Advisory Committee

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I am a pediatrician and the Director of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at St. Michael’s Hospital. I am cross-appointed at the Hospital for Sick Children, where I work regularly as a Staff Neonatologist. For the past 20 years, I have worked with children and families who have had numerous medical problems.

Bryan's Place is important to me since families who have children with disabilities need a safe place to go to celebrate life. Bryan's Place reminds us of what’s important in life. Laughter, family and friends.

Since graduating from McMaster University as a Physiotherapist in 1996, I have been focused on supporting children and their families. My journey is rooted in a lifelong desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others. It has been a privilege to be a part of the lives of the children and families I have worked with over the last many years. I am honoured to be a part of Byran's Place, an organisation born out of a Mother's love for her child and the recognition that there are gaps in services available to adult children with disabilities. There is no power stronger than the love for a child, which is what drives Bryan's Place and its vision to provide opportunities for all to continue to develop and thrive.

Bryan's Place holds a special place in my heart, having watched the idea of it grow, some 20+ years in the making. As a mother and as a therapist, I am proud to be a part of this amazing community and excited to see all of what Bryan's Place will accomplish.

 I am a Physiotherapist specializing in working with children and adults with a wide range of diagnoses and disabilities. I am also the Director of TheraBounce Inc. which provides trampoline based therapy to individuals with disabilities. I have always been very passionate about working with this population. I am thrilled to be able to support Bryan’s Place as a board member! Bryan’s Place is extremely important to our community, filling the gaps in service for children transitioning to adulthood, supporting families holistically, and providing an inclusive environment where everyone belongs. 

I have a degree in dentistry, and my office, The Stockyards Dental, has given me the opportunity to help many families, patients and smiles over the years. In the last years, I have found a bigger calling and heart-filling journey in life called Charity Work, helping people in any way they need.

When I was introduced and invited to be part of Bryan’s Place, the organization was still in the dream stage. Seeing how fast it has grown and the amazing events Bryan’s place has created shows how much our community needs this organization.

It has been an Honour to be part of this growing and very promising Beautiful Organization and I hope I can keep helping them in many ways so they can keep filling the pre-existing gap for this kind of service in society and heart-filling many children, adults and parents with special needs.

With over 14 years of experience working with special needs children and young adults, Sandra brings essential skills of managing and cultivating a positive inclusive learning

environment.

She specializes in implementing school standards and developing tailored

strategies for diverse learners. Her passion and commitment are to promote an environment of acceptance and tolerance for all students.

“Bryan's Place is important to me as it provides continuous opportunities to learn from these remarkable young individuals. It is inspiring to see the dedication and teamwork that go into creating an enjoyable experience for everyone involved.”

She enjoys travelling and her pet bird Niko.

Bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy – Postgraduate Degree in Special Education

Meeting Special Needs – UNIFATECIE 2022 – Postgraduate Degree in Institutional and

Clinical Psychopedagogy – UNIFATECIE 2021 – Degree in Pedagogy – Faculdade Entre Rios

do Piauí – FAERP 2017 – Occupational Therapy – College of Toronto Ontario 2017 –

Physiotherapy – College of Toronto Ontario 2017 – Graduate Degree in Gerontology - from

Estácio de Sá University BR.

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Communication and Public Relations, earned in 1992 in Mexico. Before moving to Canada in 1998, I worked as a professional photographer. Adjusting to a new country came with many challenges, including language and cultural barriers, but I was determined to create a new path. I became a permanent resident in 2001 and a proud Canadian citizen thereafter.

My life took a new direction with the birth of my son, Francesco, who was diagnosed with CFC syndrome, a rare congenital condition. From that moment, my life became devoted to his care and to advocating for children and families living with complex needs. Through navigating the healthcare and social systems, I’ve developed resilience, resourcefulness, and a deep understanding of the gaps in services and support.

In 2016, I founded a WhatsApp support group for Latin American mothers of children with special needs. This community has become a vital network where we share resources, uplift one another, and find strength through our shared experiences.

As one of the early supporters and visionaries behind Bryan’s Place, I am honoured to now serve on the Advisory Committee; I am passionate about creating a more inclusive and supportive world for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, and I am committed to helping make Bryan’s Place a reality.

Marjorie Richards has worked in the field of Disability for over 30 years. She is a DSW who has worked in the community, private homes, day programs, nursery schools, as an attendant and with many other organizations supporting those who have physical and/or developmental disabilities. Marjorie has traveled with families or arranged trips for her clients, using her own staff. She has always believed in a creating space in the world and making sure all people get the same opportunities. She owned a business for 11 years supporting people in their homes, communities, ran summer camps and activities. All this, while providing respite to parents and caregivers.

Marjorie has a wide range of experience supporting people with developmental and/or physical disabilities. She excels in supporting those who are complex care; never letting their medical care package outshine them wanting to live, be a kid or have fun. The people she supports and their families always have long lasting relationships with her. She is instrumental in seeing children grow up along side their parents and giving parents the ability to be parents when she is there. She is fun and is asked for by name when people are looking for respite.

Marjorie is now a live-in caregiver. Her roommate is a long time friend of more than 20 years. They are a big part of each other’s lives. Right now Marjorie is looking towards the future of how she can continue to serve families and people with disabilities. She is a board member at her Church and a Art Therapy school.