Rocket is thrilled to introduce our new dedicated team of ENVISAGE facilitators!
3 parent-partners and 3 clinicians were recently trained by CanChild, the developers of the ENVISAGE program, to become our in-house trainers. They will be delivering this program aimed at promoting a strengths-based, family centred approach that builds caregivers’ sense of empowerment and confidence in parenting their child with a neurodisability.
We are excited to kick off the first three cohorts of employee training starting in mid-November. Following this, we will begin caregiver training sessions in the new year.
Please join us in welcoming our parent-partners to the KidsAbility team and congratulating our clinicians on this new role. They will lead the KidsAbility community on this enriching journey.
Parent-Partners:
Leslie Brown
I am delighted to be a Parent Partner on the ENVISAGE team. I live in Guelph with my husband and two boys – one of whom has a rare genetic condition, and enjoys the balance working as a Registered Massage Therapist. I love music, being outdoors, and making new experiences and memories as a family. I am looking forward to being part of changing perspectives on childhood disability and offering support and insights to other families and service providers.
Lorissa VanVeen
I am excited to join the envisage team as a parent partner. Being the mother of 5 littles, I am passionate about advocacy and inclusion to help build our children a better future.
Alison Schmalz
I am very excited to be joining the ENVISAGE team as a Parent Partner. Our family has participated in numerous Kidsability programs and services since 2012, beginning when my youngest daughter was only 5 months old. I live in Guelph with my 3 teenage daughters, who keep me busy exploring new places, trying new things, and travelling to the hockey arena/Karate Dojo.
Clinicians:
Daniella Bossence
I am an occupational therapist in the school based rehabilitation program (SBRS). I have been at KidsAbility for three years and really enjoy working in the schools and with my colleagues. When I am not working, you can find me spending time with family and friends, going for walks/hikes, cooking, and engaging in anything active. I am so grateful to be a part of the ENVISAGE facilitator team at KidsAbility! This program is amazing and I can’t wait for others to learn more about ENVISAGE as well.
Maria Hamilton
I have worked as a pediatric Occupational Therapist for 22 years, with the last 16 being at KidsAbility (currently with the School Years Program). The concept of person centered care is something that initially drew me to the field of OT, and is something I strive to embrace in my day to day. I’m so excited to work as an EVISAGE Facilitator to help other service providers, and families do the same. While not at work, you can often find me cooking, shuttling between sports activities, and generally enjoying time with my husband, and 3 sons.
Allison Gaudet
I have loved being a physiotherapist for the last 16 years and found home at KidsAbility in December of 2021. I try to be a champion for family empowerment and fully committed to helping families see and celebrate the strengths of children and youth with disabilities. I have such a dedication to health, wellness, and lifelong learning. When I am not within the hall of the schools or KidsAbility, I am hanging out with my incredible family camping, biking, hiking, golfing and finding new adventures together. I am so grateful that we are embracing this ENVISAGE program and I get to help facilitate.
