Our Team

Board Of Directors

Kippy Wiegand
Chairman

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Partner, Deloitte LLP
Joined the board: 2008

My Inspiration

Michael Newton
Vice Chairman

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Managing Partner – FL Fuller Landau
Joined the board: 2013

My Inspiration

Richard Bond
Vice Chairman

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Retired as President of Abbott Laboratories
Joined the board: 2016

My Inspiration

Matthew Chaussé
Treasurer

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

My Inspiration

Vivian Cyriacopoulos
Secretary

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Lawyer
Joined the board: 2004

My Inspiration

Emily Beckerleg Ritchie

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Education Consultant
Joined the board: 2017

My Inspiration

Edward Berry

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

My Inspiration

Nevine Fateen

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Private Consultant
Joined the board: 2009

My Inspiration

Bryan Fitzpatrick

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

My Inspiration

Alana Geller

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Partner, Richter LLP
Joined the board: 2018

My Inspiration

Joseph Levy

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Retired Advertising & Marketing Executive
Joined the board: 2000

My Inspiration

Charlotte Libman

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Paralegal
Joined the board: 2011

My Inspiration

Tony Ross

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Communications Executive
Joined the board: 2015

My Inspiration

Sara Saber-Freedman

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Executive Vice President, Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs
Joined the board: 2015

My Inspiration

Alexander Steinhouse

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Lawyer, Advisor to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada
Joined the board: 2015

My Inspiration

Team

Theodora Brinckman

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Executive Director
With the foundation since: 2011

My Inspiration

Ron De Paola

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Director of Development & Community Outreach
With the foundation since: 2019

My Inspiration

Isabelle Hartnell

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Knowledge Associate
With the foundation since: 2005

My Inspiration

Jenny Jacob

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Philanthropy Associate
With the foundation since: 2003

My Inspiration

Glenn Massad

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Director of e-Presence
With the foundation since: 2012

My Inspiration

Sean Zikman, MBA

—
Director of Philanthropy
With the foundation since: 2008

My Inspiration

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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.

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.

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.

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.

My father was a client at the MAB side of MAB-Mackay for many years. In addition, I have been a volunteer reader at the Mackay School since 2004/2005. Over the years I have run into a number of students I previously read to in elementary school at the MAB-Mackay Rehabilitation Centre and they were in high school or young adults. I am both humbled and inspired by their achievements. I have also met many dedicated staff members of the MAB-Mackay Rehabilitation Centre over the years and recognize the incredible work they do every day for their clients. I am pleased to be a part of the foundation’s evolution to HABILITAS.

I joined the Philanthropy Committee three years after having done a tour of the MAB-Mackay Center. I was inspired by the number of devoted volunteers and staff who make such a big difference in the lives of these valuable members of our community. What they do each and every day has an immediate, meaningful impact on so many people. Now is such an important time for this foundation. To be able to reach a larger part of our population through HABILITAS means the impact we can have has grown exponentially. I am even more committed to support the efforts of this innovative foundation.

As we move into the future as the HABILITASFoundation, 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.

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.

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.

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

From a very young age I learned that it is important to give back to the community – I knew it was the right way to be. I was asked to join the board of the Constance-Lethbridge Foundation in 2000 and now that the foundations have merged, I am more excited than ever to be part of such an engaged group of volunteers and professionals. After years serving as director on the board, I ironically became a client and now I have a firsthand perspective on the wonderful work our CIUSSS staff does and how they improve the quality of life for thousands of people every year. I am clearer than ever of the reason I give my time to the HABILITAS Foundation.

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 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.

I first became aware of the Centre back in 1983, listening to my first husband, the late A. Jaan Saber, talk about giving his engineering students an assignment to build a sonar hockey puck for the young MAB clients he used to see across the street from his office on the Loyola campus of Concordia University. It was the first time I really thought about how important it is for us to find ways of adapting and supporting people with physical and intellectual challenges so that they can enjoy life and grow to the full measure of their aspirations and abilities. Our role as the HABILITAS Foundation will take this mission to the next level.

For generations, our foundation has helped Montrealers with physical disabilities, along with their family members, realize the impossible. As we embark on this exciting new adventure as the HABILITAS Foundation, I am convinced that not only can Montrealers count on us to stay true to our essence, but they will benefit from our renewed efforts and stronger presence in our community. I am proud to be part of a team that takes to heart the mission of ensuring that every Montrealer can enjoy their life to the fullest.

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!

I recently joined the foundation. As a native Montrealer, I have long been aware of the MAB-Mackay Centers outstanding service to the community and those living with physical disabilities. I feel very fortunate to have been given the opportunity to join such a passionate team at the newly branded “Habilitas Foundation” and am inspired daily by those people who rely so heavily on the support they receive in our centers. These are exciting times for the foundation as we look for opportunities to enhance our presence in the community and ensure those living with physical disabilities are able to maximize their quality of life!

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.

I love working for an organization whose mission is to maximize its clients’ autonomy and community participation in order to improve their quality of life. Every day I get to witness the amazing work that the Lethbridge-Layton-Mackay Rehabilitation Centre, Camp Massawippi and others accomplish along with the impact that it has on the lives of those living with physical disabilities. I love being in the midst of where it all happens, where I get to share in our clients’ stories and successes. Most of all, I love having the opportunity to thank our donors and volunteers and let them know the vital part they play and the invaluable difference they make.

One of our primary roles as a foundation is to tell the stories of our courageous clients and the impact our tireless professionals have on their lives and the lives of their families and caregivers. Leading our team in the telling of these moving and inspirational stories has been the highlight of my career at this wonderful foundation that we now call HABILITAS. It is a privilege to be a part of it.

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 WiegandChairman

Michael Newton Vice Chairman

Richard Bond Vice Chairman

Matthew Chaussé Treasurer

Vivian Cyriacopoulos Secretary

Emily Beckerleg Ritchie

Edward Berry

Nevine Fateen

Bryan Fitzpatrick

Alana Geller

Joseph Levy

Charlotte Libman

Tony Ross

Sara Saber-Freedman

Alexander Steinhouse

Team

Theodora Brinckman

Ron De Paola

Isabelle Hartnell

Jenny Jacob

Glenn Massad

Sean Zikman, MBA

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Kippy Wiegand
Chairman

Michael Newton
Vice Chairman

Richard Bond
Vice Chairman

Matthew Chaussé
Treasurer

Vivian Cyriacopoulos
Secretary