AUTISM CANADA - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Executive Director
- Member of the Management Team
With more than 25 years of business and community experience gained through fundraising, leading teams, marketing, branding, volunteering and project delivery Barbara is a natural fit for Autism Canada. She is an energetic team player who loves to build relationships and make a difference in the lives of others.
Beginning her career with a decade at Nike Canada then spending many years as a National Account Executive with the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation Barbara has the passion and skills to bring awareness to the autism cause and to advocate for those on the spectrum, their families and caregivers.
Bruce Petherick is an autistic advocate, a sound designer and musician. Born in Melbourne, Australia and now living in Vancouver, Bruce spent many years recording and touring throughout the world.
After his later-in-life discovery of his autism, he has decided to concentrate on being an active advocate for Autism and especially Neurodivergent education. He has written articles about his autistic experience throughout the world, and has presented at conferences in Scotland, Australia and in Canada.
Bruce continues to create music and his work has recently been nominated for several theatre awards.
After spending many years working in film, television and theatre Christina was thrilled to go back to school so she can focus on the next phase of her career. Christina has had many unique experiences in her career, but her number one passion has always been focused on helping people. As a recent MBA graduate from The Australian Institute of Business Christina is excited take what she has learned and work with with Autism Canada, a cause very dear to her heart.
In her spare time Christina loves to spend time with her two children and her menagerie of pets.
Dermot is a photographer/director who has executed advertising, editorial and personal fine art projects worldwide over the last 20 years.
Through the medium of visual storytelling, Dermot has developed a deep respect for, and commitment to, the collaborative process and the successful translation of concept into finished product.
In his spare time Dermot enjoys the mostly-humbling experience of functional fitness workouts.
Dermot studied photography and fine art at the Ontario College of Art. He is the father of two boys.
Job Titles:
- Family Support & Media Relations
- Family Support Manager & Media Relations
Job Titles:
- Member of the Management Team
- Family Services Manager
Prior to joining Autism Canada, Dominique has worked in the non-profit sector as a consultant for families and individuals from vulnerable communities needing support and services. She has experience offering early intervention strategies as well as connecting people to local community resources. Dominique also has personal experience with autism. Dominique comes to us with a background in Psychology, Autism Behavioural Science, Human Resources, ManufacturingLeadership and Talent Acquisition.
Professionally, Dr. Suzanne Lewis is a physician specialist in Pediatrics (FRCPC; 1990) and Clinical Genetics (FCCMG; 1991), a Clinical Professor in the Department of Medical Genetics at UBC, Senior Clinician Investigator with BC Children's Hospital Research Institute. Suzanne also leads the Autism SPectrum Interdisciplinary REsearch (ASPIRE) Program and Chairs the iTARGET Autism Research Collaborative.
Suzanne's collaborative work focuses on the advancement of early, effective and personalized diagnostic, treatment and support services to improve the health, function and quality of life for those living with autism.
Job Titles:
- Business Administration
- Donations & Business Administration
Prior to joining Autism Canada, Jamie has worked with the Pregnancy and Infant Loss Network, as both a volunteer and administrator. During that time, she participated in the legislative process of bill 141, into the "Pregnancy and Infant Loss" Act, recognizing the impact of this loss under Ontario law. Jamie completed certification training in 2017 to become a certified birth and bereavement doula, in order to offer pro bono support services to families experiencing a stillbirth or other birth related loss.
Jamie comes to us with a background in accounting, human resources, health and safety, business administration and management, with an educational background in sociology, psychology and childhood development. In her spare time, she enjoys creative work, both musically, and in designing, crafting, building and creating, but the best days are spent with her family, in front of a board game or a puzzle.
Jamie has personal experience with Autism, and after a number of years in the private sector, is thrilled to be returning to non-profit work, with Autism Canada.
Job Titles:
- Social Media & Event Coordinator
- Social Media & Events Coordinator
After spending the greater part of her career working in the "music biz", Julie is returning to work after spending time at home with her two boys.
Along with a keen desire to make a difference, she brings a wealth of experience in project management, creative management and event planning to the team.
In her spare time, Julie has volunteered with the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, Scouts Canada and her kids' schools. She loves music, skiing, spending time outdoors, hanging out with her family and their dog, Ruby, and doing CrossFit.
Kevin Zuccherato is a York University sociology undergraduate who has a rich history of volunteering and high school co-op work, which has taught him the importance of taking initiative. He is passionate about research, which is a big part of his job as Fundraising Coordinator, and hopes to find a permanent job doing research once he graduates.
Larry is an Entrepreneur in the field of Wireless Communications with 20+ years of experience in Technology, Sales, Marketing and Business Development. In addition to his executive duties with Novotech, he leads a team of 15 Sales and Marketing professionals across North America focusing in the emerging area known as "The Internet of Things". One of his passions is to work with companies who are developing technology to improve the quality of life for those with Autism.
Prior to starting his own business in 2009, he worked in a number of Management roles in the Telecom sector. Larry lives in Calgary with his wife and two sons, one of whom is on the spectrum.
Liz is an autism advocate and parent to a teenaged son with ASD. Liz left her career in financial services in 2010 to focus on not-for-profit work and was the Executive Director of Unity for Autism and worked in fund development for Autism Ontario. She has been featured on radio, television and in print, speaking on a variety of subjects as it relates to autism. She works extensively with the Toronto District School Board, advocating and supporting neurodiverse students. Liz also has a daughter and does volunteer work at Havergal College.
Job Titles:
- Donations / Office Coordinator
- Donations and Office Administration
Mariana is a recent graduate from the University of Guelph-Humber's Business Administration program with a specialization in Marketing. She has worked in a multitude of industries such as NFPs and Real Estate.
Throughout her life, she has become an advocate for Women's Rights, and has personal experience with Autism.
Mariana runs her own online bake shop on the side where she provides dietary options. In the future, Mariana wants to pursue her bake shop full time.
Paul was elected treasurer and chief financial officer of the British Columbia Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU) in 2014 and re-elected in 2017. He is responsible for the BCGEU's ethical investment program and policy on housing affordability and land economics. Prior to this, Paul served as the BCGEU's executive vice president for three years.
Paul is a plan partner representative for the public service and college pension plans, a trustee on the Public Service Pension Plan Board of Trustees and is chairperson of the BC Target Benefit Pension Plan. He also serves on the National Executive Board of the National Union of Public and General Employees and the Executive Council of the BC Federation of Labour
Paul has completed the Directors Education Program at the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management. He was appointed a Director for the Board of the BC Investment Management Corporation in April of 2019. During his career in the civil service, Paul worked primarily in real estate and IT project management.
Peter has spent the last decade-plus working as a fundraiser in the non-profit sector. His fundraising experience includes the arts & culture and social services sectors. Peter has successfully developed and implemented Individual and Corporate Giving programs and has experience cultivating and securing donations in excess of $100,000. In his most recent position with United Way Waterloo Region Communities, Peter was responsible for overseeing all organizational fundraising activities and leading the philanthropy team.
Peter began his career working in the finance industry where held a number of sales positions. During this time he developed and honed his sales and relationship-building skills.
In his spare time, Peter enjoys spending time with his children and family.
Philippa is an autistic self-advocate and a graduate student in the Clinical Psychology program at Simon Fraser University. She holds a Master's in Clinical Psychology. Her research and clinical work centres around supporting autistic people with mental health difficulties, and improving the autism assessment process. From an advocacy perspective, she works with mental health clinicians to destigmatize services available to autistic people and their families. Philippa lives in British Columbia.
Sally's experience as a non-for-profit Chief Executive Officer spans a decade. She has served as the President and CEO of Kerry's Place Autism Services, North America's largest autism service, served as Chief Executive Officer of Ronald McDonald House Charities Toronto, and currently is the Chief Executive Officer for the South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation. Sally holds an honours BA in English literature from Trent University and an MBA from Athabasca University. She has served as Finance Chair for Autism Canada and currently serves as the Chair of Governance & Nominating. Sally lives in the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia.
In 2010, Tafari graduated from Cambrian College (Sudbury, ON) with a diploma in Graphic Design. Upon graduating, he started working with Autism Canada to develop and implement the visual language of the organization. Since then, he has worked on numerous projects including revamping the Autism Canada website, designing annual reports and creating the website for their national fundraiser Inside Out For Autism. He continues to freelance with various not-for-profit companies while also pursuing a career in music as a singer/songwriter
Tim brings over 30 years of financial expertise including senior financial roles in for-profit and not-for-profit organizations. Tim is a CPA and holds an MBA from the Ivey School of Business at Western University. Currently, he is Director of Finance and IT at Ombudsman of Ontario. Tim has extensive Board experience having served as Treasurer for both the United Way of Greater Simcoe County and the Children's Treatment Network of Simcoe York. He is currently Treasurer of ShelterBox Canada and Treasurer of Simcoe Community Services
Job Titles:
- Director
- Chairman of ASD Ambassadors Committee
Tom is an advocate for acceptance of people on the autism spectrum. He is featured in the film Autism Grows Up, a Kelly Brothers / Ability Hub production, which takes a look at the employment related challenges of young adults living on the spectrum. He is also featured in the book Autism: The Gift That Needs to Be Opened; a resource aimed at improving the lives of parents, educators, and persons on the autism spectrum.
Job Titles:
- Strategic Alignment Manager
Prior to joining Autism Canada, Tyler worked in the non-profit sector as a community development manager. He has completed a master's degree in peace and conflict studies and has worked in various roles as an educator, researcher, facilitator and leader. Tyler has both personal and work-related experience with autism.
Tyler is motivated by merging deep, empathetic thinking with the social courage required to help the world become a better place. He enjoys spending time with his family, engaging in meaningful conversations, reading and spending time outdoors.