At Children’s Autism Services, we’re more than just a team; we’re a family united by a shared mission to empower and support every child on the Autism Spectrum.
Our dedicated professionals bring a wealth of expertise, passion, and understanding to create a nurturing environment where children can thrive. From certified therapists to innovative educators, each member of our team is committed to fostering growth, learning, and joy in every interaction. We believe in the potential of every child and work tirelessly to unlock their unique strengths and abilities.
Our Directors
Terri Duncan
Executive Director
Terri is a Speech Language Pathologist and has worked with Autistic children and a broad range of developmental delays. Terri has her B.A. in Psychology and Linguistics from the University of Ottawa and her Master’s Degree in Speech Language Pathology from the University of Alberta. She has been consulting in schools, homes and communities for more than 20 years, an interest that began when she worked as an aide with a four-year-old boy with autism in a family’s home. Since that time she has been fascinated by the complexity of autism and the resilience of families dealing with the challenges they face on a daily basis. Terri founded Children’s Autism Services of Edmonton in 2004 and since that time, the organization has become one of the largest service providers in Western Canada serving more than 500 families every year.
Trent Androschuk
Director, Operations
Trent worked for Canada Safeway for 35 years and connected to Children’s Autism Services of Edmonton in 2008 as part of the Safeway charity fundraising initiative. Together, Jasper Gates Safeway staff and members of Children’s Autism Services of Edmonton raised money through selling hotdogs and rounding up the grocery receipts. These funds were the first raised to build the Maier Centre West location. Trent accepted a position on the Board of Directors in 2010. In 2013 he started working full-time at Children’s Autism Services as Operations Coordinator. Trent has a son on the spectrum and has a special place in his heart for giving back to the community.
Linda Beny
Director, Human Resources
Linda joined Children’s Autism Services in July 2021. She has over 20 years of human resources experience including ten years in the non-profit/charity sector. Linda is a Certified Human Resources Professional and a member of CPHR Alberta. She also has a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. Linda believes the employees of our organization are our most important asset. She is inspired by the innovation and passion our staff have for working with the families and children we serve.
Corinne Didrikson
Director, Educational Services
Corinne has over 25 years experience in the education system and has been with Children’s Autism Services for the past 14 years. She is the Director of Education and oversees the Early Education Program which provides specialized programming for pre-K and kindergarten children at our centres and in the community. Corinne is passionate about providing quality family-centered programming for our children.
Linna Haak
Director, Finance
Linna Haak began with The Children’s Autism Services of Edmonton in October 2023. Her background includes 35 years of experience in finance, 23 years in the healthcare sector, and seven years working with non-profits. Linna was the previously the Director of Finance for a local women’s shelter. She’s passionate about making a positive difference for families facing challenges.
Warren Henschel
Director, Clinical Services
Warren has been working with Children’s Autism Services for a year now and has always felt dedicated to the organization after having his boys as some of the first clients to Children’s Autism Services almost 20 years ago. Warren has a Bachelor of Nursing and a Masters in Business Administration. He wants to continue providing innovative and quality services to the families we serve. Warren works with an amazing team of colleagues to meet the growing demands for family services in the province and beyond.
Kelsey Penney
Program Director
Kelsey has been working with Children’s Autism Services for twelve years and is passionate about the way this organization innovates and works with the community it supports. Kelsey has a Bachelor of Education and a Masters in Educational Leadership and Management. Kelsey works with school teams and community members to learn about using an Emotional Regulation Approach in Alberta, and now in British Columbia as a Program Director.
Our Supportive Staff
Our staff works together as a transdisciplinary team, with every member contributing to provide a consistent integrated approach across the disciplines. Team members may include:
Early Education Consultants
- Coordinate Early Childhood Services in community pre-schools and at the Maier Centre;
- Support community programs to integrate strategies that support inclusion.
Respite Workers
- Provide temporary relief for parents and caregivers;
- Provide care and supervision to children in the home, in community settings and at the Maier Centre.
Primary Consultants
- Coordinate home programs and services;
- Support families through problem-solving, guided practice, video review and coaching.
Teachers
- Support children and Educational Assistants at the Maier Centre;
- Implement IPP goals in an educational setting.
Clinical Consultants
- SLP – Speech and Language Pathologist consult on meaningful and functional communication
- OT – Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists and Dieticians support self-help skills such as dressing, personal hygiene, toileting, feeding and self-regulation, along with gross and fine motor development
- Psychologists and Behaviour Consultants provide behaviour and regulation strategies and supports at home and in the community