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.

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. 

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.

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!

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!