Meet Our Team
Directors

John McEachin
Ph.D.
John is a licensed psychologist who has been providing behavioural intervention to children with autism as well as adolescents and adults with a wide range of developmental disabilities for more than 45 years. He received his graduate training under Professor Ivar Lovaas at UCLA on the Young Autism Project. During his 11 years at UCLA, Dr. McEachin served in various roles including Clinic Supervisor, Research and Teaching Assistant, Visiting Professor and Acting Director. His research has included the long-term follow-up study of young autistic children who received intensive behavioural treatment, which was published in 1993. ​Since receiving his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology in 1987, his work has included serving as Clinical Director of Developmental Disabilities Services, a division of Straight Talk in Signal Hill, California. Dr. McEachin has lectured throughout the world and consulted to numerous families and agencies, assisting in the development of treatment programs and providing training to parents, group home staff, and classroom personnel. In 1994 he joined with Ron Leaf in forming Autism Partnership, which they co-direct. John has also co-authored A Work In Progress: Behaviour Management Strategies and a Curriculum for Intensive Behavioral Treatment of Autism, It’s Time for School: Building Quality Educational Programs for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders, and It Has to Be Said: Sense and Nonsense in the Behavioral Treatment of Autism.

Ron Leaf
Ph.D.
Ron is a licensed psychologist who has over 45 years of experience in the field of autism. Dr. Leaf began his career working with Ivar Lovaas, while receiving his undergraduate degree at UCLA. Subsequently he received his doctorate under the direction of Dr. Lovaas. During his professional training at UCLA, he served as Clinic Supervisor, Research Psychologist, Lecturer, and Interim Director of the Young Autism Project. He was extensively involved in many of the Young Autism Project research investigations, contributed to The Me Book, and is co author of The Me Book Videotapes, a series of instructional tapes offering training for teaching autistic children. He is also co-author of A Work In Progress: Behaviour Management Strategies and a Curriculum for Intensive Behavioral Treatment of Autism, It’s Time for School: Building Quality Educational Programs for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders, and It Has to Be Said: Sense and Nonsense in the Behavioral Treatment of Autism. Dr. Leaf has consulted internationally to families, school districts, day programs and residential treatment facilities. He has served as the Director of Straight Talk's Developmental Disabilities Services division for 15 years. This program provided residential and day treatment for adults with developmental disabilities. Dr. Leaf is also the Executive Director of Behaviour Therapy and Learning Center, a mental health agency providing treatment, consultation and related services to parents, program staff and school personnel.

Toby Mountjoy
M.S.
Toby Mountjoy is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and holds a Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis. With over 20 years of experience working with individuals with ASD, he has worked closely with Dr. Ronald Leaf and Dr. John McEachin to develop the Autism Partnership Method. Besides overseeing the Autism Partnership operation in Hong Kong, Korea, Philippines and Singapore with over 100 staff, including psychologists, consultants and therapists, he has also provided consultation to school districts, agencies, and families worldwide. Mr. Mountjoy has contributed chapters to publications including It’s Time for School: Building Quality Educational Programs for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders, and It Has to Be Said: Sense and Nonsense in the Behavioral Treatment of Autism and co-authored research articles in peer-reviewed journals. In 2007, he founded the charitable Autism Partnership Foundation and Aoi Pui School to expand the availability of services for children with Autism.

Julide Saltuklaroglu Peace
B.A., M.S., BCBA, Registered Psychologist
Julide is the Site Director at Autism Partnership's Calgary office and a seasoned leader in the field of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), with over 30 years of experience supporting children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Since 1993, she has supervised, directed and implemented evidence-based ABA Programs across a wide range of settings, including homes, schools, and clinical environments throughout Western Canada and internationally, creating brighter beginnings for countless kids. ​Her extensive background includes working as a research assistant, program consultant, and on-site Behaviour Consultant for a model ABA classroom for adolescents with ASD on Maui, Hawaii. She also co-founded, and serviced as President and Behaviour Consultant, for Behaviour Therapy and Learning Centre, a Calgary-based PUF preschool program for children with ASD and developmental disabilities, for 19 years. Julide holds a B.A. in Psychology (Hons.), an M.Sc. in Applied Behaviour Analysis, and credentials as both a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst and Registered Psychologist. Julide is a powerhouse of knowledge- especially when it comes to supporting kids with ASD, anxiety and ADHD. Outside of her clinical work, she's just as passionate - especially when it comes to animals. A proud dog lover with a special place in her heart for rescues, if there's a furry friend in need, Julide's already on her way. ​Whether she's changing the lives of the families and children she works with or cuddling rescue pups on the weekend, Julide brings warmth, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to everything she does.
Multidisciplinary Team
Our clinical team maintains current knowledge and high-level expertise through Autism Partnership's commitment to ongoing training. Our training is conducted in both the USA and Canada. In this way, we ensure our skills and techniques are the most current and effective possible. Our staff provide professional knowledge and expertise, delivered with a sensitivity to the issues a family may encounter when raising a child with autism.
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Shelbey Bennett, BSW, RSW
Behaviour Consultant
Shelbey is a Registered Social Worker who has been making a difference in the lives of children with Autism and developmental delays since 2007. She joined Autism Partnership in 2009 where she quickly advanced from her roles of Program Specialist and Educational Assistant to Behaviour Consultant. Her insight and commitment make her an essential member of the Clinical Team. Shelbey now wears the dual hats of Behaviour Consultant and highly valued Staff Development Coordinator for our Program Specialists/Direct Line Staff. ​Known for her unmatched clinical judgement and exceptional care, Shelbey is the trusted go-to person for families, children, and colleagues alike. Her unwavering dedication, compassion and empathy shine through in everything she does, and her ability to identify and build on the strengths of others - whether they're children, families, or teammates- is one of the many reasons she's such an integral part of our team. Shelbey is deeply committed to fostering meaningful relationships and advocating for families to ensure their needs are met. She is passionate about witnessing the progress children make in their programming and takes great pride in their success.

Asia Pasyk, M.Sc., BCBA
Behaviour Consultant
Asia has been a valued part of the Autism Partnership family since 2007, bringing nearly two decades of heart, expertise, and dedication to her work with neurodivergent children. With a B.A. in Psychology, a Master of Science in Applied Behaviour Analysis and her BCBA certification, she's taken on a variety of roles over the years - including Program Specialist, Educational Assistant, Behaviour Consultant, and key member of the Clinical Team. ​She has extensive experience in developing and supervising individualized programs for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other developmental differences. Asia is also a skilled parent and team coach and has presented at numerous professional workshops. She's especially passionate about meeting each child exactly where they're at - developmentally and skill wise- and finding fun, creative ways to effectively break down goals and build lasting skills. Asia is known for being a cornerstone of the team - knowledgeable, supportive, and deeply committed to the families she works with. When sh'es not at work, you'll likely find her spending time with her kids and family, planning her next travel adventure, or scouting out the best new restaurants in town.

Randi Wickstrom, M.Sc., BCBA
Behaviour Consultant
Randi is a BCBA with a Master of Science in ABA - and a passion for helping children build the foundational skills they need to thrive. Since joining Autism Partnership in 2012, she has been bringing heart, humour and serious expertise to her work with families at AP in the roles of Program Specialist, Educational Assistant, and currently Behaviour Consultant. She is a vital member of our Clinical Team! ​Today, Randi supports families by developing tailored programs, coaching parents with empathy and clariy, and mentoring Program Specialists with her signature mix of kindness and high standards. She's also a passionate community educator, regularly presenting Autism Partnership's Community Workshop on ASD and ABA. ​Randi is especially passionate about fostering early learning skills like engagement, joint attention, and the joy of connection - because she knows that's where real growth begins. ​When she's not guiding young learners or empowering families, you'll find Randi enjoying time with her friends and family, adventuring with her son, or soaking up the outdoors whenever she gets the chance.

Taylor Wilson, SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
Taylor is a dedicated Speech-Language Pathologist who has been supporting children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other developmental delays since 2015. She brings a wealth of experience from both home and school-based settings, where she has worked closely with families, educators, and clinical teams to foster meaningful communication and developmental progress. Taylor is passionate about helping children find their voice - whether through spoken language or alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) systems. Her approach is rooted in making communication functional, engaging, and empowering for every child. After earning her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Alberta in 2020, Taylor has continued to support children and families with empathy, skill, and a strong commitment to individualized care. She is known for her kind, thoughtful, and collaborative nature, and for building strong connections with the children she supports. Taylor brings warmth, curiosity, and clinical excellence to her work, always striving to meet each child where they are and celebrate every step forward. Outside of work, Taylor enjoys spending time with family and friends, caring for her cat, doing puzzles, learning new things (especially about language!), and planning her next Disney adventure.

Danielle Rowland, B.A. Psych
Office Manager
Danielle brings over a decade of experience and a strong foundation in psychology, early childhood education, and human resources to her multifaceted role at Autism Partnership. Since 2012, she has been a valuable member of the clinical team, contributing in a variety of capacities, including Lead Program Specialist, Educational Assistant, Classroom/Group Lead, and Behaviour Consultant. Currently servicing as Finance Administrator, HR Coordinator and Office Manager, Danielle plays an integral role in supporting both the operational and team-oriented aspects of the organization. She is passionate about education, engagement, and fostering a positive, collaborative environment for both staff and families. Danielle holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Early Childhood Educator Certification, and Human Resources Certification. Her background combines a deep understanding of child development with strong organizational and interpersonal skills. Outside of her professional responsibilities, Danielle is an avid soccer player who enjoys spending time outdoors, camping, and making lasting memories with her family.
Direct Line Staff
Our direct line staff (Program Specialists) play a key role in the success of our clients. Our compassionate and empathetic Program Specialists work one-to-one with our local clients and carry out program goals identified by our multidisciplinary team. Autism Partnership is committed to providing our direct line staff with all the training required to ensure they can perform their duties with expertise and confidence. Training comes in many forms including:
Monthly Training
All staff are required to attend monthly training sessions to further enhance their knowledge and skills. These sessions are both didactic and practical, consisting of lectures, case studies, videos, hands-on work with students, evaluations, and role-play situations.
Supervision
Our Program Specialists receive regular supervision in the form of staff training doubles, sessions with our Training Coordinator, and clinics, all specific to the child they are working with. Most receive a minimum of 6-9 hours of hands-on training per month.

Performance Evaluation
Our staff are formally evaluated through review meetings and also using Autism partnership's training modules. Evaluations are based on the theoretical and practical knowledge and skills, as well as professionalism, leadership, etc.