Our Team
Our dedicated team of therapists, the heart of Frolic Expressions. Committed to providing the highest quality of care and support, our experts specialize in speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, and behavior therapy.
With a wealth of experience, they are not just therapists but compassionate guides on your family's journey towards success.
SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGISTS

Registered Speech Language Pathologist (c), Registered Autism Service Provider
Ritika Gupta
she/her/hers
Ritika is a Speech Language Pathologist and Registered Autism Service Provider With over 15 years of experience as a certified and licensed Speech-Language Pathologist, Ritika specializes in the prevention, assessment, and treatment of speech, language, and communication disorders in children and adults. Her expertise encompasses working with individuals on the Autism Spectrum and providing rehabilitation services for those with hearing impairments. Passionate about empowering clients to reach their full potential, Ritika combines her extensive knowledge of cognitive and social communication, as well as swallowing disorders, with a problem-solving approach to develop personalized and effective therapy plans.

Registered Speech Language Pathologist and Audiologist
Ayesha Nazeer Zarook
she/her/hers
Ayesha brings a unique dual expertise to Frolic Expressions as both an Audiologist and a Speech-Language Pathologist. Specializing in pediatric communication disorders, she focuses on language, fluency, and articulation challenges, helping children enhance their communication skills and reach their fullest potential. With over 11 years of experience as a rehabilitation Audiologist, Ayesha is also an expert in auditory-verbal therapy (AVT) for hearing aid users and cochlear implant recipients. She excels in tinnitus management and vestibular rehabilitation, providing comprehensive, compassionate care that empowers individuals to lead fulfilling lives.

Registered Speech Language Pathologist
Simrin Bains
she/her/hers
Simrin is a dedicated and compassionate Speech-Language Pathologist who brings a wealth of experience to our team at Frolic Expressions. With a Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology from UBC, she has worked extensively with both adults facing acquired language disorders and children with speech and language delays, including those diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders. Simrin's approach is grounded in evidence-based practices, always tailored to the individual needs of each client and their families. Her commitment to creating a supportive and collaborative environment helps ensure that every client can communicate confidently and thrive.
BEHAVIOR THERAPISTS & CONSULTANTS

Behavior Consultant
Shabnam Charakchi
she/her/hers
Shabnam holds a Master’s in Education in Curriculum & Instruction with a concentration in Applied Behavioral Analysis and Autism Spectrum Disorder. As a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and a 'Category A' Behavior Consultant on the Registry of Autism Service Providers (RASP), she has been providing behavioral consultation since 2017. With prior experience as a Behavior Interventionist and educational assistant, Shabnam is passionate about early intervention and parent training to support each child's unique needs. She is fluent in English and Farsi, offering services in Farsi upon request.

Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA) & RASP-A
Aby Hakimi
she/her/hers
Aby is a Board-Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA) who brings a wealth of specialized knowledge to supporting neurodiverse individuals. As a seasoned Registered Autism Service Provider (RASP-A), she is grounded in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) but is passionate about using person-first, naturalistic methods. Aby understands that therapy is most effective when it blends seamlessly into daily routines. Her mission is to partner with families, designing personalized programs that reduce stress, encourage meaningful skill development, and empower the entire family unit to feel more resilient and connected.

Behavior Consultant
Milene Ceciliano
she/her/hers
Milene is a highly experienced Behavior Consultant who has dedicated over 19 years to helping diverse populations, from children and adolescents to adults. Trained in psychology in Brazil and with extensive experience in the Canadian therapy landscape, Milene excels at providing truly integrated care. She is a natural leader who has managed, trained, and mentored other therapists. Milene focuses on life skills development, functional behaviour assessments, and creating customized support plans that emphasize solving external issues and building strong communication between all agencies involved in a client’s care.
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS

Registered Occupational Therapist
Reux Sanchez
He/Him/His
Reux is a Registered Occupational Therapist with over 10 years of experience helping clients achieve independence in their daily lives. A member of the Registry of Autism Service Providers (RASP), Reux specializes in sensory regulation, home safety, and developing functional skills for individuals with Autism and physical limitations. His extensive career spans international hospital and community settings, giving him a deep understanding of diverse client needs. Reux adopts a holistic approach, working closely with families to design sensory diets and technical solutions that allow clients to participate fully in the activities that matter most to them.

Registered Occupational Therapist
Jessica Hunt
she/her/hers
Jessica is a registered Occupational Therapist who completed her Master of Occupational Therapy at Dalhousie University. She brings fresh academic knowledge and a strong drive for client care to the team. Her background includes hands-on experience as a Long-Term Care Aide and volunteering with the SMILE program, where she guided children with disabilities through sensory-motor activities. Jessica is recognized for her leadership and empathy, having served as a peer mentor and community organizer for student-athletes. She is committed to using her growing expertise to support development and mobility for clients with varying conditions.
THERAPY ASSISTANTS

Speech Language Pathologist Assistant | BI
Kim Estoque
she/her/hers
Kim Estoque is a dedicated Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) at Frolic Expressions Therapy House, bringing over four years of experience in speech sciences. Specializing in supporting children with autism and speech/language delays, Kim holds a BA in Speech Sciences from the University of British Columbia. Passionate about making communication accessible to all, she combines scientific expertise with deep empathy to help every child reach their fullest potential. Kim is an invaluable part of the Frolic Expressions team, committed to the success and growth of every client.

Speech Language Pathologist Assistant
Laura Tellez
she/her/hers
Laura, originally from Colombia, brings her enthusiasm and dedication to Frolic Expressions Therapy House. With a degree in Speech-Language Pathology from her home country, she is passionate about transforming lives through human communication. Laura has a deep love for working with children, and she is committed to positively impacting their growth and development. Inspired by their curiosity and resilience, Laura takes great joy in being part of their learning journey, making each day a rewarding experience for her and the children she supports.

Speech Language Pathologist Assistant
Rajalekshmi Sasi
she/her/hers
Rajalekshmi, known as Lax, is a dedicated Speech-Language Pathologist with 8 years of experience specializing in complex communication needs, including autism and Down syndrome. Her empathetic approach allows her to create innovative therapy sessions tailored to each client. Lax collaborates with families and educators to extend therapeutic progress into everyday life, aiming to help every individual find their unique voice.

Speech Language Pathologist Assistant
Shukran Aladdin
she/her/hers
Shukran, a graduate of the University of British Columbia with a degree in Speech Sciences and Psychology, is dedicated to supporting individuals and families with special needs. Her personal experience as a caregiver for a family member with special needs provides her with a deep sense of empathy and understanding, allowing her to connect with families on a more profound level. Through personalized therapy and guidance, Shukran empowers those she works with to overcome challenges and reach their full potential, helping them live fulfilling and enriched lives.

Speech Language Pathologist Assistant
Simren Lalli
she/her/hers
Simrin holds a Bachelor's in Psychology with a minor in Early Learning and is pursuing her Speech Science certificate at Simon Fraser University. With experience as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant since 2020, she is passionate about helping individuals with communication challenges. Simrin also volunteers with adults in stroke recovery, and in her free time, she enjoys being active and spending time with family and friends.

Therapy Assistant
Sarah Shakil
she/her/hers
Sarah is a compassionate therapy assistant with over 8 years of clinical experience in assessing and treating diverse communication disorders. With a background that includes international experience in Scotland and Bachelor’s degree in Speech sciences in Pakistan, Sarah is proficient in using evidence-based practices to support clients of all ages. She specializes in creating customized therapy plans for articulation, language delays, and fluency issues, and holds specialized certification in TalkTools (Level 1 & 2) for oral placement and feeding therapy. She is deeply committed to collaborating with families to ensure every individual achieves their optimal quality of life.

Therapy Assistant
Rhea Tomines
she/her/hers
Rhea is a versatile therapy assistant who brings a decade of experience as a Speech-Language Pathologist, joining us with a strong background in school-based and clinical therapy from California. She possesses specialized expertise in Autism diagnostics (ADOS Assessment trained) and is highly skilled in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) methods. Rhea has worked extensively with diverse age groups, from preschool through high school, providing comprehensive assessments and intervention programs. Flexible and reliable, Rhea is dedicated to case management and team collaboration to support the unique developmental needs of her clients.

Therapy Assistant
Dona Maria
she/her/hers
Dona is a versatile therapy assistant who combines her background as a Clinical Audiologist and speech language pathologist with hands-on therapy support to children with complex communication needs. Her unique skillset includes Auditory Verbal Therapy (AVT) for children with cochlear implants and hearing aids, as well as supporting neurodiverse children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. With the skills working in educational settings with special needs students, Dona is trained in Behaviour Management Systems (BMS) and excels at managing challenging behaviors with empathy. She is passionate about early identification and using listening-based learning to help children find their voice.

Therapy Assistant
Lily Nguyen
she/her/hers
Lily is a dedicated therapy assistant with over 7 years of experience working with neurodiverse individuals, ranging from toddlers to young adults. With a Bachelor's degree in Linguistics and Psychology from SFU, Lily has a dual background in both speech therapy and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). She is passionate about community building and has volunteered extensively in schools and stroke recovery groups to promote literacy and communication. In her free time, you can find Lily reading the latest manga or organizing her anime collectibles.

Therapy Assistant
Lorena Brammer
she/her/hers
Lorena is an incredibly seasoned Speech-Language Pathology Assistant with over 20 years of experience, bringing a depth of knowledge that truly benefits our clients. She has a strong focus on inclusive education and has specialized training in Autism support (POPARD) and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), including PECS and LAMP. Lorena excels at making therapy practical—she creates visual schedules and adapted materials to implement goals designed by the SLP team. A dedicated collaborator, she even mentors UBC teaching candidates, sharing her practical wisdom on supporting neurodiverse students in the classroom.

Therapy Assistant
Aishah Ismail
she/her/hers
Aishah is a "curious mind" in the truest sense. With a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics and Developmental Disabilities from SFU, she combines academic rigor with hands-on empathy. She has worked extensively as a Behavior Interventionist and SLP Assistant, helping children find their voice through imitation, modeling, and pretend play. Aishah is also deeply involved in research, having contributed to studies on language acquisition. Whether she is running a session or analyzing data, her goal is always the same: to foster a patient, compassionate space where every child can learn.

Rehabilitation Therapy Assistant
Hershey Flores Bravo
she/her/hers
Hershey is a proactive Rehabilitation Therapy Assistant dedicated to putting clients and family needs at the forefront of her practice. With experience in home health and care center environments, she is skilled in implementing rehabilitation programs directed by PTs and OTs, including safe transfers and mobility equipment management. Hershey excels at therapeutic communication, using motivation to engage clients in their recovery plans while ensuring a safe and organized therapy environment.
Rehabilitation Therapy Assistant
Devan Bishnoi
he/him/his
Daven is a dedicated healthcare professional with a strong foundation in physiotherapy. Having practiced as a Physiotherapist in India and currently pursuing a Master’s in Leadership at Trinity Western University, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge to his role as an assistant. Daven has a special heart for rehabilitation and pain management, with experience ranging from hospital internships to supporting elderly residents in care homes. He is eager to apply his skills in the Canadian healthcare system, helping clients recover and improve their mobility with kindness and expertise.

Rehabilitation Therapy Assistant
Achza Esther Jobin
she/her/hers
Achza joins us with a truly impressive background in pediatric care. Holding a Master’s in Neuro Physiotherapy from India and currently pursuing a Master’s in Healthcare Leadership here in BC, she has a deep understanding of developmental and neurological needs. Achza is passionate about play-based interventions and supporting families with practical, compassionate care. As a mother herself, she brings a personal touch to her sessions, understanding the patience and empathy required to help children thrive in a safe, supportive environment.

Behavior Interventionist
Janelle Acquaah-Harrison
she/her/hers
Janelle is an inquisitive and diligent Behavior Interventionist holding a Master of Science in Psychology (Distinction) and a Bachelor’s in Psychology from UBC. With experience in both the UK and Canada, she specializes in supporting children and adolescents using the PACE model and is skilled in assistive technologies like PECS. Janelle’s approach is research-backed and family-centered; she has previously worked as a research assistant in Autism and Neurodiversity. She is deeply committed to equitable policy-making and fostering positive identity formation in emerging adolescents.

Behavior Interventionist
Mayumi Zara Andal
she/her/hers
Mayumi is an energetic Behavior Interventionist and current student at Simon Fraser University. Since 2022, she has gained hands-on experience supporting children in camp and home settings, including those with special needs. Mayumi is known for her adaptability and strong work ethic, bringing a "super" attitude to her sessions. Eager to learn and grow within the field, she focuses on creating a supportive and engaging environment where children can thrive.

Behavior Interventionist
Amina Bhullar
she/her/hers
Amina is a champion for family and youth support. With a Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care and experience as a Residential Support Worker, she understands the complex needs of vulnerable families better than most. She is skilled in creating culturally relevant programs and providing "wrap-around" support that stabilizes home environments so children can heal and grow. Amina is currently planning to pursue her Master’s in Counselling, driven by a desire to deepen her ability to support families. Her approach is rooted in attachment parenting and building strong, trusting relationships.
ADMINISTRATION & CLINIC OPERATIONS

Clinic Coordinator
Vipin Gupta
he/him/his
Vipin leads our clinic operations with a steady hand and a sharp eye for organization. Drawing on a robust background in logistics and dispatch management, he is an expert at navigating complex schedules and ensuring resources are exactly where they need to be. Vipin combines this operational efficiency with a genuine "patient-first" attitude, prioritizing the needs of our families and team above all else. Whether he is coordinating between therapists or managing daily workflows, Vipin ensures that Frolic Expressions remains a supportive and well-run environment for everyone who walks through our doors.

Clinic Administration
Simrat Kaur
she/her/hers
Simrat is a key part of our administrative team, known for her efficiency and friendly customer service. With a unique background in Computer Systems Technology, she navigates our clinic management software with ease, handling everything from online scheduling to direct billing with precision. Simrat is a calm multitasker who manages patient flow and administrative requests simultaneously, ensuring that our therapists can focus entirely on client care. She is dedicated to making sure every administrative interaction is helpful, clear, and stress-free for our families.

Clinic Administrator
Roshni Batra
she/her/hers
Roshni handles our daily operations, bringing a dynamic focus to the patient experience. As our Clinic Administrator, she excels at managing the critical behind-the-scenes details that keep our clinic running smoothly—from seamless patient intake and complex scheduling to precise billing for ICBC, WSBC, and MSP claims. Roshni is recognized for her ability to build warm, trusting relationships with patients, ensuring they feel supported from their very first phone call. She is a problem-solver who takes pride in creating an efficient, professional, and welcoming atmosphere for our community.
