Board of Directors
Sandra Leslie
Chair
Sandra is the Executive Director at META Vocational Services and has been with the agency for just over 3 years.
Sandra has worked in the field of social services for over 25 years, starting in the field of developmental services and now employment. She has an educational background in Business – Human Resources and Not for Profit Leadership.
Chris Guillemette
Vice Chair
Chris Guillemette is the Director of Support Services with Community Living North Bay. She has been with Community Living North Bay for 33 years and has assumed a number of roles within the organization during this period of time including overseeing children, youth and adult services. Chris has been with ODEN since its inception and has participated in a variety of capacities including the Board Vice Chair, Chair of Membership, and Secretary to name a few.
Linda Simpson
Secretary
Linda Simpson est une conseillère canadienne agréée en réadaptation, directrice et fondatrice de Performance Plus — Soins en Réadaptation. PPSR est une entreprise privée de réadaptation qui offre des services de retour au travail aux personnes ayant un handicap. Elle utilise un processus professionnel d’employabilité pour aider ses clients et ses employeurs à obtenir des résultats positifs. Linda et son équipe chez PPSR sont heureuses d’être vos partenaires de confiance pour aider votre organisation à être plus inclusive dans notre société. Linda est membre du réseau Forbes Councils, où ses connaissances aident à guider les entreprises sur la voie de l’inclusion. Linda est heureuse de travailler avec le conseil d’administration du réseau ODEN pour aider les organisations et les entreprises à être plus inclusives dans notre société.
English:
Linda Simpson is a Canadian Certified Rehabilitation Counsellor, Director and Founder of Performance Plus Rehabilitative Care Inc. PPRC is a private rehabilitation company providing return to work services for people with disabilities. They use a professional employability process to support their clients and employers to achieve positive outcomes. Linda and her team at PPRC are pleased to be your trusted partner to assist your organization to be more inclusive in our society. Linda is a member of Forbes Councils, where her knowledge helps to guide business with inclusion. Linda is pleased to work with ODEN’s Board to assist organizations and businesses to be more inclusive in our society.
Michael Dawthorne
Director At Large
Michael is the Director of Programs and Services Operations at Canadian Hearing Services. He currently serves on numerous boards and committees related to accessibility, disabilities, and mental health. He is a graduate from the University of Western Ontario (BA), Mohawk College (Labour Studies) and Lambton College (Community Advocacy). Much of his time is spent supporting and advocating for his son with Autism, developmental disability, and mental illness.
Johanne Strome
Director at Large
Johanne is the Director of Supports and Services with Community Living Prince Edward. Johanne has over 30 years of experience in Developmental Services, supporting children, youth, adults, and seniors with an intellectual disability and their families. Community Living Prince Edward’s mission statement is “To facilitate the full participation, inclusion and citizenship of people with an intellectual disability in the life of community.” Johanne is new to the ODEN Board of Directors, and will help bring a cross-sector perspective to employment issues and resolutions.
Ann Szabo
Director at Large
Ashley Sweeney
Director at Large
Ashley is a passionate advocate for inclusive hiring; she has worked in the Employment Services field for more than 6 years with a focus on enhancing the delivery of the ODSP Employment Supports Program. In her current role, as the Disability Services Coordinator with Agilec, she is tasked with ensuring all Agilec offices throughout Ontario have the skills, knowledge and understanding of how-to best support persons with disabilities develop their potential and reach their employment and/or training goals through various Employment Ontario programs and services. Ashley is involved in program management, service quality, partnership development, budget management, human resources, and employment services transformation. Ashley is excited to contribute to ODEN’s goal of bringing together businesses and Employment Service Providers to increase employment opportunities for job seekers who have a disability.