Meet the Team

At Autism Canada, our team, spread across the nation, is uniquely led by individuals on the Autism Spectrum, including Interim Executive Director Jamie McCleary and Board Chair Paul Finch. This leadership reflects our commitment to inclusivity and understanding of the autistic community. Half of our staff are neurodivergent, each with a personal connection to autism, ensuring our advocacy and support efforts are rooted in real experiences. Further, with half of our board members also on the spectrum, we ensure that the perspectives of the autistic community deeply inform our policies and initiatives. Our structure and approach at Autism Canada embody our dedication to serving the diverse needs of those on the spectrum, their caregivers, and families, as we strive to create a more inclusive and supportive Canada.

Jamie McCleary

Executive Director

Jamie has a diverse professional background in accounting, human resources, and management, with academic knowledge in sociology, psychology, and childhood development, and enjoys creative activities and spending time with her family.

1-800-983-1795 ext. #6

Mail

jamie@autismcanada.org

Dominique Chabot

Family Support Manager

Dominique joins Autism Canada with a background in Psychology and Autism Behavioural Science, offering expertise in early intervention and support for vulnerable communities, and is actively engaged in

family-centered volunteering.

1-800-983-1795

Mail

dominique@autismcanada.org

Tyler Cox

Strategic Alignment Manager

Tyler, with a master's in peace and conflict studies and experience in community development, brings both personal and professional experiences with autism to his role at Autism Canada, while valuing family time, reading, and outdoor activities.

1-800-983-1795

Mail

tyler@autismcanada.org

Naureen Othi

Community Engagement Manager

With a degree in Biology and History from the University of Calgary, Naureen joins Autism Canada with a background in graphic design, marketing, and entrepreneurship, eager to enhance autism awareness and support.

1-800-983-1795 ext. #3

Mail

naureen@autismcanada.org

Heather Fox

Fund Development Manager

With over twenty years in fundraising and a background in aiding vulnerable groups, Heather brings her skills and experience, including a significant tenure at the American Red Cross, to Autism Canada to enhance autism awareness and support.

1-800-983-1795 ext. #4

Mail

heather@autismcanada.org

Bruce Petherick

Autistic Advocate, Family Support

Autistic advocate and musician Bruce Petherick, based in Vancouver, dedicates his work to neurodivergent education and awareness, sharing his experiences globally. He writes, speaks internationally, and continues to produce award-nominated music.

1-800-983-1795 ext. #6

Mail

bruce@autismcanada.org

Tafari Davis

Communications Support

Since graduating in Graphic Design from Cambrian College, Tafari has developed Autism Canada's visual branding and continues to freelance, alongside pursuing a music career.

1-800-983-1795 ext. #3

Mail

tafari@autismcanada.org

Rachel Roy

Family support navigator

Rachel brings 15 years of nonprofit management and community relationship experience, with a personal commitment to neurodiversity and a passion for gardening and holistic wellness.

1-800-983-1795 ext. #1

Mail

rachel@autismcanada.org

Our Board

Autism Canada is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and an ASD Advisory Ambassador. The Board also has four committees for Marketing and Communications, Finance and Audit, Nomination and Governance, and Fund Development.

Autism Canada’s board drives the strategic direction of the organization and establishes its policies, vision, mission and values. If you are interested in joining this strong team of leaders, please contact the board chair by email at info@autismcanada.org.

Paul Finch

Chair

Paul Finch, President of the BCGEU, manages its investment and housing policies, serves on various pension plan boards, and is part of the National Union of Public and General Employees. With a background in real estate and IT, he's also a director at the BC Investment Management Corporation.

Suzanne Lewis

Vice Chair

Dr. Suzanne Lewis, a Pediatrics and Clinical Genetics specialist is a Clinical Professor at UBC and a Senior Investigator at BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute. She leads autism research programs, focusing on improving diagnostics, treatments, and support for autism.

Cheryl Burt

Director

Cheryl is an experienced health and wellness strategy leader with notable roles at Johnson & Johnson, Bayer, and a health tech startup, dedicated to creating positive impacts. She has contributed to Broad Reach Canada's board and is actively involved in event planning at Ernestine’s Women’s Shelter.

Milena Nazaruk

Chair - Finance & Audit Committee

Milena is the Strategic Planning & Risk Director at Cadillac Fairview, with a strong background in consulting and real estate. She has contributed to Boards and councils across retail and corporate real estate. She has an MBA from McMaster University and a BSc in Math & Statistics from the University of Toronto.

Tom Jackman

Director

Tom, an autism acceptance advocate, appears in the film "Autism Grows Up," highlighting employment challenges for autistic adults, and contributes to "Autism: The Gift That Needs to Be Opened," a resource for improving the lives of parents, educators, and individuals on the autism spectrum.

Lori Neustaedter

Director

Since the 1990s, Lori has specialized in social work for families with disabled children. Currently, she manages disability policy and services in Manitoba and has contributed to the Autism Manitoba Society board. Lori is passionate about inclusivity and enjoys her family life as a mother and grandmother.

Philippa St. C. Hood, M.A.

Director

Philippa is a graduate student in the Clinical Psychology program at Simon Fraser University. Her research and clinical work centres around supporting autistic people with mental health difficulties, and improving the autism assessment process. Philippa lives in North Vancouver with her family.

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