Hi, I'm Sam!

As a child I was passionate, "strong willed", cute and a little shy. A great student, quiet (maybe a little too quiet), dependable, very intelligent - graduated high school in the top percent of my class. I knew I was different and I knew I had to "act" like my peers but could not figure out why; by the start of university I was ready to dive into a medical tech field and disappear in laboratories doing research.  

  

In November 2018, I  attained an honours Bachelor of Science degree from University of Toronto completing a double major in Neuroscience and Molecular Biology, Immunology Disease. Immediately I went on to complete the advanced diploma program in Behavioural Science from St. Lawrence College in 2019. I thought this would be a small step, it really changed the trajectory of my personal and professional understanding. Shortly after entering the professional world, I noticed I was immediately drawn to working within the neurodiverse community and found in innate skill to connect and communicate with my clients regardless of their diagnostic severity level.

After several months working with adults, youth, and many children, I noticed similarities within myself and identified strongly with stories from late diagnosed autistic women. Following much research, introspection, and consulting with family I sought a diagnosis of autism spectrum from the Canadian Association for Mental Health (CAMH). While I was waiting on assessment through the COVID-19 pandemic closures I continued to grow my professional skills in applied behaviour analysis (ABA) therapy through individual, virtual and when safe, small group play interventions.

I learned the value of being neurodiverse and the importance of advocacy, safety and community while helping to build a start-up organization serving over 100 families from my hometown. After moving to Petawawa in 2021 with my husband, I was officially diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), only strengthening my dedication to help others in her community. Since I  returned to complete my master's part-time and am currently studying  Psychology & Neuroscience of Mental Health through the King’s College, London, England distance learning program.

 

In Spring 2023 Samantha was finally ready to open her own business in the Petawawa/Pembroke Region for people of all ages, regardless of diagnoses, to have a space to grow, explore, and be heard.