Meet Our Team
Benn Barrantes
Executive Director, 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.
Amanda Carr
Director of Services | she/her
As the Director of Services, Amanda manages our office space and oversees the company's day-to-day operations. Along with her administrative duties, Amanda directs and coordinates the company's service programs. Amanda’s years of frontline support have given her the tools necessary to develop trauma-informed, person-first programs that 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 & anything arts-and-crafts-related, 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.
Melissa Norman
Coordinator of Services | she/her
Melissa coordinates and manages Barrantes & Associates Inc.'s service programs. After a decade as a frontline child protection worker, Melissa is committed to child and family safety, while being a strong advocate for maintaining family connection. Her research is rooted in understanding trauma and attachment theory, enriching the company’s training programs and enhancing service delivery. She is a dedicated mother of two and uses her skills and passion outside of work to volunteer in the community with 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.
Maria Schweigert
Administrative Assistant | she/her
Maria is an essential part of the Barrantes & Associates Inc. team as the Administrative Assistant to the Executive Director and company’s leadership group. She brings many years of management experience and customer service skills to her role and provides efficient and effective office and administrative support. Maria represents the company’s person-centered approach in carrying out interviews and is a friendly face that clients will see while on-site at the Barrantes & Associates Inc. Clinic & Centre. When not in the office you can find Maria spending time with her two loving sons and her fiancée, playing video games and living her best life!
Alicia Muzslai
Administrative Assistant | she/her
Alicia is an Administrative Assistant with Barrantes & Inc. and supports recruitment, database maintenance, and various administrative tasks at the main office. She has a deep passion for people and community and comes from a strong managerial background in retail and kitchens. From her experience, Alicia brings a well-rounded toolkit of mindful and detail-oriented practices. In her free time, Alicia enjoys long hikes, camping, snowshoeing, cooking, yoga, and spending time with her dog, Chloe.
Alicia holds a Master of Arts in Ecopsychology from Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Windsor.
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.