2023 Speaker

Samantha Bellefeuille is an older sister to her brother who is 18 years old and has CDKL5. She is the Director and Founder of a day program for adults with disabilities called Fostering Forever Friendships, in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

Sacha is a pediatric Social Worker in the Early Intervention Program and the Social Work Clinical Lead at the BC Centre for Ability in Vancouver, BC, as well as a childhood disability researcher. She has over 16 years experience in the field supporting individuals with disabilities and their families.

Niya Chari, Senior Advisor, Research and Policy, Children's Healthcare Canada

Natasha completed a Bachelor of Kinesiology degree at the University of Toronto and MSc degree in Health Promotion at Queen's University. Working as a Clinical Research Project Manager in the Orkin Lab at SickKids has shaped her understanding of the challenges faced by youth with medical complexity and their families during the transition process from paediatric to adult health care systems.

Mya Dockrill, PhD Student, Dalhousie University

Melissa McGonnell, Associate Professor, Mount Saint Vincent University

Meghan Saundercook, Senior Manager, National School Programs, Jays Care Foundation

Meaghan Reitzel, PhD Student, CanChild, McMaster University

Martin Doyle, Family Research Partner, University of Victoria (CN-UVic)

Maria Rogers, Canada Research Chair in Child and Youth Mental Health and Well-being, Carleton University