RDC25 Speaker Bios
We have a great line-up of speakers at this year’s conference!
Learn more about speakers leading the sessions you’ve chosen to attend by reading their bios.
Ambreen Ahmad |
Ambreen’s passion for literacy and education extends beyond her professional roles, as seen by her involvement as the Executive Director at Metro Toronto Movement for Literacy (MTML). With a Masters in English Literature and Educational Planning and Management, she brings a unique blend of academic rigor and practical expertise to her leadership. Throughout her career, Ambreen has seamlessly transitioned between various roles, including Vice Principal, English Language Instructor, HR Manager, Communications Executive, and Literacy practitioner. She has an innate ability to connect communities through literacy. She believes that education is a fundamental tool for empowerment and social cohesion, and she works tirelessly to bridge gaps and foster inclusivity. As the Co-founder of Studypages, an online free tutoring platform, she has demonstrated her commitment to democratizing access to education and empowering learners of all backgrounds. She was also recognized by ‘Women We Admire’ as the Top Women Leaders of Toronto for 2025. Ambreen’s leadership is characterized by her visionary approach, empathy, and unwavering commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and communities through literacy and education.
Speaker session:9B – Inclusive Employment: Recognizing & Addressing Literacy Barriers for Clients who have a Disability |
Yakuta Alibhai |
Yakuta relocated from the UK 10 years ago working in the field of coatings/materials science. Starting as R&D Scientist and later became Technical Sales Manager collaborating on many discovery projects with companies like GSK, Novo Nordisk & Roll Royce. After a successful career in corporate sales and recruitment, she transitioned into the non-profit sector to focus on work that creates real impact. Driven by a desire to give back and be a voice for others, she now supports individuals with disabilities in finding and sustaining meaningful employment—combining her professional expertise with a strong sense of purpose. Having the pleasure of working for Canadian Council on Rehabilitation & Work for the last 6 years has given her the platform to become an intuitive Career Talent Consultant. Desire and passion to help people from all backgrounds, coaching and mentoring, she’s helped countless individuals navigate in today’s fast-changing job market. She brings both structure and heart to every step of the employment journey—for job seekers and employers alike. Yakuta is excited and honoured to be part of today’s event! Speaker session:5A – Job Seeker Resource Tool: Writing a Disclosure Statement |
Beverly Beuermann-King
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Beverly has been guiding individuals and organizations for over 25 years, toward mastering their reactions to stress, cultivating resilience, and achieving thriving, successful lives through her innovative S-O-S Principle™.
As the driving force behind WorkSmartLiveSmart.com since 1995, Beverly has been at the forefront of transforming teams across diverse industries, including healthcare, education, government agencies, finance, and not-for-profit sectors, from overwhelmed to resilient powerhouses. Her presentations, rooted in extensive research and drawing from her background in psychology, sociology, management, and adult education, are both enlightening and inspirational, offering audiences the precise strategies needed to improve mental health, tackle workplace challenges, and amplify overall life satisfaction. Speaker session:Opening Keynote – Harness Your Energy – Build Your Resilience: A Path to Thriving in Life1B – Excelling During Change: Building Resilience in Times of Transition |
Paul Bakker
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Bio – Coming Soon
Speaker session:3C – Building Employer Confidence: Occupational Therapy Innovations for Mental Health Inclusion |
Sarah Birch
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Sarah is an experienced HR professional with an extensive background in disability and LGBT+ recruitment, equity, and inclusion. Driven by a deep belief in the power of equity and inclusivity, Sarah approaches her role with a focus on making a positive impact on both employment practices and broader societal perceptions. Her career is marked by a proven track record of collaborating with organizations to implement inclusive hiring strategies and create environments where every voice is heard and valued.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Sarah is a dedicated advocate for change. She spends her free time volunteering and has a special affinity for retired racing greyhounds, having adopted two herself – Frank and Vent. She is also an adventure enthusiast and doting aunt. Speaker session:Business Stream — Disability Awareness & Confidence Training2A – Disclosure & Accommodation Workshop – PART I 3A – Disclosure & Accommodation Workshop – PART II
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Charlotte Buttle
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Charlotte Buttle is the Associate of Research and Knowledge Mobilization at March of Dimes Canada (MODC). She holds a Master of Public Health, specializing in Health Promotion. In her role, Charlotte supports research projects and program evaluations across all departments at MODC.
Speaker session:8A – Addressing Barriers to Digital Tools & Tech-Enabled jobs in Canada – Insights from Young People who have a Disability |
Erica Carson-Sami
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Erica Carson-Sami is a fierce advocate for the disability community, boasting a decade of experience as a professional and over fifteen years as a volunteer in the disability community. Her career is dedicated to transforming employment outcomes for people with disabilities and empowering employers to support disabled employees effectively.
Erica holds a Master’s in Social Work from Carleton University, where she taught a course, ‘Social Work and Disabled People,’ from 2020-2022. Erica ran a vocational mentorship program for adults with disabilities entering the workforce and played a pivotal role in a collaborative initiative among four Ottawa post-secondary institutions to enhance employment outcomes for graduates with disabilities. She continues to champion the importance of valuing the lived experiences of disabled people, supporting their empowerment, and shattering misconceptions about disability. As the founder of CARCO Disability Strategies, Erica empowers individuals with disabilities to confidently advocate for their workplace needs and educated employers on disability inclusion. She’s delivered impactful trainings, participated in panels, and authored insightful blog posts—all aimed at fostering greater understanding and inclusion for people with disabilities. Speaker session:7C – Tips for Providing Disability Positive Employment Services |
Andrea D. Carter
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Andrea D. Carter (she/her) is a globally recognized Neuroscience-Based Senior Consultant, Strategist, and Research Leader dedicated to creating inclusive workplaces where every individual can thrive. As CEO of Andrea Carter Consulting and Founder of the Belonging First Methodology, she has earned an unparalleled seven global awards in 2024 and a powerful start to 2025, securing three prestigious accolades in Innovation, Strategic Leadership, and as a Top 100 Entrepreneur & Innovator to Watch.
Holding a Master of Industrial & Organizational Psychology, Andrea serves as a Senior Research Leader and Adjunct Professor at Adler University, specializing in Belonging in the Workplace. A Forbes Council Member and contributor to The Conversation Journal, Andrea was also named Aspiring Innovator of the Year by the Coalition of Innovation Leaders Advancing Respect. Her groundbreaking 2021 research introduced the world’s first validated organizational belongingness instrument, capable of measuring the belonging experience of underrepresented employees, including those with disabilities. Andrea’s work bridges the critical gap between IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility) initiatives and measurable organizational performance, providing leaders with data-driven strategies to create truly inclusive environments. Through her Belonging First Methodology, Andrea has developed a framework that transforms how organizations approach disability inclusion and accessibility. Her expertise in intersectionality and the five indicators of belonging: comfort, connection, contribution, psychological safety, and wellbeing, enables executives, HR professionals, managers, and disability employment specialists to shift from reactive compliance to proactive belonging-building practices that benefit all employees. Andrea’s strategic consulting work spans eight industries, positively impacting over 100,000 employees globally. Her approach to accessibility goes beyond accommodation. She helps organizations understand that belonging is a 50/50 responsibility between individuals and workplace culture, creating environments where employees with disabilities not only participate but truly flourish. Speaker session:2C – Psychological Safety & Belonging in the Workplace |
Nyarai Chidemo
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Bio – Coming Soon
Speaker session:9A – Empowerment in Action: Mentoring Women with Disabilities through Collaborative Leadership & Training |
Sarah Delicate
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Sarah Delicate is a systems-change leader and builder who rejects employment services that ‘hit the targets but miss the point. Director at BBMD Consulting and Delicate & Associates, she has trained, coached, and consulted across Canada since 1999. Co-author of Smoke & Mirrors, The Illusion of the Employment Services Sector, she sparks honest dialogue, practical tools, and measurable change—moving agencies from transactional checklists to transformational, person-directed services. Her focus: equitable, person-centered, person-directed practice that delivers real outcomes for those systemically excluded from the labour market. Sarah partners with funders and providers to redesign accountability, culture, and practice for lasting impact.
Speaker session:3B – Employment Services Wasn’t Built for Complexity |
Ofelia Dugal
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Ofelia Dugal, an immigrant to Canada, holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts from the University of the Philippines. Since 2006, she has spent nearly a decade in the settlement sector, helping newcomers successfully integrate into the community. As Program Supervisor at the Greater Essex County District School Board, Ofelia managed the Canada Ontario Job Grant and Employment Ontario programs, assisting local employers in addressing labour shortages and fostering diverse, inclusive workplaces. Before joining ODEN, Ofelia was the Coordinator for Quality Assurance & Program Support at the City of Windsor’s Windsor Regional Employment Network. There, she provided strategic leadership to a group of service providers across multiple regions, guiding them through the Employment Ontario transformation. Ofelia is eager to leverage her expertise at ODEN to drive meaningful change, supporting marginalized populations in achieving sustainable success in the workforce. Speaker session:2B – Realizing Employment Potential – Project SEARCH Employer Engagement Strategy Panel |
Paul Fleming
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Paul Fleming is a Partner at People Minded Business, with 30+ years’ experience spanning strategy consulting, marketing, technology, and entrepreneurship. An engaging strategist and facilitator, Paul specializes in future-proofing organizations, leaning on Creative Problem-Solving (CPS) to help organizations spark innovation, align operations and strengthen collaboration. He brings insights from global to local research trends, backed by an MBA from Ivey, an MSc from Henley Business School, and certifications in Inclusive Strategic Design and CPS. Paul also serves on the Board of the Children’s Foundation and Humber Business School.
Speaker session:4B – Future Ready: Using Creative Problem-Solving to Tackle Employment Challenges |
Paul Found
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Paul Found currently serves as the Employment Services Supervisor with the Norfolk Association for Community Living. He has been actively involved in Project Search Norfolk team since its launch, a program that recently earned recognition for excellence after achieving a remarkable 100% employment rate for graduates in its first year of operation. With over 35 years of experience in children and youth services as well as developmental services, Paul has held a wide range of roles dedicated to supporting others. He is deeply committed to helping people reach their personal goals and achieve meaningful outcomes. A strong advocate for collaboration, Paul firmly believes that building community partnerships is key to expanding opportunities and enhancing possibilities for everyone.
Speaker session:2B – Realizing Employment Potential – Project SEARCH Employer Engagement Strategy Panel |
Francis Fung
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W. Francis Fung is the National Manager for Rehabilitation and Clinical Services at March of Dimes Canada, and the Engagement Lead at the Inclusive Design for Employment Access–an applied research project that strives to build employer capacity to develop disability inclusive and accessible workplaces. Francis has been involved in vocational evaluation, disability management, and employment services for over two decades. He holds a Master of Education, specializing in Community Rehabilitation and Disability Studies, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology.
Speaker session:4A – Navigating Resilience: Supporting Racialized Job Seekers who have a Disability through Intersectional Employment Approaches |
Rebecca Gewurtz
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Bio – Coming Soon
Speaker session:4A – Navigating Resilience: Supporting Racialized Job Seekers who have a Disability through Intersectional Employment Approaches |
Liz Gosse
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Liz Gosse is a Disability Awareness Trainer for the Ontario Disability Employment Network. Liz has worked with adult learners for over 10 years providing an inclusive, respectful learning environment and fostering a love of learning with others. She has experience working with and teaching people who have a disability and providing accommodations to ensure learners have the tools and knowledge to be successful in their learning journeys.
Liz is motivated to positively impact the lives of people who face barriers to education and employment. She is inspired to help make changes for her family members including her son who have a disability. Speaker session:4C – Promising Practices in Action: Strengthening Collaboration between ESPs and Businesses |
Eakam Grewel
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Eakam Grewal completed her MSc in Rehabilitation Sciences at McMaster University. Her research focuses on understanding the intersecting identities of race and disability in the context of employment and is a research student with IDEA.
Speaker session:4A – Navigating Resilience: Supporting Racialized Job Seekers who have a Disability through Intersectional Employment Approaches |
Janeen Halliwell
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Janeen Halliwell is Co-founder & Partner of People Minded Business, where she leads inclusive consultations that spark innovation across the health and human services with a focus on the disability sector. With deep expertise in strategy, facilitation, co-design and Creative Problem-Solving, Janeen empowers organizations to identify opportunities and tackle complex challenges in fresh, practical ways. She is a sought-after presenter and facilitator who has traveled the globe, bringing energy, clarity, and creativity to every room she enters. Janeen has an MA in Leadership and Organizational Learning and has taught at two universities.
Speaker session:4B – Future Ready: Using Creative Problem-Solving to Tackle Employment Challenges |
Kristin Hartigan |
Bio – Coming Soon
Speaker session:1C – Purposeful Networking to Create Business Connections that Last |
Jennifer Hope
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Jennifer Hope is a passionate advocate for disability inclusion, with a career spanning the public, private, and non-profit sectors. With over 15 years of experience in the non-profit space and senior leadership roles in Toronto’s developmental services sector, they bring a deep expertise of capacity building and inclusive employment strategies. A former Red Seal–certified executive chef, she blends lived experience with professional insight to drive meaningful progress in inclusion. Jenny works collaboratively with employers, service providers, and community stakeholders to expand equitable employment opportunities—grounded in the belief that employment is more than just a job; it’s a pathway to connection, purpose, and social inclusion. Speaker session:Business Stream – Disability Awareness & Confidence Training2A – Disclosure & Accommodation Workshop – PART I 3A – Disclosure & Accommodation Workshop – PART II
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Christie Johnson
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With over 25 years of diverse experience across the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors, Christie has built a dynamic and purpose-driven career rooted in leadership, service, and community impact. Her professional journey spans a wide range of fields, including youth employment programs, international recruitment and partnerships, human resources and administration, business development and entrepreneurship, career services and counselling, and the food and beverage industry.
Speaker session:6B – Creating Opportunities, Driving Results: How Businesses and Employment Service Providers Collaborate for Success (Business Panel) |
Erica Johnston
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Erica Johnston is the Research Coordinator for March of Dimes Canada’s Knowledge to Action team. She has a Master of Arts in Applied Social Psychology from the University of Guelph with a background in community-engaged research and knowledge mobilization.
Speaker session:8A – Addressing Barriers to Digital Tools & Tech-Enabled jobs in Canada – Insights from Young People who have a Disability |
Cindy Krysac
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Bio – Coming Soon
Speaker session:5B – From Skills Shortages to Skills Resilience: Disability Inclusive Approaches for the Trades |
Hadassah Lebovic
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Hadassah Lebovic, MScOT, OT Reg. (Ont.) is an Occupational Therapist with 16 years of experience supporting individuals in their recovery and return to meaningful work and daily life. She is registered with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario and the Ontario Society of Occupational Therapists. Hadassah’s practice spans physical, cognitive, neurological, and psychological rehabilitation, with expertise in mental health and disability. She is a Certified Functional Capacity Evaluator and Certified Cognitive Functional Capacity Evaluator, with training in catastrophic assessment and neurorehabilitation. Hadassah is passionate about bridging inclusiveness and employment, helping employees in their return to work goals in inclusive workplaces.
Speaker session:3C – Building Employer Confidence: Occupational Therapy Innovations for Mental Health Inclusion |
Susan Lefebvre
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Susan Lefebvre is currently the Project Lead at MTML. She has been in adult education since 1986, the last ten years as an LBS manager for the Toronto District School Board. Before joining the TDSB program, Susan was an assessor and LBS instructor for the Toronto Catholic District School Board LBS; and previously served on the MTML Board of Directors. Susan is committed to adult education and is passionate about supporting students to succeed.
Speaker session:9B – Inclusive Employment: Recognizing & Addressing Literacy Barriers for Clients who have a Disability |
Nuzhat Mahmud
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Nuzhat Mahmud is a dedicated HR and workforce development leader with over 17 years of experience helping organizations build inclusive, effective, and people-focused talent strategies. Her career spans a wide range of sectors—including non-profit, staffing, financial services, manufacturing, and retail—giving her a broad perspective on workforce needs and solutions.
In her current role as a Career Talent Consultant at the Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work (CCRW), Nuzhat works at the intersection of equity and employment, supporting individuals with disabilities and connecting them with inclusive employers. With deep expertise in recruitment, stakeholder engagement, and process improvement, she is known for her ability to turn complex challenges into practical, impactful solutions. Nuzhat is also a Six Sigma Black Belt and a passionate advocate for equitable access to meaningful employment. Speaker session:5A – Job Seeker Resource Tool: Writing a Disclosure Statement |
Amanda Mastronardi
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Amanda has over 16 years’ experience in the Developmental Services sector, serving in a variety of roles within Community Living Essex County including Project Management, Human Resources, Administration, and Direct Supports. Amanda graduated from the University of Windsor and holds an Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing, and later graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce, Honours Business Administration degree from the Odette School of Business. With these varied positions and experienced perspectives, Amanda understands the critical need and significance of knowledge translation, giving people applicable information and resources they require, helping to bridge the knowledge gap that often exists across the sector.
Speaker session:4C – Survey Says…Knowledge is Power! |
Sean McEwen
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Sean is a nationally recognized Workplace Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Culture Consultant and an engaging public speaker with over 25 years of experience helping organizations build inclusive, high-performing workplaces. As a Director at RealEyes Capacity Consultants, he supports private, nonprofit, and government sectors to build sustainable, inclusive workplaces that reflect the diversity of their communities while driving innovation, boosting employee engagement, and strengthening retention.
Sean has led the design and delivery of Employment Inclusion services for under-represented groups across Canada. He has provided coaching and leadership to teams of Career Practitioners supporting job seekers and employers, and has created and facilitated EDI training for organizations nationwide. His work has contributed to the development of regional, provincial, and national networks focused on employment inclusion. A recognized leader in the field, Sean received the Alberta Premier’s Council on the Status of Persons with Disabilities Award of Excellence in Employment in 2018. He also designed and launched Western Canada’s first Employer Resource Centre for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. Sean’s background is in Youth Services and Mental Health, and he is a Certified Employment Specialist. He has served as board chair for both the Alberta Association for Supported Employment and the Canadian Association of Supported Employment. Though based in Victoria, Sean works with organizations across Canada. He lived and worked in Calgary for many years and has built strong relationships with Indigenous communities in Treaty 7. Sean is honoured to hold the Blackfoot name Oh’sskoi piiksi (Blue Bird). Speaker session:7B – Indigenous Equity & Workplace Inclusion – Service Provider Partnerships (virtual session) |
Shauna McKenzie-Onita
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Bio – Coming Soon Speaker session:5B – From Skills Shortages to Skills Resilience: Disability Inclusive Approaches for the Trades
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Danica McPhee
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Danica McPhee is the Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Indigeneity Coordinator for Erie Shores HealthCare, a small rural community hospital in Southwestern Ontario. Her background is in Social Service Work and Critical Disability Studies. Driven by her lived experience as a person with a Disability in the workplace, Danica aims to create a welcoming organizational culture that anticipates and genuinely values human difference.
Speaker session:6B – Creating Opportunities, Driving Results: How Businesses and Employment Service Providers Collaborate for Success (Business Panel) |
Tracey Morrow
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Tracey Morrow is an Employment Specialist with Xplore Employment and has worked for Community Living Oakville for over 30 years. After working in the residential program, day programs, as well as after school program, Tracey joined the employment team in 2007. Since then she has developed many long-standing community partnerships, as well as working relationships with the various high schools within Oakville. In addition to working with Project SEARCH Halton, Tracey contributes practical insights on topics such as skills development, job development and employer partnerships with Project SEARCH Ontario sites.
Speaker session:2B – Realizing Employment Potential – Project SEARCH Employer Engagement Strategy Panel |
Ingrid Muschta
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A Licensed Professional Engineer with 20 years of combined working experience in corporate, entrepreneurial, and not-for-profit settings, Ingrid’s work has helped 250 people who have a disability gain employment. She has delivered Disability Training to over 500 business members.
Speaker session:4C – Survey Says…Knowledge is Power! |
Cristin O’Sullivan
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Cristin O’Sullivan is a seasoned professional with more than two decades of expertise in the social services sector. Her career has focused primarily on providing employment support, enhancing educational access, and fostering community development initiatives. Cristin is firmly committed to continuous learning and inclusivity principles. She is dedicated to crafting sustainable opportunities that empower individuals and communities, ultimately driving meaningful and lasting positive change in society. Her passion for helping others is reflected in her innovative, collaborative efforts with various organizations to address social challenges and promote equitable access to resources.
Cristin is a proud mother to one biological son and four stepsons and is now excited to welcome grandbabies. She gave her son the ultimate gift of life by donating a portion of her liver and now participates in the Canada and World Transplant Games, celebrating resilience and life-changing connections.
Speaker session:5C – Promising Practices in Action: Strengthening Collaboration between ESPs and Businesses |
Amy Olmstead
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Bio – Coming Soon
Speaker session:9C – Journey to Belonging |
Gabriella Patro
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Gabriella Patro is the Research Assistant for the Creating Inclusive Employment project at March of Dimes Canada. She holds a Master of Science degree and is a PhD candidate in Social-Personality Psychology, an experimental research program at Queen’s University.
Speaker session:8A – Addressing Barriers to Digital Tools & Tech-Enabled jobs in Canada – Insights from Young People who have a Disability |
Natalie Renton
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Natalie Renton is a seasoned non-profit leader with over 20 years of experience supporting individuals in navigating career pathways and achieving meaningful employment. Her background spans coaching, public speaking, and project leadership within Ontario’s settlement and employment sectors. Natalie is passionate about helping people reach their goals and believes that inclusive, collaborative approaches are key to long-term success. Natalie is also a Board Director for Tourette Canada, a passion close to her heart. She brings energy, authenticity, and a love of open conversation to every presentation.
Speaker session:7A – The Partnership Effect: Collaboration with IES |
Jenn Ridley
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Jenn is a dedicated professional with a deep commitment to enhancing employment services and opportunities for people who have a disability. Her career in the employment sector spans over 15 years in various roles, including Employment Counselor, Job Coach, Job Developer, and Talent Acquisition Manager. Jenn’s expertise encompasses capacity building, training and partnership development honed through her extensive work in both non-profit and private sectors.
Jenn’s personal journey as a mother of two adult daughters, including one recently diagnosed with autism, fuels her passion to break down barriers and recognize the unique gifts and talents of every individual. Speaker session:Business Stream – Disability Awareness & Confidence Training2A – Disclosure & Accommodation Workshop – PART I 3A – Disclosure & Accommodation Workshop – PART II
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Samina Sial
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Samina Sial is a Licensed Paralegal with the Law Society of Ontario and a Certified Human Resources Professional with over 20 years of combined legal and HR experience. Certified in Workplace Investigations by Osgoode Hall Law School, she has expertise in wrongful dismissal, human rights complaints, workplace investigations, and safety compliance. Through Enable Legal Services and HR Enable Inc., she advises and represents employers across a broad range of industries including healthcare, construction, technology, manufacturing, education, logistics, and professional services, delivering practical solutions tailored to organizational needs.
Speaker session:6C – From Law to Practice: Legal Obligations & Rights in the Workplace |
Jasmeen Sidhu
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Jasmeen Sidhu is Associate Director of Partnerships & Special Projects at Co-Operative Education and Work Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL), which oversees a +$60 million funding portfolio supporting transformative work-integrated learning initiatives across Canada. With a Ph.D. in Sciences des Radiations et Imagerie Biomédicale from Université de Sherbrooke, she brings extensive expertise in neuroscience research, educational strategy, and evidence-based decision-making.
Previously, Dr. Sidhu served as a Limited-Term Associate Professor at Bishop’s University, where she developed and taught 20+ courses, earning four teaching awards for her groundbreaking pedagogical approaches. She has led impactful research on barriers facing underrepresented students in STEM fields, securing significant funding including PRESE and CEWIL grants. Currently contributing to AI governance as an Expert Drafting Team member for Canada’s National Standard for Ethical AI (CAN/DGSI 128), Dr. Sidhu is passionate about creating safer learning environments and advancing innovation in education. Speaker session:6A – Effective Uses of AI for ESPs & Businesses |
Kiersten Smith
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Kiersten Smith is a passionate advocate for inclusive employment with a diverse background in educational, non-profit, and for-profit organizations. Her expertise spans training and development, program coordination, curriculum development, and the facilitation of strong community partnerships. Currently serving as a Disability Awareness Trainer with the OCTC Team at ODEN, she is enthusiastic about increasing disability inclusion in Ontario’s workforce.
Previously, Kiersten has successfully led several pre-employment and skills development programs in the non-profit sector empowering adult learners through education and skill development. Kiersten holds a degree in Organizational Leadership from Wilfrid Laurier University and certifications in American Sign Language and Deaf Studies. She is committed to fostering accessible, inclusive workplaces through training, community partnerships, and advocacy. Speaker session:4C – Promising Practices in Action: Strengthening Collaboration between ESPs and Businesses |
Jason Spalding
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Jason Spalding is the founder of Intupact HR, a consulting agency committed to building psychologically safe, inclusive, and high-performing workplaces. With over 20 years of experience in corporate HR leadership, as a national union representative, in health and safety, and in human rights mediation, Jason bridges the gap between business results and human dignity, particularly for those often overlooked in traditional systems, including individuals living with disability.
A former Team Canada track and field athlete, Jason’s leadership journey began on the track and evolved into coaching Olympians, national champions, and professional athletes in the CFL and NHL. He has also coached athletes with the Special Olympics in both track and field and snowshoeing, reinforcing his commitment to inclusion, adaptability, and the power of potential in every individual. As a General Manager in the CPG automotive sector, Jason increased revenues from 30 million to 60 million by leading with trust, empathy, and a people-first approach. Recently diagnosed with ADHD, he brings lived experience to his work and a deep understanding of the challenges and strengths of neurodivergent individuals in today’s workplaces. Jason has seen how exclusion, whether based on disability, mental health, or systemic barriers, prevents people from thriving. His HIVE Leadership framework, built on humility, inclusion, vulnerability, and evolution, is reshaping how managers lead, communicate, and build belonging. He integrates ethics, human rights, and workplace advocacy into a call for change that redefines leadership as a human-centred, inclusive practice. Speaker session:8B – Inclusive Leadership |
Kelly Sward
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Kelly Sward is an Occupational Therapist and co-leader of The Supported Employment Occupational Therapy Pilot Project in partnership with St. Joseph’s Healthcare, PATH Employment, and McMaster University. With over 15 years of experience working in hospital and community-based mental health programs, she has developed deep expertise in employment supports for individuals with mental health conditions. Kelly is passionate about bridging the gap between the healthcare sector and employment services and is currently building her private practice, which includes providing assessment, psychotherapeutic interventions and return-to-work planning.
Speaker session:3C – Building Employer Confidence: Occupational Therapy Innovations for Mental Health Inclusion |
Jill Teeple
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Jill is the Executive Director of Partners for Planning and a Certified Financial Planner. Jill was formerly an Investment Advisor with BMO Nesbitt Burns in London where she specialized in financial planning for people with a disability and their families. Jill currently sits on Inclusion Canada’s Board of Directors and is the former president of Community Living Ontario’s Board of Directors. A strong advocate for people with a developmental disability, Jill is involved in the campaign to bring the Canada Disability Benefit to fruition along with advocating for changes to RDSP regulations in Ontario.
Speaker session:1A – Storytelling in Motion: Harnessing Social Media in a Shifting Landscape4C – Survey Says…Knowledge is Power! |
Kelly Thibodeau
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Kelly is a consultant, trainer and speaker who’s been making online marketing make sense for organizations, nonprofits and industry groups for over 25 years. She’s the Founder + President of Squarely Accessible.
Kelly believes that content can’t be conversational until it’s inclusive. As the daughter of a mom with physical and cognitive disabilities, she’s witnessed first hand the impact of an inaccessible world and wants to affect change to build a more inclusive society. Kelly’s been on LinkedIn since 2006, and has had too many browser tabs open ever since. Speaker session:1A – Storytelling in Motion: Harnessing Social Media in a Shifting Landscape |
Allison Torry
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Allison Torry is a dedicated and strategic Human Resources Manager with over ten years of experience in driving people-centric initiatives, building strong workplace culture, and aligning HR strategy with business objectives. Passionate about fostering workplace environments where employees feel valued, engaged, and equipped for growth. Allison specializes in disability and inclusion awareness and is a leader of the Makers Like Me Program for Michaels in Canada.
Speaker session:6B – Creating Opportunities, Driving Results: How Businesses and Employment Service Providers Collaborate for Success (Business Panel) |
Jan van der Hoop
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Bio – Coming Soon
Speaker session:5B – From Skills Shortages to Skills Resilience: Disability Inclusive Approaches for the Trades |
Jan Vilaca
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Jan is the founder of Tasty Road Trips Inc. and The Influence Co., bringing over a decade of expertise in tourism development, economic growth strategy, and small business innovation. With more than 12 years of experience in post-secondary education administration, Jan built her 40 something side hustle – into a successful full-time business and then retired from her ‘professional’ career at 53. As an award-winning experience designer and certified success coach, Jan works with clients across Canada through Inkblot Therapy who is contracted by Green Shield health and wellness EAP benefits. Jan’s professional coaching services focus on life transitions, business coaching and career development, bringing clarity and strategy to individuals navigating change in their professions and entrepreneurship. Speaker session:1C – Purposeful Networking to Create Business Connections that Last |
Mark Wafer
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Mark Wafer is the former President and CEO of Abilities Canada, a fully inclusive sports complex and inclusion incubator. Until recently he was the owner of 14 successful Tim Hortons Restaurants in Toronto. Mark is an internationally recognized expert on the economics of inclusion. He is an advisor to both the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario, he is responsible for Canada’s national disability employment strategy as well as the reform of basic income for Canada’s disabled. He is also an Honorary Canadian Citizenship officiant. Mark and his wife Valarie are best known for their restaurants hiring practices with almost 250 workers with disabilities employed over 25 years. Mark has received many awards and recognition for his work most notably from her majesty Queen Elizabeth II. He was inducted into the Canadian Disability Hall of fame in 2014. He is also a race car driver and a 2008 Canadian historic sports car champion. Speaker session:8C – Business Case for Inclusion |
Jennifer Way
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Jennifer Way is Senior Manager-Skills Development & Employment with March of Dimes Canada. Jennifer has worked in the field of Vocational Rehabilitation over the past 20 years, supporting individuals with barriers to employment and working to create opportunities for people with disabilities so that they can achieve their employment goals while living healthy, connected lives. March of Dimes provides employment support to 11 Ontario Project SEARCH sites and Jen shares her expertise across the Project SEARCH network on topics such as skills training methods, labour market planning and employer engagement.
Speaker session:2B – Realizing Employment Potential – Project SEARCH Employer Engagement Strategy Panel |
Logan Wong
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Logan identifies as a trans, bi-racial, Autistic wheelchair user and is a social worker & equity, anti-racism, anti-oppression, & accessibility professional. He currently works at McMaster University as a research assistant within the School of Rehabilitation Sciences and is an entrepreneur and the owner of IDEAA Perspectives Training & Consulting, a consulting firm specializing in Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility and Anti-Racism (IDEAA). Speaker session:4A – Navigating Resilience: Supporting Racialized Job Seekers who have a Disability through Intersectional Employment Approaches |