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Elaine Vollett, OMC
President and Founder
elaine@centrefordreams.ca
I started The Centre 16 years ago out of necessity. My son John had graduated from high school at the age of 21 and we needed something for him to become involved in. At the beginning, I serviced only 3 young adults - John and two of his friends. From there The Centre evolved and before I knew it, we had 17 individuals in the program, with 4 full time staff, 1 part time staff and numerous volunteers, as well as myself, volunteering full time.
We pride ourselves in becoming extremely involved with this great community that we live in. We also pride ourselves in striving to make life more fulfilling for the individuals that attend our program and the lives that they touch. Our greatest claim to fame is starring in two great movies, both shown on the World of Disney channel. I encourage our individuals to try their best, work hard and always have fun doing it.
I have shared many successes with our individuals and look forward to hundreds more!
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Michelle Del Carmen, BSW, RSW
Director of Operations
michelle@centrefordreams.ca
I have been a part of The Centre for Dreams family from the very beginning. The need for the program came to light the day John, my brother turned 21 and was finished school.
I graduated from The University of Windsor with my Bachelor of Social Work in 2000 and have been working in the field of disabilities all of my life. As a result of having John as my brother, I have been quite instrumental in advocating for the rights of persons with disabilities from a very young age.
I have found my niche working here at The Centre for Dreams and am very proud to be associated with such an outstanding organization that truly makes a difference in the lives of adults living with a developmental disability. I have learned quite quickly that it isn't enough to just dream, you have to work hard to achieve your dreams in order to be successful!
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Justin Cheung
Manager, Program Development and Community Relations
justin@centrefordreams.ca
Before DREAMS, I knew nothing about people with developmental disabilities – and now that I have been a part of this organization for the past 4 years as an employee and supporter, it has become second nature to me. Having graduated with an Honour’s Bachelors of Arts degree from McMaster University, I always knew that I wanted to help other people in any capacity – and working here has truly been a dream come true for me. The funny thing is that even though I am here to “help” these individuals, everyday I feel as though they have helped me in far greater ways. It’s been such an amazing feeling to be able to work here and actually see a difference being made in each of our members. The smiles they have and undeniable charm outweighs all else. I’ve worked in the corporate world and can honestly say that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.
Time to time, you will hear people at DREAMS call me ‘Ming,’ which is my Chinese name and what some people know me as– it’s not a mistake, I am the same person and you haven’t called the wrong number! ☺ When I’m not working, I run a side business, hang out with my friends, going to the movies, rollerblading, and babysitting my niece and nephew. It’s been quite the journey these past 3 years, but something valuable that I have learned is that, the sad reality is that choices are a privilege when they should be a right – so while I have the ability to make them, I want to try and make them wisely.
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Felicia Romagnolo
Program Facilitator
felicia@centrefordreams.ca
Hi, my name is Felicia Romagnolo and I am currently working as a Program Facilitator at the Centre for DREAMS. I first learned about DREAMS and their program, when my parents enrolled my older sister into the centre. When I saw the progress, improvement, and growth my sister made after attending DREAMS I decided I would like to get involved. I have been working at DREAMS since 2008 and I have enjoyed every moment ***. The interactive programming and family like atmosphere keeps me enthusiastic and striving to ensure all members reach their dreams and goals. Working at Dreams everyday with all the members makes me feel so fortunate to see the love, respect and their ability to strive to their very best at everything they do. All the members at the Centre have taught and showed me other ways of how one should be looking at life and how to live it to the fullest everyday.
I’m a kind a person who always likes a challenge. I’m usually a happy person who loves to live life to the fullest and try not to let things bother me. I love to always be on the go and keep myself busy throughout the day, whether it’s volunteering, playing sports, coaching younger children soccer, or just going for a good walk/run. In my spare time I love to hang around with my friends and have a good time. I am very close with my family and we try to do as much as possible as a family.
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Dawn McDonald
Program Facilitator
dawn@centrefordreams.ca
My name is Dawn McDonald. As a young girl, I wanted to be a nurse so I could help others. I took a course to become a personal support worker at the North American School of Information Technology. I heard about The Centre for Dreams from a friend and thought to myself, “I would love to be a part of that organization.” I started at DREAMS in September of 2010 as a personal support worker and now I am a program facilitator. Coming to DREAMS every morning makes me feel very fortunate because I am doing something that I enjoy. I love working with the members because of their unique personalities and their smiling faces. It makes me feel good to know that I am doing something to improve their way of life.
In my spare time, I love to read, listen to music, and spend time with my family and watching movies.
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Ash McKenzie
Program Supervisor
ash@centrefordreams.ca
It gives me great joy to be a part of such an amazing team that has such a dedication to empowering individuals living with disabilities. Since graduating from Recreational and Leisure Services at Centennial, I have expanded my involvement in the field of therapeutic recreation. Having worked with many national level athletes and coaches from Canada, China and Brazil in my natural field of Chinese martial arts / Kung Fu, it gives me great pleasure offering comprehensive wellness programming at Dreams. Dreams and its members have shown me the importance of community involvement and inclusion that has allowed me to become an outside role model in the community and the international martial arts world.
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Gerardo Araiza Avila
Bookkeeping and Administration
I first became involved with The Centre for Dreams as a volunteer, and since the beginning I have realized how big of an impact the Centre has on the members through the simplest things in life. It is truly an oasis, as member Mike P. describes it. Everyday I realize how courageous Elaine, the founder, is and how much passion, interest and care she and the staff have for the members, the Centre and the people involved with it.
When I was offered a position as a Bookkeeper in this wonderful organization I felt privileged and grateful. I am learning a lot with this experience and I want to give my best to contribute to the worthy mission of The Centre for Dreams.
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