ABOUT US
Melanie de Ridder, BCBA, RBA, M.Ed.
ABOUT Melanie De Ridder
Melanie de Ridder has spent more than 25 years working in behaviour science, education, and collaborative school environments. Her work has spanned preschool programs, school readiness, and partnerships with educators and professionals who support children with developmental differences and neurodivergent learners.
As both a Registered Behaviour Analyst in Ontario and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Melanie brings a deep understanding of how behaviour develops, how environments influence learning, and how the right supports can help children build meaningful skills.
Throughout her career, Melanie became known for her ability to look beyond surface behaviour and identify the underlying skills children need to succeed. She has a unique strength in taking complex research and translating it into practical strategies that teachers, professionals, and parents can understand and apply in real-world settings.
Her work focuses on helping adults shift their perspective from controlling behaviour to teaching the skills that build independence, communication, and self-regulation.
ABOUT US
The Vision Behind ABCDEmpower
ABCD Empower was created to help change how behaviour is understood.
Many traditional approaches focus on reducing behaviour or increasing compliance. While these methods may create short-term changes, they often fail to address the skills learners need to develop long-term independence and confidence.
ABCDEmpower focuses on something different: skill building.
Through courses, workshops, and professional learning opportunities,
These skills form the foundation for meaningful learning, engagement, and personal growth.
ABCDEmpower helps adults understand how to support the development of:
- autonomy
- assertive communication
- self-determination
- executive functioning skills
The goal of ABCDEmpower is to equip teachers, professionals, and parents with knowledge that changes how they see behaviour and gives them practical tools to support learners in ways that build capacity rather than compliance.
Our Mission
The mission of ABCDEmpower is simple:
To help the adults supporting children understand behaviour differently and teach the skills that allow learners to grow, communicate, and participate with confidence.
By translating behaviour science research into accessible education, ABCDEmpower aims to support more thoughtful, effective learning environments in classrooms, clinics, and homes.
Looking Ahead
ABCDEmpower is designed to expand access to high-quality education for those supporting neurodivergent learners.
Through professional learning, CEU courses, and educational resources, Melanie’s goal is to continue sharing research-informed insight that helps adults support children in ways that are respectful, empowering, and sustainable.
Because when we focus on teaching skills rather than simply managing behaviour, we create opportunities for learners to develop independence, voice, and confidence.
Empowering learners worldwide with accessible, quality education.
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