At Toronto Latinos, we’re committed to highlighting individuals who are not only excelling in their fields, but actively creating change within our communities. This month, we recognize Jaime Santana, a leader, advocate, and founder whose work is transforming lives across Ontario.

As the founder of Santana Behavioural Services, Jaime set out with a clear purpose: to provide essential support to a severely underserved population—youth and adults on the autism spectrum and individuals with developmental disabilities. His mission goes beyond therapy. It’s about breaking down barriers, empowering individuals, and helping them build meaningful, independent, and successful lives—on their own terms. Through Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), community outreach, and education, his organization is helping push forward a more inclusive and accepting society, rooted in the belief that there is no true community without inclusion.

Jaime’s journey is built on both education and real-world impact. With a Psychology degree from York University and a Master’s in Applied Disability Studies with a specialization in ABA from Brock University, he has developed a deep understanding of how to tailor programs to each individual’s needs. His work focuses on building practical life skills—from communication and social development to vocational training and daily independence—ensuring that every client is supported in a way that reflects their goals and preferences.

But what truly sets Jaime apart is his commitment to advocacy and leadership. As the current President of the Ontario Association for Behaviour Analysis (ONTABA), the largest ABA professional body in Canada, he has played a direct role in shaping policy and pushing for a more effective, needs-based Ontario Autism Program. He has worked alongside provincial ministries and contributed to the development of key regulatory frameworks for behaviour analysts in Ontario, helping elevate the standard of care across the province.

His dedication has not gone unnoticed. In 2021, Jaime was awarded the ONTABA President’s Award for Service Excellence—recognizing his impact, leadership, and commitment to the field.

At his core, Jaime believes in compassionate, values-driven care. His work incorporates innovative approaches like Acceptance and Commitment Training to support individuals dealing with anxiety, while maintaining a strong focus on measurable progress and effective teaching methods. Whether working with clients, mentoring future professionals, or advocating for systemic change, his goal remains the same: to create better outcomes for individuals and their families.

Jaime Santana represents the kind of leadership our community needs—purpose-driven, impactful, and deeply committed to uplifting others. His work is not only changing lives, but helping shape a more inclusive future for all.