MEET THE TEAM
Sarah Stepaniuk
Co-Owner and SLP
Sarah Stepaniuk is one of the owners of Aspire Preschool. Sarah’s experience includes working with children who have a variety of special needs; she has a keen interest in working with children who have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). She has worked in a variety of settings including schools, health units and private agencies. She has experience on the Provincial Autism Resource Team as well as organizing social communication summer programs for young teens. Highlights of her training include SCERTS (Social Communication, Emotional Regulation and Transactional Support) workshop and the Early Start Denver Model Introductory and Advanced Workshops. Sarah is passionate about providing best practice to clients and their families. Outside of work, she is a busy mom to two boys.
Shantelle Soto
Co-Owner and Behavior Analyst
Shantelle Soto is one of the owners of Aspire Preschool. She has owned and operated a successful business in Victoria, BC supporting children with ASD and ADHD. She is a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst and has been working as a consultant for children with autism since 2014. She recently was certified in the Early Start Denver Model approach, and she specializes in Autism and ADHD. Her passion is helping children be successful and empowering them and the people surrounding them, to be their best.
Sandra Foster
Co-Owner and Financial Manager
Sandra Foster is one of the owners of Aspire Preschool Inc. Sandi’s passion for working with children with ASD began as a Special Education Assistant in schools. That passion continued in the Queen Alexandra Autism Program, then to the creation of Stepping Stones Therapy and now Aspire Preschool Inc. Over time, Sandi has moved into the management of the financial and funding aspects associated with business.
Ellen Roberts
Program Manager
Ellen Roberts is a registered early childhood educator with specializations in infant and toddler care and special needs. Ellen additionally holds a Child and Youth degree from Mount Saint Vincent University. Ellen's goal is to obtain her Masters in Applied Behaviour Analysis to extend her education. She has experience working as an inclusion coordinator and a manager. With prior experience working hands on as an educator and an interventionist. Ellen is passionate about supporting families on their early learning journey and being an advocate for quality childcare for all.
Charlotte Lauener
Manager
Charlotte Lauener is a registered Early Childhood Educator Assistant and has her Bachelor of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis. She has experience as an Education Assistant in elementary schools and 1:1 therapy supporting children on the Autism Spectrum. She is the manager at Aspire and will likely welcome you when you arrive. She has a passion for supporting children with ASD and enjoys to continuously teach and learn beside children, their families and the team here at Aspire.