Meet Chelsea

Happy July ladies! This month we are doing things a little differently. We are featuring not one, but two entrepreneurs.

Please meet Chelsea Tannis from Early Learning ABA in Ottawa. She has shared with us a little bit about her business, what inspires her, what’s next for her and her passion. Without further delay, meet Chelsea.

Follow your passion, work hard and don’t be afraid to take risks. 

– Chelsea

What is your relationship with P&S Co.?  

I love supporting women entrepreneurs in Ottawa as well as their businesses. 

Zodiac sign: 

Scorpio

Where do you live and what do you do? 

I am born and raised in Ottawa, Ontario. 

I live in the east end of Ottawa and am a Kindergarten teacher for the Ottawa Catholic School Board. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Education, Cum laude, with a specialization in the Comprehensive School of Health. Where I focused on promoting health through teaching and learning, leadership, student engagement, social and physical environments, and home, school and community partnerships. In 2017, I graduated from the University of Ottawa with an Honours Bachelor of Communication. 

I have had the opportunity to work and volunteer with both children and in special education for more than 10 years. My experience has only strengthened my commitment to education. I am grateful to teach in a community of kids with exceptional needs. I understand how important it is for families and professionals to work together to ensure the best outcomes for the child. 

Tell us about Early Learning ABA and how it came to be? 

Being a teacher and working in many different schools, I saw the growing depletion of resources, support, and funding for children and families. Many were struggling and on long waitlists for services in Ottawa. I started brainstorming plans on how I could support all families and children with or without a diagnosis. I was inspired by my principals passion and dedication to the world of education. I am dedicated and passionate to find solutions to help support families. In January of 2022, as COVID-19 restrictions were lifted, I seized the opportunity to finally make my vision, dreams and goals come to reality: Early Learning ABA.

Early learning ABA Ottawa was founded to provide children and their families with a resourceful environment to meet their individual needs. I believe by using applied behaviour analysis and educational strategies, we can improve the overall quality of life of each child while treating them with compassion, dignity and respect. Early Learning ABA provides many services and programs to families such as; Social Skills Early Learning program, 1:1 Individual ABA Therapy, Special Education and ESL tutoring and Kindergarten Preparation program. 

What makes you feel pretty and smart? What does it mean to you? 

I am surrounded by an amazing community of strong and dedicated leaders and entrepreneurs. This makes me feel pretty and smart as I begin a new journey as female entrepreneur in Ottawa. I hope to inspire, lead and mentor other females to follow their dreams and never stop believing just like other female entrepreneurs have guided me throughout this journey.

What’s next for you and the Early Learning ABA? New projects? New locations? 

As  a female entrepreneur in Ottawa, I plan on networking and collaborating with other organizations to continue supporting children and families. I look forward to collaborating with Occupational Therapists, Psychologists, Teachers and Speech-Language Pathologists to give learners a multidisciplinary plan of care meeting all their individual needs. 

How do you like being an entrepreneur and small business owner? 

I am proud and passionate about being small business owner! I am excited to have the opportunity to help families and children in Ottawa. This is a great opportunity to foster creativity and innovation. This will promote the innovative ideas that will push Early Learning ABA forward. 

Are you inspired by something specifically? 

I’m inspired by my family. I have been surrounded by strong entrepreneurs and business owners throughout my life. I grew up learning from my family who owned a family business, Tannis Foods Distributor. From an early age, my family taught me a strong work ethic and the importance of giving back. I’m inspired by that same work ethic and look forward to helping children and families in Ottawa. 

What is your number one tip for those who might be considering taking the plunge into entrepreneurship?

Follow your passion, work hard and don’t be afraid to take risks. 

Can you give us the good and the bad of entrepreneurship?  

Positives of entrepreneurship: 

• The excitement in helping children and families and seeing the progress of our clients 
• Meeting and collaborating with remarkable people 
• Creating a diverse workforce
• Making our own decisions 

Negatives of entrepreneurship:

• Not enough hours in a day! 

How do you juggle it all and stay motivated/growing/consistent? 

I stay motivated and consistent by working as a team. No matter what the ELA team supports each other through different obstacles. As we grow, we juggle it all by having open communication, trust, honesty and being adaptive. As business partners, we believe it is important to have a work-life balance at Early Learning ABA.

What would you tell younger women who haven’t yet taken a risk they might be considering. Is this something you might not have followed yourself? 

I would tell younger women to take and learn from risks. These lessons will always lead you on an important path, a new path. Do your research. Do not be afraid to reach out. Whether it be to professionals in your field or other entrepreneurs for help and advice. I have been very fortunate to collaborate with other entrepreneurs and the amazing community in Ottawa. I embrace being a new leader and believe it is important to work and support others.

What is the best word to describe you and why?

Passionate. 

I am a passionate educator who loves teaching and helping families and children. I am committed to the field of education and being lifelong learners. As I incorporate new tools and strategies into the learning process to support students’ learning development. I hope to teach and make a difference in children’s lives. 

What is your guilty pleasure?

Netflix & popcorn 

Number one thing on your bucket list right now? 

Spa weekend/getaway together 

What is your favourite quote?

“Success is not final; failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”

– Winston Churchill 

What is one thing we didn’t ask but you want people to know about you? 

In my spare time, I enjoy staying active, travelling and exploring different coffee shops in Ottawa! I hope to travel and explore different countries.

Where can people find you online? What is your handle? 

Email: info@earlylearningottawa.com 

Website: Early Learning ABA | Applied Behaviour Analysis & Education Services (earlylearningottawa.com)

Instagram: @earlylearningaba

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Thank you so much Chelsea for the work that you do and for sharing a little bit with us this month! If any readers have questions please feel free to write them in the comments below or contact Chealse and Sarah directly. You can read interviews with our past featured entrepreneurs here.

Until next month, bye for now!