Meet our Team!

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Demetra Hajidiacos

Executive Director

M.Ed., B.Ed., B.A. Hons, ECE III

Demetra has a Master's Degree in Education (Curriculum, Teaching and Learning) and a passion for helping children, families and institutions navigate the world of autism. In addition to having 25+ years of experience as an educator, Demetra has attended training sessions in ABA (through St. Amant), DIRFloortime (through Autism Outreach) and Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) in Glassboro, New Jersey. Demetra is a certified Early Childhood Montessori Teacher (NAMC) as well as an Early Childhood Educator (ECE III). As an educator, Demetra borrows from research-based therapy models and uses her understanding of how classroom systems work to prepare her students for greater success at school. Demetra oversees all of Autism Learning Centre's programs and teaches the parent participation preschool class: School Readiness!

Angela French

Assistant Director, Autism Consultant

B.Ed., B.A., Post Baccalaureate Diploma Inclusive Education

Angela is a Certified Manitoba Special Education Resource Teacher (SERT) specializing in Inclusive Education. She has experience working with children and adolescents with autism and other developmental disabilities in a school environment, through respite and summer camps. Angela is passionate about creating inclusive spaces and meaningful learning opportunities for the students and families that she supports. Angela ensures that all students can access the curriculum in creative and engaging ways. She adapts and accommodates to the diverse needs of each learner, providing them with opportunities to communicate understanding and showcase their learning in a variety of ways. Angela believes that collaboration and creativity are essential in modeling and promoting healthy social-emotional growth for all students. Angela believes that just as all students are unique, their learning needs and goals are unique, and it is essential to build relationships with students and their families to provide effective, meaningful support.

Lexi Verras

Office Manager

Lexi is an Early Years Education student at the University of Winnipeg. For as long as she can remember, Lexi has always wanted to be a teacher. She has worked with children and teens on the autism spectrum through ALC and is thrilled to be helping families in the office as ALC's new Office Manager! In addition to teaching at ALC, Lexi has worked as a child care assistant at The Prep Montessori Daycare. On her free time Lexi enjoys spending time at her cottage.

Marcie Smeltz

Behavioural Consultant

M.S., B.A. 

Autism Learning Centre is the leading private provider of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) Therapy in Manitoba.  Marcie Smeltz began implementing ABA programs in Manitoba in 1999.  In 2001, she was one of the initial therapists who offered services through St. Amant's pilot ABA program.  In 2003, she began working as a consultant in St. Amant's preschool ABA program where she remained until 2014.  Her background includes providing 1:1 instruction, parent and staff training on ABA principles and procedures, and providing program supervision and consultation for families and schools throughout Manitoba.  Marcie earned a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and Sociology from Brandon University, Manitoba, in 1998 and received her Master's Degree in ABA from St. Cloud State University, Minnesota in 2010. Marcie has a wealth of experience in the field of autism and strives to meet family's needs with immediate behavioural improvements.  With over two decades of experience working successfully with families and schools, Marcie is a trusted household name in the field of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) in the autism community. 

Tom Doering

Counsellor

B.A., B.S.W., M.S.W.

Tom's practice focuses on perspectives and growing your own perspective to have a holistic outlook in life. Tom works with clients who are seeking out support with the following: depression, anxiety, anger, grief and loss, changes in life stages, motivation, life/work stress, and many other challenges people may experience. Tom also believes  in meeting clients where they are at and having them be a part of their healing process. The sessions are meant to be practical, open minded, compassionate, honest, and focused on helping his clients overcome the obstacles that are interfering with their potential. Tom is also strategically focused; dedicated to uncovering practical and effective methods that individuals can apply to their daily challenges. Tom's services are covered under insurance.

Dryden Dilts

Instructor 

Dryden is a theatre student in the process of finishing his four-year Bachelor of Arts (Honours) at the University of Winnipeg with a focus on performance and a minor in English studies. He specializes in accent and voice work, which essentially means he loves doing silly voices! Growing up in a household with a younger brother on the spectrum, Dryden has always had a very personal connection to those with autism and their unique learning needs. When not at home with his brother, in the classroom or tutoring, he also works as a children's entertainer. Dyrden firmly believes in the empowerment that theatre gives to all who take part in it, and is committed to meeting people where they are and helping them find their own unique ways of expressing themselves.

Aleli Godoy

Academic Tutor & Teaching Assistant 

Aleli is a third-year undergraduate student at the University of Manitoba. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Health Science and aspires to become a heart surgeon in the near future. Aleli has worked with Community Venture where she enjoyed her role as an Assistant Program Facilitator. During her time there, she planned and supervised activities, as well as encouraged creativity and active learning for adults with disabilities. In her spare time, Aleli loves to be in the kitchen, cooking and baking for her family. She also loves to spend her time outdoors doing adventurous activities with her friends and family.