Board of Directors
Michael Dawthorne
Chair

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.
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.
Derek Roy
Director at Large

Terry Cloutier

Terry Cloutier is the Manger of Employment Services for Community Living Windsor. She has worked for Community Living Windsor for 37 years in various roles and the last 30 years in employment. Throughout her employment, Terry has actively participated on many committees and lead employment initiatives that benefit persons who have barriers to employment. She is a strong believer in inclusion and continuously advocates for persons who have intellectual disabilities.
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

Ann Szabo has over 35 years of experience in Developmental Services and has focused on Employment Services for the past 15 years. As a Manager at Reena, she oversees Community Participation Supports, Employment Services, and Mental Health Supports, working to create inclusive opportunities for individuals with diverse abilities.
Ann has been instrumental in developing programs that promote employment readiness, social inclusion, and mental health support. She works closely with community partners and employers to foster meaningful opportunities for the individuals Reena serves.
A dedicated and hands-on leader, Ann values collaboration and innovation in service delivery. She is committed to ensuring individuals have the resources and support needed to succeed in both employment and community settings.
Anna Nelson
Director at Large

Anna is the Director of Employment Supports at LiveWorkPlay. Anna joined LiveWorkPlay in 2017 and, previously, worked in various leadership roles in the developmental services sector in Toronto, Ottawa, and Thunder Bay Ontario. She believes the most critical demonstration of inclusive employment progress is seeing more people with intellectual disabilities and autistic job seekers being hired for meaningful employment and seeing them develop within these jobs. Moving beyond awareness and into action drives her work every day. Mother of two active kids, Anna loves to spend as much time in the woods as possible- x-country skiing, trail running, and canoeing.
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.