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

Erica is currently on maternity leave and will return winter of 2025.

Erica is a Registered Social Worker, with OCSWSSW, she  graduated from the University of Toronto with a masters degree in social work. She has a bachelor of honors in psychology, and a postgraduate certificate in Human resource management.

She has diverse working experience, working in hospitals, schools and non-for-profit organizations, she enjoys working with people of all ages, different abilities, and backgrounds, and has a great passion for her work.

During her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, and enjoying the outdoors.

Rebecca joined LDAYS in November 2024 as our new Outreach Coordinator for Simcoe.

She holds a bachelor degree  in political science from Venezuela Central University and a college diploma in business management with a major in Human Resources from George Brown College.

Rebecca has experience working for non for profits,  with  diverse communities,  fundraising and event management

As the Outreach Coordinator Simcoe, she is responsible for:

• Reach out to the community, agencies and organizations in the Simcoe area.
• Establish and maintain relationships with the community, agencies and organizations in the Simcoe area.
• Research and promote fundraising opportunities.
• Participate in outreach events.

Rebecca is passionate about working with the community, agencies and organizations to provide information and resources that will benefit children and adults with learning disabilities. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, arts and culture and supporting her community. 

905-884-7933 ext. 1

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 Resource and Program Facilitator 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. 7

Alicia holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Western University and has experience working in day programs as both an Instructor Therapist and Program Supervisor. She has worked with children of various abilities, designing and implementing programs that create a supportive and positive environment for student success.

As the Educational Programs and Volunteer Coordinator at LDAYS, she is responsible for:

• Coordinating the day-to-day operations of the tutor programs.
• Managing the LDAYS volunteer recruitment and placement.
• Fostering community partnerships and participating in outreach events.
• Demonstrating a commitment to professional growth through participation in development opportunities, such as mental health first aid.

Alicia is passionate about supporting children and their families, dedicating her professional efforts to providing valuable guidance and assistance. In her spare time, she enjoys playing tennis, golfing, and spending time with friends and family.

(905) 884-79 33 x 6

Tori joined the LDAYS team in May 2023 after being a placement student prior. She achieved a diploma in child and youth care at George Brown College, graduating in 2023. She has experience in ABA working with children with autism and ADHD. She has had a passion for working with kids from a young age, beginning babysitting at the age of 12. 

As the Social Development Coordinator, she is responsible for: 

• Oversees the implementation of social skills programs for children aged 7 to 13
• Coordinating the program to ensure the growth and development of the kids social skills, including social interaction, communication, and emotional regulation
• Conducting intakes with participating children and guardians
• This involves enhancing the programs and evaluating the effectiveness of the program to ensure that each child receives the support they need to thrive 

She enjoys spending time with her big family up north and free time with friends in the city. 

(905) 884-7933 x 4

Sara joined LDAYS in September 2023. Sara is a Registered Social Worker with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from York University. With a background in working with individuals across all age groups, Sara excels at fostering a supportive and compassionate environment in her practice.

As a Service Navigator at LDAYS, she is responsible for:

• Leading the SoAR Mindful Transitions program.
• Leading the Voices initiative.
• Overseeing the organization’s social media.
• Facilitating various programs.
• Conducting fundraising efforts.

Sara deeply values delivering effective resources and actionable strategies to those she services. Her goal is to empower individuals to achieve their goals and reach their fullest potential through personalized support and tailored approaches.

In her spare time, Sara enjoys being creative, playing soccer, and exploring new daily activities.

(905) 884-7933 x 3

Madison is in her 4th year at Trent University Receiving a bachelor's in phycology with a specialization in health and well-being.

As the Summer Camps Coordinator , Madison is responsible for  for:

• Coordinating the planning and development of the social skills groups and summer camps, ensuring curriculum is up to the highest standards
• Fostering community partnerships 
• Demonstrating a commitment to professional growth through participation in development opportunities
• During the year Madison also trains the social skills facilitators for the fall programs.

Madison is passionate about the program and assisting students with their social/emotional development. In her free time, she loves to go to the cottage and also loves reading.

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.

Renée provided resources for parents and adults with LD/ADHD and the community at large. She facilitated parent and adult groups and offered one on one counseling and Job fit as well as community Outreach. Renée worked with the Learning Disabilities Association in the Newmarket-Aurora for 10 years before she made LDAYS her home. Of her 10 years at the Newmarket location she spent 7 years as a volunteer, and 3 years full time as a Resource Facilitator. Renée also received the 2021 VIP award for her dedication to working with people affected by a learning disability.

In October 22nd 2021 we lost an angel to cancer. Her smile and sense of humor were highly contagious to everyone she met. Her keen sense of empathy and wealth of knowledge changed many lives as a result. For this, she was highly respected and sought out for as a speaker and counsellor. Her biggest priorities were her family, her friends, her fur babies, spirituality, and contributing to her community. Even though she left this world, she will always be remembered and missed by her loving family and her many lifelong friends. Renée was the most loyal, caring, and true friend. She leaves behind a legacy to LDAYS, be loving , be patient, be tolerant people learn differently. Gone but never forgotten R.I.P. Renée. 

Renée Flannery Obituary