Hi! I’m Janet! I’m a passionate educator, mental health practitioner, and champion for neurodiverse learners. As the Founder and Principal of Beechwood Brainery Inc., a private school with locations in Cambridge and Waterloo, Ontario, I’ve dedicated my life to creating compassionate, inclusive educational environments where children of all abilities can thrive.

My career is rooted in both professional expertise and lived experience. Growing up alongside my sister, who has Down Syndrome, I developed a deep understanding of the need for empathy, adaptability, and support in education. That personal insight laid the foundation for my lifelong mission: to ensure every child feels seen, heard, and empowered.

Over the past two decades, I’ve worked as a consultant, program developer, therapist, and Director of Education for national support worker associations. I bring a unique blend of academic knowledge—holding certifications in Social Service Work, Recreation Therapy, Mental Health & Disability Management, and Trauma—from institutions like Mohawk College and Wilfrid Laurier University. My ongoing studies and certifications in areas such as Integrated Autism & Mental Health Training, Neuro-Sensory-Motor Reflex Integration, and Emotional Freedom Technique continue to shape the holistic support I offer students, families, and professionals.

Outside the classroom, I’m just as committed to serving my community. I’m the Vice President of the Waterloo Region Track 3 Ski School, a coach with the Kitchener Sports Association’s Special Athletes Program, and the co-founder of Colleen Care's—a charitable organization dedicated to ensuring children have access to inclusive education.

Whether I’m training educators, guiding families, or developing inclusive programs, I lead with heart, integrity, and a steadfast belief in the potential of every learner. My work is about more than education—it’s about building stronger students and stronger communities.