Our Team

Board Of Directors

Kippy Wiegand
Chairman

My Inspiration

Michael Newton
Vice Chairman

My Inspiration

Richard Bond
Vice Chairman

My Inspiration

Matthew Chaussé
Treasurer

My Inspiration

Jacqueline Kost
Secretary

My Inspiration

Edward Berry

My Inspiration

Nevine Fateen

My Inspiration

Bryan Fitzpatrick

My Inspiration

Alana Geller

My Inspiration

Kurt A. Johnson

My Inspiration

Alysa Langburt

My Inspiration

Charlotte Libman

My Inspiration

Neil Matheson

My Inspiration

Heather Michelin

My Inspiration

Tony Ross

My Inspiration

Marco Vendramini

My Inspiration

Team

Theodora Brinckman

Executive Director
theodora.brinckman@habilitas.ca

My Inspiration

Avigail Aronoff

Director of Communication and Community Outreach
avigail.aronoff@habilitas.ca

My Inspiration

Carly Gips

Associate Director of Philanthropy
Carly.gips@habilitas.ca

My Inspiration

Isabelle Hartnell

Knowledge Associate
isabelle.hartnell@habilitas.ca

My Inspiration

Allyson Reynolds

Philanthropy Associate
allyson.reynolds@habilitas.ca

Sean Zikman, MBA

Director of Philanthropy
sean.zikman@habilitas.ca

My Inspiration

Partner, Deloitte LLP
Joined the board: 2008

I am really excited about the refreshed strategy adopted as we evolve into HABILITAS. The healthcare system is in a period of profound change, and we are not just adapting to these changes, but trying to build a brighter future for those living with physical disabilities. I am inspired to be part of a team dedicated to trying to help this community.

Managing Partner – FL Fuller Landau
Joined the board: 2013

HABILITAS signals a new beginning for a foundation steeped in tradition, honor and integrity – how do we stay true to our heritage while embarking on a new mission and image? As we interviewed, discussed, strategized and pondered our future message and direction, one thing stood out to me – the alignment of our individual values! Those values that bring us all to the table as a Board of Directors – passion, love and caring – for our clients, our donors, and a heritage that was built by those who came before us that we have the honor of perpetuating.

Retired as President of Abbott Laboratories
Joined the board: 2016

HABILITAS helps people of all ages with physical disabilities and their families receive the best rehabilitation services and real-life experiences by supporting the professional staff at the Lethbridge-Layton-Mackay Rehabilitation Centre and Camp Massawippi. It has been a privilege to participate in this transition and I will be very excited to see HABILITAS working with its partners across the spectrum of care to identify new initiatives to improve quality of life for people with physical disabilities.

CPA, CA – FL Fuller Landau
Joined the board: 2017

I was first approached to be a part of the Audit Committee by a colleague and mentor of mine. I saw this as an opportunity to use the expertise from my professional career, while also giving back to the community – something that has always been important to me. Once I became more involved, I was amazed at the work that the MAB-Mackay did and the impact that it had on the lives of its clients. When asked to join the board, it was an easy decision for me. I was excited and eager to join a great group of people and now I am thrilled to be part of its next chapter as HABILITAS.

Joined the board: 2019

I am proud to be part of the Foundation which supports multiple organisations all aimed at serving our clients and their families with the programs, facilities and care required to make their lives easier.

Senior Portfolio Manager – BMO Nesbitt Burns
Joined the board: 2013

As we move into the future as the HABILITAS Foundation, I am excited about the expanded possibilities that are now at our doorstep. The foundation has been able to grow to support the MAB-Mackay Rehabilitation, the Constance-Lethbridge Rehabilitation Centre and Camp Massiwippi. Under the HABILITAS umbrella we will continue this support while expanding our reach where needs arise.

Private Consultant
Joined the board: 2009

What an opportunity to be part of this very positive change. We now have the momentum of coming together. All these wonderful organizations under one foundation. United we stand tall and we move forward into the future to serve Montrealers who live with physical disabilities. The HABILITAS Foundation will ensure the continuum of care of our clients into the future.

Manager – Business Developement for Pomerleau Construction
Joined the board: 2011

As a HABILITAS board member, I am happy to be part of the implementation and realization of the consolidation of facilities under one campus at the MAB site which will bring further efficiencies and a wider scope of services to the clients of Constance-Lethbridge and MAB-Mackay. Seeing the smiles on client faces who accomplish tasks that they were not able to do in the past.

Partner, Richter LLP
Joined the board: 2018

It takes a special person to work in an environment where children suffer and struggle every day. We are in awe of the entire MAB-Mackay team. Their optimism, praise for both child and parent, and the knowing looks they share with us that say “I understand; I am here for you; you can count on me” resonate deeply.

What stands out most about our experience with the MAB-Mackay and its entire team is the constant encouragement and support, the contagious warm smiles, and the always kind words. None of this would be possible without the support of the HABILITAS Foundation. XX

I am both grateful and humbled to be rejoining the ranks of Habilitas. This wonderful foundation is of special interest to me, having captured my heart when each of my five children was given the opportunity to participate in the reverse integration program at the Mackay Centre School. Heartwarming stories of courage, compassion and grit unfold every day at Mackay, not to mention the various other partner organizations supported by Habilitas. Theirs is the work of saints and angels, and it has inspired me to support their efforts in every way I can.

Joined the board: 2020

The dedication, kindness and compassion of the MAB-Mackay/Habilitas staff is truly humbling. Two of my children are clients of the MAB-Mackay rehab center. My children have inspired me to be a voice for parents and family members of children with disabilities. As such, I am devoted to bring more inclusion and awareness to the Montreal community in order to create greater opportunity and acceptance for those living with disabilities.

Paralegal – Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
Joined the board: 2011

I became involved as a way of giving back. My girls have Ocular Albinism and have been fortunate to be able to use the services of the MAB-Mackay. My favorite time as a board member was when we were introduced to the Seating Department and shown how the customized wheelchairs were made. We were then put in wheelchairs ourselves so we could “experience” and gain awareness of the challenges. Experiences like this inspire me as a HABILITAS board member to champion the professionals that tirelessly improve the lives of our clients.

I believe that Habilitas contributes meaningfully to some of our most disadvantaged members of society, those with special needs

Counsel - McCarthy Tétrault LLP
Joined the board: 2020

As a member of the Habilitas Foundation's Philanthropy Committee, I witnessed the hard work, dedication and caring of the foundation staff and volunteers and their incredible efforts to support the organizations served by the foundation. The MAB-Mackay Rehabilitation, the Constance-Lethbridge Rehabilitation Centre, Camp Massawippi and The Action Centre work tirelessly to provide assistance to community members with varied needs, and their need for funding and support never ceases.

I am honoured to help the Habilitas Foundation fulfill its mission.

Communications Executive
Joined the board: 2015

I joined the foundation board because I believe the fundraising work the foundation does in supporting children and adults who are blind or visually impaired, deaf or hard of hearing, have a motor disability or a communication disorder, makes a significant difference in their lives and their families’ lives. I have remained a member of the HABILITAS board because of the commitment, hard work and spirit of giving that is clearly part of the ethos of this foundation.

Senior Executive Consultant, Financial Planner
Joined the board: 2020

If it was not for MAB-Mackay/HABILITAS, I do not know where our son would be today. I have always been impressed by the dedication and care by everyone we came across… True angels! I have been told that the children and people that have used the services of these great places are great teachers to all of us. I agree! Their voice is not only important but essential to the health of our society. I hope I can contribute so that their voices will always be relevant.

Executive Director
With the foundation since: 2011

The spirit and the resilience that is HABILITAS is drawn from those we serve and what we aspire to achieve – a world where disabilities are no longer disabling. Every day I come to work I witness the incredible strength of the human spirit and what it allows us to accomplish. It is a true privilege to be a part of this great and wonderful philanthropic movement of hope, inclusion, empowerment and determination!

Director of Communication and Community Outreach
With the foundation since: 2022

I am driven by the belief that striving for equity is fundamental if we are to create and live in a truly just society. I am honoured to be working with our current partners on maximizing their impact, and excited to continue broadening Habilitas’ reach by expanding our network. Having a front-seat to the life-changing work carried out by our partners is inspirational.

Associate Director of Philanthropy
With the foundation since: 2022

We are all equal, all deserving of the basic human rights for independence, dignity, self-esteem, and happiness. Many of us require a little extra help and support in accessing these rights. For those with physical disabilities or sensory impairments, Habilitas Foundation funded programs are a means to that access. As a member of the Habilitas Foundation team, I am proud to be part of a system that improves the lives of so many.

Knowledge Associate
With the foundation since: 2005

These are truly exciting times! As someone who has been part of this organization for over 13 years, I believe that the creation of the HABILITAS Foundation is an important endeavor to complement the evolving rehabilitation centres it supports. With the expansion of the foundation’s mandate, HABILITAS is committed to continuing to provide the highest level of impact possible in improving the quality of lives of so many clients. It truly is an honor and privilege to embark on this journey with such an experienced and dedicated team.

Director of Philanthropy
With the foundation since: 2008

One of the best parts of our work is speaking directly with our donors. I was recently in a conversation with a long-time supporter. I thanked him for his generosity, and described how important his support has been in giving hope to people with disabilities. I was moved by the response he gave back to me – offering me his thanks for allowing him to make such a difference and feel so good about his support.

It’s truly a privilege to help realize donors’ dreams of making a real difference in the life of someone living with a physical impairment. HABILITAS allows us to fashion a world of opportunity for those living with a disability.Thank you for your life-changing support.

Our Team

Board Of Directors

Kippy Wiegand
Chairman

Michael Newton
Vice Chairman

Richard Bond
Vice Chairman

Matthew Chaussé
Treasurer

Jacqueline Kost
Secretary

Edward Berry

Nevine Fateen

Bryan Fitzpatrick

Alana Geller

Kurt A. Johnson

Alysa Langburt

Charlotte Libman

Neil Matheson

Heather Michelin

Tony Ross

Marco Vendramini

Team

Theodora Brinckman

Avigail Aronoff

Carly Gips

Isabelle Hartnell

Allyson Reynolds

Sean Zikman, MBA

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The Foundation

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Our Team

Board Of Directors

Kippy WiegandChairman

Michael NewtonVice Chairman

Richard BondVice Chairman

Matthew ChausséTreasurer

Jacqueline KostSecretary

Edward Berry

Nevine Fateen

Bryan Fitzpatrick

Alana Geller

Kurt A. Johnson

Alysa Langburt

Charlotte Libman

Neil Matheson

Heather Michelin

Tony Ross

Marco Vendramini

Team

Theodora Brinckman

Avigail Aronoff

Carly Gips

Isabelle Hartnell

Allyson Reynolds

Sean Zikman, MBA

Success!

Kippy Wiegand
Chairman

Michael Newton
Vice Chairman

Richard Bond
Vice Chairman

Matthew Chaussé
Treasurer

Jacqueline Kost
Secretary