Hi, I'm Erica — the founder of Ponte Pathways, where lived experience, professional expertise, and neurodiversity-affirming practice come together to support learners and their families.

I'm an Ontario Certified Teacher with over a decade of experience in special education — but my roots in this work began long before I ever stepped into a classroom. Growing up with a younger autistic brother shaped my understanding of neurodivergence in a way training alone never could. It taught me to see strengths first, honour differences, and meet people with deep respect and curiosity. That perspective continues to guide everything I do.

My Background

Professionally, I've worked as both an ABA therapist and an Ontario Certified Teacher with Special Education qualifications. I've taught in public and private schools, including within the Regional Autism Program, and collaborated closely with psychologists, SLPs, OTs, and behaviour analysts across clinical and educational settings.

I've developed hundreds of IEPs, guided families through complex school processes, and advocated for learning environments where neurodivergent students are truly understood and celebrated. My approach is rooted in evidence-based practice, trauma-informed care, and the belief that learners thrive when their strengths are recognized and their needs are honoured without judgment.

Why "Ponte"

The name Ponte — meaning "bridge" in Italian — is deeply personal to me. It honours my grandparents, who immigrated from Italy to Canada and built new pathways for our family. That legacy inspires my work: bridging gaps, building understanding, and helping learners move toward possibility with confidence.

Ponte Pathways brings all of this together — a space where families can access clear guidance through the special education system, and where students receive individualized academic, executive functioning, and social-emotional support tailored to how they learn best.

At its core, Ponte Pathways is about connection — between home and school, strengths and supports, challenges and solutions.

When students are understood and families feel empowered, they don't just succeed — they flourish.