Heidi Hrycko
Richmond Hill,Canada
Summary
Experienced child and youth professional with a BA in Psychology and an MA in Early Childhood Studies. Over 7 years of experience implementing evidence-based interventions for children and youth with neurodevelopmental conditions, disabilities, and mental health challenges. Skilled in Applied Behaviour Analysis, crisis management, and fostering collaboration among multidisciplinary teams to enhance child well-being and developmental outcomes.
Overview
1
1
Certification
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Educational Assistant
York Catholic District School Board
Aurora, Ontario
03.2024 - Current
- Facilitated support for kindergarten to grade 12 students facing diverse exceptionalities such as ASD, ADHD, developmental, intellectual, physical, and learning disabilities, non-verbal communication needs, mental health challenges, and complex behavioral needs.
- Implemented behaviour management, de-escalation, and crisis intervention strategies to ensure safety and support for students experiencing aggression, emotional dysregulation, property destruction, and elopement.
- Orchestrated personalized academic, behavioral, communication, and life skills strategies in accordance with individual education plans (IEPs).
- Built trusting relationships with students by adapting communication and learning strategies to promote engagement, emotional regulation, confidence, and independence.
- Collaborated with teachers, SERTs, child and youth workers, therapists, administrators, and families to share behavioural observations and recommend tailored support strategies for individual student needs.
- Provided intensive support in Special Education Intensive (SEI) classrooms and assisted students with complex physical, medical, sensory, and mobility needs.
- Developed and adapted instructional materials, visual supports, and communication resources to enhance accessibility and inclusivity in learning environments.
- Demonstrated adaptability by supporting students across multiple schools, grade levels, classrooms, and specialized programs while ensuring continuity of care.
ABA Therapist
Children's Development Group
05.2020 - 03.2024
- Delivered individualized Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) therapy to children and youth with complex neurodevelopmental profiles, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, OCD, ODD, and anxiety, targeting communication, adaptive functioning, social skills, and behavioural development.
- Utilized advanced ABA methodologies, including discrete trial training (DTT), natural environment teaching (NET), reinforcement systems, prompting, and behaviour modification strategies to facilitate skill acquisition and reduce barriers to learning.
- Analyzed behavioural data and progress trends to identify client strengths, measure intervention effectiveness, and contribute to data-informed treatment adjustments.
- Coordinated with Child Psychologists, Speech-Language Pathologists, senior therapists, and families to implement comprehensive intervention plans, ensuring consistent therapeutic approaches across diverse environments.
- Assisted senior therapists in conducting skill assessments and developmental evaluations through structured observations, performance data collection, and clinical feedback to enhance individualized treatment goals.
- Led crisis management and mentorship initiatives, delivering over 40 hours of staff training to empower team members in effective behavioral strategy implementation and uphold high-quality client care.
Child Mentor
Centennial Infant and Child Centre
09.2019 - 07.2020
- Delivered individualized developmental support to children under five with diverse disabilities, fostering growth in communication and social skills.
- Supported early childhood development through structured activities targeting communication, sensory integration, fine and gross motor skills, cognitive development, and social-emotional growth.
- Observed and documented children’s developmental progress, strengths, and areas of need while collaborating with caregivers and staff to support individualized developmental goals.
- Assisted in creating positive, inclusive environments that encouraged independence, confidence, engagement, and participation in daily learning experiences.
- Coordinated with families and childcare professionals to enhance support strategies, effectively addressing developmental concerns and ensuring consistency between home and care settings.
- Monitored children's safety and well-being by identifying developmental, behavioral, or environmental concerns and implementing appropriate child protection procedures.
Children's Party Coordinator
Fairytale Land
01.2018 - 10.2018
- Oversaw all facets of special events for guests, demonstrating strong organizational skills in coordinating entertainment, etiquette instruction, crafts, and catering to meet diverse party requirements.
- Utilized creativity and commitment to customer satisfaction to tailor events to specific guest needs.
- Followed child safety protocols to reduce risk of accidents and injuries through effective security measures.
- Maintained cleanliness, safety, and attractiveness of party venues, ensuring prompt attention to spills, waste removal, and dish maintenance.
Gymnastics Coach
Richmond Hill Gymnastics Club
03.2017 - 12.2017
- Planned and conducted structured practice sessions to enhance skill development and team cohesion.
- Fostered physical, mental, and emotional growth in gymnasts by cultivating a supportive, positive team culture that encouraged personal development.
- Ensured safety of children while calmly handling emergency situations, including assessing conditions, providing aid, and coordinating medical care effectively.
Education
Master of Early Childhood Studies -
Toronto Metropolitan University
Toronto11-2023
Honours Bachelor of Psychology -
York University
Toronto06-2021
Skills
- Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Support
- Intervention planning
- Crisis intervention
- Positive Behaviour Support
- Behaviour assessment
- Behaviour documentation
- Social skills development
- Disability support
- Trauma-informed practice
- Multidisciplinary Collaboration
- Child safeguarding
Certification
- The Social Context of Mental Health, University of Toronto, 2026
- Psychological First Aid, John Hopkins University, 2026
- Basics of Counselling and Psychotherapy, Alison, 2026
- Be There Certificate, Jack.org, 2022
Timeline
Educational Assistant
York Catholic District School Board
03.2024 - Current
ABA Therapist
Children's Development Group
05.2020 - 03.2024
Child Mentor
Centennial Infant and Child Centre
09.2019 - 07.2020
Children's Party Coordinator
Fairytale Land
01.2018 - 10.2018
Gymnastics Coach
Richmond Hill Gymnastics Club
03.2017 - 12.2017
Master of Early Childhood Studies -
Toronto Metropolitan University
Honours Bachelor of Psychology -
York University