The Team at Branching Out Support Services aims to offer the highest quality services to families in Dufferin County and beyond. We know this starts with value based leadership, team work and a dedication to putting people first.
We value the dignity and worth of all humans.
We value inclusion and diversity.
We value choice and will empower all members of our community to exercise their choices.
We value open communication and integrity in that communication.
We value open communication and integrity in that communication.
We value community and the importance of relationships.
We value social justice and dedicate ourselves to this cause.
At Branching Out it is our daily responsibility and joy to serve people who have neurodiversities and their families. We do this with community, choice and creativity. We are committed to creative care solutions, recreation and social programming, 1:1 support and day programming. Join us as we make our community inclusive for all.
Meet the BOSS Team
Kimberly Van Ryn
Kimberly Van Ryn,
CYW, RYT, BA Human Services
Founder
Kim started her career as a Child and Youth Worker in foster and adoptive care. After a short break from the human services field she returned to work in day services with adults with neuro diversities and found her true calling.
Over the past years of professional development Kim has attained her BA in Human Services with honors, her Trauma Informed Care and Counselling certificate and studied the Spell to Communicate method to work more deeply with non-speaking people. She is also expanding into teaching at local colleges and agencies about neuro diversity, trauma, valued roles and the social enterprise model.
With her team, Kim opened the doors to Branching Out Support Services and it's been quite the journey ever since! The growth and learning has been exponential and based deeply in the community, which is right where Kim wants to be and where she finds her greatest flow and alignment.
When not engaging with BOSS and the CommonFare Kitchen Kim loves teaching yoga, riding her bike, roller skating, playing in the garden, making holistic body products tending to her plants.
Tabi Young
Tabi Young
Day Services Facilitator
Tabi started her career as a Child Youth Worker and found her passion working with adults in the neurodiverse community. Tabi has been in the role of supporting others for over 14 years. She is very excited to be joining the Day Services opportunities at BOSS. She feels deeply this is right where she is meant to be, being able to help people to choose their path and achieve the most out of life is her calling.
Tabi strives to continue life long learning and advocacy. She has completed Mental Health First Aid, Youth Mental Health, Suicide Prevention and Awareness as well as completing Fundamentals of Palliative Care. She has provided support to people of all ages throughout her career and she has seen the importance of advocacy at every age.
When not working, Tabi enjoys adventures camping, hiking, and traveling. She is always changing up her hobbies to learn things and can't forget spending time with family.
Tricia Hunt
Trish is currently in the role of Temporary Lead Programs Facilitator while Tabi is on Parental leave.
Trish has been working in the social service field for 15 + years. Doing Support work for seniors and neurodivergent adults. During this time Trish has obtained certification for
*ESS ( Enhanced Specialist Services- Behavioural Training)
*Ontario Hospice death doula
*USUI HOLY FIRE III level 2 reiki
*Holistic facial modules
*CPR and First Aid training
Trish loves her family, smiles, laughter, being by or in water, sunshine and a big mug of coffee.
“Use each moment to make another’s eyes sparkle and to warm a heart.”- Doreen Virtue
Carly Baker
Carly Baker
Day Services Facilitator
Back in 2020 when I was doing my co-op at Humber College in Orangeville for the SSW program, I had the opportunity to come to BOSS for my placement and I have been here since then. I am now a part of our day services program.
I'm grateful to be apart of a team of kind, caring, fun, safe, clever, respectful individuals who not only support each other, but our whole community as well. I enjoy the meaningful work, opportunities and adventures that our team encounters.
My two life passions are supporting people and helping animals in general, I strive to learn as much as I can in both areas. I love doing various kinds of art and nature hobbies such as: vegetable gardening, painting, boating, power tool crafts, wood burning, learning about insects, etc. and I enjoy bringing those hobbies into BOSS to share with our friends.
I spend my free time with my 8 beautiful furry animal companions, 3 tanks of fish companions, a giant millipede friend and a lovely colony of kingworms that sometimes morph into beetle friends.
James Loughran
James Loughran
Lead Male Mentor
James graduated from the Social Services Worker Program at Canadore College and found his true calling within the neuro diverse community. James has worked for a number of organizations as a front-line support worker over the last 12 years of his career.
James is passionate about real world learning, mentoring, and being present for people in all experiences of their lives. James loves the outdoors, recreational and social adventures and sharing his passion for music, video games, art, animals and exploring with every person he engages with.
In his role as male mentor at Branching Out Support Services James focuses his therapeutic work on mentoring men in their independent living skills, social interactions and daily living tasks. James has an incredible knack for connection and support in mentoring situations that participants align with.
James has been an essential presence at BOSS since the day it was a sparkle in our eyes. Not only is he the company’s lead male mentor and Guy’s Mentoring Group lead, he also works hard in the Passport Department, maintenance onsite at BOSS, supporting staff, organizing events, does hours of 1:1 support and drives. Most importantly James believes in the dream of a community without labels where we all belong. Above and beyond all the work he does for and with BOSS – he’s the glue that holds it all together.
“I am, We are, All things, One.” ~JPL~
Jeff Baker
Jeff Baker (They/Them) comes from a diverse background of experiences. While working as a youth pastor they started noticing a high percentage of autistic students attending their youth group. The same thing happened at their next two churches, and everything started to click after they were themselves diagnosed with autism in their 30's. As a late diagnosed autistic person Jeff brings a unique insight into the support needs of both neurodiverse people and their families. Jeff serves as the Community Support Professional Coordinator for BOSS and works diligently pairing BOSS participants and families with dedicated and qualified 1:1 Community Support Professionals. In their spare time Jeff likes to hang out with their awesome spouse and kids, and focus on various art projects including animation, digital painting, and creating comics.
Join Us!
If you are looking to join an energetic, hardworking, committed team send us a resume! We are often looking for dedicated support professionals to work within Branching Out Support Services. Check out the "Get involved" page for more info!
Family Resource Team
We have many other support professional who work with families and individuals in our community on a contract basis.
