About Us
The Learning Disabilities Association of York-Simcoe (LDAYS), formally known as Learning Disabilities Association of York Region (LDAYR) is a charitable non-profit organization which was established in 1976.
We provide leadership in Learning Disabilities advocacy, research, education and services, and strive to advance the full participation of children, youth and adults with Learning Disabilities (LD) in society.
Learning Disabilities refers to a variety of disorders that affect the acquisition, retention, understanding, and organization of information. It results from impairments in psychological processes in combination with average abilities for thinking and reasoning. Learning Disabilities are specific impairments and thus are distinct from intellectual disabilities.
Learning Disabilities range in severity and interfere with the acquisition and use of one or more of the following important skills:
- Oral language
- Reading
- Written language
- Mathematics
For success, people with Learning Disabilities require specialized interventions at home, in school, in community and in workplace settings, appropriate to their individual strengths and needs.
Our Vision
At LDAYS our vision is to assist individuals with Learning Disabilities achieve their full potential. We are determined to provide leadership in Learning Disabilities’ advocacy, research, education and services and to advance the full participation of children, youth and adults with Learning Disabilities in today’s society. We assist children, youth and adults with Learning Disabilities and/or ADHD as well as their families. We achieve this by promoting positive change through:
Dignity & Respect
Respect for the dignity of all individuals with Learning Disabilities and/or ADHD
Inclusivity, Support & Empowerment
Belief in social justice and the value of diversity and inclusiveness
Public Education & Advocacy
Advocating the importance of understanding what a Learning Disability and ADHD are and how both can impact an individual’s life
Innovation & Learning
Encouraging an environment where individuals with Learning Disabilities and/or ADHD can learn and benefit from effective education and scientific-based practices
Collaborative Partnerships
Promote collaborations with special education professionals to improve the delivery of instruction and success of services.
Leadership
Positioning ourselves as a leader and advocate for all individuals with Learning Disabilities and/or ADHD as well as their families across York-Simcoe.
Quality Programs & Services
A dedication to associational and fiscal stability sustained by excellent customer services provided to members and the community.
Integrity & Accountability
A commitment to professional excellence, integrity and accountability
Our Vision For RECONCILIATION AND EQUITY:
Communities where Indigenous sovereignty is honoured; where people’s unique identities, experiences, and voices are valued, celebrated, and protected; and where everyone has access to the resources and social capital needed to support their wellbeing and prosperity.
Our Team
Helga has been with the LDAYS since 2008 in roles of Program Coordination, Development and Community Outreach. Her leadership made her a part of the senior team in 2010 and then Deputy Director in 2012, Helga was appointed as Executive Director in 2016.
Helga is involved with the management, development and restructuring of all programs and services acts as liaison with the community and the board of directors advising on strategic direction
As Executive Director Helga:
- Ensures that the Mission Statement of the agency is promoted through the services provided;
- Ensures consistent application of practices and policies as they relate to service provision and best practices;
- Guides in the agency strategic and diversity planning;
- Manages special program projects; and
- is responsible for the operations of the organization.
Helga has a background in Child Development and Education as well as a Human Resources Management. She is currently enrolled in an Accelerated Project Management Certificate.
Helga is also a Certified Resource Facilitator with the LDAO (2014) has received a Certificate from York Entrepreneurship Development Institute for Non-for-Profit Program for Entrepreneurship Development (2015), she was also the first recipient for the Bhayana Family Foundation Award for Leadership trough the United Way of Toronto-York Region (2013).
Helga enjoys spending time with her two daughters on her time off.
905-884-7933 ext. 2
Nina has been with the LDAYS since 2011 when she did her placement and then became a permanent staff.
Through her time with us Nina has overseen the tutor and social skills groups, also participated as a facilitator for the adult and parent support groups. Nina took a new role in 2016 where she expanded her experience working with The Neighborhood Group as a Volunteer and Special Event Coordinator supporting a range of effective and innovated programs aimed to alleviate social and economic problems.
Nina returned to the LDAYS in 2021 as a Senior Program Manager where she oversees:
- Internal resources and third parties for the LDAYS educational outreach.
- Manages and supervises the day-to-day operations of LDAYS’s programs and services ensuring quality and accountability.
- Provides one-to-one counselling and support for parents and adults with LDs/ADHD.
- Manages and conducts the community educational and awareness presentations.
Nina is a Registered Social Worker, with OCSWSSW, that graduated from York University in 2012 and has a diploma in Social Service Work from Seneca.
She has a diverse professional experience, which allows her to enjoy working with people of all ages, different abilities, and backgrounds.
During her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, especially her daughters and reading her comic books.
905-884-7933 ext. 5
Meghan joined LDAYS in September 2021. Meghan holds a diploma in Social Service Work from Seneca College and has experience working in children's social programs a a facilitator and resource facilitation. She has worked with children, teens and adults.
As the Disability and Advocacy Specialist at LDAYS, she is responsible for:
- Coordinating the day-to-day operations of Membership program.
- Answering client inquiries and providing referrals.
- Facilitating the Adult Support Group and supporting the Parent Support Group.
- Training incoming student placement students.
- Fostering a safe and inclusive environment for clients in ensure the best possible care.
Meghan is passionate about working with families to provide information and resources in order for them to receive the support they need. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, exploring her city and going for bike rides.
905-884-7933 ext. 1
Isabel holds a Master of Education in Developmental Psychology and Education, with an emphasis in Program Evaluation from the Ontario Institute of Studies in Education (OISE) at the University of Toronto. She holds a Post-Graduate Certificate in Infant and Early Child Mental Health from Seneca College (2022), as well as a bachelor's degree in Human Behavior and Mental Health, Addiction and Society from McMaster University (2021).
Isabel believes that the early years of a child's life are foundational to their future. She is dedicated to providing children and families with tailored programs and resources that meet their unique needs. Her goal is to empower individuals with the skills necessary to lead fulfilling lives.
In her spare time, Isabel enjoys roller skating, reading, spending time in nature, and travelling.
905-884-7933 ext. 7
Madison holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a specialization in Health & Wellness from Trent University. With a background in crisis response and hands-on experience supporting children diagnosed with learning disabilities and ADHD, Madison is passionate about empowering individuals and promoting well-being within the community.
As a Community Development Coordinator, Madison is responsible for:
• Coordinating and delivering the Strategies for Life program
• Creating, revising, and facilitating Strategies for Life and social skills training materials
• Fostering and maintaining meaningful community partnerships
• Supporting and contributing to the development of policies and procedures
Madison is deeply committed to the mental health and social services fields and strives to create inclusive, strengths-based environments where individuals of all ages can build confidence, resilience, and meaningful connections.
(905)-884-7933 Ext 8
Hannah – Student Success Tutor Program Lead
Hannah joined LDAYS in May 2026. She is currently completing a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies with a dual focus in Educational and Literary Studies at Athabasca University and has just started the Educational Support Diploma at Seneca Polytechnic. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and Art History, as well as a TESOL graduate certificate from the University of Toronto. She has worked with children, youth and adults as an educator, tutor and learning strategist/assistive technologist.
As the Student Success Tutor Program Lead, Hannah is responsible for:
- Coordinating Tutor Services, including Level Up, Reading Rocks and JUMP Math
- Conducting outreach, public awareness and recruitment
- Communicating with schools, community organizations, tutors, students and families
- Supporting the development of training materials and resources
Hannah is dedicated to supporting learners with disabilities by fostering independence through empathetic guidance and consistent, student-centred support. In her free time, she enjoys road trips, the great outdoors and spending time with her two little dogs.
905-884-7933 ext. 6
Melissa joined the LDAYS team in March 2008 as the part-time Financial Consultant. She maintains all of the financial record for the various programs and provides monthly reporting to the Board of Directors. Melissa ensures that all government reports are submitted and assists with the financial aspects of funding applications. She graduated from Georgian College in 2001 with a diploma in Business Administrative Accounting. After working in the corporate world for 5 years, Melissa decided it was time for a change and opened her own bookkeeping business. She has actively been working for the past 5 years with numerous charities and non profit organizations across York Region.
Special Education Advisory Commity
To submnit a question or feedback to your local SEAC rep please email us at info@ldays.org
In 1985 Lynn became the first Executive Director and retire in 2016 after a whopping 38 years and currently chairs the special education advisory committee (SEAC) at the York Region School Board where she also represents the LDAYS. She has had a place at the committee for 40 years!
Lynn has represented learning disabilities and/or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder on numerous committees/task forces on education, health, social and legal issues throughout York Region, Ontario, Canada, and the United States. Her work also has been acknowledged through several awards.
Lynn has led numerous workshops and training on learning disabilities Her involvement in the LD Association has led her to be an effective advocate for her sons, who have LD and ADD, as well as other people with disabilities.
Sheera Perry is a Child and Youth Counsellor with over 25 years of experience supporting children, youth, and families in school and community settings. She specializes in ADHD, emotional regulation, and family connection, and is passionate about helping neurodivergent learners thrive through compassion, collaboration, and understanding. As a mom to children with ADHD and learning differences herself, Sheera brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work. She is also the author of several practical guides and resources for families navigating ADHD and learning differences. Sheera holds a degree in Child and Youth Care, a diploma in Child and Youth Work, and is a Certified ADHD-Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP).
Alicia is also the Educational Programs Coordintar at the LDAYS. For full Bio find Alicia in our staff directory.
Connie has worked in the educational system for over 30 years and retired from her favourite role as a Special Education Consultant.
Connie has been a dedicated advocate for students with learning disabilities and their families, consistently championing the importance of tailored and individualized programming to meet the unique needs of students with special needs.
She continues to make her mark facilitating Additional Qualification courses for teachers online through Queen's University and as an LDAYS representative on SEAC.
In retirement, she has more time for spending time with family, traveling, gardening, leisure reading, yoga, and other relaxing activities.
Isabel Khudr
For full Bio find Isabel in our staff directory.
For full Bio find Sara in our staff directory.
Megan holds an honor Bachelor's Degree in Disability Studies from Toronto Metropolitan University and an honors college diploma in Child and Youth Work from Cambrian College. She has over 11 years of experience supporting children with disabilities across various settings including education. She also is a neurodivergent entrepreneur who created a business called, Beautiful Minds to empower youth with learning disabilities to "see their ability" from a neurodiverse lens.
Megan is passionate about advocating for learning disabilities and cultivating neurodiversity.
Board Of Directors
Executive Committee
Shelley joined the LDAYR two years ago when her children were identified as being gifted with learning disabilities. She has since become a strong advocate for both of her children. She has had over ten years on school councils acting as fundraising coordinator and as co-chair, as well as volunteering for many other organizations.
Shelley has a background in special education and was an educational assistant in the early 90s. She received a BA from York University before receiving a diagnosis of ADHD with learning disabilities. She has since found her niche tin raining horses.
Shelley has watched both of her children flourish after being identified. She hopes to help other families and children have such a positive experience
Mark is currently the Vice President of Finance for a private real estate company and previously worked for one of Canada’s largest REITS. He completed his Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Windsor in 2003 and obtained his CA designation in 2005 while working for a regional accounting firm in South Western Ontario gaining experience working with private companies and not-for-profit organizations.
Mark joined the Board as the Treasurer in 2011 and has been involved with various other Charities and on various Committees with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario.
Ilicia Simons is a clinical psychologist at Psychology Matters in Barrie ON, with over 25 years of experience in education and mental health. She specializes in assessment and consultation for children, teens, and adults, while also providing support to several school boards across Ontario. Ilicia is deeply passionate about supporting exceptional learners and is dedicated to fostering understanding within our schools and communities.
Directors
Andrea St-Onge has over 20 years of experience in the education field and is a dedicated Learning Specialist based in California, committed to empowering students with learning disabilities, particularly those with ADHD.
She holds a Master of Science in Education from Niagara University and has a strong commitment to supporting diverse learners.
Sheera is a Child and Youth Counsellor with over 25 years of experience supporting children, youth, and families in school and community settings. She specializes in ADHD, emotional regulation, and family connection, and is passionate about helping neurodivergent learners thrive through compassion, collaboration, and understanding. As a mom to children with ADHD and learning differences herself, Sheera brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work. She is also the author of several practical guides and resources for families navigating ADHD and learning differences. Sheera holds a degree in Child and Youth Care, a diploma in Child and Youth Work, and is a Certified ADHD-Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP).
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REALIZE OUR VISION
Your continued support allows us to help individuals achieve their full potential and make a real difference in the lives of those struggling with LDs.