Who We Are
Shannon O'Brien
Dr. Michael Palmer
Dr. Michael Palmer
Executive Director
director@autismconnections.ca
Shannon O’Brien is the Executive Director of Autism Connections, where she has been a dedicated advocate since 2017 and stepped into the role in 2023. With a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, a certificate in Applied Behaviour Analysis, and currently completing her Master of Education in Coun
Executive Director
director@autismconnections.ca
Shannon O’Brien is the Executive Director of Autism Connections, where she has been a dedicated advocate since 2017 and stepped into the role in 2023. With a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, a certificate in Applied Behaviour Analysis, and currently completing her Master of Education in Counselling at the University of New Brunswick, Shannon brings both academic expertise and hands-on experience to her work.
Passionate about creating a strong support network, Shannon is committed to delivering robust, evidence-based, and strength-focused programs that empower individuals with autism and their families. Under her leadership, Autism Connections continues to expand its reach, developing innovative initiatives that enhance skill development, behavioural support, and inclusive opportunities. She is dedicated to breaking down systemic barriers, increasing service accessibility, and ensuring that community-based supports evolve to meet the rising demand.
Beyond her professional role, Shannon is a devoted mother of four who finds joy in sports and all facets of nature. Her love for the outdoors and active living reflects her belief in the importance of holistic well-being and community connection. Through her leadership, she remains steadfast in fostering an inclusive, supportive environment where individuals and families can thrive.
Dr. Michael Palmer
Dr. Michael Palmer
Dr. Michael Palmer
Program Director
Dr. Michael Palmer is a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst at the Doctoral level (BCBA-D) and is the Director of the Certificate in Applied Behaviour Analysis Program at the University of New Brunswick. He is working to increase access to quality, compassionate, and competent supports.
Laura Charman
Dr. Michael Palmer
Laura Charman
Operations and Marketing Assistant
Laura (any/all) is a creative and passionate nonbinary and neurodivergent individual (AuDHD, BPD, CPTSD, GAD, Dyslexia), on a journey to uncover their true self beneath protective masks.
With a diploma in Television Broadcasting and Communications from Mohawk College in Hamilton,
Operations and Marketing Assistant
Laura (any/all) is a creative and passionate nonbinary and neurodivergent individual (AuDHD, BPD, CPTSD, GAD, Dyslexia), on a journey to uncover their true self beneath protective masks.
With a diploma in Television Broadcasting and Communications from Mohawk College in Hamilton, ON, Laura’s diverse career spans multimedia, marketing, service and administration, management, textile work and custodial services. Proud to call themself a “Jack of all trades, master of none,” they appreciate the deeper meaning of the full phrase: “Jack of all trades, master of none, but oftentimes better than master of one.”
As a dedicated advocate for disability and human rights, they infuse inclusivity into everything they do and cherish opportunities to empathize with others. Always eager to learn, grow, and make a positive impact, Laura strives to live authentically.
Outside of work, Laura loves spending time in the wilderness, capturing nature’s beauty through photography, foraging, and happening upon one-of-a-kind experiences with wildlife. At home, they enjoy relaxing with their five cats or binging movies while crocheting—they are a huge movie buff (especially horror). Whether exploring the outdoors or unwinding with a good film, Laura is always eager to learn, grow, and embrace new experiences.
The Behavioural Team
Marie Soleil Soucy
Lead Behavioural Consultant
mariesoleilsoucy@autismconnections.ca
Marie-Soleil is a dedicated Behaviour Consultant specializing in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) for children on the autism spectrum. She holds a Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Psychology, and a Certificate in Applied Behaviour Analysis from the University of New Brunswick.
With three years of experience in developing and implementing ABA programs, supervising students and staff, and collaborating with community partners Marie-Soleil takes a collaborative approach to her work. She is deeply passionate about helping children reach their full potential and is committed to making a meaningful difference in their lives. By creating individualized, evidence-based interventions, she strives to provide the support and guidance each child needs to develop essential skills in a positive and engaging environment.
Outside of work, Marie-Soleil enjoys reading, crafting, hiking, and traveling and is always looking for new ways to bring creativity and fun into her practice.
Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis - University of New Brunswick
Students from the Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis program (UNB) work as a behavioral assistants under the Social Skills Program. Autism Connections Fredericton is a primary practicum setting for C-ABA program.
Currently with us as Behavioural Assistants are Christy Hyland and Vanessa Soffee
Ashton Pike, Behavioural Technician
Ashton originally comes from Ontario, but has lived in New Brunswick for six years now. She has four years experience implementing ABA programs, and supporting autistic individuals through challenges they face in their daily lives. She's passionate about creating a fun and safe environment, and celebrating successes big and small. Ashton has also worked alongside school guidance counsellors, educational assistants and medical professionals in the field, and understands the importance and value of teamwork. Outside of work, Ashton enjoys spending time with family and friends, sightseeing, painting and reading.
Katie Everett, Behavioural Technician
Katie has a B.A. in English from UNB, a TESOL Certificate from UNBC and a Professional Editing Standards Certificate from Queen's University. She has over five years of experience teaching English to speakers of other languages.
She was diagnosed with ADHD in 2021 - one year after her youngest son was diagnosed with Autism. Her understanding of neurodivergence is informed by books she has read, and her life experiences as a woman with ADHD doing the ongoing, evolving work of parenting her Autistic child in a neurotypical world.
It is this combination of education, work, and life experience that informs her role as a Behavioural Technician here at Autism Connections.