Meet The Team

My name is Stacey Baskind and I’d like to welcome you to KidsConnecting. 

I am a certified RBA and am certified in ESDM, DIR/Floortime and PLAY Project. I have been supporting children with autism and their families for over 25 years and am excited to be running my own practice using the strategies, techniques and experiences I have gained over the years.

I started my work in autism as an IBI therapist and a teacher at an integrated nursery school in 1998.  In 2000 I joined Surrey Place Centre where I was integral in starting up the TPAS program and also supervised a team of IBI therapists. Following this, I was an Autism Consultant for the provincial School Support Program where I trained and consulted to teachers in the TDSB and Holland-Bloorview school authority. As a member of the provincial Connections for Student program, I supported children with autism who were transitioning from IBI into school. Through these experiences, I gained an excellent knowledge of IBI therapy and the school system.

In 2012, I was introduced to Dr. Laurie Vismara and ESDM. When I started using ESDM with toddlers with autism, I was hooked. Using a play-based, child-directed intervention that highlighted engagement and connection made such sense to me.  When I helped a child learn  the power of their voice and eyes to make needs known, or when a child shared a smile with me, I knew that this was the way that I wanted to practice. I was trained and certified by Dr. Vismara. I have since attained certification in DIR/Floortime and PLAYProject which are also developmental, play-based and child-centred models of intervention.

Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work on multi-disciplinary teams with many gifted developmental pediatricians, psychologists, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, teachers, educational consultants and social workers. Working with these professionals has informed and enriched my practice. In addition, I regularly refer my clients to this network in order to meet the changing needs of their family or child.

I feel strongly about the important role that parents play in their child’s therapy and progress. In my practice, parent coaching and support are paramount. Parents (or grandparents) are present in all my sessions so that I can model, explain and coach them in the strategies and techniques.

I look forward to talking to you about how I can be of support to you and your child.

I am very proud to be part of the KidsConnecting team. Stacey and I have run the Summer Camp program together since 2018. In 2020, I left my teaching position at a private nursery school in Toronto but, having a lot of energy and a host of stories, songs and activities to share, I wasn’t ready to retire. I was thrilled when Stacey asked me to join her team to run year-round groups with her.

My years of working with young children has always been part of my life, and now I can continue to share my vast  knowledge of child development with Stacey and her team of therapists. I, in turn, have learned so much from Stacey about neurodivergent children.

Together we provide a stimulating, exciting program to our clients in a warm, welcoming environment. We give love, hope and encouragement to our families.

We hope you will join us on this journey.

I am excited to be joining the KidsConnecting team! I have over 10 years  of teaching experience working with students from Kindergarten to Grade  8. I am committed to helping students develop essential school-ready  skills, foster positive social interactions, and enhance their academic  performance. 

Over the course of my career, I have completed the following Advanced  Qualification courses: Mathematics, Primary and Junior Part 1, Special Education Part 1, English as a Second Language Part 1, Intermediate Division Native Studies, and Integration of Information and Computer Technology Instruction Part 1. 

As an educator, I firmly believe in creating a supportive and inclusive  environment where every student feels valued and empowered to reach  their full potential. I understand the unique needs and challenges that students face at different stages of their educational journey, and I tailor my teaching approach to meet those needs. I am proud to be  joining a team that prioritizes children’s well-being and development.

My name is Debbie Wall and I have worked with children in a variety of settings for over 22 years. I have taught at the York Region District School Board for over 20 years where I have taught children from kindergarten to grade 8, including; a primary classroom, a community classroom, English as a Second Language and Reading Recovery.

I have a strong passion for teaching children and watching them grow and prosper. Over the years I have taught children with learning disabilities, dyslexia, language impairments, autism and ADHD by differentiating the curriculum to meet their unique needs. I have also worked alongside other paraprofessionals like social workers, speech and language pathologists and occupational therapists to help children with their diverse needs transition and succeed. I enjoy planning learning opportunities for children using books, discussions, role play and art. 

I am really excited to be a part of Kids Connecting and I feel confident that the Peers Program will help foster children’s independence, confidence and character!

My name is Kelli Sherwin and I am excited to join the KidsConnecting team! I am an OCT-certified teacher with over 25 years of experience teaching with the York Region District School Board, where I have supported students from Kindergarten to Grade 8. I hold Specialist Qualifications in Special Education and have training in Reading Recovery, which guide my use of evidence-based, structured literacy practices to support diverse learners. Throughout my career, I have worked closely alongside a psychologist to administer, score, and report academic assessments, and I have extensive experience writing detailed, Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) that reflect each child’s unique strengths and areas for growth. As both an educator and the parent of a neurodiverse child, I understand how important collaboration, advocacy, and compassionate support are for families. I am deeply committed to working alongside parents, advocating for students, and creating a supportive, responsive learning environment where every child feels understood, capable, and valued.