Angela Brandt is the proud mother of a very active teenage son, Misha.  Misha was diagnosed with autism at 19 months of age.  Her son’s diagnosis led Angela on a journey of self-discovery and advocacy.

When she first recognized the symptoms of autism in her son, it was difficult to get a diagnosis; after getting the diagnosis, it was difficult to get treatment and support.  Angela soon realized her son’s quality of life depended on her continued fight for services for him.  Sadly, it seemed the public system was very complex and difficult to navigate.  As a result, she devotes time to assist people in her community to navigate the system.

Angela has an Honours Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts from the University of Toronto as well as a post graduate diploma in research.  Her area of focus is applied statistics.  Her son was born while she was working on her PhD.  However, after her son’s diagnosis, she did not return to school.  She’s hoping to complete her PhD one day.  She has worked as a consultant and researcher for various organizations.  Unfortunately, she has had to stop working to provide full time support for her son.  She has stated “I used to be a statistician, but now I’m a statistic”.

Angela hopes her advocacy makes a difference in the lives of families living with autism, not only by directly assisting them, but also inspiring them to advocate as well.

My name is Martin Buckingham and it is my honour to serve on the OAC Board of Directors. Since 2008, when my son was first diagnosed, I have been keenly involved in issues regarding education and parental challenges. As Board member and then President of Giant Steps Toronto, I have continued efforts to improve and enhance a school that believes in the coordinated approach of therapies, academics, and inclusion. My inspiration will always be my son and my late father, who drilled into my head at regular intervals that “can’t” means “don’t want to”. If my name slips your mind, feel free to call me Jack’s Dad, which I am more than fine with. I look forward to meeting and working with all of you!

Tracy is the proud fairy godmother to two incredible kids on the spectrum.  She has spent over 25 years as a business and brand strategist and is looking forward to helping take the OAC to the next level.  Her formative years were spent at BBDO, FCB and other notable agencies working on global B2B and B2C brands.  This was followed by years of strategy and research work for businesses like Microsoft Xbox, start-ups in neuroscience wearable tech, and non-profits.  She then ventured into brand valuation to quantify the financial value of businesses beyond bricks and mortar.  She co-developed the Brand Economics™ approach, identifying the organizational brand drivers and customer experience interactions with the greatest financial upside and/or risk for crisis management. She has contributed to new financial brand measurement standards working with MASB, LES and Forbes CMO Practice.  She has two neuro-science patents, is obsessed with dogs, and has a lifelong passion for helping the most vulnerable minorities.

I’m an Autistic self-advocate and a stay-at-home parent of 2 kids, ages 4 & 6, who are also on the Autism Spectrum. My advocacy began, with my husband Dave, in early 2019, just after our eldest had been diagnosed. Just a few weeks later, Lisa MacLeod, announced Childhood Budgets. That program was not going to support our sons needs and we didn’t know what to do. We had paid privately for diagnosis, assessment, parent training, behavioural services, speech & occupational therapy. The cost and the waitlists for these services were incredibly distressing.

I watched as the veterans of the community rallied together, and it was inspiring. I had to join in the efforts in order to give our son a voice in all of this. I’ve attended marches, and protests, I’ve been to Queens Park, I’ve made phone calls, sent emails and attended meetings with my MPP’s office. I saw that our collective effort actually forced the government to change policies—advocacy works.  

Our family relocated to the Brockville area and on the OAC’s Day of Action in May 2022, I organized a local protest and received a lot of support from my new community. This fuels me too, because once people hear about us and our cause, they care. 

Since my eldest has started school, I have witnessed the lack of supports for children with autism, and I’m committed to changing polices there as well. 

I am greatly inspired by people who speak up in the face of opposition, and I do my best to be that kind of person. Having tough conversations is what moves society forward, and I want to be part of what keeps the momentum going. I tell people that I am autistic with both intention and purpose. I want to focus on creating awareness and shattering stereotypes with each and every interaction. I am eager to be part of this team and to work closely with this incredible community. 

Kate is the busy mom to two amazing kids, both on the autism spectrum. Now based in Ottawa but originally from Toronto, Kate dedicates her free time to activism. In 2016, her daughter had only started IBI therapy the month before after waiting over 2.5 years, when the provincial government announced that kids over 5 would no longer be eligible. Her daughter was already seeing progress in her speech, regulation and self-help skills, so this was a devastating blow. It was the catalyst for Kate joining the OAC and thousands of parents across the province to advocate against the senseless age cut off. Her activism around the #AutismDoesntEndAt5 campaign gave her the resolve to then fight the gutting of the OAP in 2019.

Kate has volunteered significant time meeting with MPP’s, organizing protests, town halls and other actions, to ensure that all children with ASD can get the therapy and supports they need. Along with fellow Board Member Kerry Monaghan, she runs the local group, ASD Ottawa Unite. HJate works with unions, politicians and other social justice organizations, and advocate for other causes such as education, healthcare and climate change.

Kate is a member of the OAC’s Political Action Committee, OAP Working Group and an Admin on the Coalition’s Facebook group. She views her role on the OAC’s Board of Directors as an opportunity to deepen her advocacy work towards ensuring equity for all Autistics in Ontario.

Sonja is the busy mom of two boys, one of whom is on the spectrum. When her youngest son was diagnosed in 2019, it was right after services were frozen and the age based Ontario Autism Program was announced. Learning how to navigate the many challenges within the system, has created a fierce advocate in her and she is devoted to helping families learn the system, affect change and help have their voices heard.

Before becoming a director, Sonja has been an active volunteer with the Ontario Autism Coalition, organizing the Ottawa chapter of the Spin Today for Youth Tomorrow Fundraiser in April of 2022,  taking part in rallies and protests and contributing to the Political Action Committee, Education Working Group, OAP Working Group and co-chairs the Volunteer Committee. Sonja regularly engages with MPPs and members of the MCCSS advocating for the autistic community and communicates key program and policy information within several online forums for families.

Advocacy takes up much of Sonja’s spare time, but when there is downtime, she enjoys spending time with her kids, practicing yoga and catching up with friends.

Shantal (she/her) is the mother of a daughter diagnosed with Autism in 2021 at 15 months. She has resided in Windsor-Essex county for most of her life and is excited to be the first Director from this region. She is currently completing her BA in Global Development Studies at Queen’s University in Kingston, ON. Shantal has been on the Political Action Committee since May 2022 and looks forward to continuing to advocate for all 60,000+ children waiting for needs-based therapy in Ontario.

Together with her friend Jaclyn, Shantal has built a community on Instagram for self-advocates and the ones they love on the spectrum at @yqgonthespectrum.

Shantal is set to launch a podcast with her friend Jaclyn in 2023 in hopes of bringing awareness to the important issues and barriers faced by families with Autistic loved-ones living in Ontario.

Sara Kitlar-Pothier is a mom to two boys, one of whom is autistic. Her advocacy journey began in 2016 when she was trying to obtain a diagnosis for her son; an endeavour that would have her facing years-long waitlists. Her advocacy endeavours greatly increased in 2019 following the changes to the Ontario Autism Program.

Sara has planed and organized protests, rallies and town halls, and often engages MPPS and MCCSS Ministers and staff, championing the needs and helping to elevate the voices of northern, rural, remote, francophone, and indigenous communities. As the Chair of the Northern Capacity Building Advisory Committee through Child & Community Resource (CCR), Sara collaborates with other northern parents, advocates, and service providers to further develop ways to maintain and build capacity for autism services throughout Northern Ontario.

Sara is also the creator and organizer of Autism Friendly Sports Night (AFSN), a not-for-profit, grass roots program that provides an opportunity for autistic children and youth, as well as their neurotypical siblings to interact in an inclusive and non-judgmental environment. Within this program, autistic children are able to practice social skills, meet new friends and get active while learning different athletic skills. AFSN also offers peer mentoring opportunities between some of its teen participants and autistic adult volunteers. Sara has collaborated with the City of Greater Sudbury and spearheaded the creation of an age and ability inclusive park in Coniston, ON. The park focuses on accommodating and supporting the physical, emotional, cognitive, sensory, safety and social learning needs of that diverse community.

Sara is not afraid of hard work, especially in the name of equitable and accessible autism services for all.

Leah is a mother to three young children, with one on the spectrum. Her advocacy journey started in 2019, shortly after her oldest child was diagnosed with Autism. It was after realizing the years long wait for intensive supports that now faced her son that Leah joined the OAC. 

Leah has been volunteering with the OAC since 2019; from the picket lines to policy meetings. Leah sits on the Autism Program Working Group, the Political Action Committee, and has recently joined the Research Working Group. She has organized protests in the Hamilton, Norfolk, and Brant areas of the province while making many trips to the GTA and Belleville to join other dedicated coalitioners. 

Recently, Leah has successfully petitioned her local municipal government to introduce a Missing Vulnerable Persons Alert. She hopes to further her advocacy skill with a focus on relationships between First Responders and those on the Autism Spectrum. 

She has dedicated herself to advocating for not only her son, but all autistic individuals and their families across the province. 

Jay Lerner CMA, CPA is a Director—Indirect Tax with BDO Canada. During his 30 years of experience he has consulted for many non-profit organizations on various tax issues. Jay resides in Thornhill with his wife Kathy and adult aged children Carly and Philip. They have watched their son Philip go through ABA therapy as young child, and experienced firsthand the many deficiencies in government autism services, support structures, and funding. 

Jay has been a friend of the OAC for 13 years.  He has watched this dynamic and tireless group evolve into the “go to” experts on Autism Services, and be the voice for people with ASD who were robbed of services and funding that they were promised.

Jay has joined the OAC because he “has been standing on the sidelines too long watching others fight the battle,” and now feels that it is now his turn to give back. He brings his passion, experience and business acumen to our board.

Lindsey Malc is the founder of Side by Side Therapy, a transdisciplinary team of paediatric ABA therapists, Speech-Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, Recreation Therapists and Respite workers in the greater Toronto area. She is a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst with 17 years of experience working with autistic kids and their families. Lindsey has a master’s degree in Disability Studies and a bachelor’s degree in Social Work. During her career,  Lindsey has held many positions and has worked in schools, daycares, a therapy clinic and client homes.  A recurring theme in Lindsey’s work has been addressing challenging behaviours (aggression, self-injurious behaviour etc). Lindsey is focused on empowering families to help their children lead their most independent lives. In developing functional replacement behaviours she endeavours to create true and lasting change in her clients’ lives. She believes that teaching parents is one of the best ways to create a lasting impact for the child. Lindsey really values working in a transdisciplinary team. When she’s not working Lindsey enjoys travelling, crocheting and binge-watching tv shows from the early 2000s.

Bruce McIntosh has been an activist for people with disabilities for as long as he can remember. Both of his parents were victims of polio, and so Bruce learned about advocacy quite literally at his father’s knee. In an odd twist of fate, Bruce’s son was named for his father, Cliff. When the family learned that Cliff has autism, Bruce began focusing on autism service improvement, and has continued to do so for 18 years.

Bruce’s portfolio career has honed a range of skills that he has brought to bear in his advocacy work. He has worked in the fields of communication & desktop publishing, information technology, and has served as Chief of Staff for an Ontario cabinet minister. Bruce has spent his all of his adult life involved in politics, usually as a volunteer, occasionally as staff, and frequently as a campaign manager.

Bruce describes his level of commitment to the current campaign as being “stronger that it has ever been, when [he] didn’t think that was possible.” His goal is nothing short of getting clinically appropriate, sustainably funded services in place for people with autism of all ages. And he won’t stop until that goal is achieved.

Kerry is from Ottawa, at-home mum to Jack, 6 and Charlotte, 4, who are both on the autism spectrum. Her advocacy journey began after her son’s diagnosis in 2016. Kerry created ASD Ottawa Unite!; a group that brings together like-minded advocates, and organizes protests, rallies, community events, and updates members about OAP policy changes. Kerry co-organized the 2019 Next Step Autism March which brought together more than 600 parents, allies, and advocates from across the province in a non-partisan rally for a National Autism Strategy. The walk covered 22km across Ottawa from the then-Minister of Children, Community and Social Services’ Constituency Office to the steps of Parliament Hill. Due to COVID, the march took a one-year hiatus in 2020, but will be an annual tradition in support of the federal government’s commitment to a National Strategy.

Kerry organizes social groups for autistic children and their families. and her program recently merged with Polaris, a local charity. Kerry serves as Community Director of Polaris PLAY. Kerry organizes two annual fundraisers. In the spring it’s Jack & Charlotte’s Walk Around the Block in support of Spectrum Intervention Group, a non-profit ABA centre, and in the fall it’s a 12-hour Christmas Crafting event, sale and auction for QuickStart Early Intervention for Autism.

Kerry is a writer, a diplomat, and an organizer. She works with her husband and advocacy partner, Patrick. Kerry is  incredibly proud of what her group has accomplished for the local autism community, and looks forward to sharing her particular brand of advocacy with the Ontario Autism Coalition.

Boozhoo Waabshkii Anakwaat Kwe, Misi-zaagiin n’doonjibaa , Odik doodem. My English name is Gayle Ouellette. I live in the traditional territory of the Ojibwe in Bawaating. I am the indigenous grandmother to 6 grandchildren of whom 5 are Autistic. I’ve spent the previous 19 years raising 5 of these children who call me Mom. 

I have advocated fiercely and respectfully with multiple agencies and organizations within Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. I’ve developed a working relationship within the Algoma District School Board from having 5 children with Autism, Mental Health and other Complex Needs at 5 different schools throughout their academic career. 

I also had the amazing support of an FSW from CLA who aided me in traversing through this “broken system”.  Restructuring in this agency took that from us. She gave me Wings and a Voice that I am now utilizing publicly to fight for all our basic human rights. 

My educational background is in childcare and social services, and I now have 30 years of experience in the field. I’m currently on contract for a First Nation in Child Welfare.

I am honoured to be part of a coalition that advocates collectively for all OUR children. I truly believe it takes a village to raise a child!  Miigwetch,

Joe Roberts is an experienced senior executive, organizational leader, development expert, and former political operative. Founder & CEO of two startups, Roberts has also served in C-level roles in companies and impact organizations in London, Ontario, Los Angeles, Washington, DC, Boston, and Columbus, Ohio. Beginning his career in politics, Roberts has managed strategy for electoral campaigns, issue advocacy initiatives, ballot measures, and lobbied members of Congress and the United States Senate. After nearly a decade of political work, Roberts ran for and won the Democratic nomination for the 3rd Congressional District in Ohio in 2010. Roberts has raised over $100 million dollars for philanthropic causes close to his heart. He currently lives in Cobourg, Ontario with his incredible wife and two young sons.

Tony Stravato, aka The Beard, is the proud father of twin boys both diagnosed with Autism at the age of two. He is co-founder of the Durham Crew and since the disastrous Childhood Budget announcement in 2019, has spent his time advocating with fellow members for Needs Based Therapy. Tony has vowed not to shave until the Ontario Autism Program delivers Needs-Based Therapy. 

Tony’s hobbies include hockey, working on cars and protesting. For the past 15 years Tony has worked at Gerdau in Oshawa where he currently holds the position of Yard Operator. He’s a member of the Steelworkers Local 2784, and from 2008 – 2019 he was the Joint Health and Safety Co Chair. Since 2011 Tony has been elected Union Plant Chairperson.

Stacy is a Behaviour Therapist and is the founder and Executive Director of Connect the Dots Child Development Services Ltd. (CTD). CTD provides ABA therapy and other behaviour therapy programs to children with ASD and other developmental disabilities.

Stacy has been working in the field of behaviour therapy for over 20 years and has extensive experience working with children with ASD. Stacy would like to provide more support and advocacy to the Autism community. Stacy is also PT professor and the Field Placement Coordinator at Seneca College in the Behaviour Science program. 

Patti Thomas (she, her) is a mom of 3 daughters, one who lives with autism from Orangeville, Ontario. She has an educational background in social services and nursing. She has worked in direct support roles and management and has had many roles in the mental health sector from director of a youth shelter, to probation and parole pertaining to youth diversion and management in open custody support services. Her daughter Emma was diagnosed with level 1 ASD at the age of 2.5 in early 2019.

Faced with years of waitlist, and a 25-page booklet from Emma’s psychotherapist to digest on her own. To top it off, Emma was turned away from taking part in recreational gymnastics in 2021, due to her autism diagnosis, just one more obstacle to navigating life in the community. Patti decided that there had to be a change and she did her part to make resources available to others dealing with the same roadblocks she did. Patti took action and got involved in her local autism community to educate those in the surrounding area. She is the founder of Team Emma, a group which fosters advocacy for the neurodiverse and BIPOC community. She is also a committee member for the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee with the Town of Orangeville since 2021.

Patti has taken part in other advocacy roles in 2020 when she co-organized a peaceful awareness walk for Black Lives Matter with her daughters who belong to the BIPOC community. Over 1,000 people attended both virtually and in-person. It was a day of change against systemic racism. Shetook part in the World Autism Day flag raising with Emma, and organized the OAC Day of Action protest in Orangeville.

Despite all obstacles, Emma was chosen in 2021 to be an ambassador for an Autism Speaks Canada walk. Emma was the first BIPOC representative in the region. This provided not only a sense of inclusion for people that have faced racism but it also gave hope to those that have been mistreated in our autism community.

Patti’s goal in the Ontario Autism Coalition is to foster change with a strong advocacy role when it comes to ethnicity and neurodiversity.