Ottawa ABA Academy
Dr. Jeff Sherman
Clinical Supervisor
(OAP Provider)
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Education
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York University
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Clinical Psychology | 1970 - 1977 -
McGill University & York University
BSc, MA, PhD in Clinical Psychology | 1966 - 1977 -
McGill University
BSc in Psychology | 1966 - 1970
specializing in autism treatment, child behavior management, and adolescent counseling. With over 35 years of experience, Dr. Sherman has helped children, youth, and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other developmental needs. He is a widely respected psychologist who has worked across Durham Region, Ottawa, and surrounding areas, making a significant impact in the autism treatment community.
Dr. Sherman is skilled in providing personalized, evidence-based interventions to support children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD/ADD), as well as other developmental challenges. He focuses on improving communication, social skills, and emotional regulation while helping children develop skills for greater independence.In addition to his expertise in autism therapy.
Dr. Sherman utilizes a range of therapeutic approaches, including:
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
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(ACT)Addiction Support
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Anger Management
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Art Therapy
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Brain spotting Therapy
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
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Clinical Therapy Child
He is Fluent in both English and French, Dr. Sherman is able to offer comprehensive care to a wide range of families. His clinical oversight at Ottawa ABA Academy ensures that every child receives individualized behavior intervention plans to help them thrive in a structured and supportive environment.
Dr. Munazza Tahir
Clinical Supervisor
(OAP Provider)
Education
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Ph.D. in Community Psychology from the University of Ottawa, Dr. Munazza Tahir is an experienced clinician, educator, and researcher specializing in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), cognitive accessibility, and disability studies. She holds a Ph.D. in Community Psychology from the University of Ottawa, with a microprogram in Evaluation of Social and Health Programs and Policies, and is a Registered Behaviour Analyst (R.B.A. Ont.) and Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA). Her career spans leadership roles in clinical practice and community-based research. For over 15 years, Dr. Tahir has provided clinical oversight within the Ontario Autism Program, developed and delivered ABA-based curricula and workshops, and led interdisciplinary teams supporting individuals with cognitive disabilities. She emphasizes evidence-based, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive ABA practices, rooted in her experiences as a woman of colour in the South Asian community. In parallel, she has coordinated inclusive research projects, supervised student clinicians and researchers, and produced several peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, and policy briefs. Her work is driven by a commitment to excellence in ABA, stakeholder engagement, and advancing accessibility and inclusion within clinical services, education, and research.
Rafia Irum
Clinical Director
With extensive experience in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, counseling, and psychometrics, Rafia Irum brings a deep understanding of therapeutic modalities and a passion for providing high-quality care. Specializing in leadership and team management, Rafia excels in supervising senior therapists and behavior therapists while ensuring that all practices align with the highest ethical and professional standards.
She holds an MS in Clinical Psychology, evaluated as equivalent to a Canadian Master’s in Psychology by WES Canada, and is a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), further strengthening her expertise in behavioral therapy.
Rafia’s professional experience includes serving as a Clinical Director, where she has led multi-disciplinary teams, supervised therapists, and ensured the ethical implementation of behavior intervention plans. As a Senior Therapist, she conducted comprehensive assessments (ABLLS, AFLLS, VB-MAPP, PEAK), developed individualized treatment plans, and mentored junior therapists. Her role as an Instructor Therapist involved providing intensive ABA interventions for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and developmental disabilities.
Her early career in clinical psychology includes internships in psychiatric and mental health settings, where she gained hands-on experience in psychological assessments, clinical interviews, and treatment planning for individuals with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other mental health conditions.
Committed to evidence-based practices and continuous professional growth, Rafia strives to enhance therapeutic outcomes and improve the quality of care for individuals with behavioral and developmental needs.
Elahe Azin
Coordinator, Behaviour Therapist
Elahe Azin is a dedicated Behavior Therapist at Ottawa ABA Academy, specializing in supporting children and youth with autism. She began her career in the field in 2005 and has over a decade of experience in behavioral therapy, she is passionate about helping clients develop essential life skills and healthier thought patterns to overcome challenges.
Elaheh holds a Master’s degree in General Psychology and a Bachelor’s degree in Clinical Psychology, providing her with a deep understanding of behavior management and therapy. Her expertise spans case management, crisis intervention, and both individual and group counseling, ensuring compassionate, evidence-based care for her clients.
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In addition to her clinical work, Elaheh is certified in First Aid and has received training in Critical Thinking, Anger Management, and sexual health and wellness. She has also worked as a
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Behaviour Therapist
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Special Education Counselor
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supporting students with diverse learning needs
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Child and Youth Support Worker
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Autism Support Associate.
where she worked closely with individuals facing disabilities and mental health challenges.
Elaheh is committed to delivering effective, personalized care to empower her clients in overcoming obstacles and achieving their developmental goals.
Milad Berenjkar
Office Manager, Senior Therapist
University & College Instructor | Lead Therapist | Special Education Teacher
Milad Berenjkar is an experienced educator and behavior therapist with a rich background in teaching psychology and education courses at both university and college levels. With a career that began in 2006, Milad has spent over a decade developing and delivering courses in areas such as research methods, statistics, the psychology of education, philosophy of education, and special education.
Milad holds a PhD in Education and a Master's degree in Research in Education, specializing in special education. In his teaching roles, he has educated and mentored students, focusing on equipping them with foundational knowledge and practical skills. He is also experienced in designing and implementing individualized education programs (IEPs) for students with special needs.
In addition to his teaching career, Milad has worked as a Behavior Therapist, Team Lead Behavior Therapist, and Youth Worker, specializing in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), behavior modification, and youth support programs. His broad skill set allows him to integrate academic theory with practical therapeutic approaches, benefiting both students and clients.
Milad has earned a range of certifications, including First Aid, Mental Health First Aid, and certifications in behavioral therapy and Indigenous awareness. He is passionate about fostering learning environments that empower individuals to overcome challenges and achieve their full potential.
Liam O'Donnell
Behaviour Therapist
Liam O'Donnell is a Behaviour Therapist, he provides one-on-one support to children with developmental disabilities. He specializes in implementing Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) programs, both in center-based and home settings, to enhance skill development and independence in children. Liam works closely with the clinical team to design, monitor, and track individualized care plans, ensuring each child receives the appropriate interventions to meet their goals.
Liam has previously worked as a Behaviour Therapist supported children in center-based and home settings through personalized ABA programs. He has a solid background in psychological assessment and has worked as a Psychologist’s Assistant at Dr. Anne Marie Caruso’s clinic, administering psychological assessments and supporting treatment planning.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (Honors) from Algoma University, where he focused on neuropsychology, psychopathology, and psychometrics. His academic background is complemented by a practical understanding of how different cultural perspectives impact therapy, which is enriched through courses on Indigenous traditions and social welfare issues.
Liam is committed to providing high-quality care, building meaningful relationships with families, and ensuring each child’s developmental progress is tracked accurately. His work is characterized by a high level of professionalism, attention to detail, and a dedication to supporting vulnerable populations.
Karima Hussein
Behaviour Therapist
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B.A. Psychology, Addiction & Mental Health Specialist
Karima is a dedicated mental health professional with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Ottawa and an Addiction and Mental Health Certification from Algonquin College. She is currently in the process of applying for a Master’s in Psychology to further expand her
expertise in clinical practice and research. With a strong foundation in behavioral therapy and addiction support, Karima has extensive
experience working with diverse populations, including individuals with autism, mental health challenges, and substance use disorders. She has contributed to several organizations, including Serenity Renewal for Families, Barncroft, and Aspen, where she played a pivotal role in assessing client needs, implementing evidence-based interventions, and facilitating
therapeutic programs.
As an Intake Training Coordinator at Serenity Renewal for Families, Karima provided comprehensive client assessments and facilitated workshops to support children and families
affected by addiction. At Barncroft, she worked with small groups of three adults at a time, providing behavioral therapy to individuals with mental health challenges and intellectual
disabilities, tailoring interventions to their specific needs. As an Instructor Therapist at Aspen, she worked one-on-one with children diagnosed with autism, implementing individualized
therapy plans to enhance their communication, social, and developmental skills.
Currently, Karima applies her expertise in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy as an Instructor Therapist at Ottawa ABA Academy. She is passionate about creating personalized,
research-informed therapy plans that foster confidence, skill development, and long-term success in children with autism.