Stefan Girgis
Kitchener,ON
Summary
Honours Psychology graduate with an Economics minor, combining strong data literacy with specialized experience in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) principles and high-intensity behavioural intervention. Proven track record of executing function-based support plans, managing complex behavioural crises, and delivering person-centred care across residential, respite, and Supported Independent Living (SIL) settings. Combines rigorous clinical documentation skills with CPI-certified de-escalation expertise to promote skill acquisition, emotional regulation, and safety. Recognized for exceptional composure in high-stress environments, high social intelligence, and a collaborative approach when working alongside multidisciplinary teams, BCBAs, and families.
Overview
1
1
Certification
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Behavioral Support Specialist (High Intensity)
Parents for Community Living
Kitchener, Ontario
07.2026 - Current
- Deliver specialized 2:1 and 3:1 support for three teenagers with complex behavioral needs in a residential setting, safely managing high-frequency, intense target behaviors, including physical aggression, self-injurious behaviors (SIBs), environmental destruction, and elopement attempts.
- Apply mechanical safety equipment, including soft helmets with face guards, safety harnesses, and adaptive seatbelts, maintaining strict documentation, continuous supervision, and chin clearance checks to prevent biting, head banging, and elopement.
- Manage high-intensity crisis situations using approved CPI containment holds (Seated, Standing, Team Control, Escort), adhering to 2-minute calm release standards, continuous safety checks, post-crisis debriefing protocols, and formal UIR documentation.
- Proficient in executing both Least-to-Most (Verbal -> Gestural -> Partial Physical -> Full Physical) and Most-to-Least (Hand-Over-Hand -> Partial Physical -> Gestural -> Verbal) prompting hierarchies to systematically promote skill acquisition while managing non-compliance and aggression.
- Facilitate structured Daily Activity Schedules (DAS) and Visual Activity Schedules (VAS) using PECS and concrete object cueing to establish predictable routines, support smooth activity transitions, and reduce environmental overstimulation.
- Utilize enthusiastic, behavior-specific praise, edible and tangible reinforcers, pre-set task completion, and functional communication strategies to systematically replace inappropriate social behaviors.
- Maintain high treatment integrity targeted at 90%+ TIC benchmarks, while collecting objective ABC data, frequency metrics, and shift summaries under direct BCBA oversight.
Direct Support Professional
Parents for Community Living
Waterloo, Canada
07.2024 - Current
- Provide person-centered behavioural support and adaptive daily living skills coaching for adults across a 10-apartment Supported Independent Living community.
- Implement individualized support plans and task analysis to build client autonomy in executive functioning, household management, meal preparation, and self-advocacy.
- Accompany clients to medical appointments, taking accurate clinical notes, and facilitating communication between healthcare providers, families, and internal care teams.
- Maintain complete, time-sensitive case logs, and shift documentation in strict alignment with agency policies and provincial regulatory mandates.
- Apply proactive de-escalation strategies and positive behavior support (PBS) with high composure and emotional regulation to maintain a safe and predictable environment.
Children’s Respite Social Program Facilitator
Parents for Community Living
Waterloo, Ontario
10.2024 - 04.2025
- Facilitated a weekly evening respite social program for children with diverse developmental and behavioural needs, coordinating structured activity schedules, meal setups, and peer engagement strategies.
- Maintained comprehensive program binders, tracking daily attendance, movement logs for community outings, and Medication Administration Records (MARs) in strict accordance with Ministry documentation requirements.
- Managed parent intake and check-in procedures, facilitated daily 'My Time at Social Group' tracking forms, communicated individual support requirements, and ensured client file updates.
- Lead structured daily schedules incorporating visual supports, sensory/body breaks, music therapy participation, creative crafts, and group community outings to support peer interaction, and routine predictability.
- Supported individual client needs, including toileting, allergy protocols, and mealtime assistance, while monitoring for behavioral triggers, and implementing prompt de-escalation outside active group spaces.
Corporate Restaurant Line Cook
The Pickle Barrel
Waterloo, Canada
05.2022 - 01.2025
- Appointed as the Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) Representative to audit workplace safety, enforce regional sanitation standards, and maintain WHMIS/GHS hazard compliance.
- Managed high-volume operations across dual stations, coordinating task workflows, and shift logistics under strict time constraints.
- Exercised strong leadership and organizational skills by coordinating shift responsibilities, managing prep-work logistics, and ensuring tasks were completed under tight deadlines.
Contract In-Home Caregiver & Recovery Coordinator
Private Client
Toronto, Canada
11.2023 - 12.2023
- Managed daily operations, timelines, and complex healthcare arrangements for an individual on short-term medical and psychiatric disability leave, including clinical appointment alignment, medical accompaniment, medication tracking, and record safeguarding.
- Facilitated professional correspondence and drafted corporate communications on behalf of the client to ensure a structured, smooth, and sustainable return-to-work transition.
- Utilized exceptional social intelligence, patience, and emotional regulation to navigate acute psychiatric distress, substance withdrawal episodes, and intense cognitive thought loops under pressure.
- Audited and restructured the physical environment to minimize stressful stimuli, eliminate safety hazards, and install customized accessibility modifications to support daily recovery goals.
Education
Faculty of Science Graduate - Honours Bachelor of Arts - Psychology, Minor in Economics
Wilfrid Laurier University
Waterloo, ON06.2026
Highschool Diploma -
Al-Mawakeb School Garhoud
Dubai, UAE06.2020
Skills
- Functional Communication Training (FCT)
- Data Collection (ABC & Frequency tracking)
- Behaviour Plan Execution
- Non-Violent Crisis Intervention & De-escalation (NCI CPI)
- Reinforcement Strategies
- Team Leadership
- Conflict Resolution
- Active Listening
- Intercultural Competence
- Relationship Building
- Calendar Management
- Secure Data Management
- Administrative Coordination
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Google Workspace
- Notion
- High-Speed Data Entry (91 WPM)
- Fluent in English
- Conversational in Arabic
VIA Character Strengths (Top 5)
Perspective | Fairness | Social Intelligence | Kindness | Love of Learning
Certification
- CPR & First Aid Certified
- NCI CPI Trained
- Valid Full G Driver’s License (Ontario) – Clean Abstract
Volunteer Experience
Floater & Event Support | Tayba Elementary School Carnival
- Facilitated youth activities, crowd control, and dynamic station float support to ensure a safe, organized, and engaging environment for elementary students.
Athletes Assistant | Dubai Club for People of Determination
- Supported international adaptive athletes during the 2019 World Para-Athletic Championships, assisting with mobility logistics, accessibility accommodations, and competition scheduling.
Service Dog Raiser & Cat Foster Caregiver | National Service Dogs & KW Humane Society
- Managed structured environments, daily routines, and behavioural tracking for service dog candidates and foster animals to support socialization and skill acquisition.
Community Events Marshal & Safety Coordinator | Palestinian Youth Movement
- Executed crowd monitoring, venue safety protocols, and de-escalation for large-scale community events and cultural gatherings.
Station Supervisor & Operations Support | MAC Kitchener Masjid Eid Festival
- Supervised volunteer teams, managed high-volume food service workflows, and enforced food safety and facility sanitation standards.
Timeline
Behavioral Support Specialist (High Intensity)
Parents for Community Living
07.2026 - Current
Children’s Respite Social Program Facilitator
Parents for Community Living
10.2024 - 04.2025
Direct Support Professional
Parents for Community Living
07.2024 - Current
Contract In-Home Caregiver & Recovery Coordinator
Private Client
11.2023 - 12.2023
Corporate Restaurant Line Cook
The Pickle Barrel
05.2022 - 01.2025
Faculty of Science Graduate - Honours Bachelor of Arts - Psychology, Minor in Economics
Wilfrid Laurier University
Highschool Diploma -
Al-Mawakeb School Garhoud