We are pleased to introduce our newest members of the Board of Directors:
Cheryl Strickland
Cheryl is a retired teacher who lives in Stratford, Ontario. She began her teaching career in Beamsville, Ontario in 1976 where she worked with students with learning disabilities. Until her retirement in 2013, this theme of working with students with needs permeated her whole career. For the last 15 years Cheryl worked at the Toronto District School Board office in the special education department where her area of expertise was with students with intellectual disabilities, including gifted students. During her 30+ years in education, Cheryl strongly believed that all students should be on the same playing field and she intends to bring this same philosophy to any work she does with AboutFace.
Suzanne Stead
Suzanne (Suzy) Stead grew up in Scarborough, ON and obtained an honours degree in Psychology/Sociology from York University in 1986. Suzy has worked in the social services field with children and youth with challenging needs for many years as an intake coordinator for a child development centre, and an adolescent mental health clinic within a hospital. Currently, Suzy is employed as an early interventionist with a Toronto Infant and Child Development Program agency.
Suzy became a mother in 1998 with the birth of her daughter Kate (Katie) who has Treacher Collins Syndrome. Genetic testing confirmed Suzy carries the gene for Treacher Collins as she has a mild form of the syndrome. Two weeks after Katie’s birth, Suzy connected with AboutFace. For the past 19 years, Suzy has been extremely engaged in the facial difference community as a mother of an affected child, as a volunteer, and as a person with lived experience.
Harry Howie
Harry Howie worked in social work for almost 40 years, before retiring eight years ago. Nowadays, he is focused on composing music, but his social work roots run deep. Harry has a personal connection with AboutFace and was first introduced to the organization by his granddaughter Alexandra, who has been involved for years. Harry became quickly interested in the important work AboutFace does and volunteered in various capacities before taking a position on the Board of Directors.
Welcome to all of our newest members! You can check out our full Board of Directors list HERE.