The Team
Dr. Kate Ballem Chase, Founder, Director, SLP, BCBA
Dr. Kate Ballem Chase is a registered Speech-Language Pathologist and a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst. She is also a certified Early Start Denver Model therapist. After pursuing undergraduate studies at the University of Victoria, Kate studied at the University of Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar, where she completed her doctorate in Experimental Psychology in 2004, with a focus on early language and cognitive development. After returning from Oxford, Kate completed her clinical training as a speech-language pathologist at the University of British Columbia in 2006. Kate worked briefly at the BC Centre for Ability before joining Loyst and Associates Autism Services, where she led the early intensive intervention team in the Richmond area from 2007-2013. Kate is also a Clinical Assistant Professor in the School of Audiology and Speech Science at the University of British Columbia. When she isn’t playing with clients and their parents, Kate can be found playing outside with her husband, two children, and their dog!
Patty (Wu) Zimmerman, Founder, Director, OT
Patty (Wu) Zimmerman has been a practicing occupational therapist since 1988, and is a certified Early Start Denver Model Therapist. She was trained at the University of Puget Sound, where she specialized in paediatrics with additional internships in the United States. She returned to Canada and after working at BC Centre for Ability for 15 years, she launched a private practice, Benchmark OTS , which has provided outstanding occupational therapy service in the Richmond area since 2002. Patty has extensive training in sensory integration, feeding therapy, executive functioning, and many other areas of specialized occupational therapy.When not playing with kids and their parents, Patty can be found enjoying the outdoors with her husband, two boys and their dog.
Wendy Huang, SLP
Wendy Huang is a registered Speech-Language Pathologist, and is a certified Early Start Denver Model Therapist. Wendy completed an undergraduate degree in psychology and human biology from the University of Toronto, and a graduate degree in speech-language pathology from the University of British Columbia. She has experience in a range of autism interventions, including a mixture of behaviourally-based and play-based programs. Prior to becoming an SLP, Wendy worked for many years as a behavioural interventionist and play therapist for children with autism. She values team empowerment and relationship building as foundational to her practice. In her spare time, Wendy likes to explore new places and take beautiful photos.
Andrea Schneider, OT
Andrea Schneider is a registered Occupational Therapist with a background in Neuropsychology. She completed a Masters of Science in Experimental Neuropsychology at the University of Victoria (UVic) in 2012, and a Masters of Occupational Therapy at the University of British Columbia in 2014. Her research at UVic focused on the assessment of executive function, and she directed a research lab focused on improving intervention for school-aged children with Learning Disabilities and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Andrea is an avid outdoors enthusiast, and when she is not playing at Nurture she can be found volunteering as an adaptive ski instructor, rock climbing, or hiking.
David Herb, SLP
David Herb is a registered speech language pathologist and a certified Early Start Denver Model therapist. Dave has a background working with a variety of communication disorders in both children and adults. He completed an undergraduate degree in linguistics and psychology at Simon Fraser University prior to completing his Masters of Science in Speech Language Pathology at the University of British Columbia. He is passionate about using evidence-based practice to bring each client an effective, individualized therapy program. Outside of work, David enjoys playing guitar, attending concerts, and getting outdoors.
Emily Lee, OT
Emily Lee is a registered Occupational Therapist and completed her undergraduate degree in Occupational Therapy at the University of Toronto in 2002. Upon graduation Emily dove into working with children, the source of her inspiration for becoming an OT. After moving to the west coast she worked at St. Paul's Hospital for half a year and then joined the Early Intervention Therapy program at the BC Centre for Ability. Emily worked with children with a broad range of strengths and needs, including many children with autism. During her final year at the BC Centre for Ability she directed the occupational therapy department, supervising the provision of OT services across 5 programs. Switching gears in 2016, Emily completed her Masters of Rehabilitation Sciences through the University of British Columbia in 2017. Through her studies she has extensively explored research literature regarding early identification of and intervention for Developmental Coordination Disorder. During her family time, Emily can be found playing in the woods or at the pool with her husband and two kids.
Shelby Sutker, SLP
Shelby Sutker is a registered Speech-Language Pathologist who is passionate about helping families by providing them with the tools to grow and learn. Growing up with a brother with autism she experienced first hand what it is to want the best outcome for her family and was inspired to pursue a career in intervention. Shelby has extensive experience working with children and adolescents with autism. Prior to becoming an SLP, she worked as a support worker and behaviour interventionist. She obtained her undergraduate degree in linguistics and psychology at Simon Fraser University before completing her master's in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of British Columbia. When she’s not playing at Nurture, Shelby enjoys learning the cello, riding her bike and solving mysteries in real life escape games.
Marli Siebrits, OT
Marli Siebrits is an Registered Occupational Therapist with a background in psychology. She completed both an undergraduate degree in psychology and a graduate degree in Occupational Therapy at the University of British Columbia. In 2020, Marli presented a research project at the CAOT national conference examining the effectiveness of Occupational Therapy assessment as part of the diagnostic pathway for children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD). Prior to commencing her journey as an OT, Marli worked as a behavioral interventionist, OT assistant and dance instructor with individuals with a variety of developmental needs. She is passionate about working with young children in evidence based and collaborative environments with a strength based approach to treatment. Marli has had clinical exposure to practice areas such as the neonatal intensive care unit and neonatal follow-up clinic as well as with children and teens living with autism, Down syndrome and mental health challenges. In her spare time Marli enjoys baking, enjoying nature and practicing yoga!
BI
Karuna Samuel, BI
Juliette Sejean, BI
Juliette Sejean, BI
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 Van
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, BI
Juliette Sejean, BI
Juliette Sejean, BI
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
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, BI
Juliette Sejean, BI
Alicia Pereira, BI
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 w
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, BI
Samantha Gallo, BI
Alicia Pereira, BI
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 th
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.
Samantha Gallo, BI
Samantha Gallo, BI
Samantha Gallo, BI
Samantha Gallo is a Behavioral Interventionist at Nurture. She has completed an undergraduate degree in Psychology at the University of British Columbia and is currently pursuing a Master of Counselling. Sam has been a member of the Nurture team since early 2019 and enjoys the fun, fast pace of working with kids. Outside of work, Sam enjoys travelling, hiking and taking her dog for walks.
Maria Letteri, BI
Samantha Gallo, BI
Samantha Gallo, BI
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 f
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, BI
Emily Wriglesworth, BI
Emily Wriglesworth, BI
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 m
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, BI
Emily Wriglesworth, BI
Emily Wriglesworth, BI
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 Ch
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!
Jacqueline Almario, BI
Emily Wriglesworth, BI
Jacqueline Almario, BI
Jacqueline Almario is a Behaviour Interventionist with an undergraduate degree in Speech Sciences from the University of British Columbia. Before joining Nurture, she worked in the UBC daycare program and as a behaviour interventionist. She joined Nurture looking for a play-based approach with a strong team atmosphere. She enjoys mystery novels and learning calligraphy in her spare time.
Suzanna Campbell, BI
Suzanna Campbell, BI
Jacqueline Almario, BI
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, b
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.