Staff
We are proud to say that many of Lead’s staff have been a part of our team for over five years, with a number of staff celebrating over ten years with our organization. Our staff are dynamic and passionate and are the strength of our programs.
Child Development Specialists (CDS)
Building upon each child’s unique goals, strengths, and interests, CDSs create learning opportunities for children and their caregivers on a regular basis. Depending on the program, CDSs may work in the family’s home, community, or chosen Early Childhood Services (ECS) program.
Our team of CDSs bring a variety of education ranging from Early Childhood Education, Disability Studies, Psychology, Social Work, Speech-Language Pathology Assistants and more. They bring extensive knowledge in the area of child development with experiences working with families, preschools, school boards and special education programs.
Clinical Team
Our skilled clinicians have experience working with children with a variety of developmental needs and their families. Guided by family priorities and evidence based practice, our clinical team works closely with children, families, and community partners to build flexible programs with measurable goals.
Our clinical team includes Speech-Language Pathologists and Speech-Language Pathologist Assistants, Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Psychologists, Program & Behaviour Specialists, Teachers/Early Learning Coordinators, and Early Learning Program Assistants.
Leadership and Administration Team
Our Executive Director, Directors, and Clinical Managers provide leadership in assuring the highest quality programs for children, families and community partners. Our Leadership Team assures accountability to our Board of Directors, staff, families, funders, and community partners.
Board of Directors
Arlene Klooster, Executive Director and founder of Lead
Following completion of her Master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology in 1994, Arlene worked with children with special needs and their families. In 2002, Arlene lobbied the government to create Lead Foundation as a non-profit agency for children based on her work with families of children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Since 2003, Lead Foundation has grown to work with all children and their families.
Sandy Evans, Director
Sandy works in private practice as a Registered Psychologist. Her strong interest in strategic planning and organization development, in conjunction with her experience in a number of service agencies has supported her board role with Lead. Sandy’s extensive board and life experiences have been an invaluable resource to Lead.
Sue Robinson, Director
Sue worked with Lead for over 10 years as an Occupational Therapist and Clinical Manager, leaving a few years ago for “semi-retirement”. Sue continues to work within a diverse role of mediation, government consultation and Occupational Therapy. Her vast experience in the field and with Lead are incredibly helpful in her role on Lead’s Board of Directors.
Donna Senft, Director
Donna worked with Lead as a Financial Administrator and has had a long career in various positions within the banking institutions. Over the years, Donna has supported Lead as a consultant and financial administrator. We welcome her knowledge and understanding of Lead’s programs in combination with her community experience.