Meet Our Team

Three words that best describe Stuart:

Passionate, innovative, courageous 

What’s his role and connection to the cause? 

Stuart, a passionate advocate and champion for inclusion, is committed to challenging society’s perception towards persons with disabilities and marginalized groups, and in positioning the true value of inclusion for all members of society.  He took the helm of the organization in January 2019. 

With extensive years of senior-level experience working in inclusion initiatives in Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom and Europe, Stuart brings a unique global perspective to his responsibilities as President & CEO. 

The motivated, strategic-thinker leads a people-focused organization united in a common goal to transform communities into fully inclusive and accessible environments. He is the face of the organization, overseeing its strategic vision. 

What academic work set him up for success? 

Stuart holds a BA (Hons) degree in Sport & Leisure Management from Cardiff Metropolitan University in the U.K. and a Graduate Diploma in Secondary Teaching from the Auckland University of Technology in New Zealand. 

Interesting tidbit:

As a former professional rugby player, Stuart enjoys watching and coaching a range of sports, and along with his wife, spends most of his free time chasing after his three daughters. 

Contact:

Michaela Vaclavinek 
Administrative Coordinator 
mvaclavinek@abilitiescentre.org 
T: 905-665-8500 ext.  100

Three words that best describe Matt 

Strategic, passionate, down-to-earth 

What’s his role and connection to the cause? 

Early in his career, Matt discovered his passion for helping noble and impactful causes generate the revenue necessary to create lasting impact for the people they serve. 

Matt is responsible for Abilities Centre’s development portfolio. He oversees the organization’s business units and philanthropic programs with the goal of building an innovative, diversified and sustainable revenue engine to help bring to life Abilities Centre’s vision of a more inclusive Canada. 

Born with a significant hearing disability himself, Matt has seen firsthand the impact that barriers to inclusion and accessibility have on people’s lives and he believes that helping the world recognize and embrace difference is at the heart of making communities happier and more prosperous.  

What academic work set him up for success? 

Matt holds a Certified Fundraising Executive designation (CFRE) and a degree from York University. Matt is also an active member and volunteer of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), where he is currently serving as Chair of Congress 2019, the largest conference in Canada and among the largest in the world for professional fundraisers. 

Interesting tidbit 

Matt is a die-hard Maple Leafs fan (because hope must always prevail!) and an award-winning author. He adores spending time with his wife, Jen and their young son. 

Contact:

mshaw@abilitiescentre.org 
T: 905-665-8500 ext. 106 

Three words that best describe Mark:

Driven, Resiliant, Pragmatic

What’s his role and connection to the cause? 

Mark lives with Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) and lives partially-sighted. After being diagnosed at the age of 17, he has devoted his life and career to sport Programs and Sponsorship over time from Canadian Blind Hockey to Hosting Sports Access on AMI-tv. His time with the Government of Ontario provided Mark with first-hand personal and professional experience in the public sector, leading disability-based non-profits to grow and prosper, naturally leading him to work with Abilities Centre and its unlimited possibilities.

What academic work set him up for success? 

Mark worked in the Office of the Premier and Minister for Seniors and Accessibility doing Stakeholder Relations prior to joining the Centre. Founded the Canadian Blind Hockey Association.

Interesting tidbit:

He's a player on Canada’s National Blind Hockey Team

Contact:

mdemontis@abilitiescentre.org 
905-665-8500

Three words that best describe Pinder:

Passionate, innovative, performance driven 

What’s her role and connection to the cause? 

Pinder is an innovative, performance-driven management professional, with experience in leading multidisciplinary work teams in the delivery and execution of employment and social service programs across Ontario. With a strong passion for inclusion, Pinder has spent over 15 years developing and managing programs that serve the unique needs and abilities of individuals. Pinder values the importance of building strong and collaborative cross-sectoral partnerships to address accessibility, inclusion and diversity challenges facing communities across Ontario.  

What academic work set her up for success? 

Pinder holds a Bachelor’s in Social Work from University of Victoria and a Bachelor’s in Criminology from Simon Fraser University. She has also completed the Senior Management Certificate Program at Rotman School of Management and the Strategic Implementation and Creation Program Certificate from Queen’s School of Business.  

Interesting tidbit:

Loves travelling and spending time with her family.

Contact:

pdasilva@abilitiescentre.org 
T: 905-665-8500 ext. 112 

 

Three words that best describe Dave

What’s his role and connection to the cause?

What academic work set him up for success?

Interesting tidbit

 

Contact:

dcallan@abilitiescentre.org  
T: 905-665-8500 ext. 116 

 

Three words that best describe Tracy:

Caring, Passionate, Charismatic 

What’s her role and connection to the cause?  

Tracy has been with Abilities Centre since the doors opened in 2012 and knew at a that point in her career that Health & Wellbeing at Abilities Centre was always going to be a part of her life. Her passion for helping everyone to connect socially or physically at the centre was her plan from day one. 

Tracy is responsible for the outstanding quality and inclusive Health & Wellbeing fitness programming for all ages and abilities; she also sets her standards to the highest to make sure we deliver outstanding customer excellence to our centre and community partners.   

Coming from the UK (Scotland)  Tracy, along with her two children had a few barriers to cross on their journey to becoming part of Canada’s wonderful diverse and inclusive country. 

What academic work set her up for success?  

Tracy has been in the Health & Wellness industry for over 25 years. Coming from a strong leadership background she has multiple certification in many streams in all fitness trends, from many fitness industries,  she also holds a BSc (Hons) diploma from Strathclyde University in Leadership & Management, through Fitness, Sports & Development, she is also an Exercise Physiologist. 

Interesting tidbit  

Being an Oshawa Generals hockey fan, she loves to go to local games, she also loves to travel on vacations to different countries and on her spare time you will find Tracy on her motorcycle.

Contact:

tmahon@abilitiescentre.org
T 905 665 8500 ext. 200

Three words that best describe her:

Passionate, dedicated and goal-driven. 

What’s her role and connection to the cause? 

Tricia is an experienced financial professional.  Running the Financial department for a non-for-profit charitable organization comes with unique challenges that requires her resourcefulness, diligence and proactive attitude. Tricia’s expertise and keen eye to detail has kept the Abilities Centre books in order for the last 4 years. Tricia started her career as an Auditor and before joining Abilities Centre, she spent 15 years in the re/insurance financial services industry abroad.  

What academic work set her up for success? 

Tricia is a graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo and is a Chartered Professional Accountant receiving her CA designation in 1992. 

Interesting tidbit:

Tricia and her family lived in Bermuda. 

Contact:

tmcallister@abilitiescentre.org
T 905 665 8500 ext. 119

Three words that best describe Eric:

Driven, Caring, Professional  

What’s his role and connection to the cause? 

Focused on the Centre’s operations, Eric directs all activity related to facility management, the talented people who serve here, and the technology that supports delivery of excellent customer experience. He has over a decade of experience in the charitable sector, as well as over 20 years prior experience gained in full-cycle HR within a large crown corporation.  

He was one of the first to join Abilities Centre, charged with establishing HR policy and operations while recruiting the staff needed when our doors opened in June 2012. His career began as a workforce researcher dedicated to employment of people with disabilities, and his contributions at Abilities Centre build on this passion for accessibility and inclusion. A firm believer in the value of volunteerism, he has served in various ways within his professional association, Junior Achievement and Habitat for Humanity.  

What academic work set him up for success? 

Eric holds a BA in Psychology and English and achieved his designation as a Certified HR Professional in 2004. A committed lifelong learner, he also has a Certificate in Adult and Continuing Education (2007) and is currently studying part-time in the Masters of Human Resource Management program at York University.  

Interesting tidbit:

Eric is a movie fan, live music aficionado, and world cuisine devotee, who also enjoys time spent with family and friends in the great outdoors hiking, cycling, canoeing, camping, skiing and occasionally SCUBA diving among the sharks. 

Contact:

estorey@abilitiescentre.org  
T: 905-665-8500 ext. 110 

Three words that best describe Kelly:

Dedicated, Loyal, Hard-working

What’s her role and connection to the cause? 

Kelly has been involved in sport throughout her entire life. She started her pathway at a young age as an athlete and a coach participating in community programs to post-secondary programs in both roles. With a Bachelor's degree in Physical Education and Health, Kelly began her professional career working with Ontario Basketball Association then moving on to a role as Athletic Director at Bill Crothers SS before starting her role at Abilities Centre.
At Abilities Centre, Kelly works with her team to build and develop Sport and Recreation programs within the Centre as well as overseeing the program pillars for Academy for Student Athlete Development (ASAD), Mixed Ability Sport, and Physical Literacy & Inclusion
Kelly holds numerous certifications specific to program development, coach training and certification in order to help use sport as a vehicle to build inclusive programs and communities.

What academic work set her up for success? 

Kelly is a graduate of Laurentian University with a Bachelor of Physical Education and Health (BPHE). Kelly is a certified basketball coach and also acts as a Learning Facilitator and Evaluator with the Coaches Association. She is also certified as a Mixed Ability Sport Coach and Educator.

Interesting tidbit: 

Kelly is a life-long resident of Whitby and she is a proud mother of 2. Kelly is also a Type 1 Juvenile Diabetic. 

 

Contact:

kkasper@abilitiescentre.org 
905-665-8500  ext. 113

Three words that best describe Ian:

Loyal, Fun, Geeky

What’s their role and connection to the cause? 

Ian started their journey with Abilities Centre, through their work as a Durham College professor, acting as a mentor and business advisor to the student-led IT team. In 2018 Ian became the Centre’s Managed Services Provider and was invited to become a permanent member of the Abilities Centre team as Director of Technology soon after.

Ian strives to bring strategic technological solutions to the operations of the Centre, allowing our team to deliver the best programs and services to our members. They strongly believe in providing support to their local community through technological innovation.

What academic work set them up for success? 

After graduating with a Computer Systems Technology Diploma from Durham College, Ian has pursued professional excellence through their continued professional development. This desire for life-long learning has led to Microsoft Certifications in cloud and server technology. Ian is also a Microsoft Certified Educator, using this knowledge to bring understanding of innovative technology learning platforms for the centre’s virtual programming.

Currently, Ian is completing studies for a Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning degree.

Interesting tidbit:

You will find Ian cosplaying at numerous comic conventions through out the year.​

Contact:
ipiggott@abilitiescentre.org
T: 905-665-8500 ext. 404