Meet Our Presenters
Ellen Yack, director of Ellen Yack and Associates in Toronto, brings over 40 years of experience in occupational therapy services, specializing in sensory processing challenges. She is a distinguished figure in her field, co-authoring "Building Bridges Through Sensory Integration: Therapy for Children with Autism and other Pervasive Developmental Disorders." She is a contributor to the books "Children, Youth and Adults with Asperger Syndrome" and "Auditory-Verbal Therapy for Young Children with Hearing Loss and their Families, and Practitioners who Guide Them."
Ellen's expertise extends to conducting nationwide workshops for occupational therapists and diverse disciplines, covering topics such as sensory processing's influence on arousal regulation, motor skills, mental health, behavior, feeding, quality of life, and academic performance. She provides consultation and training to agencies and school boards.
Recognized as a trauma-sensitive practitioner, Ellen has been engaged by various Children’s Aid Societies and Mental Health Agencies to conduct assessments and develop recommendations for children facing sensory and self-regulation challenges stemming from trauma. She provided training and consultation to Covenant House to enhance staff understanding of neurodiversity and sensory motor tools supporting mental health.
Ellen's contributions also extend to academia, where she has served as a guest lecturer at the University of Toronto and Queen's University, educating future professionals in the field.
She has provided consultation to the Autism Team at the Toronto District Catholic School Board, Geneva Centre for Autism, and the autism and mental health programs at Aisling Discoveries Child and Family Centre. Ellen also works with adults with sensory processing challenges and has previously consulted for adult services at the Redpath Centre for Social and Emotional Development.
Ellen Yack's impact has been recognized with prestigious awards, including the 2023 University of Toronto Department of Occupational Sciences and Occupational Therapy Alumni Achievement Award and the Autism Ontario Gerry Bloomfield Award for her outstanding professional contributions in autism awareness and sensory differences.
Jessica Faith serves as the associate director responsible for clinical development and supervision at Ellen Yack and Associates Paediatric Therapy Services, where she has dedicated 22 years to providing occupational therapy services. Her expertise lies in working with neurodivergent children, adolescents, and adults, particularly those with autism, ADHD, sensory processing disorders, developmental coordination disorders, learning disabilities, and feeding challenges.
A trauma-sensitive practitioner, Jessica deeply understands the sensory and self-regulation challenges associated with trauma in children and families.
Jessica consults and provides training on sensory processing and arousal regulation to both public and private schools, day care settings, camps, ABA providers, and mental health settings. Jessica has presented to occupational therapists on topics including sensory processing, arousal regulation, motor and play development, and feeding challenges.
Jessica is known as an excellent mentor and clinical supervisor. She has been instrumental in developing the skills of many occupational therapists.
Beyond her clinical practice, Jessica is a sought-after speaker at local, provincial, and national conferences. Her presentations are marked by creativity, humor, and a knack for drawing on her background in improvisation, music, and theater to connect with clients and workshop participants alike.