To keep overhead more manageable, we have chosen staff with specific skillsets, both professional and paraprofessional. This multidisciplinary approach is not only extremely efficient, but necessary when working with such a broad and diverse population of exceptional learners.
In order to run our programs effectively, we consult with experienced professionals every step of the way (Board Certified Behaviour Analysts, Psychologists, Occupational Therapists, Speech Language Pathologists, Teachers, etc). The professional development of our staff is always an ongoing priority to ensure we deliver the best programs possible!
We work in conjunction with members of our local Regional Education Centre, Department of Mental Health (AVITA and other), Nova Scotia Early Childhood Development Intervention Services (NSECDIS), Department of Community Services, and many others.
We pride ourselves on being a place of learning for everyone and that includes providing practicum/coop/intern/service learning opportunities for post secondary students enrolled in varies related programs. We have had the pleasure of having students from NSCC’s Social Services, Child & Youth, Behavioural Supports, Practical Nursing, and Behavioural Intervention programs. We have also had students from Acadia University’s Bachelor of Education program for their inclusive reflections. All students and volunteers are required to meet the same minimum standards as our core staff in terms of clean records checks and first aid, and all must sign strict confidentially and code of conduct agreements.
We strongly believe in the ‘it takes a village’ mentality to be successful!
Elizabeth Mason-Squires
Executive Director/Lead Behavioural Tutor Founder
Elizabeth has always had a passion for helping others and an aptitude for leadership. Current examples include her efforts on the Board of her daughter’s daycare, manning the local autism centre’s parent support group, volunteering on the programming committee for the local autism centre, and in bringing the Nova Scotia Special Olympics Active Start and FUNdamentals programs to the Annapolis Valley.
Key elements of her experience and impressive knowledge started to drop into place following her graduation from Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, Nova Scotia with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. Her main area of study was developmental psychology with a focus on children and disabilities. She did not realize that this early grounding would be so fortuitous.
Since graduating, Elizabeth has embraced various aspects of business management, from her work as a Banking Officer, to her rise from receptionist to eventually taking on the responsibilities of Operations Manager of a small corporation, to starting a small accounting business so that she could stay home to provide therapy for her daughter. These experiences have provided Elizabeth with a comprehensive foundation for managing this new endeavour.
An avid learner and researcher, Elizabeth is excited to return to her psychology roots and is currently looking to pursue a Master’s of Education with a focus on Autism as well as meeting the requirements to obtain BCBA certification.
Thirteen years ago, her husband’s profession caused them to move to the Annapolis Valley where she has since developed her various business experiences, acquired numerous child development skills and pursued her love for singing and performing.
Rachel Keast
Programs Supervisor
My name is Rachel Keast and I am extremely excited to be working at Rowan’s Room Respite and Development Centre. I spent most of my childhood in England and Wales before moving to Canada at the age of thirteen. It was during high school when my interest in working with children that needed a little extra really peaked, resulting in the decision to attend university to study psychology, focusing on child development. I began this journey at St. Mary’s University in Halifax and ended it at St. Thomas University in Fredericton. While in Fredericton I was given the opportunity to work at Autism Connections Fredericton and loved every minute of it. Since then I have worked in Ontario and Manitoba. In both provinces I worked at the local daycares where I worked in multiple positions over the years before ending up in the preschool program coordinator position. Over these years I have worked with children from all walks of life and various developmental stages and loved every minute of it. I even cut my first maternity leave short to return to work after 9.5 months, it helped that he was attending the daycare that I worked in. I also attended as many professional development days as I could as I am a firm believer, especially in this field, that learning is a continuous journey that will never end. I am in the final stages of becoming a Registered Behavioural Technician. I was extremely excited to be back in Nova Scotia and could not believe my luck when Elizabeth approached me about this amazing opportunity. With the support of my husband, the love of my two boys, and the drive of Elizabeth, I know this is the place for me to be and cannot wait to share in the success of your child(ren) with you!
Nicole Philpitt
Behavioural Tutor/ECE
Hi, my name’s Nicole Philpitt and, with great pleasure, I’ve been with Rowan’s Room since September 2016 as a Behaviour Tutor/Early Childhood Educator. I have been working in the early childhood education field for 16 years; over this time I have achieved my Early Childhood Education diploma and numerous certifications within the understanding and education of exceptionalities. As the understanding of an exceptionality grows, I strive to grow with it by attending workshops and enrolling in online courses. I am currently enrolled in CBT online and I’m furthering my education by taking Kinesiology at Acadia University as well. Over the years, and within many provinces, I have worked in both small and large mainstream licensed daycares, ran my own day home with the main focus being directed towards exceptionalities and within the school system as an Educational Assistant. I have the knowledge and experience in creating programs and daily curriculum while keeping in mind the individual needs of students who attend; as well as, the flexibility to accommodate and adapt when need be. I believe with maximum understanding, growth and heart will follow.
Cheryl Plaschka
Behavioural Tutor
My name is Cheryl Plaschka and I began working with Rowan’s Room in April of 2017.
I was born and raised in Ontario but moved to Nova Scotia in 2003 to attend Acadia University. I met my now husband, Rick, when we were in high school; we both moved and attended Acadia together. After graduating, we got married and decided to make the Annapolis Valley our home. We have now been married 10 years and have 2 amazing children.
While at Acadia, I majored in Sociology, and minored in Psychology and English. I began working in a small community option home shortly after graduating. Throughout my 10 years in this role, I had numerous educational opportunities, both formal and practical, including Non-Violent Crisis Intervention, Positive Behaviour Supports, and American Sign Language levels 1&2. I have enjoyed working with and providing support for people of varying ages and abilities and am continuously seeking ways to expand my skill set in order to be able to better help others.
I feel extremely fortunate to have been given the opportunity to work with such an amazing group of people and am so excited to continue to learn and grow alongside everyone at Rowan’s Room.
Chelsea Turner, B.Ed
Teacher/Educational Consultant
Hello, My name is Chelsea Turner and I have the pleasure of being the Teacher/Educational Consultant for Rowan’s Room. I am a recent elementary teacher graduate from Acadia University and have taught all ages, most recently a Primary/Grade 1 split class. During my years at Acadia, I had the pleasure of spending my Friday nights as a S.M.I.L.E. leader. After graduating from Acadia, I spent my summer working for Autism Nova Scotia, as a Camp Spectrum Counsellor. I was exposed to the world of autism, and knew I had to be apart of it. It was one of the hardest summers I had ever experienced, as it is a mentally and physically demanding field. However it was incredibly rewarding as it allowed me to get to know some amazing little and big people, while giving them the best week of their summer.
I always knew my passion was working with children, but soon realized that it was really working with children with many abilities. As I continue to develop as a teacher, it is my goal and responsibility to create opportunities for children to learn and grow, regardless of any barrier they face. Creating an inclusive atmosphere where students are safe, happy and able to express themselves in many ways, is my pedagogy. After a few years of teaching, I plan to pursue an M.Ed. specializing in special education/resource.
Little milestones, are big milestones. Let’s learn and grow together!
Rachel Platt, BCBA, M.ADS
Behaviour Analyst
Rachel Platt is a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst with a Masters in Applied Disability Studies specializing in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA). She discovered her passion for working with individuals with disabilities at Camp Rotary in New Brunswick which catapulted her into a career devoted to maintaining and/or discovering the true potential of all her clients. Working in Montreal as an ABA therapist Rachel had the privilege of working directly with clients and their families in both the home and centre environment. Upon returning to Nova Scotia she started her own business providing private ABA services to those needing additional supports in the home, preschool and school environment. Rachel is very excited to join the team at Rowan’s Room and to work with like minded professionals who understand the importance of an individualized approach that focuses on strengths and teaching new skills to help students overcome any challenge they may face. Rachel believes strongly in advocating for change when necessary and embracing the differences that makes us all unique individuals. She believes in a multidisciplinary approach and looks forward to meeting each of you and discovering how she can help.
Brittany Karsten
Behavioural Interventionist
My name is Brittany Karsten and I gratefully joined the Rowan’s Room team in September, 2018. I grew up on the Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia, in a small fishing community, called East Jeddore. I am a lover of everything outdoors, as I was blessed to grow up in a family of fisherman, and enjoy working with my father whenever I get the chance. Before Rowan’s Room, I attended Saint Mary’s University in Halifax where I obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology which developed into a further interest of child behaviour. After graduating, I wanted to further my education in this field, and therefore attended the Nova Scotia Community College in Middleton, enrolled in the Behavioural Interventions program. Upon graduating, I had the privilege of working for a Board Certified Assistant Behaviour Analyst within her private school for children with exceptionalities. Following this experience, I worked as a Behavioural Interventionist at a private school in Hammonds Plains, Nova Scotia for three years, where I was fortunate to meet so many amazing children and their families, and work with them to develop positive strategies to help navigate through sometimes challenging environments. Looking for a change and moving forward in life, I had been interested in moving toward the Annapolis Valley/Digby area for a while and been seeking out new opportunities, when a friend recommended Rowan’s Room to me. I was immediately drawn to Liz’s approach and eager to come aboard, when Liz offered me the opportunity to be a part of this amazing team and family! Every child that attends Rowan’s Room is unique, and I love coming in every day and learning something new about each of them. I look forward to growing in experience and knowledge along with all of the children and staff here at Rowan’s Room!
Paula Osmond
Behavioural Interventionist
My name is Paula Osmond and I am excited to start my career at Rowan’s Room Respite and Developmental Centre. I began my journey with Rowan’s Room as a student in 2017, while attending NSCC in their Social Services Program. Obtaining my Social Services diploma in 2017, where I received The Commitment to Learning award.
During my student placements with Rowan’s Room and The Free Sprit Therapeutic Riding Association, I realized my passion in working with those with exceptionalities.
I wanted to learn more and as I was motivated to do so, I attended NSCC’s Behaviour Interventions Advanced Diploma program in Middleton. Where I focused my learnings into how to better support individuals within the education system.
Mindy Ogilvie
Behavioural Support/Kindermusik Instructor
Mindy was born and raised in Thunder Bay, Ontario with her parents and two sisters. As a child, Mindy fell in love with music while taking violin lessons. One of her fondest memories is playing alongside her great grandfather.
After 20 years in the Navy and 5 children, Mindy decided to focus her time on her family and reinvest in her musical ambitions. All her children have been through various Kindermusik classes and love how it has brought a love of music out of them.
Mindy’s Kindermusik classes will allow parents and children to explore in an imaginative and fun musical way. Kindermusik will give your children the tools they need for a lifelong love of music and learning.
James Trider
Behavioural Support/Movement Specialist
Hi, my name is James Trider and I have been working casually with Rowan’s Room since 2017 and more frequently since August of 2018.
I was born and raised in a small town in Manitoba. Growing up, I played football for 6 years and eventually got the opportunity to represent my province at the Canada Cup in 2013. This ended up with me getting recruited to play football at Acadia University for the Axemen. At Acadia, I enrolled in the Bachelor of Kinesiology program where I was able to broaden my knowledge of the human body and how it moves as well as work very closely with Dr. Roxanne Seaman in classes such as children with special needs and adapted physical activity. I also got involved in the S.M.I.L.E (Sensory Motor Instructional Leadership Experience) program and discovered that I had a real passion for working with children and adults with disabilities. This passion led me away from playing football and into a larger role with the S.M.I.L.E program where I am currently the adapted physical activity coordinator and am currently in my 6th year with the program. Through the S.M.I.L.E program, I found connections with the Annapolis Valley Chapter of Autism Nova Scotia where I worked at the summer camps for 3 summers, 2 as a counselor working one on one and 1 summer as the camp coordinator.
I love what I do and feel very fortunate that I am able to pursue my passion in a meaningful way each and every day!
