Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region Team

Ryan Voisin

Chairperson

Personally and professionally, Ryan (he/him) is a strong and passionate community-builder who believes in celebrating every individual’s unique contributions and achievements. Committed to community-building, Ryan works every day to create safe and inclusive spaces for productive and transformational dialogue. With strong facilitation and strategic thinking as a foundation, Ryan uses humour, creativity, and insight to help individuals and groups move forward collaboratively.

Ryan supports a father who lost the ability to walk unaided over ten years ago, and a mother diagnosed with amnesia as a result of an acquired brain injury. Ryan believes that it is “one’s environment and not abilities that create a disability”. Ryan is Managing Director for a pan-Canadian, cross-sectoral network of champions for children’s health and well-being.

Working with children’s hospitals, researchers, and child rights experts, he helps align efforts and advocate governments to improve outcomes for children, youth, and families. Ryan has been contributing his strengths to the Board since June 2020.

Christopher Dell

Vice-Chair

Christopher (he/him) joined the Board in June 2023 because of a desire to contribute back to the organization that has helped his family after a child was diagnosed with autism. Now that his children are older, Christopher is excited to have the opportunity to impact people’s lives in a meaningful way. Christopher has his Master of Business Administration from McMaster University and a bachelor degree in Financial Economics. Christopher has worked in product management in Waterloo at a number of different tech companies. He is looking forward to learning from peers on the Board and growing in his new role.

 

Devon Fernandes

Past Chair

Since the first day he started working alongside EAFWR to co-found the KW Library of Things in 2017, Devon (he/him) has developed a strong appreciation for how community-based organizations can address complex social issues.

Devon completed his Master’s in Community Psychology at Wilfrid Laurier University and now works in insurance as a Sustainability Integration Manager where he catalyzes social and environmental initiatives. Devon has previously served on the Board of Laurier Students’ Public Interest Research Group and continues to find ways to build community.

 

Angela Riddell

Treasurer

Prior to joining the Board in June 2023, Angela (she/her) already had a relationship with EAFWR through supports provided for her daughter. EAFWR’s vision to live fully in a community where everyone belongs and is valued for their contributions, along with her qualification as a CPA, are what drew Angela into wanting to volunteer with EAFWR in a finance-related capacity. Angela is the Director of Business Services and Infrastructure at a library and is a member of their Accessibility Plan Committee, which works to identify, remove, and prevent barriers to accessibility in all community library locations. Angela wants to help create a world where people are seen as enabled, not disabled.

 

Busy Waugh

Secretary

Having enjoyed volunteering on the Human Resources Committee since 2022, Busy (she/they) joined the Board of Directors in 2024 to continue serving the Extend-A-Family community in a deeply meaningful way.

Busy is a purpose-driven changemaker on a journey to encourage and support other neurodivergent people to live their best lives, while working to dismantle ableist ideology and systems along the way. As a late-diagnosed Autistic ADHDer, she has lived experience of disability and understands first-hand how barriers harm and oppress disabled people. As a parent to a disabled child, she also understands that you would move mountains for your child to ensure they receive the care and support they need to thrive.

Adnan Ali

Director

Adnan (he/him) joined the Board in 2021, with a desire to participate resulting from his experience with EAFWR and our collective mission and vision of community development and greater inclusion. As the African proverb goes, “it takes a village to raise a child” and Adnan believes that it is the ideational understanding of what constitutes a village (society) that is central and where everyone has to play a part based on her/his capabilities.

Adnan holds a master’s degree in Global Governance and is currently a Data Analyst in international development. Adnan’s skills and experiences include governance, strategic planning, public policy, data analysis, advocacy and leadership. Adnan has also been part of developing survey methodologies and collecting primary data. In his professional career, Adnan learned that advocacy becomes that much more potent if you have the right data, and that having policies and strategies that build strong governance and advocacy models enhance stakeholder confidence.

 

Jonathan Bida

Director

Jonathan (he/him) brought professional and personal experience to his appointment to the Board in June 2024.

Jonathan is a proud and happy father to two amazing children. His youngest child has epilepsy, diagnosed when he was only a baby. There are so many happy moments, but also real challenges. This life experience has given Jonathan an understanding and appreciation for the community it is the mandate of the organization to support. His experiences and perspective drew Jonathan to the organization, with a strong desire to contribute meaningfully for the benefit of the community.

Jonathan has an engineering degree from the University of Waterloo and a law degree from Queen’s University. Jonathan’s past work has included advocacy on behalf of persons with disabilities. Jonathan works as an executive at a major Canadian financial institution, and acts as secretary and treasurer of the board of an insurance industry association. His professional experience will allow him to add to the strength of the Board.

 

Ashley Biddiscombe

Director

Ashley (she/her) is a parent advocate in Waterloo Region. Ashley has two children with complex disabilities who were adopted through the foster care system.  She has been an instructor with Pride Stables since 2006 providing therapeutic horseback riding for children and adults with disabilities.

She currently runs a parent support group and is the creator of the Parent Resource Guide, a parent recommended guide for disability resources in Waterloo Region, and Parent Support Series, which helps parents navigate these resources in a supportive environment.

Ashley comes with previous board and governance experience after previously sitting on both St. John’s Nursery School and KidsAbility’s board of directors. She believes that every disability family deserves a strong foundation of resources, tools and support to help their children thrive, and that no family should feel isolated in their journey.

 

Tamara Cooper

Director

Tamara (she/her) is a dedicated community leader, entrepreneur, and advocate for equity and accessibility. She serves as the Program Coordinator at LiftOff by CCAWR, a Black-led initiative supporting Black entrepreneurs to build, grow, and scale their businesses across Waterloo Region.

Tamara is also the founder of TAMbitious, a brand specializing in American Sign Language (ASL) and custom apparel that promotes accessibility, identity, and cultural pride. As the parent of a deaf child and an active member of the Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee (GRAAC), her work is rooted in lived experience and a strong commitment to inclusive community-building. Her contributions also include involvement with the Freedom Marching Project. Known as a connector and passionate advocate, Tamara lives by the mantra: “The sky is not the limit.”

 

Mackenzie Donaldson

Director

As someone who was diagnosed with Autism at age 2, Mackenzie (she/her) knows and has experienced firsthand the challenges people with disabilities can face on a daily basis. As someone who uses services at Extend-A-Family, Mackenzie has seen and personally experienced the great things Extend-A-Family provides for families and individuals with disabilities. Mackenzie wants to give back to an organization that not only shares the same values as hers, but has provided herself and her brother with programs and resources that have helped them in their daily lives for many years. Mackenzie has learned to advocate for herself and others, and is looking forward to using her voice to support inclusion and community involvement. She can’t wait to work alongside like-minded people who share the same values and goals she has in wanting to help Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region be the best that it can be!

Mallory De Leon

Director

Mallory (she/her) is an experienced professional with a strong background in developmental services and administrative management and support. With a decade of service at Karis Disability Services (formerly Christian Horizons), Mallory held key roles such as Office Manager, Systems Manager, and International Excursion and Camp Program Manager. She excelled in managing office operations, supporting people living with disabilities, ensuring compliance with ministry regulations, and leading international travel programs. Currently, Mallory is the Manager of Administrative Services and Executive Assistant to the VP of People & Culture and VP of Resource Development at another local not-for-profit, where she provides high-level support, including calendar management, travel coordination, and project management. Mallory also supports the Human Capital Committee of the International Board of Directors at her current workplace, developing agendas, providing overall committee support and support to the VP. Upon joining the board of Extend-a-Family Waterloo Region in 2024, Mallory aims to leverage her extensive experience to further the organization’s mission and support its community initiatives.

Nancy Shaw

Director

Nancy (she/her), a 2024 addition to the Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region (EAFWR) Board of Directors, brings a wealth of experience and a passion for community engagement. Having relocated to Waterloo, she is eager to make a positive impact. For over a decade, Nancy volunteered with Special Olympics in Aurora, fulfilling various roles including Public Relations, Parent Liaison, and Swim Coach. Her personal journey, as a mother of a son diagnosed with autism who is now graduating from Wilfrid Laurier University, has deepened her appreciation for the value of volunteers and community support.

Nancy holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Waterloo and an MBA from McMaster University.  She has held various roles supporting people with various disabilities through exercise.  With over 30 years of experience in leadership roles in the insurance industry, she is committed to supporting EAFWR and learning more about the local community.

Marisa Tabong

Director

Marisa (she/her) joined the Board in June 2022 but has volunteered with EAFWR since 2021 as a member of the Human Resources Committee. Marisa is a Digital Transformation Director at an insurance company, and her expertise includes risk management, project planning/execution, and leadership. Marisa joined EAFWR because the values and vision truly resonate with her, and her strong team/leadership skills can make an impact. She believes community belonging is important and is passionate about helping others.

Al Mills

ext. 222
allan.mills@eafwr.on.ca
Executive Director

 

Ron Trajano

ext. 225
ron.trajano@eafwr.on.ca
Director of Services

 

Courtney Horowitz

ext. 220
courtney.horowitz@eafwr.on.ca
Director of Operations

 

 

 

Kevin Guay

ext. 240
kevin.guay@eafwr.on.ca
Director of Human Resources

 

 

Erin Ackersviller

ext. 223
erin.ackersviller@eafwr.on.ca
Executive Assistant

 

 

Mimi Mahmud

ext. 254
mimi.mahmud@eafwr.on.ca
Equity Strategist

Christina Koenig

ext. 0
reception@eafwr.on.ca
Community Ambassador

Cheryl Fuller

ext. 238
cheryl.fuller@eafwr.on.ca
Training & Organizational Development Manager

Jess Halma-Reed

ext. 235
jess.halmareed@eafwr.on.ca
Human Resources Administrator

Winnie Otokhina

ext. 265
winifred.otokhina@eafwr.on.ca
Human Resources Generalist

Michelle Scala

ext. 253
michelle.scala@eafwr.on.ca
Recruitment and Volunteer Coordinator

Ken Lemon

ext. 231
ken.lemon@eafwr.on.ca
IT Manager

Eric Russell

ext. 292
eric.russell@eafwr.on.ca
Tier 1 Technical Support

Bea Binka

ext. 287
bea.binka@eafwr.on.ca
Program Specialist

Chris Brown

ext. 239
chris.brown@eafwr.on.ca
Financial Specialist

Maria Gligor

ext. 210
maria.gligor@eafwr.on.ca
Financial Coordinator

Twila Gingerich

ext. 214
twila.gingerich@eafwr.on.ca
ISP and Resource Assistant

Andreea Hartopanu 

ext. 266
andreea.hartopanu@eafwr.on.ca
Finance Assistant