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 Support (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, Behaviour Specialists, Teachers/Early Learning Coordinators, and Early Learning Program Assistants.
Leadership and Administration Team
Our Co-Executive Directors, 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, Co-Executive Director and Founder of Lead Foundation
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.
Wendy Mitchell, Co-Executive Director
Dr. Mitchell worked as a Speech Language Pathologist for over 20 years, supporting the communication needs of young children and their families. Her doctoral studies in 2012 focused on the needs of neurodiverse individuals and their families, including helping autistic youth gain work experience and employment. More recently she has worked on projects related to family support, developmental disabilities/mental health, and family-centered care in neurodivergence. She was a board member with Lead for five years before joining the organization in 2022. As a Co-Executive Director she champions Lead’s commitment to helping children show the world what they can do drawing on her breadth of knowledge and work with children, families and the community.
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.
Heather Kinahan, Director
Heather is an acrylic artist, teacher, and life-long learner. She has experience as a facilitator, mentor and learning specialist in the public education sector. She has worked with families, fellow educators, and the community to develop educational programs and services for young children, in order to meet their diverse learning needs and set them up for success. Heather is dedicated to working alongside others to build supportive communities where learners of all ages can thrive.
Kelly Anderson, Director
Kelly is a retired CPA who is eager to contribute her skills to the Lead Board of Directors. Her extensive career has enriched and matured her business skills in areas such as strategy, compliance, financial planning, and control. She is family and children oriented, with a passion for physical and mental wellness.