex process of attaining FSCD funding, which can often be an overwhelming experience for families.

Jennifer is the connection between families and Northern Star team members and every family can be assured they are in the best of hands from the very first phone call they make regarding Autism services.

She has all the essential tools to provide families with everything they need while working alongside a brilliant and committed team! She looks forward to answering any query you may have about services, staff, the FSCD process, or to discuss anything you or your child may need!

Connie is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) from Mississauga, Ontario, and has been in the field of Applied Behaviour Analysis for 7 years. She holds a Master’s degree in Applied Disabilities Studies from Brock University, specializing in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), post graduate certificate in Behavioural Science at Humber College, and a Hons B.A. in Psychology from York University.

Connie has been implementing treatment to individuals with Autism and other developmental disorders aged 2 to 23 years old, all with varying abilities. Some of her expertise include implementing programs and teaching in either a 1 to 1 or group format, behaviour management, staff training, and evaluating programs and behaviour support plans. She currently works to virtually support rural, Alberta based families through parent training and individualized intervention plans for behaviour with Northern Star. Connie also works in the Autism department at one of the children’s hospitals in Hamilton, Ontario, providing consultation services and parent coaching for teaching various skills and managing challenging behaviours.

Connie also has personal experience when it comes to Autism. She was inspired to get into the field of Applied Behaviour Analysis as her youngest brother is on the spectrum and growing up, she had classmates and family friends who were also on the spectrum. Connie hopes that with her experiences, she will be able to support and provide services that are catered to the client and that will make a meaningful impact and positive change in their lives, and of their families as well.

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Elizabeth Falk (Liz) is a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA) with 15 years of experience supporting children and families impacted by autism and other developmental disabilities. Elizabeth received her Ed.S degree in Special Education from The George Washington University in Washington, DC, as well as a Master’s degree from The Catholic University of America. She continued studying at the University of North Carolina in the TEACCH program (ASD) while working as a Disability Specialist and developing a curriculum for placing high school students with autism in local businesses to complete on the job vocational training. While studying with the TEACCH program, she received her postmaster’s certification in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) from the University of Cincinnati, Ohio. She has been working in public schools as an autism teacher and administrator for over 10 years and practicing as a Clinical Therapist (BCBA) since 2019.

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Liz dedicates her time to multiple areas of clinical and educational support for children with developmental disabilities including implementing classroom curriculum for school aged children impacted by autism and developing highschool transition programs for young adults on the autism spectrum. Liz has been involved in assisting parents and families in making short and long-term plans for their children to reach their potential and achieve a satisfying quality of life. Liz’s most recent work includes teaching an early intervention class for children aged 4-6, and supervising in-center clients, 5-26 years with behaviour challenges. Her areas of focus include using functional analysis to improve the outcomes for children with challenging behaviors, and implementing pivotal response training (PRT) to improve expressive communication.

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Alysha isa proud “East Coaster” from Nova Scotia and has been working in the field of Applied Behaviour Analysis for approximately 8 years. She holds a masters degree in Professional Education specializing in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), from Western University, post graduate advanced diploma in Behavioural Interventions from Nova Scotia Community College, and a B.A. in Psychology from Saint Mary’s University. Alysha is certified as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) and continues to develop her knowledge in her work with Northern Star.

 Alysha has a wide range of experience providing services to individuals from 3 to 60+ years of age. She has worked with individuals with Autism, other developmental disorders, and dual diagnoses (e.g., intellectual disability and mental health disorder combined). Alysha previously worked as an Autism support worker from 2016-2021, providing 1:1 ABA therapy to children and their families in home and school settings. She then moved on to work as a Behaviour Interventionist, providing consultation and staff/parent training for managing challenging behaviours and teaching skills to individuals living in complex care group home settings.

The part she enjoys most about her work is building strong connections with individuals and their families, and celebrating all successes with them, big or small!

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Dr. Farzad Zare-Bawani is an Associate Professor of Psychology and a practicing Clinical Psychologist with Child and forensic specialties. Dr. Zare-Bawani works with a wide range of clients, including families, couples, children, and adults. He has extensive experience in therapy and assessment, in multicultural community environments, and with multi-lingual clients. His work and experience with children encompasses a variety of assessment techniques and focuses on the psycho-social needs of children with neurodevelopmental disorders.  Dr. Zare-Bawani often works with the families, schools, and communities of these children and uses a variety of methods to assist parents, teachers, medical staff, and caseworkers. 

Isaiah Lauder is a Behaviour Consultant with over 2 years of experience working with Northern Star as a Behaviour Interventionist and Lead Interventionist. He holds a B.A. in psychology and earned a Behavioural Interventions Certificate from MacEwan University and is currently working towards getting his master's degree to become a future Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).

Isaiah has worked with many families to provide a wide range of behavioural supports to children from 4 to 12 years of age. His knowledge in the field extends from behaviour management to skill acquisition and training other staff members in foundational techniques. Isaiah especially enjoys helping children develop functional communication and self-help skills. He has acquired a deep understanding of what it takes to implement effective treatment and when changes to treatment need to occur for the best outcomes.

Outside of work, Isaiah enjoys being active through sport and exercise and likes to include physical activity in his sessions when appropriate. He is highly enthusiastic about working with families to achieve meaningful improvements to their daily living.

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Sara is a Bachelor of Arts graduate with a major in Honours Psychology from MacEwan University and a soon-to-be Master of Arts graduate in Applied Disability Studies (specializing in applied behaviour analysis) from Brock University. Sara first became interested in applied behaviour analysis during her undergrad, excited about the possibility to directly impart meaningful changes for children and their families.

During grad school Sara has adopted a behaviour analytic mindset and believes all individuals can positively grow in an environment that enables them to do so. Sara is collecting hours towards her board-certified behaviour analyst (BCBA) certification. Her ultimate goal is to support individuals and their families in achieving their goals.

When not working Sara loves to watch movies, create artwork and spend time friends and family.

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Alyssa works at Northern Star as a Behaviour Consultant and the Behaviour Interventionist Lead. She has earned a degree in Psychology and Behaviour Intervention Certificate of Achievement, and will soon be working towards a master’s degree to become a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).

Alyssa has gathered experience working with kids with developmental disabilities in clinical, residential, and community settings. During this time, she has become devoted to supporting children and their families through a wide range of needs and strives to go above and beyond to create meaningful change.

When not at work, Alyssa spends her time skating, walking through the river valley with her dog, and trying out restaurants around the city.

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Lauren works with Northern Star as a Behaviour Consultant. She has a bachelor's degree in Applied Psychology from Concordia University of Edmonton and is currently completing her Master’s in Applied Behaviour Analysis to become a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst. Her experiences with ABA drove her to pursue her masters so she could better serve children with autism and their families. She is excited to listen and learn with families, while continuing her career and can’t wait to be part of your team!

When Lauren is not at work she enjoys hiking, camping, and being with her dog, Rae.

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Marie holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and has earned a Behavioural Interventions Certificate of Achievement through MacEwan University. Inspired by her passion for the practical application of Applied Behaviour Analysis, Marie is actively pursuing a master’s degree in behavioural science in an effort to gain an even deeper understanding of the field, and ultimately become a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA). She possesses valuable experience working one-on-one and cooperatively with children of various developmental abilities, and believes in the integral value of behavioural intervention strategies and techniques. Marie endeavours to foster meaningful relationships and positive outcomes with each and every client she meets, and prioritizes ongoing education that can support her clients in reaching their fullest potential.

Beyond the scope of professional pursuits, Marie is an avid animal lover, and devotes a large portion of her day-to-day life caring for her sweet corgi companion. She loves to try new types of food, and spends her down time reading as much as she can. Marie can't wait to work with your family!"

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Jenny Visconti is a registered Occupational Therapist (OT) in Edmonton, Alberta with six years of experience working in the field. Jenny completed her Master’s of Occupational Therapy at the University of Alberta, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine in 2017.

Jenny has diverse practice interests and works with both children and adults in the community, including pediatric early intervention, mental health, and physical rehabilitation involving a variety of health conditions/diagnoses. She also has experience working with individuals and families of diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

Jenny is an empathetic, collaborative, and strengths-based practitioner with a strong work ethic, who enjoys helping clients reach their goals. She is passionate about providing quality care and practices with a trauma-informed lens and culturally-sensitive approach. Her calm and compassionate demeanour has been acknowledged to help put clients with anxiety at ease and make people feel understood in their journey.

Alongside the team of Behaviour Consultants (BCBAs)/Interventionists, Jenny currently provides consultative OT support for children and their families with Northern Star Behaviour Services. She collaborates with families and the team to facilitate increased participation and independence with various self-help skills and adaptive functioning areas of need in a child’s development.

Outside of work, Jenny’s hobbies consist of traveling, dancing, listening to music, reading, watching international movies, learning languages, going on nature walks, spending time with family and friends, and much more.

Amanda Adamopoulos is a registered Occupational Therapist (OT) with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario. Amanda completed her undergraduate degree in Child, Youth and Family studies at the University of Guelph. In 2022, she continued to the University of Toronto to complete her Master’s of Science in Occupational Therapy.

Amanda is passionate about working with children, youth, and their families to achieve their goals and support them in reaching their full potential. Amanda is committed to lifelong learning and providing collaborative, strengths-based, and client-centered care. She is eager to work with families to problem solve and increase their child’s participation in their meaningful activities.

Amanda has experience working in diverse practice areas to support clients with a variety of diagnoses. She has worked within the community to support clients’ return to self-care and work activities as well as within a post-secondary institution to support students with disabilities’ academic performance. Amanda has also volunteered with multiple organizations and programs to support children and youth with developmental disabilities.

Outside of work, Amanda enjoys pilates, reading, travelling, baking, and spending time with her friends and family.  

Zuzanna is passionate about helping children discover what they’re capable of. Every milestone — big or small — is worth celebrating, and she strives to create a space where kids feel safe, supported, and proud of their progress. Zuzanna's work is guided by compassion, creativity, and the belief that every child can shine in their own way. 

Zuzanna is currently finishing her practicum experience to become an Occupational Therapist and hopes to continue teaching and supporting children with autism as she grows!

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Melissa McAllister is a Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) living in Sherwood Park, Alberta with almost 15 years of experience supporting children and their families. She completed her Master's of Speech and Hearing Sciences at Washington State University in 2009.  Melissa increased her knowledge of Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) supports for children in 2016 by becoming an Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL) authorizer for speech generating communication devices.

Melissa uses her AAC training to support children and families in achieving meaningful communication goals. She practices by thinking about language development, participation in home and community, and operational skills required to be a successful AAC user. Melissa is dedicated to continual learning and self-improvement in order to provide the highest quality of service.

Outside of work you can find Melissa bike riding with her family, practicing yoga, or listening to audio books

Halah is a registered speech-language pathologist with a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Northern Colorado. She is licensed to practice, certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (CCC-SLP), and is also a Board Certified assistant Behavior Analyst(BCaBA®) and a Qualified Behavior Analyst (QBA®).

Halah brings over 14 years of clinical experience working across a range of settings including clinics, hospitals, schools, and telehealth platforms in Saudi Arabia, the United States, and Canada. Her expertise spans assessment and intervention for speech, language, and communication challenges associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder and developmental disabilities. 

In addition to her clinical work, Halah has held leadership roles such as Head of the Speech-Language Pathology Department at a multidisciplinary center, and Project Manager developing telehealth-based screening and intervention tools. She has trained and supervised junior clinicians and led interdisciplinary teams including SLPs, OTs, ABA therapists, and medical professionals.

Halah holds certifications in Hanen Programs (It Takes Two to Talk, More Than Words). She has also extensive experience in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).

Fluent in both Arabic and English, Halah is passionate about providing collaborative, family-centered care. She integrates principles of speech-language therapy and applied behavior analysis to create personalized and effective treatment plans that support her clients’ growth in communication, learning, and daily life.

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Dayanara Fruhbrodt has joined the team at Northern Star as a Behaviour Interventionist, and is soon to earn her Registered Behaviour Technician Diploma. Daya loves spending time with the kiddos and has a deep sense of empathy that helps her establish and maintain strong connections with the families she works with. Having experience working in multiple environments, Daya is ready to work with you on the goals that you and your family want to achieve the most —whether that’s at home, in the community or at school.

Having recently moved to Edmonton, Daya has brought a fresh perspective and energy with her. She has received one on one training with experts in the field and loves expanding her knowledge of ABA. She is currently pursuing her studies in Behavioural Psychology and hopes to become a BCBA in the future. She is an advocate for progressive ABA to gain more momentum in Alberta so that more families can get access to these services.

When she is not working, Daya loves spending time reading books, dancing or learning something new! She is fluent in Spanish and is working to become fluent in American Sign Language.

Daya’s passion is helping families and their children to reach their goals and full potential. She can’t wait to meet you!

Lucas Cameron is currently completing his bachelor's degree in psychology and will soon earn his Behavioural Interventions Certificate of Achievement. Once finished, Lucas intends work towards his master's degree and earn his credentials to work as a BCBA. Lucas has a specialty in working with children with developmental disabilities and has a passion for helping families with their goals.

When he's not working Lucas loves to play and create music, spend time with his dog, and watch films with loved ones. 

Lucas hopes to create a fun and productive environment with your child and looks forward helping them reach their full potential! 

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Jake is a Behavioral Interventionist with the Northern Star team. He is adamant on displaying focused and committed supports to children with developmental disabilities and has plans to continue his education towards becoming a BCBA.

Jake is keen and passionate about supporting the children he works with to create positive and lasting change that will help his clients carry through life. He loves working with kids and their families and focuses on being a positive pillar when times are tough.

In his free time, Jake enjoys basketball, video games, playing guitar, and spending time with friends and family.

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Coming soon!

Kayla Johnson is currently studying Kinesiology at the University of Alberta with a major in Adapted Physical Activity.  She has been involved in judo for many years as an athlete, volunteer, and coach, and holds a black belt. Kayla loves working with kids of all ages and abilities, including those who are autistic and differently-abled. Through judo and movement-based activities, she helps children build confidence, focus, and discipline in a supportive and fun environment.

Fluent in both English and French, Kayla is known for her calm, caring nature and her ability to connect with kids in meaningful ways. She believes every child deserves to feel safe, understood, and empowered. She works hard to create inclusive spaces where all children can grow at their own pace. Her experience with diverse needs has taught her the importance of patience, creativity, and individualized care.

When she’s not working or studying, Kayla loves being active, whether she’s at the gym, out for a run, or practicing yoga. She also enjoys relaxing with her dog and spending time with the people she loves.

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Annie is a Bachelor of Arts student majoring in Psychology, with a strong interest in child and adolescent development and behavioural interventions. She has hands-on experience working with children in both community and clinical settings.

She enjoys creating fun, meaningful activities that match each child’s stage of development, promoting emotional growth, and fostering a safe and supportive environment where children can thrive.

Annie believes that all children can learn and should be empowered to participate in everyday routines and activities to the best of their abilities. She is committed to making a positive and meaningful impact in the lives of children and their families through evidence-based practices such as Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA).

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Coming soon!