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.

Laura Kelly (formerly Tardi) is a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA) with many years of experience working with children with developmental disabilities in Alberta and Ontario. Laura is passionate about using evidence-based procedures to support individuals to reach their goals and live fulfilling and meaningful lives.

Laura has extensive experience using pediatric feeding treatments, teaching functional communication, assessing and treating severe aggressive and self-injurious behaviours, training parents and mediators, and teaching foundational skills.

Laura’s vast experience and training, meticulous clinical skills, and strong passion for supporting children and families makes her an asset to your child’s team and a pleasure to have in your home.

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 an Interventionist with the Northern Star team and is currently a university student finishing his psychology degree with a particular interest in behavior analysis. Since discovering behaviour analysis, Isaiah is looking forward to furthering his education and becoming a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA) so he can continue helping children and families.

Away from work you will find Isaiah playing basketball, listening to music, and enjoying the outdoors while biking, hiking, or walking his dogs. He looks forward to growing and refining his skills as he continues his academic career and can’t wait to assist your child and family in meeting your goals!

Madison Twa is a Behaviour Interventionist who has experience and education in working with children who have developmental disabilities. Madison is a skilled, compassionate, empathetic, and solution-oriented practitioner dedicated to supporting individuals in reaching their goals.

While in your home, Madison collaborates with a Behaviour Analyst in a team environment to assess the behaviours of children with developmental disabilities while implementing specific protocols used to target specific behaviour.

Madison’s interpersonal and communication skills have enabled her to build a caring and mentoring relationship with each child and their family while maintaining professional standards. She is dedicated to the pursuit of excellence by attaining a high level of standards and effectiveness in working to ensure that her role is approached with high integrity and ethics to each client.

Madison’s experience and training, strong work ethic, rigorous approach, and dedication to providing exceptional support to children and families make her an asset to your child’s team and a pleasure to have in your home.