Making Small Talk

Linda Hurren is the Founder and Program Director of Making Small Talk (MST). MST provides services to children, teens and adults on the Autism Spectrum as well as many other learning disabilities, and provides support to parents. MST has a variety of programs including Social Skills, IBI, Direct Instruction programs, workshops and behavioural and tutoring services. Making Small Talk is an approved agency through TPAS and Kinark. Making Small Talk works alongside other professions to provide a full support program to the children and families. Prior to founding Making Small Talk, Linda was an educator for special needs in the UK where she was involved in writing curriculums for her clients within the Further Education system. Her work was greatly influenced by a personal meeting with Princess Diana in 1998. She moved to Canada in 2002 and worked with children on the Autism Spectrum Disorder within the school board before establishing her own business in 2007 under York Autism Centre in King City. This then flourished and expanded into the services and programs offered today as Making Small Talk. Linda has thirty plus years of experience supporting and writing programs for children, youth, adults and supporting their families with learning disabilities. Linda runs workshops and training sessions, and provides behaviour consultancy to families. Making Small Talk is now expanding to serve more children and families within the York Region.

Mary Beth has been working in the child care field for over 20 years in both the U.S. and Canada as an Early Childhood Educator (ECE) running nursery school programs and managing child care centres. While completing her Graduate Certification for Autism and Behavioural Therapy she was introduced to Making Small Talk. Mary Beth has developed a School Readiness Program for pre school children diagnosed with ASD where she works alongside the child to help them reach their full potential preparing them for full integration in a traditional classroom setting. Mary Beth is certified in Handwriting Without Tears where the children have made great gains and she is a lead member in the social skills programs. Mary Beth is excited to be working with Making Small Talk and applying her unique skill set to the great team here. 

RYAN DAVIS
Instructor therapisT

Ryan is a Seneca College graduate, with a diploma in Behavioural Sciences. 
Ryan’s connection to the Making Small Talk spans many years, as he began as a client at just 3 years old. Ryan then continued into the social skills program, and then as a teenager, Ryan was a volunteer dedicated to social skills programs. 

During his time volunteering, Ryan found a deep passion in supporting children with autism, and an appreciation for the support he had received himself.

Ryan went to Seneca College with a drive in learning all about ABA therapy. In college Ryan had the amazing opportunity to do his student placement with Making Small Talk, and was offered a position as an Instructional Therapist after his placement. Ryan is thrilled to join the staff team, using his background and passion to empower children and families with the same guidance, support and care that shaped his own life. Ryan’s journey is deeply personal and brings a full-circle perspective to Making Small Talk.

Alicia first fell in love with working with neurodiverse children while working at a daycare. This inspired her to pursue her studies in Behavioural Sciences at Seneca College. During her studies, Alicia completed her placement at John Cooper Learning Centre, where she discovered her passion for supporting neurodiverse adults and continued working with the organization after graduating. Wanting to further expand her experience and knowledge in the field of ABA, Alicia later made the transition into ABA therapy and began working at Making Small Talk.

Alicia is an Instructor Therapist who is dedicated to supporting, teaching, and helping every student grow. She has experience working with neurodivergent children and adults through ABA therapy, social coaching, social skills, and life skills. Her favourite part of the job is watching her students gain confidence, learn new skills, and become more independent. Most importantly, Alicia loves knowing that she has the opportunity to make a positive and meaningful difference in someone’s life.

JACKSON BREAU
Instructor therapist

Jackson is an Instructional Therapist at Making Small Talk. He provides ABA therapy, social skills instruction, and social coaching.

He is passionate about supporting children with neurodiversities and creating a positive, encouraging environment where they can learn, build confidence, and develop meaningful skills.

Jackson found his interest in the field during multiple co-op placements while completing the social service worker program at Humber which gave him valuable hands-on experience working with children and supporting their learning and development. These experiences helped him discover and strengthen his passion for the field, inspiring him to pursue a career where he could make a meaningful difference in the lives of those with neurodiversities.

Jackson believes that every child has unique strengths and potential. Through patience, encouragement, and individualized support, he works to help each child grow, gain confidence, and become the best version of themselves.

Victoria ALLEN-BOYNETT
Instructor therapist