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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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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Nicole, a Bachelor of Arts graduate with a major in psychology from MacEwan University, discovered Applied Behaviour Analysis during her undergraduate years and instantly felt a deep connection with its principles.

Driven by a passion for understanding human behaviour and facilitating positive change, Nicole aspires to become a psychologist and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Her ultimate goal is to seamlessly merge traditional talk therapy with ABA practices, creating a holistic approach to mental health support.

While not at work, Nicole enjoys doing pottery, going on runs, rhythm games, and spending time with her dog, Lucky.

Nicole looks forward to walking alongside you and your family on a journey of empowerment and positive change!

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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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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.  

Samra is a registeredspeech-language pathologist with a Masters in Speech Language Pathology. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in behavioral sciences. Samra has 11 years of work experience in evaluation and treatment activities within school systems and clinical setups. She has worked as a Speech Language Pathologist in South-East Asia, Middle East, and Canada. Currently, Samra is registered to practice in Ontario and Alberta as a Speech Language Pathologist. Samra has also successfully completed various professional certifications including Hanen, Prompt, Lidcombe, Makaton and Toronto Bedside Swallowing Screening Test-SLP Dysphagia Training (TOR-BSST). Samra also undertook 50 plus hours of training on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and application of strategies, based on such principles, into Speech Language Therapy sessions.

Her professional experience includes working with the pediatric population specifically with language delay, Articulation & phonological disorders, stuttering, learning disabilities, motor speech disorders and clients on the Autism Spectrum. She also has experience of working with adults suffering from stroke, aphasia and acquired stuttering. She has worked in several multi-disciplinary teams that included various allied health professionals.

Samra is fluent in Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi, and English. Hermulti linguistic abilities enhance her sensitivity for others and in meeting the diverse communication needs of her clients. Samra takes a collaborative approach with clients, families, and the interprofessional team to ensure client success.

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Coming soon!

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!

Coming soon!

Harly is a MacEwan University graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and the Behaviour Interventions Certificate of Achievement. She discovered Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in the last year of her degree and developed a very strong interest in using evidence-based strategies to impact children’s lives. She is planning to pursue her Master’s degree in the fall of 2025 with the intentions of becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Harly has spent the past year working with the Edmonton Catholic School District one to one with a student with Autism Spectrum Disorder both in an inclusive learning environment and a regular classroom implementing a Behavior Support Plan to successfully transition her student back to regular classroom. In an inclusive learning environment, she had the opportunity to work with and foster relationships with students with varying complex needs and approach all children with empathy. Harly loves working with, helping, and teaching children and looks forward to doing the same with your family! 

When Harly is not working, she loves to sing, spend time with my friends and family, and travel even though she's terrified of flying!

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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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Marie holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology, and has earned a Behavioural Interventions Certificate of Achievement through MacEwan University. Marie’s passion toward the practical application of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) has inspired her to pursue a master’s degree 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 value and practical application of behavioural intervention strategies and techniques. Marie believes in fostering 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.

Outside of her professional life, Marie deeply enjoys reading, as allowing herself to be immersed in different perspectives enables her the ability to gain valuable insights into the world around her. She is also an avid animal lover, and spends every spare moment she has with her beloved dog, who serves as both her dearest companion and utmost source of joy

Katie is a third-year psychology student at MacEwan University with years of work experience as a coach and swim instructor. Her experience also includes volunteering with the special Olympics swim team, the BASE clinic at MacEwan supporting children with autism and other developmental disabilities, and with the counselling stream at CASA mental health. Katie is excited to work with your child!

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