Owner/Director
Greetings! In 2016, I founded ASD Wonder with a vision of delivering genuine, compassionate, and impactful services to families with autistic children. My journey in this field began in 1997 as a behaviour interventionist for private home teams in Vancouver. Over five years, I provided full-time, self-employed support to over 30 families. Embracing the opportunity presented by UBC's Masters of Special Education program with a specialization in autism in 2002, I was among its pioneering participants. Subsequently, I pursued further education at UBC to achieve certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in 2008.
My professional path led me to roles such as Positive Behavior Support Consultant at CBI Consultants of Vancouver for five years, followed by two years as the Autism Program Coordinator. Later, I served as the Clinical Director and Senior Consultant at Achieve Support and Development in Maple Ridge for seven years. The culmination of these experiences inspired me to establish ASD Wonder Centre, driven by a mission to empower women in their professional journeys while maintaining balance in their personal lives or academic pursuits. Moreover, I am deeply committed to implementing neurodivergent-affirming practices across all our services.
ASD Wonder Centre is more than just a Centre; it's a second home offering a safe, inclusive space and a nurturing environment for growth and learning. I reside in Vancouver with my husband, two daughters, and two beloved pets, embracing each day with gratitude for the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Supervising Consultant at the Maple Ridge Wonder Centre
In 2012, Jocelyn Duffin accomplished her Master's Degree in Special Education at The University of British Columbia, followed closely by certification as a Behavior Analyst. Since 2010, Jocelyn and Kirsten have collaborated, sharing a unified philosophy and playful methodology in educating neurodiverse children. Currently, she oversees our Wonder Interns, nurturing them toward becoming future consultants. However, Jocelyn's paramount role is that of a devoted mother to her young son. Jocelyn serves as a subtle yet powerful presence on our team, ensuring that every task is meticulously completed and maintaining a sense of order within our operations.
Jocelyn works Monday - Friday till 3:30 at our Maple Ridge Centre.
Program Manager of the Wonder Society in Port Coquitlam
Jodi Philips has been with our team since the beginning in 2016. Equipped with a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education and serving as a Behavior Analyst Assistant, she exhibits exceptional organizational powers. Spearheading the day-to-day operations of the Society in Port Coquitlam, she adeptly manages scheduling, supervises team members, and handles all facets essential for maintaining seamless center operations. Jodi's remarkable compassion and talent are indispensable assets to the Wonder Society, making her an integral pillar without whom its existence would be unimaginable. Jodi lives in Coquitlam and is mom to her two grown sons.
Behaviour Analyst
Tanya joined our team as an instructor in 2019 and quickly deduced that she found her calling in life. Over the years, she has advanced from behaviour interventionist to program coordinator, to social group leader, and now is a Consultant. Tanya holds a Master of Arts in Special Education from Arizona University and is a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst.
When Tanya is supporting her students, she always has a smile on her face and is down for having fun. She runs the best ‘imagination station’ at summer camp, and keeps up with the fastest little students. However, getting dirty and seeing bugs may have Tanya squealing!
Tanya lives with her husband in Surrey and works at the Maple Ridge Wonder Centre Monday-Thursday.
**on maternity leave in April 2024-April 2025
Program Manager of Wonder Meadows Location
Kelly Carlson, a neurodivergent Educational Consultant listed on the RASP and nationally certified as an (Assistant) Behavior Analyst, holds a Master's of Arts Degree from Florida Technical University. Since 2016, Kelly has been an integral part of our Wonder Team, seamlessly juggling multiple roles such as social media coordinator and mural painter. Renowned for her intuition and boundless creativity, Kelly is driven by her dedication to fostering self-advocacy and empowerment among students. Affectionately dubbed the "kid whisperer" by our team, her exceptional talent for connecting with children is unmatched. Kelly's impact is undeniable; every student she encounters not only learns from her but also forms a deep admiration for her.
In 2023, Kelly assumed the position of Program Manager at the Pitt Meadows location, where she oversees the day-to-day operations of the Meadows Centre and guides the goal plans of the children enrolled in the Little Wonders Program there.
Outside of her professional endeavours, Kelly is a devoted mother to two spirited daughters and resides with her husband in Port Coquitlam.
Assistant Behaviour Consultant (supervised by Jocelyn Duffin)
Carmen Jaklin joined the Wonder Centre in January 2021. She earned her degree in Linguistics from the University of Calgary in 1998 and embarked on her career in Calgary with the Society for the Treatment of Autism. Upon relocating to Maple Ridge, Carmen spent 2 years with #SD41 in the Intensive Behavior Support program before transitioning to the Maple Ridge School District, where she served as an Educational Assistant for 7 years. After a period spent raising her children and teaching English online, Carmen reentered the workforce as a Behavior Interventionist. In 2020, she pursued further education, completing the DABA program at Douglas College. Currently, she is in the process of fulfilling her supervision hours at the Wonder Centre to obtain her national certification. Carmen is enthusiastic about being part of the Wonder team and looks forward to contributing her skills and expertise.
Carmen works at the Maple Ridge, ASD Wonder Centre from Monday to Friday
Assistant Behaviour Analyst (supervised by Kirsten Turoldo)
Janna Vandervelden, who joined our team in early 2020, is a remarkable individual whose talents have greatly enriched our team. When speaking with her, she demonstrates a keen understanding of research in education and a rare ability to convey complex concepts with clarity and enthusiasm. Janna's genuine interest in helping others makes her a compassionate and attentive team member. Beyond her interpersonal skills, Janna stands out for her remarkable organizational abilities, bringing order to chaos! In every aspect, Janna embodies excellence and has become an indispensable asset to our team.
Janna works Monday- Friday
Behaviour Consultant (supervised by Kirsten Turoldo)
Mary is an experienced Behaviour Consultant with a Master of Education in Special Education, specializing in Autism and Developmental Disabilities from the University of British Columbia, and a Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Applied Behaviour Analysis from Capilano University. Her background also includes extensive experience as an early childhood educator, holding a current teaching license in British Columbia and expertise across all three major early childhood education licensing fields: children with special needs, 3 to 5 years old group, and infant and toddler care.
Mary's dedication to supporting children with special needs is evident from her years as a Special Education Assistant, where she adapted academic programs, taught new skills, and collaborated with other specialists. In addition, she served as a Senior Behaviour Interventionist, developing and implementing individualized behaviour intervention plans in home settings under the supervision of Board Certified Behaviour Analysts.
Mary holds advanced training in Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) which further complements her ability to foster effective communication for non-vocal children, ensuring they engage fully in their lives. She is also a certified specialist in the Low Arousal Approach: Managing Behaviours of Concern from Studio III and holds certification in Non-Violent Crisis Intervention from the Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI). With these credentials, she adeptly manages and supports neurodivergent children experiencing distressed behaviors, employing proven techniques that honor their dignity and foster a respectful, effective resolution.
Mary works full-time at the Maple Ridge location.
Mary provides services in English and Korean.
Behaviour Consultant (supervised by Jocelyn Duffin)
Sandeep is the newest member of our team and we feel so lucky to work with her. Sandeep holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of the Fraser Valley in Abbotsford, BC, and has completed a Master’s in Special Education with a focus on Applied Behavior Analysis at Arizona State University.
Sandeep lives in Abbotsford and works full-time at our Maple Ridge location.