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To support Geneva Centre for Autism in fulfilling its role as a Canadian and international leader in the development and delivery of autism services and programs, the Foundation is fortunate to have an outstanding team of corporate and community leaders providing strategic and fundraising counsel. We are pleased to introduce our governance volunteers.
- Sylvia Fazzolari
Sylvia is the President of Geneva Centre for Autism Foundation and serves as a member of the committee raising funds through the Geneva Centre Campaign for Adults with Autism. She joined the board in 2006, continuing a valued and long-term commitment in governance leadership by RBC Financial Group executives.
At RBC, Sylvia is Vice-President of Middle Office Commercial Financial Services. She joined the bank in 1997 and has since held various senior positions in the commercial banking, risk management and insurance divisions. Sylvia has an MBA, and speaks French and Italian.
- Roger Nainby
Roger has been President of the Geneva Centre for Autism since 1996. His extraordinary dedication and commitment to the Centre springs from a deep commitment to giving back to the community in a meaningful and tangible way. He has lent his skills to a number of inter-agency, community processes, all resulting in an improved network of services and supports for families of children with autism spectrum disorder
A partner at Houser, Henry & Syron LLP, Roger provides legal services to mid-sized businesses and their owners and managers, helping them deal with the complexity that comes with growth and success.
- Simmie Rain
Simmie works tirelessly in accounting and assists in her husband's chartered accountancy office. In addition to her busy professional life, she is a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. As well as a parent of a son with autism, she has long been a strong advocate for improved services for people with autism in Ontario.
Years ago, her family received significant help from the Geneva Centre for Autism and as a result she decided to volunteer as a member of the board and has been a director since 1984. Simmie was involved in programs benefitting young children with autism, as a member on the executive of the Autism Society Ontario, including a term as president of the Metro Toronto chapter.
- Leon Dadoun
Leon first joined the Board in 1986 and returned as a Director in 2005. His commitment to enhancing community opportunities for individuals with ASD led him back to the Centre to help us advance care and services
Leon is a recognized expert on Canadian and international bank capital regulations and the president of DSI Bodiam Inc., a co-venture of Desjardins Securities Inc. and the firm he co-founded in 2005, Bodiam Financial Inc. DSI Bodiam specializes in bringing structured credit transactions to Canadian investors.
- Abe Evreniadis
Abe has spent the last eight years advocating for his son who has autism and for other families impacted by the disorder, providing counseling and guidance in navigating the challenges imposed by ASD. He joined the Board of Directors of Geneva Centre for Autism in 2005 recognizing he could channel his personal commitment by helping the organization in its quest to become a Canadian centre of excellence.
Abe holds an MBA and is a commodities trader and entrepreneur. He is cross appointed to the Foundation Board of Directors.
- Karina Giella-Aveiro
Karina has been involved in the world of autism for nearly 14 years, following her son’s diagnosis with autism. On receiving his diagnosis she called Geneva Centre for Autism for support and has been involved ever since, culminating in her invitation to become a Board member nearly 10 years ago.
With her son as her inspiration, Karina decided to return to university and obtain a second degree in Psychology Exceptionality in Human Learning. She is now a special education teacher for the Peel Board of Education. Karina is heavily involved in Community Living Mississauga and has been a volunteer at the Special Olympics.
- James B. Kelsey
Jim has been a member of the Geneva Centre for Autism Board of Directors since 2003. As a parent of an adult with autism, he is one of the key leaders in the Geneva Centre Campaign for Adults with Autism. He actively contributes to the Centre’s program planning and is a past speaker at the Centre’s international autism symposium.
At BMO Financial Group, Jim is Senior Vice-President of the Bank's Corporate Finance Division. Since joining the bank in 1969, he has held a variety of account management, commercial sales and senior leadership roles in British Columbia and Ontario.
- Judith Melville-Bennoch
Judith’s lifelong interest and commitment supporting colleagues, families and individuals with autism and development disorders was underscored during a 35-career as a teacher, consultant administrator. Recently retired from the Toronto District School Board, Judith continues to part-time consulting for the Board and for Virtual Expert Clinics.
She developed a relationship with Geneva Centre 15 years ago when she was responsible for programs for students with developmental disabilities. She has been a member of the Geneva Centre for Autism Board for three years and has a cross appointment to the Foundation.
- Hershel J. Sahian
Hershel Sahian is a community activist and lawyer practicing civil litigation and advocating on public policy, humanitarian and social justice issues. Through his experience working with all levels of government, Hershel has been responsible for several pieces of public legislation across Canada. He has been honoured by the Canadian Jewish Congress with the Monroe Abbey Award and the Ontario government with the Volunteer Service Award.
In 2005, Hershel was introduced to the Centre through his wife, a professional involved in treating children with autism. He joined the Board recognizing strong community commitment will ensure individuals with ASD and their families have the support they need to enjoy maximum quality of life.
- Margaret Whelan, Executive Director
Margaret has been the Executive Director of Geneva Centre for Autism for almost 25 years, actively participating in an a period of extraordinary growth in public awareness, program delivery and policy development in Ontario and internationally with the Centre at the forefront of these advancements.
Margaret’s background includes extensive experience developing innovative community-based services as well as many years of work in the area of dual diagnosis. She is a member of the editorial board of Focus on Autism & Other Developmental Disabilities, and The Autism Spectrum Quarterly. She is also a founding member of the newly formed national coalition Autism Spectrum Disorders Alliance Canada, and has presented internationally on autism-related topics.
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