Hi, I’m Jess

Jess Swart is originally from Australia and now calls Canada her second home. She is grateful to live and work on the traditional lands of the Îyârhe Nakoda (Stoney Nakoda) and the other Indigenous Peoples who have long gathered on and cared for these lands.

Jess is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Early Childhood Educator and Developmental Educator. Inspired by Donna Williams’ autobiography Nobody Nowhere, she began volunteering with autistic children in the late 1990s and quickly discovered her passion for this work.

Throughout her career, Jess has supported hundreds of autistic children and families across Australia, London and Canada. Her career has been varied, from running daycare centres to supervising and training staff, to Clinical Supervisor. Jess has worked in varying capacities, providing direct therapy as well as training parents, therapists and educators. Since moving back to Canada in 2022, Jess started her own business providing face to face service locally and is now expanding to a range of online courses and coaching.

Jess combines Positive Behaviour Support and other evidence-based approaches with trauma-informed, compassionate and culturally aware care. She recognizes that every child is unique and every caregiver brings their own strengths. Her goal is to reduce behaviours of concern, build practical and meaningful skills, and help children gain greater independence, choice and control in their lives.

Outside of work, Jess has an adventurous and playful spirit. She loves climbing, hiking, skiing and biking in the mountains with her partner and friends. She also enjoys exploring different cultures and continuing to learn from the First Peoples of Canada and Australia and their deep knowledge of and connection to the land.

Why I Work With Parents

I have watched too many families cycle through programs where professionals worked with the child for a few hours a week, then handed them back without ever equipping the people who matter most. You are with your child more than any therapist will ever be. When you understand the behavior and know how to respond, change happens faster, goes deeper, and lasts.

That is why I strongly believe in developing courses and resources that families can refer back to throughout their growing journey with their child.

How I Practice

Through the lens of Positive Behavior Support (PBS), my work is trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming, and assent-based, grounded in modern compassionate behavior science, including the work of Dr. Greg Hanley. In plain language: your child’s sense of safety comes first, their autistic way of being is respected, and playfulness is embedded within every learning step. I am also a strong believer in setting children up for success and breaking the cycle of failure that most neurodiverse children experience. Both structured learning and natural environment teaching are used so that children have the skills and greater choice and control in their lives. Learn more on the approach page.

Training & credentials: Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) · Early Childhood Educator · Developmental Educator

Beyond The Sessions

Between consultations I share what I know freely: in the Behavior Solutions For Autism Parents Facebook group, the Autism Behavior Resource Hub community, and on YouTube. Come join us; the support is real and the door is open.