Community Family Advisory Committee
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program and service improvements
opportunities for communication and collaboration among families
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enhancement of information and resources for our community
Meet Our Members
Ed Balyk, Committee Member
Ed and his family have been accessing the services provided by Kerry’s Place for more than 25 years. First, in support of his son, who is currently in the Supported Independent Living program. Secondly, in support of his grandson, who enjoys the many camp and social group programs Kerry’s Place offers.
Ed has retired from his career with Scouts Canada but stays busy in his work with various community groups, including Kiwanis of Mississauga, Parent Council, and as an inaugural member of the Supported Living Family Advisory Committee at Kerry’s Place.
Stephanie Elmaleh, Committee Member
Stephanie is the creator of Autism Journey and host of the Autism Journey podcast. She is a former lifestyle and entertainment television producer, working at various networks such as Bell Media, Corus Entertainment, and Rogers. Since 2015, she has worked with families of newly diagnosed children.
Stephanie is a wife and the mother of a 12-year-old son who is on the autism spectrum.
Anagha Sumant, Committee Member
Anagha is a mother to two superhuman kids and has been a parent advocate for youth and adults with multiple exceptionalities in school and community settings. She also holds a Master of Business Administration, specializing in Finance and Economics, and is thrilled to have worked with many MNCs as an Assistant Finance Manager.
Anagha is honoured to serve on committees at Kerry’s Place, Lakeridge Community Support Services, Oshawa Accessibility Advisory Committee, Kinark Child and Family Services, and Grandview Kids. Anagha considers this work an opportunity to make these associations a safe and effective place for clients and their families, as well as a chance to strengthen partnerships between staff and advisory members so they may continue to accomplish organizational goals collaboratively.
Sapna Kapoor, Committee Member
Sapna is a dedicated screening officer who has served at Toronto Pearson
International Airport’s Terminal 3 for the past 25 years. In addition to her professional role, Sapna has been a full-time primary caregiver for her Autistic adult son. Her son recently transitioned to a group living setting, allowing Sapna to continue focusing on improving her son’s quality of life to the best of her ability.
Sapna has completed a Certificate training course in parent training and has
successfully completed the online Nonviolent Crisis Intervention course, both with Kerry’s Place. She has also participated in various training programs offered through Erinoak Kids to deepen her understanding of Autism.
An avid reader, Sapna keeps herself informed by regularly reading Autism Mom’s
Magazine and engaging in seminars and activities that can enhance her parenting
skills.
Aleda, Committee Member
Aleda’s son, Charlie, has benefited greatly from many Kerry’s Place programs over the years, most recently through involvement with Ready2Work and TAY roundtables as he navigates early adulthood.
Proud mom of three, and Specialized HR Consultant by trade, Aleda is eager to give back to an organization that has been such an integral part of so many families autism support system. It takes a village, and she is grateful for the Kerry’s Place Community.
Learn More or Contact
The following commitments and guidelines govern the Community Family Advisory Committee at Kerry’s Place.
If you’re interested in sharing your insights and voice as a member of CFAC, please email: info@kerrysplace.org.
In their role as advocate and resource to leadership, CFAC members work on initiatives such as:
- Hosting virtual learning sessions for families about DSO/Transitional Aged Youth services
- Enabling families to more readily access passport funding
- Supporting the annual Community Feedback Survey
- Connecting with provincial advocacy groups for enhanced respite funding
- Ensuring the sustainability of CFAC through new membership drives
Email teneisha.lopez@kerrysplace.org to get in touch with our Community Family Advisory Committee.
