Our Team

Carol Chayer

Program director

As a graduate of the DSW program, Carol has attained skills in many areas over the last 30 years.  She has worked in many different settings/ workshops, private homes, both elementary and high schools, group homes, camps and institutions.

She has developed skills in feeding, catheterization, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech, assistive devices, ABA, etc.  She has an updated CPR certificate, first aid, behaviour modification courses and CPI.  Her home has been CAS approved and she has the necessary documentation for liability insurance.  She has recently taken a leave of absence from the school board to explore new possibilities and expand her knowledge and experiences.

Genie

Program Assistant

Genie is a PSW with a certification and continuous education completion in 2009. Genie has obtained a Pre Health Sciences diploma. She has ample experience in palliative care, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and has a certification in ABA behaviour therapy. She has also acquired her emergency level first aid and CPR.

Genie has experience working in group homes, hospitals, home care, long term care, and working with individuals of all ages.

Genie enjoys volunteering at the animal shelter, gardening, art, fitness and health. She is also a ally supporter of the LGBTQ2+ community and human rights.

Button text

Aurielle Pope

Program Assistant

Aurielle is a graduate of the DSW program at Algonquin College.

Aurielle grew up around individuals with global and physical disabilities as both of her parents were in the DSW field. This upbringing sparked Aurielle’s passion at a young age for this career by seeing first hand the positive impact DSW’s have by supporting and advocating for individuals with disabilities. Aurielle has found a career she’s passionate about by getting more experience volunteering in her primary schools special education classrooms, participating in a High School placement in the field and then completing the DSW program in 2021.

She has obtained her CPR, First aid, Behaviour Management Systems, Crisis Prevention, Skills System, and Medication training. 

Button text

Maria

Program Assistant / student

Maria is in her 2nd year of the DSW program at Algonquin College. She started as a placement student and gained experience in the field with us twice a week. She is now joining our team. She had previous experience working with the younger population in the school setting which gave her knowledge and skills to support individuals in this field.

She is certified in First Aid & CPR, FS and QAM, and a graduate of the fitness and health promotion program at Algonquin College.

Button text

Sofia Serpellini

PROGRAM ASSISTANT

Sofia is a graduate of the SSW program at Algonquin College. She is currently obtaining her Bachlor's of Social Work degree at Carleton University with a minor in disability studies. Sofia has 10+ years experience in the field. She also has experience working within dual diagnosis. 
Sofia is a sibling to an individual with developmental disabilities and Cerebral Palsy. From a young age Sofia recognized the barriers her sister and other disabled individuals faced. This is what fueled her passion for working with the disabled community and advocating for equality. 
She is certified in First Aid & CPR, CPI (NVCI). She has also completed several workshops on various therapeutic approaches and methods.