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Since 2017, Gateway Behaviour Services has provided unique and individualized programs utilizing the science of Applied Behaviour Analysis for children of varying ages and abilities. We are a family-owned and family-operated practice serving Prince George and the surrounding area. Family is at the heart of what we do and how we do it; when you receive services from us, you become part of the Gateway family.
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Our story begins in 2010, when we started having concerns that our two-year-old son was not developing speech and social skills as his older brothers had. In the following months, as more family, preschool teachers, and ultimately our doctors began to support our concerns we realized it was important to pursue a formal assessment. With little direction, but believing knowledge is power, we started to educate ourselves by reading books and Internet articles, quickly learning time was of the essence. Our son was added to a 14-month waitlist for assessment, so we immediately started investigating other options. To obtain a quicker diagnosis, we travelled over 750 km to Vancouver to receive a private assessment; this was our closest option. On January 20th, 2011, our son was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and our lives were changed forever.
Following the diagnosis, we didn't know where to turn. We called anyone with a connection to ASD; friends of family, even complete strangers, hoping someone would show us a clear roadmap forward to help our son. Resources were unaligned and fragmented at best, and non-existent at worst. There was certainly no single service or individual that could assist us with navigating the needs of our newly diagnosed son. As parents wanting the very best for our child, that was an incredibly helpless and lonely feeling. |
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As we researched, we learned that an Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) program supervised by a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA) was considered the most recognized, respected, and effective treatment for ASD. As we continued our journey, we found the nearest BCBA was based in Dawson Creek, over 400 km away. We spent most of the following year renovating our spare bedroom into a therapy room and setting up a home-based ABA program. Our BCBA trained several Behaviour Interventionists, including our sister, Leigh.
Over the years, we have witnessed the benefits of ABA and how it has changed our family’s life. Our son not only attends school full time, but also excels! He participates in extra-curricular activities, including rock climbing, swimming, and piano lessons. When we first received the diagnosis, it was difficult to envision his future. Now we have new dreams for him and so does he! |
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I always knew my future would involve helping people, but it wasn't until 2011 when my nephew was diagnosed with ASD that my path became clear. At the time, I had just completed my third year of university and chose to return home to be trained on the principles of ABA and work as his lead Behaviour Interventionist. Upon witnessing firsthand my nephew's improvements and the lack of resources available to families in the north, I knew I had an incredible chance to make an impact on so many lives. I continued to work in the field and participate in any workshops I could get my hands on so I could help my nephew, my family, and all the other families going through the ups and downs I saw my own family experiencing. In 2014, I pursued a Masters of Science with a specialization in Behaviour Analysis with the intention of becoming a BCBA; a distinction I earned in 2017. I've had the opportunity to work with amazing children, youth, and young adults in school, home, and long-term residential care settings across BC.
My personal connection to ASD and extensive training to be a BCBA have given me a unique perspective on treating ASD in a family setting. Although it takes time and dedication, evidence indicates an overwhelming majority of children with ASD receive substantial gains from intensive ABA therapy. I feel very privileged to be able to play a role in these essential steps for your child and family. Together, Jordan, Jason, and I co-founded Gateway Behaviour Services with the sole objective of increasing access to local and provincial resources so families and their children living with ASD can dream of bright futures. It would be our sincere honour to assist your family on your ASD journey. |
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Gateway Behaviour Services is proud to partner with Pacific Autism Family Network and offer ABA programming within the Prince George Spoke. In 2014, with the announcement of the Pacific Autism hub and spoke model, we, the co-founders of Gateway Behaviour Services, immediately recognized the potential to link Prince George to the extensive resources of a larger centre of excellence. We have since had the pleasure of working directly with Wendy and Sergio Cocchia, founders of Pacific Autism, and their dynamic team to establish the much-needed resource centre in Prince George; a place to turn to, a place to call our own, a GATEWAY to behaviour services for the north.
Leigh Thibault, Jason & Jordan Oliver Co-founders of Gateway Behaviour Services |
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TEAMWORKWe embrace collaboration to magnify our strengths and achieve optimal results.
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GIVING BACKWe endeavour to support our clients by establishing our rates in a manner to maximize available funds and search for ways, big and small, to contribute to our community.
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INTEGRITYWe are honest and fair in our words and actions, adhering to the Ethics Code for Behaviour Analysts.
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CREATIVITYWe create a fun and engaging environment where clients are motivated to learn.
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EXCELLENCE We maintain high standards of service, quality, and client satisfaction and commit to a lifetime of learning and improvement.
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RESPECTWe treat others as we want to be treated.
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I like that it is an inclusive environment that allows my child to grow. He LOVES learning with GBS staff. They make it fun.
I attended the 12-week Educator Series with Cheryl Holler from Gateway. Each week our discussions were very informative...I was able to share my challenges, but also the tools that were working when being in the classroom with Autistic children. Many wonderful points were shared and Cheryl was a wonderful presenter!
Being a member of the GBS staff is an incredibly rewarding experience. My professional goals are highly supported, my co-workers are friendly and helpful, and I have always felt I am a valued member of the GBS team!
Ever since we initially walked through GBS' door, we felt like this is what we've been searching for all this time. Still just as pleased with everything to this date!
