MEET OUR TEAM
OUr board of directors
Brendan Hill
President
Brendan is the Territorial Pathway of Hope Implementation Coordinator at The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda Territorial Headquarters. He is a family advocate for a sibling with a disability, and deeply understands and shares our passion for combating social isolation and enabling community connections.
I'm here because...
everyone deserves an opportunity to be part of a community.
Sheryl Hunter
Secretary
Sheryl is a retired elementary school principal with an over 30 year career with the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board. She has worked with many families and children with special learning needs in various schools and different classroom settings.
I'm here so...
adults like my nephew have a safe and welcoming place to be themselves and develop friendships with like minded people.
Brenna Bizley
Treasurer
Brenna is the Partnership Manager at Durham College's Barrett Centre of Innovation in Sustainable Urban Agriculture. Brenna brings skills and experience supporting entrepreneurs, small business owners and public sector clients across Southern Ontario. She joined the Board in 2022.
I'm here because...
I want to give back to the community I live in.
Lynne Lyon
Past President
Lynne is recently retired from her 33 year career as a Professor in the School of General Arts and Sciences at Durham College. Lynne now feeds her artistic and entrepreneurial interests through a growing small business. Lynne was a founding Director on the Board for Autism Home Base.
I'm here because...
I recognize the lack of resources for Autistic adults and their families, and to help AHB better their lives.
Erin Bibby
Director
Erin is a special education teacher in the Peterborough, Victoria, Northumberland Catholic District School Board. working in the Centre for Autism Spectrum Assistance (CASA). She has a passion for teaching students with autism and a desire to help set them up for a successful future upon graduation.
I'm here to...
support Autistic individuals and their families outside of the school setting where continuous support is needed.
Sean Dipede
Director
Sean is an accomplished risk management professional with extensive experience in high-net-worth, complex property and casualty insurance. With a results-driven leadership style, He has a proven track record in improving processes, and delivering innovative solutions.
I'm here because ...
of his personal connection to the Autistic and neurodivergent community within his family
Gord Humphrey
Director
Gord is a retired electrician. He worked for General Motors for 30 years. Gord volunteers on a number of local boards lending his time and talents to AHB as an advocate, program leader, and ambassador since 2014.
I'm here to...
create a positive, safe environment for my son and others within the group and to help the community understand and accept those within the spectrum.
Amanda Marrison
Director
Amanda is a Business Analyst for one of the biggest Utilities in Ontario. During her 28 year career she has worked in customer-focused roles, finding innovative solutions that meet both company and client’s needs. She is a super proud mom of 4 boys.
I'm here because ...
I wish to help ensure my son and wonderful people like him share moments, make memories, enjoy opportunities and take adventures in their community
Adriana Micanovic
Director
Adriana is a Sr. Software Developer at SAS Institute (Canada) Inc. responsible for the financial and the WorkPlace procurement systems for Canada and Latin America. Adriana is passionate about inclusion. She has served on the AHB Board since 2021.
I'm here to...
find a supportive circle around my daughter.
Laila Zuccherato
Director
Laila is a Chartered Professional Accountant with over 25 years of experience in financial analysis, business planning, and strategic decision support. She also has volunteer experience in financial oversight for not-for-profit community organizations.
I'm here to...
help support and grow services that foster belonging, independence, and opportunity for Autistic adults like my son.Our staff
Judy Hanson
CEO
Judy leads operations to deliver on mission and strategic goals. Her background in non-profit management, communications, revenue development coupled with her passion for this community propels our charity forward.
I'm here because..
AHB is paving new pathways for my family and families like ours, and that inspires me.
Paula Carter
Director of Development
Paula partners with donors to align their giving with meaningful outcomes. She is committed to helping Autistic adults and their family caregivers benefit from meaningful supports that foster connection and well-being.
I'm here because..
I love AHB's mission and vision and I want to be a part of something important in our community.
Nelly Thiele
Community Manager
Nelly works with members and volunteers to keep our community connected. No longer alone we are stronger together surrounded by peers and caring supporters. Nelly brings decades of lived-experience to her role.
I'm here to...
make life more meaningful for my son, as well as the members of Autism Home Base.
Hailey Yates
Program Manager
Hailey's passion for arts, culture and community help her connect and develop engaging programs for members at AHB. Her background is in fine arts and education.
I'm here to..
create opportunities for AHB members to explore new interests, make friends, and live their best life.
Kelly Ng
Outreach & Inclusion
Kelly supports businesses, community agencies, and government partners to develop autism-friendly programs and practices. She supports the social and wellness goals of members, exploring new programs and scaling delivery to extend reach and impact.
I'm here to...
build community and create opportunities for members and their families.
Jason Moniz
Culinary Lead
Jason shares his love for food, inclusivity, and the empowerment of individuals through culinary groups. These groups provide opportunities for individuals to acquire skills, collaborate in meal preparation and enjoyment, and foster social connections.
I'm here to...
be a part of building stronger communities and empowering our members while supporting independence, sharing successes, and making memories.
Markie Rousseau
Program Support
Markie supports member goals at community-based and on-site programs. Markie's work in the non-profit sector includes equity, people engagement, training, and coaching. She has special interests in photography, marketing, sports and making a difference in her community.
I'm here to...
contribute to this supportive, inclusive and authentic organization that fosters well-being and diversity.
Michelle Hunt
Program Support
Michelle supports members in our cooking programs and fosters ongoing post-secondary partnerships through research initiatives. This helps to ensure our programs are effectively serving families and strengthening community impact.
I'm here because...
I am passionate about AHB’s values and mission. AHB is innovating new ways of supporting accessible socialization for our community, which makes an impact on my family and so many other families like ours.
Kelly McCallum
Marketing & Program Specialist
Kelly creates and captures experiences that help our community understand and appreciate AHB and our members. She relocated here from her hometown in BC, where she specialized in autism support and education. She brings many years of experience in social services and administration, as well as theatre and performing.
I'm here to...
be a part of something that makes a difference, and to bring joy to those around me.
Erin Hodgetts
Bookkeeper
Erin is an independent bookkeeper serving the Durham Region and GTA. She brings a wide array of knowledge and experience in both the for profit and non profit spheres to support Autism Home Base's financial needs.