The Our Pieces Story
Hey there!
I'm Raquel Turner, the heart and soul behind Our Pieces, and I'm excited to have you join me on this incredible journey.
I'm not just a CEO and Founder; I'm an author, a writer and a very proud mom of two awesome boys rocking the autism spectrum (ASD) and a little firecracker of a neurotypical girl. Yep, our household is a beautiful mix of unique personalities and boundless love!
My journey has taken me from being an instructor therapist, running programs for the coolest kiddos with ASD, to becoming a tireless advocate for families wading through the intricate dance of a complex system.
The Big Why?
My heart is powered by my big WHY – a burning passion to make a difference in the lives that matter most. That’s why I created the Our Pieces app to help parents, teachers and caregivers by providing them a tool that will track behaviours and discover insights to help children with autism learn, grow, and blossom.
Brace yourselves, it's going to be a game-changer for parents navigating the autism spectrum!
Now parents and care providers can stop endlessly trying to guess what’s triggering a child’s behaviour and collaborate more effectively to better understand and connect with the child while teaching valuable life skills.
Here’s how it works.
Track
The app functions like a digital ASD communications journal: a simple, intuitive interface makes it easy to track and share data on a child’s behaviours and daily routines to identify patterns and triggers that lead to signs of upset or frustration.
Strategize
It also allows parents, teachers and caregivers to set goals to address day-to-day issues and use those insights for effective behavioural intervention strategies.
Collaborate
Everyone involved in a child’s care can now work together more easily and effectively to put all the pieces together for the child’s life-long well being and success.
You are not alone. There is support.
Our Pieces also offers parent coaching, workshops and family chat groups. See all services.
We have partnered up with IBI Behavioural Services so that we can provided the best supports to you and your family.
I'm not just about words; I'm about action. From parent coaching to hosting cozy chat groups and workshops, I've been on a mission to be the support system that every family deserves.
Being a mom, I get it – the late-night worries, the endless struggles, and the moments that make you want to throw your hands up. That's why I'm here, more determined than ever, to ensure that no parent or guardian feels unsupported or alone. My greatest joy? Seeing parents confidently navigate the journey, armed with the tools and services to best support their amazing kids.
Special Thanks to:
We are immensely grateful to partner with IBI Behavioural Services, a beacon of expertise and dedication in the field of Intensive Behavioral Intervention. Their commitment to enhancing the lives of individuals with developmental or behavioral challenges is truly commendable. Through our partnership, "Our Pieces" has had the invaluable opportunity to collaborate closely with Unique Minds Academy, an institution under IBI's umbrella, to test and refine our innovative app. This collaboration has not only enriched our app's development but has also deepened our understanding of the transformative impact of behavioral services. We extend our heartfelt thanks to IBI Behavioural Services for their unwavering support, guidance, and belief in our mission to make a positive difference in the lives of many.
Benjamin Cortens - Our Dedicated Developer
We owe an immense debt of gratitude to Benjamin Cortens, the talented developer behind the creation of our groundbreaking app. Benjamin's unwavering dedication, tireless efforts, and exceptional skills have been instrumental in bringing our vision to life. Despite facing challenges and picking up the pieces left behind by a previous developer, Benjamin has continued to pour his heart and soul into this project, often going above and beyond the call of duty. His selfless commitment, even when faced with obstacles, exemplifies the spirit of collaboration and innovation that drives "Our Pieces." We are incredibly fortunate to have Benjamin as an integral part of our team, and we cannot thank him enough for his invaluable contributions to our journey.
Dijital Web - Our Trusted Marketing and Web Development Partner
We are incredibly fortunate to collaborate with Dijital Web, a full-service website development and marketing agency, on our journey to bring "Our Pieces" to the world. Their expertise in marketing strategy, business planning, social media planning, and web design has been invaluable in shaping our brand and reaching our audience effectively. The Dijital Web team has poured countless hours into this project, demonstrating a deep belief in our mission and vision. Their unwavering support, dedication, and creative insights have been instrumental in crafting a compelling marketing plan, creating engaging content for our site, and designing a user-friendly platform that resonates with our audience. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone at Dijital Web for their exceptional partnership and commitment to helping us make a meaningful impact.
Bernice Williams - A Guiding Light and Collaborative Force
We are deeply grateful to Bernice Williams, who served as a mentor during our time with Rhyze Ventures. Her wisdom, guidance, and unwavering support have been instrumental in shaping our entrepreneurial journey and fostering our growth. Bernice's belief in our mission extended beyond mentoring, as she invited us to participate in a collaborative book project alongside 22 other inspiring businesswomen. Her commitment to empowering others and fostering connections has been a source of inspiration and encouragement. We are honored to have Bernice as a cherished collaborator and friend, and we look forward to continuing our journey together towards creating positive change.
Rhyze Ventures, boundless, and Innovation Guelph - Catalysts for Growth and Innovation
We are immensely grateful to Rhyze Ventures and boneless, both initiatives supported by Innovation Guelph, for their invaluable support, mentorship, and guidance. Completing the Rhyze program has been a pivotal milestone in our entrepreneurial journey, providing us with the tools, insights, and connections needed to thrive. The boneless startup initiative has further fueled our passion and determination, offering support as we navigate the challenges and opportunities of the startup landscape.
The leadership and commitment of Innovation Guelph, through both Rhyze Ventures and boneless, have been instrumental in our growth and development. Their unwavering support for innovation and entrepreneurship have empowered us to pursue our vision with confidence and resilience. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Innovation Guelph, Rhyze Ventures, and boneless for their transformative impact on our journey.