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Chief Executive Officer, Founder | he/him
Benn completed a Social Service Worker Diploma from Sheridan College in 2008, a Bachelor's Degree in Philosophy from York University in 2013, and has completed coursework towards his Master of Applied Disability Studies with a specialization in Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA).
Benn is a Registered Social Service Worker (RSSW) member in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). Since 2008, he has worked in the private and public sector, supporting individuals with dual diagnoses, developmental disabilities, acquired brain injuries (ABI), and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). In 2020, Benn started his own practice, Barrantes & Associates Inc., to directly provide services to individuals and families in collaboration with other regulated health professionals.
Benn values ongoing education and has obtained the following certificates: Neurorehabilitation: Assisting Recovery and Function in Everyday Life Following Brain Injury (Level 1), Children and Youth with Acquired Brain Injury (Level 1), Mental Health, Addiction, and Brain Injury (Level 2), Cognitive Interventions for Adults with Acquired Brain Injury (Level 2), Advanced Brain Injury (Level 2). To augment his training, he has also completed the following: Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), Standard First Aid & CPR, Comprehensive Arbitration Training, and is certified as a Safe Management Trainer. Benn is currently completing training to become an accredited family mediator (AccFM) with the Ontario Association of Family Mediators (OAFM).
Outside of the office, Benn enjoys hiking local trails, strength training and calisthenics, board games of all kinds, and the company of his partner and four cats.
Executive Director | she/her
As Executive Director of Barrantes & Associates Inc., Amanda provides intake coordination and oversees service provision throughout each of the company’s divisions. With strategic planning, Amanda supports the enhancement of the programs Barrantes offers in order to provide the most optimal client experience.
Amanda’s years of frontline support have given her the tools necessary to guide our Associates and team members to implement a trauma-informed, person-first approach with a focus on individual differences and unique needs as they relate to goal setting and achievement. Outside of the office, Amanda enjoys spending time outdoors & hiking local trails, DIY projects, cooking & baking, and spending time with her friends, her family & her cats.
Amanda holds an Occupational Therapist Assistant/Physiotherapist Assistant diploma from Mohawk College and a Bachelor of Arts degree, Majoring in Psychology, from the University of Guelph.
Program Director | she/her
As the Program Director for Barrantes & Associates Inc., Melissa is at the forefront of leading and managing the comprehensive programs that cater to the vulnerable populations that Barrantes services. Melissa’s focus is on driving policies and program development to ensure best practices and meet regulatory requirements.
Melissa is committed to advancing trauma-informed approaches and enhancing the well-being of the clients we support. Rooted in over a decade of front-line child protection work, Melissa ensures the highest standards of client safety while advocating for the preservation of family connections. Beyond her professional role, Melissa is a devoted mother of two, who extends her skills and passion to volunteer in the community, offering support to individuals and families in crisis.
Melissa holds a Bachelor of Social Work degree and Bachelor of Arts degree from McMaster University. Melissa is a certified Circle of Security Parenting Facilitator and Registered Social Worker.
Clinical Manager | she/her
Kensey brings 14 years of experience in behaviour analysis to Barrantes and Associates Inc.'s team. As the Clinical Manager, she supports behaviour needs with staff training, analyzes behaviour data, and creates behaviour support plans. She brings a trauma-informed, inclusive approach rooted in research and ensures that supports are individualized for each client’s needs and preferences.
With a passion for staff coaching and enhancing the lives of our clients, Kensey is dedicated to delivering exceptional support. Kensey thrives in collaborative environments and supports the team’s understanding of why behaviour is maintained and how to support positive and meaningful behaviour change. When not working, Kensey loves spending time with her two young children and partner and exploring local farms and museums.
Kensey holds a Master of Psychology specializing in Applied Behaviour Analysis, a diploma in Social Service Worker, and certification as a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA).
Administrator | she/her
Alicia is the Administrator at Barrantes & Associates Inc. and supports recruitment, database maintenance, payroll, and various administrative tasks at the main office. She has a deep passion for people and community and comes from a strong managerial background in retail and kitchens. From her experience, Alicia brings a well-rounded toolkit of mindful and detail-oriented practices. In her free time, Alicia enjoys long hikes, camping, snowshoeing, cooking, yoga, and spending time with her dog, Chloe.
Alicia holds a Master of Arts in Ecopsychology from Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Windsor.
Administrative Assistant | she/her
Victoria is the Administrative Assistant at Barrantes & Associates Inc., and supports a variety of administrative tasks at the main office, such as database updating, scheduling, social media, and more. She has a heartfelt passion for making a positive impact both within and beyond her community. In her professional journey, she has honed her skills in customer service, understanding the importance of fostering meaningful connections. Through her experience, Victoria has become an advocate for mental well-being, championing the cause with compassion and dedication. In her free time, Victoria enjoys cooking, going on adventures, trying new things, and spending time with her friends and family.
Victoria holds a Bachelor in Community and Criminal Justice from Conestoga College, and is actively pursuing further education to deepen her knowledge and expertise in the field of psychology.
Our associate practitioners are dedicated to a person-centred approach, focusing on creating individualized therapeutic relationships, promoting abilities, and fostering inclusion. Moreover, our associates are trained in Trauma Informed Practice (TIP) so they are able to identify trauma responses, triggers, and antecedents - all to provide optimal care and safety to our clients.
Our associates have credentials in Occupational Therapy Assistant/ Physiotherapy Assistant (OTA/PTA), Child and Youth Care (CYC), Social Service Worker (SSW) and Social Worker (BSW), Developmental Service Workers (DSW), as well as other related disciplines. Associate practitioners supporting persons with a brain injury or serious physical trauma have additional training specific to assisting persons with their recovery and rehabilitation. Associate practitioners supporting families during Parenting Time Supervision have received enhanced training in Trauma Informed Practice, to adequately assess and support associated adverse traumas.
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