About Us

Since 1995, S.T.E.P. has been a leader in providing fully customized educational and functional rehabilitation services for adults with special needs. Our dedicated staff and consultants are committed to delivering outstanding special education in a highly supportive learning environment.

Our Clients

S.T.E.P.’s clients are adults with educational and functional challenges, including: Learning exceptionalities learning disabilities (diagnosed or suspected) intellectual limitations attention deficits cognitive impairments Skill gaps inconsistencies stemming from interrupted schooling or other educational deprivation Pain/Adjustment difficulties Significant hand limitations due to crush injuries amputations unilateral repetitive strain injuries degenerative and congenital conditions other trauma Most clients are referred by case management firms, government and community agencies, lawyers and insurers. Other clients are self-referred.

Our Staff

S.T.E.P.’s qualified teachers (B.Ed./OCT, M.Ed., TESL) have training and experience in adult and special education, ESL instruction and vocational rehabilitation. They apply exceptional skills, enthusiasm and sensitivity to promote each learner’s success.

Beth Avery, M.Ed., MCVP, RRP, ABDA, Education Director, is an experienced teacher and rehabilitation professional whose training and career have focused on adult education for learners with special needs. Since 1984 she has worked as a consultant, instructor and administrator in training centres that she coordinated and developed. For clients with learning disabilities and other exceptionalities, she has designed a range of curricula to build academic and functional skills. Using an educational/functional approach, she pioneered the development of specialized “Non-Dominant Hand Training” for vocational rehabilitation.

Berenice Mandelcorn, Ph.D., C. Psych., Education Advisor, is a registered psychologist with well-recognized expertise in the field of learning disabilities and attention deficit disorder. She has extensive experience in the assessment of learning disabilities and other learning challenges, and in the provision of remedial education services. She consults to S.T.E.P. on applying psychoeducational/LD assessment findings to customize program interventions.

Ruth Berman, Ph.D., C. Psych., Clinical Director, is a registered psychologist with over 30 years of experience in clinical, health and rehabilitation psychology. Much of her work has focused on disability issues and their impact on vocational functioning and work adjustment. She has consulted to the insurance industry, the legal profession, VRS, and the Institute for Work and Health. Dr. Berman is listed with the Canadian Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology and is a member of the Adjunct Faculty of York University.

Dina Martino, Ph.D.(c), M.A., B.Sc., Research Director, has extensive experience conducting research and evaluations for educational and health care organizations. Her background also includes work with adults who have learning challenges associated with brain injuries. Dina is committed to leveraging results of the research process to promote improved performance outcomes for rehabilitation providers. Currently, Dina is completing a doctorate in management and evaluation and is the recipient of three provincial fellowships.

Jeremy Galea, OCT, B.A., B.Ed., Program Consultant, is an experienced educator who has worked in teaching and program coordination/management capacities in Canada and abroad. Jeremy has managed and directed aspects of S.T.E.P. services and consults to us on developing and administering individualized remedial programs.

Louise Kelly, M.Sc., O.T. reg (Ont.), CHT, Occupational Therapy Consultant, has 25 years of experience in hand rehabilitation and is recognized as a leader in her field. As a specialist in hand/upper limb function, she has contributed her expertise to S.T.E.P.'s "Non-Dominant Hand Training" program since 1995.

Christine Gerow, B.Sc., D.C.S., CCRC, Psychometrist & Vocational Consultant, has extensive experience conducting educational and psychovocational assessments, as well as consulting to adult education centres. She collaborates on applying assessment results to customize curriculum components.

Our other vocational specialists contribute expertise in job search training, job placement and coaching.

Our Approach