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Laurie Mawlam
Executive Director
Bothwell, Ontario
Staff member since: 2006
Laurie started her career in autism as the Executive Director of Autism Canada Foundation (ACF); then continued in this position when ACF amalgamated with Autism Society Canada in 2015. She has participated in Senate and House of Commons Committee hearings, has sat on the National Autism Surveillance System (NAS) Advisory Committee since inception and spearheaded the Canadian ASD Alliance along with fellow autism leaders.
Today she leads the organization with renewed devotion and hope for individuals and families living with autism as she continues to advocate passionately for a National Autism Strategy.
Laurie is the proud mother of three boys one of which was diagnosed with autism in July 2000. She left the corporate world to oversee her son’s home-based behavioural and educational program for three years. Her son has achieved an optimal outcome and has recently graduated from high school.
Laurie Mawlam
Executive Director
Laurie@autismcanada.org
Lucie Stephens
Program Director
St. Marys, Ontario
Staff member since: November 2013
Lucie brings a wide range of experience to the Autism Canada team. Her work history ranges from owning and operating The Autism Bakery, writing for multiple health and wellness publications, to being a Sales and Account Executive in the field of co-op advertising program management. Prior to joining Autism Canada she was practicing as a Registered Holistic Nutritionist and Orthomolecular Health Practitioner.
As a mother of a child on the autism spectrum she has witnessed first-hand the benefits of a healthy diet and regular physical activity.
Lucie enjoys keeping bees, making honey and beeswax related products and giving back to her community as a member of her local Rotary club.
Lucie Stephens
Program Director
Lucie@autismcanada.org
Susan Watts
Family Support Representative
Guelph, Ontario
Staff member since: September 2015
Prior to working for Autism Canada, Susan practiced for five years at the Autism Intervention Clinic of Guelph where she assisted families and ASD adults in understanding the importance of nutrition. She organized the “Autism Opportunities” Conference for three consecutive years in Guelph.
Motivated by a desire to understand autism, Susan has been taking courses and attending conferences since 2004. She is particularly interested in the gut-brain connection.
Susan is a graduate of Sick Children’s Hospital, Toronto, the University of British Columbia and the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition.
Susan Watts
Family Support Representative
Susan@autismcanada.org
Tafari Anthony
Graphic & Web Design
Toronto, Ontario
Staff member since: March 2010
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.
Tafari Anthony
Graphic & Web Designer
Info@autismcanada.org
Chantale Pomerleau
Manager, Communications and Events
Cambridge, Ontario
Staff member since: May 2015
Chantale began her journey with Autism Canada in 2010, and thereafter completed three summer terms marketing the annual Changing the Course of Autism conference. Upon graduating from the University of Guelph with an Honors BA in Psychology and a minor in Family and Child Studies, Chantale was recognized as one of Guelph’s Top 40 under 40. Later, she co-authored and published her thesis, Pain assessment and treatment when caring for children with intellectual disabilities: Measuring caregiver knowledge, in Pain Management.
Growing up with two brothers on the spectrum, Chantale knows first-hand how a supportive and proactive family unit can lead to positive outcomes.
Chantale enjoys teaching Zumba® classes and spending time with her Shorkie, Nash.
Chantale Pomerleau
Manager, Communications and Events
Chantale@autismcanada.org
Karen Brackley
Manager, National Fund Development
Toronto, Ontario
Staff member since: December 2016
Karen has over 15 years experience developing, executing and championing large and small-scale programs and events within the charitable sector including healthcare, children’s charities, independent school and university foundations. Prior to joining Autism Canada, Karen provided her services as a consultant for a Toronto based software consulting company.
Karen is a graduate of Carleton University, Ottawa, has obtained her CFRE and is currently pursuing her MBA through North Park University, Chicago. She enjoys traveling, playing sports, spending time with her family and friends
Karen Brackley
Manager, National Fund Development
Karen@autismcanada.org
