The Team

Karuna Samuel is a Behavioural Interventionist with a background in Autism and Behavioural Sciences. She is currently pursuing her Masters of Education in Autism and Developmental Disabilities at the University of British Columbia. Her nephew’s late diagnosis of autism inspired her to pursue a career in special needs. Before moving to Vancouver, she worked as a Supported Child Developmental Educator at the Terrace Child Developmental Centre supporting children with special needs in a preschool and community setting. She is passionate about using evidence based interventions with her clients to make a difference in their lives. In her spare time Karuna enjoys contemporary dancing, hiking and is often found enjoying the outdoors.

Juliette Sejean is a Behavioural Interventionist here at Nurture! Juliette was very involved in caring for her cousin who has autism from childhood to early teenage years. This experience helped her discover her passion for working with children and to help those with mental health issues. Juliette has a BA in psychology from the National College of Ireland. In addition, she has experience working abroad where she volunteered in a range of mental health programs in Sri Lanka. Prior to coming to Vancouver Juliette worked in a pre-school in Dublin which catered for children on the autism spectrum and completed Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) training. Juliette also has a passion for self-care practices. Her interests include dancing, yoga, painting, travelling and enjoying what nature has to offer!

Alicia Pereira is a Senior Behaviour Interventionist who has been with Nurture since 2017. She graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Alicia first joined Nurture as a volunteer in 2016 and has also been a Canucks Autism Network volunteer since 2013. She is an enthusiastic and engaging BI who is dedicated to building relationships with children and families that focus on play-based learning and fun. In addition to playing with her kids at Nurture, Alicia is a provincial field hockey coach who spends her evenings and weekends at the field coaching, playing and umpiring. In her spare time, Alicia loves to bake, go camping and explore new places and delicious food.

Sarah Philley is a Senior Behaviour Interventionist who started with Nurture in 2016. Sarah completed her undergraduate degree in psychology from Simon Fraser University. She is a warm and engaging BI who is committed to relationship building and play-based learning in a positive and fun environment. Sarah is passionate about providing the best services to her clients and values expanding her knowledge and skillset in order to do so. When she’s not playing with kids at Nurture, Sarah enjoys baking, painting, and getting outdoors.

Maria Letteri is a Senior Behaviour Interventionist who started doing ESDM therapy in Melbourne, Australia and was thrilled when she moved back to become a part of the Nurture team in 2018. Maria has worked in school settings and recreational settings with children and youth with ASD. She has coached numerous sports teams over the years for kids with ASD. Having fun while learning and developing new skills is what Maria loves to do best.

Orla Murphy is a Senior Behaviour Interventionist. She graduated with a B.A. in Social Care and has since worked in a variety of healthcare, community, and home settings supporting young children and their families. She also spent time working in community development and health promotion for teenagers and families at risk. In 2015, she moved to Canada, from Ireland, seeking some adventure and has called Vancouver her home ever since. After almost five years working as a Behaviour Interventionist at Nurture, she feels lucky to have such a fun, diverse, and playful job. At weekends you will find her spending time with her dog, at the climbing wall, or exploring beautiful BC. 

Emily Wriglesworth is a Behaviour Interventionists at Nurture. She completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology at the University of British Columbia. With a specific interest in child development courses, Emily continued to work and volunteer with children. Throughout her degree she volunteered at B.C. Children’s Hospital with the Child Life Department. There, she supported families by playing with their children in long-term care. She also volunteered with her church’s children’s program, and worked at a daycare. When Emily isn’t playing with kiddos at work, she loves games nights with friends, or going to the beach!

Suzanna Campbell is a Behaviour Interventionist with a degree in Psychology and Health Sciences from Western University. She has completed additional training in Behaviour Intervention through Douglas College and is a Registered Behaviour Technician under the Behaviour Analyst Certification Board. Suzanna joined Nurture in January 2020, bringing several years of experience working with young children with ASD. She is passionate in her work supporting children and families and brings a confident and relaxed style to her therapy sessions.

Vanessa Apissoghomian is a Behaviour Interventionist with a B.A in Linguistics’s from Concordia University, Montreal and is currently pursuing studies in Applied Behaviour Analysis specializing in Autism at Capilano University.  She brings several years of experience working with children with special needs. Back in Montreal, she has organized sensory-friendly events around the city promoting  inclusivity, where parents and child can enjoy activities in an altered environment. She has previously worked as a special education Assistant at Summit-School in Montreal and as a Behaviour Interventionist with ABC Solutions. Vanessa recently moved to British-Columbia to pursue her studies and passion for working in the field. When  Vanessa is not playing at Nurture, she is also a mentor for Teenagers with various special needs entering into the post-secondary environment. On her spare time, she enjoys fitness, hiking and exploring British Columbia!