Meet The Team

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Educational Practitioner

Director

B.Ed. Prim/Elem

B.Ed. Sp. Ed.

M.Ed. Inclusive Education

Amy Anderson has been teaching for over a decade and brings experience from both classroom and instructional resource settings at the primary and elementary levels. After moving from the Annapolis Valley in Nova Scotia to complete her Bachelor of Education, she continued her studies in Special Education and later earned a Master’s in Inclusive Education.

Throughout her career, Amy has developed a strong passion for supporting children with complex needs and fostering inclusive learning environments where every student feels supported and successful.

Educational Practitioner

Director

B.Ed. Prim/Elem

B.Ed. Sp. Ed.

M.Ed. Special Education

 Allie Reddy is an experienced educator with 19 years of teaching experience in diverse learning environments. She holds a Bachelor of Education (Primary/Elementary), a Bachelor of Special Education, and a Master of Education in Special Education, and is Orton-Gillingham certified.

Allie is a strong advocate for inclusive education and is passionate about ensuring all students have equitable access to learning. Her work focuses on supporting diverse learners and creating supportive environments where every student can build confidence and succeed.

Educational Practitioner 

B.Ed. Prim/Elem

B.Ed. Sp. Ed.

M.Ed. Counselling Psychology

 Ashley Smith is an experienced and dedicated educator with over 11 years of experience working in diverse K–12 learning environments. She holds a Bachelor of Education, a Bachelor of Special Education, and a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology. Throughout her career, Ashley has served in a variety of roles, including classroom teacher, instructional resource teacher, and guidance counsellor. Her broad professional background has provided her with a well-rounded understanding of both academic instruction and student social-emotional development. Ashley is known for her collaborative approach, working closely with families, educators, and multidisciplinary teams to support student growth. She is passionate about promoting student well-being and helping each learner reach their full potential. 

Speech-Language Pathologist 

B. Kin. (Hons.)

MSc, Speech-Language Pathology 

R. SLP

 Oriana Pittman is a registered Speech-Language Pathologist, originally from Bird Cove, NL. She completed her Bachelor of Kinesiology (Honours) at Memorial University before moving to Halifax to pursue a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology, graduating in 2023. 

Oriana has experience supporting school-aged children across the province, from Northern Labrador to the West Coast, and now back on the Avalon. She is passionate about creating a welcoming, inclusive environment where all forms of communication are recognized and valued.

In her spare time, Oriana loves hiking, travelling, reading and spending time with friends and family. 

Occupational Therapist 

B.Sc., Psychology 

MSc (OT)

OT(R)NL

Robyn Traverse is a Registered Occupational Therapist working in Child Development. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Memorial University in 2015 and Master of Science in Occupational Therapy at Dalhousie University in 2018.

Since 2019. Robyn has worked across the province providing developmental and rehabilitative services to children aged 0-18. She is passionate about supporting children's participation in everyday activities and advocating for families, all from a neuroaffirmative lens.   

In her free time, Robyn enjoys being active, cooking, travelling and spending time with friends and family.

Educational Support Specialist

 B.A. (Hons.), Psychology

BSW, RSW 

 Marissa Taylor is a Registered Social Worker working in Child Development. She holds an Honours degree in Psychology from Memorial University, a Bachelor of Social Work from Memorial University, and a graduate certificate in Mental Health & Addictions from Dalhousie University. She has been working with school-aged children for the last 4 years in an after-school program, and offering tutoring and academic planning. Marissa is passionate about helping youth reach their full potential by creating individualized plans that meet their unique needs and supporting them every step of the way.

Originally from the West Coast of the Island, she is grateful to have moved to the East Coast, which has provided her with many meaningful opportunities and allowed her to meet her fiancé and best friend. In her spare time, Marissa enjoys grabbing a sweet treat with her best friend, colouring, and playing games at the Rec Room with her fiancé.

Academic Interventionist

 B.A., B.Ed. Prim/Elem

  Megan Pike is an enthusiastic educator with three years experience as a classroom teacher. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree (English Major, Geography Minor) as well as a Bachelor of Primary/Elementary Education degree. Megan has a great love of traveling and experiencing new cultures. She most recently taught at the Canadian school in Doha, Qatar for two years. Throughout her career, Megan has gained meaningful experience working with students with diverse cultural backgrounds. This has deepened her passion for inclusive education and commitment to creating supportive environments where every learner can thrive. 

 Academic Interventionist

 B.A., French 

Jena Earle graduated this spring from Memorial University with a Bachelor of Arts in French and is looking forward to beginning her career in education. She hopes to eventually pursue a Master’s degree in Special Education.

Since joining Blossom in 2024, Jena has loved helping students develop the skills and confidence they need to read and spell in both English and French. She finds it incredibly rewarding to watch her students make progress and grow in their learning.

 Academic Interventionist

 Hannah Cole is from Torbay. She is currently in her third year at Memorial University, working toward a French degree, with plans to continue on to Primary/Elementary Education as a second degree. She has been a Sparks and Embers leader with Girl Guides in the community for years and loves working with young girls, mentoring and teaching them valuable skills. She enjoys tutoring and supporting students as they grow in their learning! 

 Academic Interventionist

 Mackenzie O’Brien is a sMs. econd year science student at memorial university, and is looking forward to a career in education. She enjoys everything outdoors-exploring, camping, and hiking! She has been a girl guide her whole life, and now she helps out with a sparks group in Torbay. She is also a lifeguard who enjoys swimming and teaching lessons. She is passionate about her work with Blossom as it gives her the opportunity to help children further their education.