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Chapter Leadership Council (CLC)

Please click here to read  Minutes from previous Council Meetings

Ottawa Chapter Constitution:  

The 2009-2010 Council

Back row (L to R): Josh Lee, Suzanne Ford, Mimi Richard-Golding, Jo-Anne Walker, Connie Yuan
Front row (L to R): Elias Hage, Jordan Edwards, Brenda Desjardins
Missing: Terrena Bennett

ELIAS HAGE Ernst & Young
Elias joined the Ottawa CLC in June 2009. Having been involved in several fund-raising activities in Ottawa since 2002, Elias plans to bring his financial and fund-raising experience together with the objective of helping the Autism community. Elias believes that there is a lot of potential for the Ottawa chapter and that this is just the beginning of our journey to reach out to Autism in our community.

 
SECRETARY
MIMI RICHARD-GOLDING Transport Canada
Mimi was born in the United States and emigrated to Canada at an early age. The family settled in New Brunswick for her formative years. Mimi moved to Ontario to pursue graduate studies and eventually landed in Ottawa in 1994.
Mimi is a long-time community activist, participating in various roles in the community and on community based-boards. She currently works for the Federal government as a Business Analyst. She joined Autism Ontario in January 2009 and is volunteering as Secretary to the Ottawa Chapter Leadership Council for 2009-2010.

CYCLE FOR AUTISM CHAIR

STAFF LIAISON

JOSH LEE Accenture Inc.     
Josh joined the Autism Ontario community in 2008 as a volunteer with the Cycle for Autism and has been a member of the Ottawa CLC since January 2009.  Josh became a member of the community after moving to Ottawa in 2006 from Nova Scotia and after years of involvement with young people on the spectrum.  “I look forward to helping the Chapter continue to grow and deliver what members of the community really need.”

RCP LIAISON
BRENDA DESJARDINS Statistics Canada
Brenda is a parent of an awesome 13 year old with autism (who happens to be non-verbal) and an incredible 16 year old who is gifted.  Brenda has been involved with Autism Ontario - Ottawa Chapter for close to 8 years as Leader of the Parent Support Group and volunteered for too many activities to mention.  She is well rounded as a volunteer, including Board member for GACSN (Gloucester Association for Children with Special Needs) and Editor for the quarterly newsletter for Children at Risk.  Brenda feels her adventures and the knowledge she has gained over the last 13 years makes her an asset to the CLC.  When not volunteering Brenda works full-time at Statistics Canada.

ASD ADVOCATE
SUZANNE FORD Y’s Owl Maclure Co-operative Centre
Suzanne Ford is currently a Program Coordinator of Y’s Owl Maclure Co-operative Centre. She has almost 20 years experience working within the social services sector in the Ottawa area. In her role as Program Coordinator she is responsible for the Supported Employment, Foundations and Passports Programs.  After identifying a significant gap in the service system for adults on the Autism Spectrum Disorder Suzanne developed a number of programs over the past five years focusing on individuals’ needs.  Suzanne has been involved with Autism Ontario, Ottawa Chapter, since fall 2008 and serving as a Member at Large on the CLC since January 2009

MEMBER-AT-LARGE
JORDAN EDWARDS Y’s O wl Maclure Co-operative Centre
Jordan began working as a volunteer with Autism Ontario – Ottawa Chapter CLC about four years ago.  Jordan started his role on council as a liaison for Aspirations, an Ottawa support group for Adults with Asperger’s Syndrome.  After his first year, Jordan was elected to the CLC.  His main reason for being on the CLC is as a person with Asperger’s Syndrome.  Jordan likes to find out more information for others with a new diagnosis with Asperger’s Syndrome or other Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) so their transition to accepting their disability is as painless as possible.

MEMBER-AT-LARGE
TERRENA BENNETT
Terrena Bennett has been a volunteer with Autism Ontario since October 2008.  She is currently the SEAC alternate for the public board.  Terrena is an Ontario certified teacher who has recently returned to work with developmentally delayed adults part-time.  She loves to help people reach their potential and is excited to be part of the CLC this year.

For More Info Contact: 613.230.6305 or ottawa@autismontario.com