Our Team

Frances Fishman

Behavior Analyst

Frances Fishman is the founder and owner of The Play Base. She is a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst with her M.Ed. in Developmental Psychology and Education. Frances is a hard working, empathetic, and loving woman, leader and entrepreneur who took her passion and turned it into her career.

With over 12 years experience in behaviour modification in the home, community and educational settings, as well as being a mother of 3, she has developed a skill set and a perspective that has allowed her tremendous success with her team and client base. She is an optimist who believes that every person can be given the chance to live to their highest potential when given a loving approach and a team who believes in them and sees the incredible potential each individual has.

Taylor Kanitz Clinical Supervisor the Play Base

Taylor Kanitz

Clinical Supervisor

Taylor is a BCaBA and case supervisor at the play base. She graduated from the Seneca College Behavioural Sciences diploma program and Capilano University’s ABA (autism) degree program with distinction and is currently completing a Master’s in Applied Disability Studies at Brock University. Taylor has a passion for promoting the growth and learning of others through evidence-based procedures in play. She loves the outdoors, the cottage, spending time with family, and music!
Jayme is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) who has worked in the field of ABA for the last 10 years. She completed the specialized diploma program at Seneca College in Behaviour Sciences. She holds a Bachelor Degree of Arts in Applied Behaviour Analysis from Capilano University. In August 2022, Jayme graduated from the University of Western with her Masters in Professional Education, with a specialized focus in Applied Behaviour Analysis. She has extensive experience working with children and youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other dual diagnoses across a variety of settings (clinics, centres, schools, hospitals, group homes, camps, recreation programs, respite, hospitals etc.) Jayme has a passion for providing quality client and staff supervision, mediator training, consulting with schools and working with interdisciplinary teams.

Jeffrey O'Hara

Lead Behaviour Therapist

Jeffrey is a Lead Behaviour Therapist who graduated from George Brown College in Autism and Behavioural Science. He also has a Master of Arts degree in Acting, as well as a Bachelor of Arts degree in Drama and Biology. As an actor and puppeteer, Jeffrey has worked primarily in theatre for young audiences, with a focus on creating work that is accessible for neurodivergent youth. Jeffrey has over 10 years of experience working with young people, and is passionate about teaching from a mindful and play-focused foundation. His dream is to one day open a theatre company run entirely by neurodiverse individuals.

Bijal Prajapati

Lead Behaviour Therapist

Bijal is a Lead Behaviour Therapist at The Play Base. She completed her undergraduate degree at The University of Toronto and her graduate certificate in Autism and Behavioural Sciences at Mohawk College. Currently, she is completing a Master’s in Applied Disability Studies with a specialization at Brock University. Bijal has additional passions in digital arts and creative writing and uses these interests with her clients and families to develop a positive and unique learning environment.

Jessica Malone

Case Supervisor

Jessica is a BCaBA and grad of Capilano University with an undergrad in Behavior Sciences specialized in ABA. She is also a Registered Behavior Technician as well as an Early Childhood Educator. Growing up, Jessica participated in Karate classes for 9 years receiving her karate teacher and weapons certificate.

Heather Barclay

Instructor Therapist

Heather is passionate about education and nurturing each child’s unique self-expression, Heather has been teaching and working with children for over 17 years in many countries around the world. Heather’s specializations are language development, early learning and reading. She empowers children as leaders, co-creators and decision-makers in their own learning processes.

Jillian Newman

Instructor Therapist

Jillian graduated from Western University in 2009 with a BA in Psychology, and has since been dedicated to helping individuals with additional needs. Over the past 12 years, Jillian has volunteered with Holland Bloorview, worked as an instructor therapist, early intervention preschool teacher, music therapy instructor, and a support worker for students in a school setting.

Andrew Casey

Behaviour Therapist

Andrew is a Behaviour Therapist who graduated from Fleming College with a diploma in Outdoor Education and who specializes in adaptive and inclusive recreation which he has combined with his knowledge of ABA principles to provide a unique approach to autism therapy. Andrew has worked in the social services industry for over half a decade and has held roles in school boards, residential treatment homes, and community respite programs throughout Ontario. In his free time Andrew can be found hiking backcountry trails, seeking out new places to find delicious foods, or embracing his inner comic book nerd through his love for all things Marvel!