Laurier Autism Research Consortium (LARC)

Dr. James A. LeClair is an Associate Professor in the Department of Community Health at the Brantford campus of Wilfrid Laurier University. He received his PhD from the University of Victoria, where he specialized in Medical Geography. His interest in the mental health and developmental well-being of children and adolescents began with his undergraduate research, and extends to the present day. He’s especially interested in the role that neighbourhood characteristics play in mediating children’s mental health.

Dr. Nichole (Nikki) Scheerer is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology where she studies how differences in sensory processing influence speech, movement, and social abilities, among other things. She is also interested in factors that impact the mental health of autistic children and their families, such as autism stigma, the language used to describe autism, and barriers encountered when obtaining an autism diagnosis. 

Vishalinee (Vishali) Barendra is a first year Master's student in the Health Sciences program at Wilfrid Laurier University. Her current research focuses on the mental health of autism caregivers within the South Asian community in Toronto. She has previously worked in various research roles relating to homelessness and mental health, within vulnerable populations in India and Canada. In addition to better understanding the impact of social support on mental health, she has a passion for writing about her hyphenated identity as a Tamil Canadian. In her spare time, she can often be found with her camera near Lake Ontario to capture sunsets.

Dr. Vanessa Fong is a Research Associate at LARC and Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of British Columbia. She recently completed her PhD in Developmental Psychology at Simon Fraser University where her dissertation used a community-engaged approach to explore service navigation and quality of life in Korean families of autistic children in British Columbia. Her research aims to better understand the service needs and priorities of underserved communities to improve policy and practice that directly impact them.

Dr. Stephen Gentles was employed as a Postdoctoral Fellow with Drs. Janet McLaughlin and Margaret Schneider at Wilfrid Laurier University in 2021, and now serves as a research partner and consultant, working to advance the LARC program of research. He has a background in health information and clinical epidemiology, and his program of research is aimed at promoting caregiver perspectives and developing knowledge and tools to support the important roles caregivers play in navigating and directing care for their child(ren) with a neurodevelopmental condition. He completed his PhD in the Health Research Methodology Program at McMaster University, and recently completed a postdoctoral CIHR Health System Impact fellowship with Margaret Spoelstra at Autism Ontario, and Dr. Stelios Georgiades at the Offord Centre for Child Studies at McMaster University.

Sarah Southey is a social worker (MSW) and is currently in the first year of her PhD in the Faculty of Social Work at Wilfrid Laurier. Sarah has been working with autistic individuals across the life-span since 2009. Sarah has worked at Autism Ontario and Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital. Sarah works in private practice in affiliation with the Redpath Centre providing therapy to autistic adults. Sarah is focusing her research on experiences of autistic professionals in employment. Sarah enjoys hiking, yoga, tea and most importantly spending time with her family.

Alisha Stubbs is a social worker and is currently in her third year of her PhD in the Faculty of Social Work at Wilfrid Laurier. Having a deep personal connection to autism, Alisha has found that embracing that and engaging in a similar professional direction has been fulfilling in many ways. Alisha's dissertation research involves non-academic support for autistic students in Ontario and the role of school social workers. Alisha can often be found outside camping or exploring with her two young children, husband, and their dogs.

Vanessa Vashishth is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in the Community, Public, and Population Health field at Wilfrid Laurier University, under the supervision of Dr. McLaughlin. Her research focuses on exploring the challenges and strengths Indigenous parents face when accessing autism-related care pathways. Vanessa completed her undergraduate degree in Health Sciences with Honours at Wilfrid Laurier University. Throughout her academic journey, she has been involved in diverse research areas including older adults and virtual reality, adult spinal deformity, cognitive-behavioural brain reserve, and breast cancer. Driven by a passion to make a meaningful impact and support the community, Vanessa decided to pursue her graduate studies with the Laurier Autism Research Consortium. In her free time, she enjoys volunteering in the community, staying active, and spending time with friends and family.

Lina Casale is a graduate of Wilfrid Laurier’s Community Health program with a concentration in Autism and Behavioural Science. In her fourth year she completed a research project titled Caregiver Perceptions on the Educational Experiences of their Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder under the supervision of Dr. Janet McLaughlin and in partnership with the Ontario Autism Coalition, the results of which were presented as a research poster at the Geneva Centre for Autism’s Virtual Symposium in 2020. Her passion for this field of study continues to grow through her position as a research assistant for Dr. Janet McLaughlin, as well as her work as an educational assistant at Oak Bridge Academy. She plans on pursuing her master’s degree in Occupational Therapy. 

Asmaa Elbadawy brings social science research experience from a different field. With the autism diagnosis of a family member, she became personally interested in learning about autism-related research. She also completed a graduate certificate in Autism Behavioural Science from Humber College. Her interest in autism led her to know about the research Dr. McLaughlin and colleagues were conducting through LARC, and she approached her to join the research team. Asmaa is delighted to join LARC as an RA and participate in helping members of the autism community have their voices heard. She hopes involvement in this project will further her knowledge about autism and give her more direction as she explores next steps in her professional journey. In her free time, Asmaa enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, as well as hiking and being outdoors. 

Leeann Shimoda, RSSW is a mother of 3, grandmother of 8, and great-grandmother of 5. She is a member of Saugeen First Nation and belongs to the Eagle Clan. Leeann has worked for Independent First Nations as a Jordan’s Principle Navigator/Coordinator since Feb 2017. Prior to that she worked for Saugeen First Nation in Child and Youth Mental Health for 10 years and has worked in the Friendship Centre movement as Executive Director for several years. She is Registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers and has diplomas in Social Work, Business Administration, Accounting, Nursing, and Addictions. She is passionate about reconciliation, youth, and sharing her life’s journey with others.

Autumn Cave is an Educational Assistant currently working in a Care and Treatment program with the Upper Grand District School Board. She holds a Social Service Worker Diploma and is completing her undergraduate degree at Wilfrid Laurier University, with plans to later pursue a Master of Social Work. As an autistic person, Autumn brings lived experience to her work, and is deeply passionate about autism research and advocacy. This passion led her to apply for a position as a Research Assistant with LARC. She hopes the skills and knowledge gained in this role will support her ongoing efforts to contribute meaningfully to the field of autism research and advocacy.

Pankhudi Vyas recently graduated from McMaster University with an Honours degree in Applied Psychology in Human Behaviour with autism and behavioural science specialization. Throughout her undergrad, she completed over 300 hours of field placement, working directly with children and youth with autism alongside behaviour analysts, clinical supervisors, and therapy teams. She's especially interested in making health education — including topics like menstrual health and safety — more inclusive, practical, and accessible for autistic youth. She’s drawn to research that’s grounded in community needs and creates real, meaningful change beyond the academic setting. Outside of research, Pankhudi loves to dance and spend time with her family and friends.  She’s excited to be part of the LARC team and continue working on projects that centre around lived experience and equity.

Arashma Waqar is an undergraduate student going into her fourth year, with a strong interest in healthcare, particularly in how research can inform and improve care for neurodiverse populations. She was first introduced to Dr. McLaughlin's work through an autism course. After exploring her website and learning more about LARC, Arashma became interested in getting involved with the team. Arashma is excited to contribute to the meaningful work being done at LARC and to continue learning from the researchers and staff. In the future, she hopes to pursue a career in healthcare that integrates research, advocacy, and patient-centered care. In her free time, Arashma enjoys spending time with family and friends and going to the gym to stay active and recharge.

Christian Awad

Ariel Berwick

Maya Canham

Jason Fernandes

Mikayla Girdler

Christian Hecimovic

Nina Hedayati

Talia Kendal

Philip Lerner

Mary Makhlouf

Courtney Massey

Brandy Pitt

Sophie Richard

Zehranur Sasal

Liliana Scatozza

Khushi Sheth

Lauren Tristani

Grace VanHooydonk

Marissa Vella

Farah Wahib

AJ Ware

Marina Youssef

Zack Zaidener

Lesley Zosky