Jeff Baker (They/Them) comes from a diverse background of experiences. While working as a youth pastor they started noticing a high percentage of autistic students attending their youth group. The same thing happened at their next two churches, and everything started to click after they were themselves diagnosed with autism in their 30’s. As a late diagnosed autistic person Jeff brings a unique insight into the support needs of both neurodiverse people and their families. Jeff serves as the Community Support Professional Coordinator for BOSS and works diligently pairing BOSS participants and families with dedicated and Support Professionals and Practitioners. In their spare time Jeff likes to hang out with their awesome spouse and kids, and focus on various art projects including animation, digital painting, and creating comics.

Jeff Baker (They/Them) comes from a diverse background of experiences. While working as a youth p... Read More

Eric has been fortunate enough to practice within the mental health and neurodivergent sectors for the past 10 years. He is a Registered Social Service Worker and graduated from Seneca College in 2014. He then obtained a Humber College Certificate of Completion in Mental Health and Forensic Practice concurrently majoring in Sociology at York University before switching programs to Social Work. He graduated from the Honours Bachelor of Social Work Degree program in June 2024, with a sociological focus and has been practicing as a Registered Social Worker since.

Eric has spent most of his career supporting people with complex mental health struggles in various contexts including but not limited to homeless and housing sectors, supportive independent living services for people living with neurodivergent variances, dual diagnosis, and concurrent disorders. His experience as a shelter and community-based case manager has provided Eric with extensive experience in linking individuals to services with an emphasis on client-directed goal setting and planning. He works within an intersectional, anti-oppressive practice and trauma-informed framework. He has experience in conducting complex bio-psycho-social assessments and collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams to best support people’s unique needs.

Eric’s practice is derived from an eco-systems theoretical perspective (person-in-environment), seeing people as whole beings with complex contexts that can impact one’s mental health wellness. Like putting a big puzzle together, he thoroughly enjoys supporting people in putting together their life puzzles by addressing current concerns and talking through difficult situations and barriers to personal growth and well-being. Drawing from therapeutic techniques such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, He will work with you to address current struggles at a pace that is safe and comfortable for you.

Eric has been fortunate enough to practice within the mental health and neurodivergent sectors fo... Read More

Kimberly Van Ryn started her career as a “boots on the ground” Child and Youth Worker after obtaining her diploma from Humber College. Since then, she has obtained a BA in Human Services and a post grad in Trauma Informed Care and Counselling. Kim is also a yoga and meditation teacher with a specialization in Trauma Informed Yoga and embodied practices for people with neuro diversity.

Kim has just over 20 years experience in the human services field in a variety of frontline, therapeutic and administrative roles. Beginning in the foster care and adoption sector Kim worked extensively with traumatized children in a play therapy setting. Following this work, she applied her skills with people who have developmental/physical disabilities and neurodiversity. Bridging these two different populations was a trauma informed lens that has been Kim’s most impactful and wholistic tool box to date.

Currently Kim calls herself the founder of Branching Out Support Services, a community development organization serving people with neuro diversities and their chosen families. Kim also holds a teaching position for Conestoga College in their Liberal Arts program facilitating the Human Sexuality course. Find her teaching workshops to a variety of municipalities, organizations and more with The Expert Talk. These many roles, relationships and life long learning has allowed for a trauma informed support style that is firmly rooted in research, experience and the community.

Kim is available to work with speaking people and non-speaking people who have a communication partner or team.

Kimberly Van Ryn started her career as a “boots on the ground” Child and Youth Worker after obtai... Read More

Tabi Young started her career as a Child and Youth Worker, graduating from Lambton College. She quickly found her passion working with adults in the neurodiverse community. With 15 years of experience, Tabi has held many roles from frontline to lead administrative positions. Being able to help people to choose their path and achieve the most out of life is her calling. She feels deeply this is right where she is meant to be.

Tabi strives to continue life long learning and advocacy. She has completed many certificates including Mental Health First Aid, Suicide Prevention and Awareness as well as completing Fundamentals of Palliative Care. She has provided support to people of all ages throughout her career and she has seen the importance of advocacy at every age.

When not working, Tabi enjoys adventures camping, hiking, and traveling.

Tabi Young started her career as a Child and Youth Worker, graduating from Lambton College. She q... Read More