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Meet Our Team
Benn Barrantes
Chief Executive Officer, Founder | he/him
Benn completed a Social Service Worker Diploma from Sheridan College in 2008, a Bachelor's Degree in Philosophy from York University in 2013, and has completed coursework towards his Master of Applied Disability Studies with a specialization in Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA).
Benn is a Registered Social Service Worker (RSSW) member in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). Since 2008, he has worked in the private and public sector, supporting individuals with dual diagnoses, developmental disabilities, acquired brain injuries (ABI), and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). In 2020, Benn started his own practice, Barrantes & Associates Inc., to directly provide services to individuals and families in collaboration with other regulated health professionals.
Benn values ongoing education and has obtained the following certificates: Neurorehabilitation: Assisting Recovery and Function in Everyday Life Following Brain Injury (Level 1), Children and Youth with Acquired Brain Injury (Level 1), Mental Health, Addiction, and Brain Injury (Level 2), Cognitive Interventions for Adults with Acquired Brain Injury (Level 2), Advanced Brain Injury (Level 2). To augment his training, he has also completed the following: Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), Standard First Aid & CPR, Comprehensive Arbitration Training, and is certified as a Safe Management Trainer. Benn is currently completing training to become an accredited family mediator (AccFM) with the Ontario Association of Family Mediators (OAFM).
Outside of the office, Benn enjoys hiking local trails, strength training and calisthenics, board games of all kinds, and the company of his partner and four cats.
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Amanda Carr
Executive Director | she/her
As Executive Director of Barrantes & Associates Inc., Amanda provides intake coordination and oversees service provision throughout each of the company’s divisions. With strategic planning, Amanda supports the enhancement of the programs Barrantes offers in order to provide the most optimal client experience.
Amanda’s years of frontline support have given her the tools necessary to guide our Associates and team members to implement a trauma-informed, person-first approach with a focus on individual differences and unique needs as they relate to goal setting and achievement. Outside of the office, Amanda enjoys spending time outdoors & hiking local trails, DIY projects, cooking & baking, and spending time with her friends, her family & her cats.
Amanda holds an Occupational Therapist Assistant/Physiotherapist Assistant diploma from Mohawk College and a Bachelor of Arts degree, Majoring in Psychology, from the University of Guelph.
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Melissa Norman
Program Director | she/her
As the Program Director for Barrantes & Associates Inc., Melissa is at the forefront of leading and managing the comprehensive programs that cater to the vulnerable populations that Barrantes services. Melissa’s focus is on driving policies and program development to ensure best practices and meet regulatory requirements.
Melissa is committed to advancing trauma-informed approaches and enhancing the well-being of the clients we support. Rooted in over a decade of front-line child protection work, Melissa ensures the highest standards of client safety while advocating for the preservation of family connections. Beyond her professional role, Melissa is a devoted mother of two, who extends her skills and passion to volunteer in the community, offering support to individuals and families in crisis.
Melissa holds a Bachelor of Social Work degree and Bachelor of Arts degree from McMaster University. Melissa is a certified Circle of Security Parenting Facilitator and Registered Social Worker.
Allison Woodall
Service Director | she/her
As the Service Director, Allison brings a strong background and wealth of knowledge in service management, team leadership, and strategic planning. In her role, Allison is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of Barrantes Community Inc., ensuring the highest standards of quality and efficiency in all client interactions. With a strong focus on client satisfaction and operational excellence, Allison leads a team of professionals dedicated to providing tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of each client. She is passionate about enhancing service outcomes and contributing to the well-being of the community.
With a Diploma in Professional Addiction Studies from McMaster University, Allison possesses in-depth knowledge of evidence-based practices and client-centered care. Allison values continuing education and is currently enrolled in McMaster's My OWN Pathway program, working towards a degree in Sociology.
Outside of work Allison enjoys spending time with her family, walking her dog, horseback riding, and volunteering at TEAD Therapeutic Riding Centre.
Genie Boskovski
Human Resources Manager | she/her
As Human Resources Manager at Barrantes & Associates Inc., Genie specializes in people, culture and payroll and holds a passion for creating lasting, professional relationships and providing seamless support within the organization.
With a focus on progressive Human Resources practices and maintaining an inclusive work environment, Genie brings over two decades of administrative and management experience in both private and public sectors. Genie has an educational background in Human Resources Management, Payroll and Journalism and is an active member of both the HRPA and the NPI.
Genie also has a passion for animals and has spent time volunteering at farm sanctuaries, animal shelters and cat rescues as well as fostering homeless cats waiting for their forever homes. Outside of the office, Genie enjoys spending time gardening, cooking, watching TV series from the 80’s and hiking local trails.
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Kensey Butkevich
Clinical Manager | she/her
Kensey brings 14 years of experience in behaviour analysis to Barrantes and Associates Inc.'s team. As the Clinical Manager, she supports behaviour needs with staff training, analyzes behaviour data, and creates behaviour support plans. She brings a trauma-informed, inclusive approach rooted in research and ensures that supports are individualized for each client’s needs and preferences.
With a passion for staff coaching and enhancing the lives of our clients, Kensey is dedicated to delivering exceptional support. Kensey thrives in collaborative environments and supports the team’s understanding of why behaviour is maintained and how to support positive and meaningful behaviour change. When not working, Kensey loves spending time with her two young children and partner and exploring local farms and museums.
Kensey holds a Master of Psychology specializing in Applied Behaviour Analysis, a diploma in Social Service Worker, and certification as a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA).
Krista Norman
Program Manager | she/her
Krista is an accomplished professional who graduated with Distinction from the Community Service Program. With extensive front line experience, she has honed her crisis intervention skills and is exceptionally well-prepared to lead teams and Associates effectively. Her personal life experiences enable her to form strong, authentic connections with individuals in need of support, fostering trust and understanding.
Krista's commitment to ongoing professional development is evident through her completion of numerous certifications, including Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), Neurorehabilitation: Assisting Recovery and Function in Everyday Life Following Brain Injury (Level 1), Safe Management Group training, Non-violent Crisis Intervention, Anti-Human Trafficking training, and Trauma and Violence-Informed Care certification.
Krista's extensive experience working with at-risk youth, has solidified her reputation as a dedicated and compassionate leader in the field. In her free time, Krista enjoys playing hockey, cooking, and spending quality time with her friends and family. She is also an active volunteer within her local Indigenous community, further demonstrating her commitment to making a positive impact both personally and professionally.
Arianne Burke
Executive Assistant to the CEO | she/her
As the Executive Assistant to the CEO, Arianne provides seamless support to the CEO, ensuring goals and deadlines are met. She manages the CEO's schedule and assists with internal and external communication.
Arianne obtained her Social Service Worker Diploma from Conestoga College. She started her career in the social service world working with families. She thrives in a fast pace environment and finds great satisfaction in getting things done!
In her spare time, Arianne enjoys attending Jays games, home improvement projects, and being outdoors!
Our Associates
Our associate practitioners are dedicated to a person-centred approach, focusing on creating individualized therapeutic relationships, promoting abilities, and fostering inclusion. Moreover, our associates are trained in Trauma Informed Practice (TIP) so they are able to identify trauma responses, triggers, and antecedents - all to provide optimal care and safety to our clients.
Our associates have credentials in Occupational Therapy Assistant/ Physiotherapy Assistant (OTA/PTA), Child and Youth Care (CYC), Social Service Worker (SSW) and Social Worker (BSW), Developmental Service Workers (DSW), as well as other related disciplines. Associate practitioners supporting persons with a brain injury or serious physical trauma have additional training specific to assisting persons with their recovery and rehabilitation. Associate practitioners supporting families during Parenting Time Supervision have received enhanced training in Trauma Informed Practice, to adequately assess and support associated adverse traumas.