A beacon of hope and support

for adults with autism

Ensuring that each individual can lead a fulfilling life beyond the age of 21

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Program Director

Alessya Coletta, M.Sc, BCBA, R.B.A

Our Staff

Alessya Coletta is a dedicated and compassionate Registered Behaviour Analyst, with a strong commitment to enhancing the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Since beginning her career in 2014, Alessya has been devoted to providing individualized, evidence-based support that promotes independence, meaningful engagement, and overall well-being.

She earned her Master of Science (M.Sc) in Applied Behaviour Analysis from The Sage Colleges and has since focused her work on expanding services and program options for individuals who have aged out of school and traditional funding sources. Recognizing the challenges families face during this transition, Alessya is passionate about creating opportunities that foster continued growth, community involvement, and lifelong success.

Alessya strongly believes in compassionate, person-centered, and multidisciplinary care. She works collaboratively with families, caregivers, and other professionals to develop strategies that are both effective and sustainable, ensuring individuals receive the support they need to thrive. Her expertise includes daily living skill development, communication enhancement and advocacy for inclusive opportunities.

Above all, Alessya is committed to improving the overall quality of life and experiences of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. She strives to make a lasting impact by advocating for more accessible, innovative, and inclusive services that empower individuals to live fulfilling, self-determined lives.

Melody Gentles

Hi, I’m Melody. I’m a Support Worker who believes in creating a warm, supportive environment where everyone feels valued and encouraged. I love being part of a team that puts people first and works together to support growth and independence. In my free time, I enjoy painting, writing poetry, dancing, karaoke, puzzles, and going to the gym. I practice Tae Kwon Do and have experience in belly dancing and Indian dance. I’m passionate about culture and history, especially Egyptian history, and I love summer, travel, and R&B music.

Gurneet Singh

Hi, I’m Gurneet. I’m a Support Worker who truly enjoys helping individuals grow, build independence, and celebrate their achievements, both big and small. I have a background in psychotherapy and value creating meaningful, supportive relationships with the people I work with. Outside of work, I enjoy painting, reading, hiking, photography, and staying active through working out and boxing. I love adventure, including scuba diving and bungee jumping, and I’m especially drawn to the ocean and marine life. I’m also a big fan of horror movies and Halloween. “
 

Jose Caro

As the Integrative Wellness and Support Specialist at Autism Beyond 21 and Head Coach of the Humber College Women’s Soccer Program, I bring a compassionate blend of clinical understanding, athletic leadership, and genuine human connection to every space I’m part of.
 
My work is grounded in Applied Behavior Analysis and over a decade of experience as a Certified Autism Fitness Practitioner, but what drives me most is helping people feel capable, confident, and supported. I care deeply about creating fitness experiences that make daily living more accessible and empowering. That passion also led me to create RediFitness, a program dedicated to building the physical skills needed for everyday activities through patient, individualized, and encouraging training.
 
Throughout my coaching journey, I’ve had the privilege of guiding athletes at many stages of development. Whether I’m supporting a young person taking their first steps toward independence or coaching a collegiate athlete striving for excellence, my approach is rooted in empathy, clear communication, and belief in their potential. At Humber College, I lead a high‑performance women’s soccer program that values effort, intensity, reflection, and teamwork. I take pride in building an environment where athletes feel cared for, challenged, and inspired to grow both on and off the field.
 
Across all my roles—coach, practitioner, mentor, and program creator—my mission is simple: to build spaces where people feel seen, supported, and encouraged to reach their full potential, one meaningful step at a time.

Ishika Mahajan

Hi, I’m Ishika. I’m a Support Worker with a foundation in Applied Psychology and specialized training in Autism and Behaviour Science, along with formal education in Addictions and Mental Health.  My academic background has given me a strong understanding of behavior and mental health, which I bring into every environment I work in.
 
Before stepping into my current role, I worked as a Special Educator in a specialized school setting, where I supported children with diverse learning and developmental needs. During that time, I created individualized learning strategies, implemented structured supports, and worked closely with families and multidisciplinary teams to promote independence and meaningful progress.
My passion for inclusion and empowerment, along with the encouragement and support of my school and colleagues, led me to create Feet Me Up, a small initiative focused on supporting and creating employment opportunities for differently abled individuals. The project reflects my belief that everyone deserves dignity, independence, and opportunities to thrive (you can find it on Instagram at @feetmeup).
 
Across my educational and community experiences, I’ve developed strong skills in individualized planning, collaboration, communication, and culturally responsive support. I value creating safe, structured, and encouraging environments where individuals feel capable, respected, and celebrated for who they are.
Outside of work, I love to paint and cook, and I’ve always enjoyed staying active. I was a national roller hockey player and still enjoy swimming whenever I get the chance. Creativity, movement, and connection are important parts of who I am, both personally and professionally.

Hailey Sandhu

Supporting individuals with disabilities and complex needs has always given me a strong sense of purpose. I am passionate about creating environments where individuals feel valued, understood, and empowered to grow in meaningful ways.
I completed my Honours Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Family and Child Studies at the University of Guelph. Throughout my academic and professional experiences, I have developed a deep appreciation for person-centred support and inclusive community engagement. I have worked across educational, recreational, and community settings, where I focused on fostering independence, confidence, and meaningful participation.
In addition to my hands-on experience, I have volunteered with organizations such as March of Dimes Canada and the Alzheimer Society, which strengthened my communication skills and reinforced the importance of dignity, empathy, and respect in all interactions.
At Autism Beyond 21, I am committed to supporting adults in building life skills, developing autonomy, and engaging in experiences that enhance their overall quality of life. I am grateful to be part of a team that prioritizes inclusion, growth, and community connection.

Alicia Meyer

I’m so happy to be a part of Autism Beyond 21 as a support worker. I love helping our participants learn new skills, and living to their maximum potential. When I’m not working, you’ll usually find me curled up with a good book, baking with my kids, or cooking a great meal with my partner Read.

I grew up traveling a lot, which gave me a big love for adventure and sharing experiences with my family. I’m a proud parent of a blended family. I have 2 daughters and a stepson and stepdaughter. I love fall weather, relaxing at home, listening to music, and hanging out with my dog, Bonnie.

Donations

We believe every adult with autism deserves a life filled with purpose, dignity, and opportunity. Your generous donation
helps us provide essential programs that foster independence, community engagement, and personal growth.
Registered Charity Number: 76899 9955 RR0001

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