More Instructor Therapists Graduating in Ontario

By looking at her credentials, to say Tammy Woode is energetic is an understatement. She has a diploma in Early Childhood Education, achieved honours while studying to become a Developmental Services Worker, and has 10 years of experience working in Ontario’s child care system. Tammy is also a recent honours graduate from the College Graduate Certificate Program in Autism and Behavioural Science.

This program is part of the government’s efforts to increase the number of qualified therapists in Ontario working with children and youth with autism. The program, which is offered full-time, part-time, in-class and online, includes a field placement that involves training while working in the community. This provides students with an opportunity to build relationships with professional therapists. Over 500 students have graduated from the program since it was established in 2005.

Tammy recalls being excited about getting accepted into the program at Fanshawe College in London, one of 12 colleges across the province that offers the certificate program. “I’ve always had an interest in behavioural sciences,” she says. “At one daycare where I worked, I remember a child who had severe behavioural challenges. I worked with him and we were able to reduce the number of aggressive incidents per week from approximately 150 to just five.”

Now working as an instructor therapist, Tammy believes one of her strengths is treating each child as an individual. She directs each session with a child towards his or her personality. “If the child is struggling with a target skill, by using their interest I find they are able to acquire the skill faster. It’s great to celebrate the successes with the child.”

She is also working her way towards a Master’s degree by taking university-level courses in psychology. “I’d like to become a senior therapist, so that I can write and create new treatment programs for my clients”.

To parents of children with autism, Tammy advises, “Embrace every moment. A child with autism will reach milestones, just like any other child. Expand on those moments and on their interests. Take it one day at a time: your child is a blessing.”