Aksa Ann Jacob
Oshawa,Canada
Summary
Dedicated Addictions and Mental Health graduate student with comprehensive academic training in counseling practices, trauma-informed care, group interventions, and ethical documentation. Strong ability to support individuals facing emotional and behavioral challenges in structured service environments, leveraging skills in observation, rapport-building, and collaborative teamwork. Eager to contribute to a supervised placement within the Harm Reduction program at community-based addictions and mental health services, aiming to apply knowledge and skills to foster positive outcomes for clients. Committed to promoting recovery-oriented practices and enhancing the well-being of individuals in need of support.
Overview
2
2
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Behaviour Therapist (ABA)
SPARK Pediatric Services
11.2024 - Current
- Collaborate with senior clinicians and interdisciplinary team members to support individuals with complex emotional, behavioural, and psychosocial needs.
- Participate in reflective supervision and clinical debriefs to evaluate interventions, address challenges, and enhance professional practice.
- Build therapeutic rapport through consistent, strengths-based, and compassionate engagement with clients and caregivers.
- Provide 1:1 ABA therapy to children aged 3–12 with ASD, implementing individualized treatment plans designed by senior therapists and BCBAs with high treatment fidelity.
- Deliver structured teaching using DTT, NET, PRT, modelling, shaping, chaining, and reinforcement-based strategies to develop communication, social, academic, and adaptive skills.
- Implement Skill-Based Treatment (SBT) protocols to reduce severe problem behaviour while teaching functional communication, tolerance, and cooperation skills through systematic, compassionate ABA methods.
- Conduct targeted programming using PEAK, AFLS, and Socially Savvy, supporting the development of language, daily living skills, executive functioning, and social competence.
Placement Intern
St. John the Evangelist School
02.2024 - 04.2024
- Conducted thorough data collection and analysis to assess the progress and individual needs of 7 students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), informing the development of targeted intervention strategies.
- Collaborated closely with supervisors to develop 2 highly specific Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals for each of the 7 students, ensuring alignment with each student's unique requirements and abilities.
- Observed and meticulously documented daily activities and social interactions of students with ASD, identifying strengths, challenges, and areas for intervention, resulting in the formulation of tailored support plans.
- Planned and executed personalized interventions and instructional strategies for 2 students with ASD, resulting in measurable improvements in academic performance, social skills, and behaviour.
Education
Post Graduate Certificate - Addictions and Mental health
Durham College
Oshawa, Ontario01.2025
Graduate Certificate - Autism and Behavioural Science
Durham College
Oshawa01.2024
Bachelors Degree - Psychology
St. Xaviers College, Autonomous
Bombay, India01.2023
Skills
Foundational knowledge of client-centred and motivational counselling approaches within addictions and mental health settings
Working knowledge of harm reduction principles, including non-judgmental engagement, client autonomy, and recovery-oriented care
Sound understanding of trauma-informed practice when supporting individuals, families, and groups affected by addiction and mental health challenges
Familiar with group counselling processes, including psycho-education and mutual support group facilitation
Working knowledge of bio-psycho-social models of addiction, including substance use, process addictions, and concurrent disorders
Exposure to CBT- and DBT-informed psychoeducation strategies for emotion regulation, coping, and behaviour change
Foundational knowledge of psychopharmacology and the impact of substances on CNS functioning and psychosocial wellbeing
Developing competency in Motivational Interviewing through structured coursework and supervised skills practice
Working knowledge of case management principles, including assessment, documentation, service coordination, and advocacy
Sound understanding of culturally responsive and person-in-context practice across diverse populations
Certification
- First Aid/CPR Level C, Red Cross and American Heart Association, 2024
- UMAB
- Working with individuals with autism often involves providing direct care and support in various settings. Having a First Aid/CPR certification demonstrates the ability to respond effectively in emergencies and ensures the safety and well-being of individuals.
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Malayalam
Native or Bilingual
Hindi
Limited Working
Arabic
Elementary
Timeline
Behaviour Therapist (ABA)
SPARK Pediatric Services
11.2024 - Current
Placement Intern
St. John the Evangelist School
02.2024 - 04.2024
Graduate Certificate - Autism and Behavioural Science
Durham College
Bachelors Degree - Psychology
St. Xaviers College, Autonomous
Post Graduate Certificate - Addictions and Mental health
Durham College