The Lansdowne Children's Centre Board of Directors governs the Centre operations, providing oversight to the pursuit of the organization's Mission and Vision, guided by the Values. Board of Directors Board Portal Login Application Form Growing with you... The Lansdowne Children's Centre Annual Report is available to read and download online. Past annual reports are also available, located below the roster of the Lansdowne Children's Centre Board of Directors. 2023+ Strategic Plan Overview 2025-26 Annual Report PDF 2025-26 Annual Report Online Ashley Veldkamp Board Chair, Chair of Long Range Planning Committee More Info Anne Noyes Board Secretary (Leave, July 2026) More Info Jason Lickers Board Member, (Leave, June 2026) More Info Skylar Turkiewicz-DaBreo- Board Member, Acting Secretary More Info Mike Gatopoulos Board 1st Vice Chair, Chair of Capital Steering Comm. More Info Dr. Benjamin Klein, Ex Officio Medical Director, Lansdowne Children's Centre More Info Joe Persia Board Member More Info Vicky Smith Board Member, Chair Diversity Equity & Inclusion SubCommittee, Chair of Prof. Advisory Comm., Vice-Chair Governance Comm. More Info Jennifer Steffler Board 2nd Vice Chair More Info Holly Clark Board Member, Co-Chair Capital Steering Committee (CSC) More Info Kathy Straus Board Member More Info Vincent Vilaca Board Member More Info Justin Wareham Board Treasurer, Chair Finance and Personnel Comm. [F&P] More Info Jamie Toner Board Member, Vice-Chair Prof. Advisory Committee (PAC), (Leave Nov. 2026) More Info Rick Rozak Board Member, Chair of the Governance Committee More Info Will Bucholtz Board Member More Info We need you. Join The Board. APPLY Annual Report Archives 2024-25 Annual Report PDF 2023-24 Annual Report PDF 2022-23 Annual Report PDF (7 Mb) 2021-22 Annual Report PDF (6 Mb) 2023-24 Annual Report Online 2023-24 Annual Report Online 2022-23 Annual Report Online 2021-22 Annual Report Online Learn more about our Lansdowne Mission, Vision and Values. Who We Are Our Strategic Plan What is a board's purpose? The Lansdowne Children's Centre Board of Directors governs the Centre operations, providing oversight to the pursuit of the organization's Mission and Vision, guided by the Values. • The mission is our statement of what the organization does and its intended purpose. Providing safe, accessible and quality family-centred services for infants, children and youth with physical, developmental and communication needs • The vision is our goal for the outcomes achieved when the Centre successfully carries out its mission. Working together to realize optimal potential for infants, children and youth • The values are the philosophies that guide our decision-making. Lansdowne Children's Centre values Respect, Inclusion, Diversity, Empowerment & Safety (RIDES) Who are the current board members and committee members? As of June 2026 BOARD OF DIRECTORS 1. Board Chair, Ashley Veldkamp 2. 1st Vice Chair, Mike Gatopoulos 3. 2nd Vice Chair, Jennifer Steffler 4. Treasurer, Justin Wareham 5. Secretary, Anne Noyes [Leave, June 2026] 6. Will Bucholtz 7. Holly Clark 8. Jason Lickers [Leave, June 2026] 9. Joe Persia 10. Rick Rozak 11. Vicky Smith 12. Rita Stratford 13. Kathy Straus 14. Jamie Toner 15. Skylar Turkiewicz-Dabreo-Act. Secretary Vincent Villaca Dr. Benjamin Klein, Medical Director Ex Officio Rita-Marie Hadley, Cheif Executive Officer, is a non voting Ex Officio member of all bodies Capital Steering Committee [CSC] Mike Gatopoulos, Co-Chair Holly Clark, Co- Chair John Bradford* Will Bucholtz Mike DeBruyn* Marc Lazenby* Scott Lyons* Ashley Veldkamp Justin Wareham Jacqueline Willson* Cindy Rock* Lynda Henriksen* Diversity Equity & Inclusion SubCommittee Vicky Smith, Chair Patricia Gonzalez* Jason Lickers Joe Persia Sarah Consoli* Alissa Shuker* Finance/Personnel Committee [F&P] Justin Wareham, Chair Skylar Turkiewicz, Vice Chair Will Bucholtz Holly Clark Mike Gatopoulos Jason Lickers Lloyd St. Amand Jennifer Steffler Ashley Veldkamp Sarah Consoli * Cindy Rock* Governance Committee Rick Rozak, Chair Vicky Smith, Vice-Chair Mike Gatopoulos Jennifer Steffler Ashley Veldkamp Vincent Vilaca Long Range Planning Committee Ashley Veldkamp, Chair Will Bucholtz John Bradford* Mike Gatopoulos Tamie Aubin * Sarah Consoli * Cindy Rock* Professional Advisory Committee [PAC] Vicky Smith, Chair** Jamie Toner* Vice Chair (LEAVE, November 2026) Patricia Gonzalez* Casidy Guzar* Dr. Ben Klein Anne Noyes Joe Persia Rick Rozak Rita Stratford Kathy Strauss** Vincent Villaca Jacqueline Willson** Tamie Aubin* Sarah Consoli * Cindy Rock* * Non-Director Committee Member ** liaisons to Quality Mgt. Council ***Also Committee chairs Italics=staff updated June 2026 What are the roles and responsibilities of Board members? an excerpt from the Board Manual, Policy B1-100, Role of Committees and Directors Board Committees provide a forum for broad discussion of issues in order to develop recommendations for board action. The Board is the final decision-making body. Standing Committees of the Board are: • Finance/Personnel Committee [which serves as the Audit Committee] • Professional Advisory Committee • Governance Committee • Long Range Planning Committee • Executive Committee Directors: As stewards of Lansdowne Children’s Centre, Directors are responsible to perform the duties of the Board stipulated by Centre bylaws. Selected to bring individual expertise and a collective skills mix established by the Nominating Committee, Directors have a primary responsibility for the best interests of Lansdowne, representing the children and youth and their families. A Director’s ethical obligation is to support the Mission, Vision and Values in pursuing the strategic direction of the Centre. In addition to personally signing a Code of Ethics and consenting to background checks, Directors collectively ensure adherence to legal standards stipulated by the Corporations Act, and to ethical norms by establishing policies and adherence to Centre by-laws and Letters Patent. What are the guidelines for Board member duties and responsibilities? an excerpt from the Board Manual, Policy B3-20, Board Code of Ethics Recognizing its legal and ethical responsibility for the direction and operations of Lansdowne Children’s Centre, the Board of Directors will keep the following uppermost in all its decision making: a) the health and well being of children and their families; b) the delivery of high-quality services; and c) the welfare of staff. 1.0 Ethical Duties and Obligations 1.1 Directors will exercise reasonable care (care that an ordinarily prudent person would exercise in a like position and under similar circumstances) when making decisions as stewards of Lansdowne Children’s Centre. 1.2 Directors will be faithful to Lansdowne’s mission and will not act in a way that is inconsistent with the agency’s central goals. 1.3 Directors will protect the confidentiality of all information acquired in their role as a Board member. 1.4 Directors will avoid conflict of interest (a conflict of interest arises when a director has a personal interest in the result of a decision made by the Board of Directors). Directors will consider the interests of Lansdowne first, and will not use information obtained as a director for personal gain. Directors with a financial conflict of interest will not participate in discussions or vote on matters that affect decisions made by the Board of Directors. 1.5 A Director with a conflict of interest will be responsible for declaring such conflict. 1.6 Directors will present consolidated support for decisions made by the Board of Directors, so as to demonstrate the integrity of the Board. 2.0 Primary Organizational Responsibilities 2.1 The Board of Directors will be responsible for the creation of the mission and purpose of Lansdowne Children’s Centre and review them periodically for accuracy and validity. Each Director will understand the mission and support it. 2.2 The Board of Directors selects and supports the Executive Director through regular performance reviews. The Board of Directors will ensure that the Executive Director has the moral and professional support needed to further the goals of Lansdowne Children’s Centre. 2.3 As stewards of Lansdowne Children’s Centre, the Board of Directors will actively participate with staff in an overall planning process to assist in implementing the agency’s goals. 2.4 One of the Board of Directors foremost responsibilities is to ensure adequate resources for Lansdowne Children’s Centre to fulfill its mission. 2.5 The Board of Directors review and approve Lansdowne’s annual budgets and ensure that proper financial controls are in place. 2.6 The Board of Directors will ensure that programs are consistent with Lansdowne’s mission and monitor their effectiveness. 2.7 As the primary link to the community, the Board of Directors must clearly articulate Lansdowne’s mission, accomplishments and goals to the public, and garner support from relevant members of the community. 2.8 The Board of Directors is ultimately responsible for ensuring adherence to legal standards and ethical norms. The Board of Directors will establish pertinent policies and adhere to the provisions of Lansdowne’s Bylaws and Letters Patent. 2.9 The Board of Directors will articulate and make known its needs in terms of its members’ experience and skill to ensure a balanced Board composition. The Board of Directors will help orient new Directors to their responsibilities and to Lansdowne’s history, needs and challenges. The Board of Directors will evaluate its performance and identify and act on areas of improvement needed to fulfill its responsibilities. Who holds Board members accountable? How is their performance evaluated? an excerpt from the Board Manual, Policy B3-40, Board Evaluation In order to monitor the effectiveness of the collective operations of the Board of Directors, a Board Evaluation will be completed annually. The Board Evaluation will be comprised of the following to also evaluate performance of individual board members and of the President: 1. All members of the Board of Directors will complete the Board Effectiveness Evaluation Survey in June of each year except when accreditation is completed in that year. 2. To cultivate a sense of group and individual responsibility for effective Board functioning, the Board will support assessment of Directors’ “fiduciary duty”, namely the Director’s active concerted effort beyond meeting attendance, to be knowledgeable and prepared to provide informed advice and make informed decisions. Individual performance will be assessed by provision of attendance reports and self-monitoring tools to compare activity and discipline to policies in the Board Manual. All Directors except the President will also annually conduct self-assessment by using the Individual Board Member Self-Evaluation Form and offer feedback on colleagues by completing the Self-Evaluation Form for each of their colleagues, as submitted to the President; the President will consolidate results and share them with each Director to support identification of actions to enhance their work 3. President Performance is assessed by the President completing a Self-Assessment annually as well as each Board member completing a President Assessment to be submitted to the Vice-President. The 1st Vice-President consolidates the President Assessments and shares results with the President to support the President to identify actions to enhance their work. 4. A survey of each Board member’s linkages in the community: all Board members will be asked to outline other volunteer or service clubs that they are members of. The above information is presented at the October Meeting of the Board of Directors. This information provides a basis for developing Board development goals for the upcoming planning year. Within the accreditation cycle, governance functioning self-assessment tools will be completed by each member of the Board. How does the Board evaluate the performance of the Executive Director? an excerpt from the Board Manual, Policy B4-60, Executive Director: Performance Appraisal and Salary Review The Chair and two other members of the Board shall conduct in the first year of the Executive Director’s employment a performance appraisal at six (6) months and at twelve (12) months. Thereafter, performance appraisals will be conducted on or about the anniversary of the Executive Director’s commencement date, in accordance with the Centre’s policies for performance appraisals. How does a Board member get started? Each Board member upon acceptance of their position will complete a Onboarding Process. This process includes an Orientation Manual, that includes materials to help a new Board member get more familiar with items including Lansdowne operations, policies, procedures, history and strategic planning. New Board member onboarding also includes instruction on how to gain access to shared board resources using a private website portal. Where can I view the Lansdowne Strategic Plan? The four strategies of the Lansdowne Children's Centre multi-year Strategic Plan are: Culture of Excellence Strengthen workplace culture so it attracts and retains the very best and right fit employees and volunteers State of Art Environment Having the best possible space to provide our changing services in all our locations as well as the other resources needed to support our work Innovation to Enhance Service Engage needed tools and solutions to improve quality, safety and efficiencies. Tell Our Story Clarify, magnify and celebrate our story for greater understanding of what Lansdowne does and its significance Download our 2023 Staregic Plan overview PDF for more information, as shared at our June 2023 Annual General Meeting Where can I view the Lansdowne Communications Plan? The most recent Communications Plan for Lansdowne Children's Centre includes Strategies and desired Outcomes targeting four audiences: Clients and Families Employees Media Stakeholders View the full PDF document here. Join the Lansdowne Board Seats on the Lansdowne Children’s Centre board are currently filled, but we are always excited to connect with enthusiastic community members with diverse skills, backgrounds and perspectives interested in participating on our Board of Directors. Those with experience in the areas of governance and fee-for-service programming are especially invited to inquire. Board Member Application Form For more information please contact us by email at info@lansdownecc.com

Communicate and Wait communication strategies | Speech, Early Years | Lansdowne Children's Centre Resource Library Communicate and Wait communication strategies These strategies remove the ability to only answer “yes” or “no” and encourages a child to use the specific name of the object. The strategies also provide a chance for a child to comment or react. Offer desired objects bit by bit … • This strategy works well at snack time: pour only a little juice or milk into your child’s cup, so that they have to ask you for more several times during snack time • Be the “keeper” of all of the pieces: when playing with toys that have multiple pieces (e.g., puzzle, blocks, etc.), keep all of the pieces in a bag or container, encouraging your child to request one piece during each turn Download printable PDF handout/activity pages Communicate and Wait communication strategies no download available Download Keywords and search terms commonly associated with this resource include: PSL26-08AS, communication, strategy, waiting, parent, speech, development

Get involved with Lansdowne by attending Centre, Foundation and Community events #ForTheKids. Education, Support and Fundraising opportunities. Upcoming Events Calendar, List View Multiple Dates Autism Services Circle Time Group Fri, Nov 06 Brantford Weekly on Friday's from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm Children 2-6 registered with OAP with their caregivers Register Now Autism Services Bricks and Building Club ages 8-12 Tue, Nov 10 Brantford REGISTRATION OPENS Nov 3 at 9am Children aged 8-12. Registered with Lansdowne Autism Services. The ratio of this group is 1 staff for 3 children. We do not have the staff available to supervise clients who have aggressive behavior or are a flight risk. Register Now ACCESS OAP RESOURCE DAYS Fri, Nov 13 Lansdowne Children's Centre ACCESS OAP staff available at Lansdowne Children's Centre for resources including questions, submitting reciepts, help with the portal and registration. More Info Load More Calendar View

Autism Services Brant Start Here Family Support Free Services Early Years ABA Intensive ABA Goal-Based Webinars < Back Please support our free webinars. CLICK HERE to register your view. Road Safety with Children Autism Services Brant Identifying the challenges of road safety with children; what to teach, and supports for teaching; and available community resources. Are you looking for someone to talk to? You can reach our Family Support Worker by phone at 519-753-3153 ext. 268, or by email at autism@lansdownecc.com

Grand Erie District Public School Board | Kindergarten | Lansdowne Children's Centre Resource Library Grand Erie District Public School Board Download printable PDF handout/activity pages Grand Erie District Public School Board no download available Download Keywords and search terms commonly associated with this resource include:

The Lansdowne Client Handbook—Start Here Guide—is provided to all new clients. The presentation includes important information about client safety and privacy, and an introduction to client expectations including attendance, wellness and communications. CLIENT HANDBOOK Return to Start Download PDF (English Only) The Lansdowne Children's Centre client handbook includes important information about client safety and privacy, and introduces client engagement expectations including attendance, wellness and communications. Start Here Guide: INDEX Welcome to Lansdowne! Greetings from the Executive Director Caregiver Corner, Family Engagement at Lansdowne Children's Centre Getting started: Know your client rights, a safe and respectful place for all Your child's safety and wellness; communication, medication, equipment, fall prevention Health and hygiene, preventing the spread of infections, guidelines regarding client absence due to illness Client appointment attendance, site closures, remote service days, missed appointments Client compliments and concerns, connecting with information about service delivery, client satisfaction Duty to report child abuse, what is child abuse? connecting with help Scent sensitive spaces, no smokie, no fragrances, please Accessing Lansdowne resources, borrow toys, videos, books, equipment, no cost, connect with family engagement, online resources Client right to privacy, Lansdowne privacy policy, information use, informed consent Media consent, being a Lansdowne ambassador, what clients need to know about information sharing, Electronic Health Record

Brantford/Brant County - Haldimand/Norfolk County - Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation - Six Nations of the Grand River LIFESPAN SUPPORT SERVICES All Services Index LIFESPAN SUPPORT SERVICES Child and Youth Worker (CYW) A Child and Youth Worker provides supportive counselling to those who are coping with the implications of a diagnosis/special need. This professionally trained worker can support children, adolescents and their families, individually and in groups. Eligibility Start Referral Children and youth clients receiving services from Lansdowne Children's Centre and their families, are eligible for Child and Youth Worker Services. Goals, Skills and Keywords Expectations A Child and Youth Worker can provide supportive counselling to help with: Adjustment to illness & disability Managing client stress and developing healthy coping strategies Building social skills Behaviour strategies and support for parents and caregivers Building confidence and self-advocacy skills Planning decisions and emotional needs when transitioning to adult services Sibling support needs Education and support can be provided for a variety of topics on a needs basis. Workshop topics may include: Internet safety Community safety & independence Bullying and self-esteem. Sibling support needs Youth transition You Belong Here. Are you passionate about working with infants, children and youth to help realize their potential? Are you seeking a career in pediatrics? Join our team at Lansdowne Children's Centre for child development. Careers

Autism Services Brant Start Here Family Support Free Services Early Years ABA Intensive ABA Goal-Based Webinars < Back Please support our free webinars. CLICK HERE to register your view. Elopement Strategies with Kids Autism Services Brant In this virtual workshop you can learn about what Elopement is and why it happens; Sensory, Escape and Attention strategies; and tips for preventing elopement. Are you looking for someone to talk to? You can reach our Family Support Worker by phone at 519-753-3153 ext. 268, or by email at autism@lansdownecc.com

EarlyON Programs, Brantford-Brant | EarlyYears | Lansdowne Children's Centre Resource Library EarlyON Programs, Brantford-Brant Download printable PDF handout/activity pages EarlyON Programs, Brantford-Brant no download available Download Keywords and search terms commonly associated with this resource include:

Caregiver-Mediated Early Years programs are no-cost to the family, part of the government funded Foundational Family Services. These play-based and child-led programs for young children, ages 12 months to 48 months, aim to build caregivers’ capacity to support their child’s skill development by teaching strategies that may help their young children learn new skills and meet individual goals. Autism Services Lansdowne Autism Services Early Years Program What is the Caregiver-Mediated Early Years Program? (CMEY) Autism Services Caregiver-Mediated Early Years programs are no-cost to the family. These play-based and child-led programs for young children, ages 12 months to 48 months, aim to build caregivers’ capacity to support their child’s skill development by teaching strategies that may help their young children learn new skills and meet individual goals. Who is eligible? Your child must be a registered member of the Ontario Autism Program (AccessOAP). Eligible families will receive an invitation from the Ministry via email and/or post mail. Only families with invitations are able to sign up for the program. Families are encouraged to check their AccessOAP portal frequently for new offers and information. If you have received an invitation you can reach our Family Support Worker by phone at 519-753-3153 ext. 329, or by email at autism@lansdownecc.com to plan your service. What can I expect? Autism Services at Lansdowne Children's Centre offers Pivotal Response Training (PRT), and hosts an Entry to School (ETS) program. Checkout upcoming events, online and in-person Event Calendar Pivotal Response Training (PRT) A variation of Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) type therapy, Pivotal Response Training focuses on more comprehensive “pivotal” areas, such as increasing a child's motivation to learn, initiate communication, and monitor their own behaviours. Entry To School (ETS) Autism Services Entry to School Program is no-cost to the family. This program helps children develop school-readiness skills and provides transition supports as they enter kindergarten or Grade 1 for the first time. This group-based program is delivered multi-disciplinary staff with expertise in: Autism Spectrum Disorder Applied behaviour Analysis Speech-language pathology Occupational Therapy Early Childhood development Who is eligible? You child must be registered in the Ontario Autism Program (AccessOAP). Eligible families will receive an invitation from the Ministry Only families with invitiations are eligible to sign up for this program Families are encouraged to check their AccessOAP portal frequently. Lansdowne has no access to, or influence in, ministry invitations. If you have received an ETS invitation, plese connect with a Family Support Worker by phone at 519-753-3153 ext 329, or by email, autism@lansdowne.com , to plan your service. For further information you can reach our Family Support Workers by phone at 519-753-3153 ext. 239, or by email at autism@lansdownecc.com to share your questions, compliments or concerns.

Ready for Kindergarten - Video Playlist | Kindergarten | Lansdowne Children's Centre Resource Library Ready for Kindergarten - Video Playlist Download printable PDF handout/activity pages Ready for Kindergarten - Video Playlist no download available Download Keywords and search terms commonly associated with this resource include:

Autism Services Brant Start Here Family Support Free Services Early Years ABA Intensive ABA Goal-Based Webinars < Back Please support our free webinars. CLICK HERE to register your view. Boundaries and Personal Space Autism Services Brant In this virtual workshop you will learn about Tips and Strategies for teaching personal space to children, and why this is important; as well as resources available to help you. Are you looking for someone to talk to? You can reach our Family Support Worker by phone at 519-753-3153 ext. 268, or by email at autism@lansdownecc.com