Kayla Astolfo

Compassionate and dedicated Child and Youth Care Practitioner with extensive experience supporting individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and complex needs across educational, community, and residential settings. Skilled in applying the DIRFloortime® approach, Applied Behaviour Analysis strategies, and individualized programming to promote emotional regulation, social skills, and independence. Proven ability to lead, mentor, and train staff, fostering collaborative team environments and ensuring consistent, high-quality care.

Experienced in facilitating community integration, supporting life skills development, and adapting interventions to meet diverse needs. Committed to building trusting relationships with clients, families, and multidisciplinary teams to achieve meaningful and lasting outcomes.

Program Supervisor– Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder at Community Living North Halton (2025 – Present)

• Adhere strictly to and drive the implementation of individual Behaviour Support Plans (BSPs), embedding Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) principles into daily routines and interventions.
• Provide active coaching, modeling, and real-time guidance to staff on executing BSPs, Safe Management protocols, and behavioural intervention techniques accurately and consistently.
• Analyze client behavioural data and contribute clinical input and observations to interdisciplinary teams to update, adapt, and optimize BSPs to meet evolving client needs.
• Lead site orientations for new hires and provide ongoing "in-the-moment" coaching; utilize the SBI (Situation-Behaviour-Impact) model to deliver constructive feedback and document staff performance.
• Manage the AIMS system, ensuring 100% accuracy and timely sign-off on all incident reports, daily logs, and clinical documentation.
• Problem-solve complex staffing gaps and manage rotating schedules.
• Ensure all medical and specialist appointments are completed on time, documented.
• Participate in clinical meetings advocating for individuals we support.
• Serve as a professional point of contact for families.
• Actively advocate for staff needs and client resources.
• Provide "float" support to frontline staff by assisting with domestic tasks (laundry, meal prep, house cleanliness) and providing coverage for staff breaks.
• Maintain high levels of team engagement through consistent, professional email updates and transparent leadership.
• Supporting staff on the floor 80% of the time ensuring the DAS is being completed, medication is administered on-time, PRN count is being completed, behavioural data is being collected properly, ensure staff are engaging with clients, ensure staff are not engaging in zero tolerance policies.

Support Worker – Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder at Community Living North Halton (2025-05 – Present)

• Read, interpret, and strictly adhere to customized Behaviour Support Plans (BSPs) and ABA-based strategies to guide consistent, individualized, and high-quality care.
• Systematically collect, track, and record behavioural data to evaluate client progress and provide actionable input/feedback for changing and updating BSPs.
• Support adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in day-to-day living and community integration.
• Facilitate community outings to promote life skills, independence, and social engagement.
• Provide behavioural support using Safe Management Group (SMG) training strategies, ensuring safety and dignity.
• Administer prescribed medications in accordance with organizational policies and safety protocols.
• Peer-coach, train, and mentor new staff on routines, protocols, BSP execution, and client-specific support needs.
• Maintain accurate documentation related to medication administration, behavioural data, and daily activities.
• Foster positive relationships with individuals, families, and interdisciplinary team members to ensure all-inclusive care.

Child and Youth Worker (Public School Complex Needs Classroom) at Bartimaeus (2024-10 – 2025-01)

• Provided individualized support to youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in both in-home and school settings using ABA-based strategies.
• Delivered one-on-one assistance to youth, fostering personal growth and skill development in a supportive environment.
• Collaborated with families to create cohesive support systems, facilitating open communication about the unique needs of youth.
• Participated in community outings with youth, supporting social skills, engaging in new activities and navigating life skills in and outside of the home.
• Assisted in a complex needs classroom, adapting lesson plans to meet diverse student needs and supporting the implementation of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).
• Utilized behaviour management techniques to promote positive behaviour and ensure a safe learning environment.
• Maintained accurate records of student progress and interventions, providing regular updates to families and educational staff.
• Interpersonal and communication skills; Knowledge of Autism Spectrum Disorder and support strategies; Collaborative teamwork with families and educators.

Lead Developmental Therapist / Extra-Curricular Coordinator at Oakwood Academy (2019-09 – 2024-08)

• Supported children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in life skills, academics, DIR Floortime therapy, ABA-based strategies and relationship building.
• Developed and maintained daily routines tailored to individual needs.
• Created and implemented individualized regulation strategies for students.
• Designed and executed individualized education plans (IEPs) and Individual Progress Reports (IPRs) for students.
• Produced a wide range of sensory-based resources for use by therapists, children, and families.
• Maintained professional communication with parents, caregivers, and team leaders via email, phone call, and in person, including documentation of daily activities, behavioural data, and parent interactions.
• Documented and analyzed student progress using bi-weekly graphs and reports.
• Led and mentored new staff by setting a positive example, providing guidance on professional practices, and supporting ongoing training.
• Coordinated daily schedules for staff and students to ensure efficient workflow and sufficient support for students.
• Ensured efficient coverage and support for dysregulated children through effective team coordination and proactive supervision.
• Assisted in editing and refining homework packages and extra-curricular activities to fit each student's unique needs.
• Fostered a positive work environment by addressing staff concerns professionally, encouraging open communication, and promoting collaboration.
• Facilitated staff development by offering constructive feedback and leading regular team meetings.
• Encouraged participation in community activities such as taking public transit and interacting with community workers.
• Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams, including speech therapists and occupational therapists, to ensure comprehensive care for students.
• Assisted clients in developing independent living skills, including academics, cooking, and personal hygiene.
• Utilized a variety of teaching methods tailored to each client’s learning style, including verbal instruction, modeling, and visual aids.
• Supervised the implementation of behaviour plans and individualized learning strategies, providing coaching and real-time feedback to ensure consistency and effectiveness.
• Provided conflict resolution and problem-solving support to the team, ensuring that challenges were addressed promptly and effectively.
• Actively participated in parent meetings to discuss student progress, share insights on development, and collaborate on goals and strategies for home and school environments.
• Designated as the first point of contact for support during instances of student aggression or dysregulation, providing immediate intervention and guidance to staff.
• Possessed comprehensive knowledge of the location and use of all important documents for fire drills, lockdowns, missing student protocols, and emergency procedures, ensuring quick and accurate response during crises.

ADVANCED DIPLOMA in CHILD AND YOUTH CARE PRACTITIONER, Oakville – Sheridan College (2022-04)