TESS WORTLEY

Social Service Worker, Behavioural Support Worker, and Occupational Therapy Assistant

Tess is a registered social service worker (OCSWSSW), behavioural support worker, and occupational therapy assistant with extensive experience supporting autistic and non speaking children, as well as children with complex sensory, communication, and regulatory needs. She is currently undergoing Individual Assessment with the College of Early Childhood Educators.

She has spent over a decade in roles including support worker, outdoor educator, inclusive adventure guide, behaviour therapist, and preschool and kindergarten teacher in enriched early years settings. Tess holds an Honours BA in International Development from the University of Guelph and completed her Social Service Worker diploma at George Brown College. Her practitioner training includes counselling, motivational interviewing, nonviolent crisis intervention and deescalation, trauma informed practice, paediatric CPR, case management, and community resource navigation.

Her practice is strengths based, sensory integration informed, neurodiversity affirming, and grounded in culturally competent, anti oppressive, and family systems frameworks. Tess draws on DIR/Floortime and developmental play based approaches, bringing a warm, attuned, and joyful presence that supports co regulation, participation, and connection. Her background as a competitive dancer, national level cross country skier, and lifelong vocal musician informs her use of movement, rhythm, music, and nature to enhance engagement and regulation. Tess is committed to ongoing mentorship, supervision, and continued learning, and is excited to support children and families at EYA through an integrated blend of social service work, behavioural support, and occupational therapy principles.