Theo Tsang, Chairperson
Theo has a background in accounting, joined the board in 2019, is a member of the finance committee and recently accepted the position as Vice-chairperson;
Krista Simms, Director
Krista has been a Developmental Services Worker (DSW) since 2004. She started her career with TCE in 2003 as a part time residential counsellor and also worked On Call in each of the homes until 2016. Through her experience at TCE, Krista begun to learn and develop a passion for sign language and the Deaf community. She pursued further education to become an ASL-ENG Interpreter, graduating in 2011. Work as a freelance sign language interpreter lead to her current role as Director of Video Interpreting with Asign (formerly SLIAO). Krista believes in continuous learning, engages in professional development whenever she can and is pursuing her bachelor’s degree with Athabasca University focused on organizational behaviour, communications, and business. Krista brings experience in the DSW field as a front line staff as well as an understanding of varying communication methods and accessibility needs.
Ken Anderson, Director
Ken Anderson is a public relations consultant. His customized media relations, public speaking and conflict resolution training programs have been judged among the Top-10 in North America. He has provided crisis communications and other services to clients in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors for over four decades. Before entering the consulting world, Ken served as a member of the senior management team of the National Arts Centre. For more than 15 years, he appeared on radio as a program host, newscaster, assignment editor and reporter. He is a past board member and long-time awards judge of the International Association of Business Communicators. Ken’s uncle was a longtime resident of the former Rideau Regional Centre.
Colleen Thurston, Director
Colleen has dedicated her working career to supporting families with children, youth and adults with multiple disabilities.
Using person centered planning with each individual she facilitated the development and implementation of plans that encompassed communication, social/life and behavioral goals with their caregivers, teachers and community partners.
Colleen has been a part of numerous working groups during her time at different agencies, the most recent before retirement, Autism Services at CHEO. She was a staff representative at board meetings and parent advisory meetings. Colleen also participated in hospital and community service working groups to plan and improve outreach services and easy access for families.
She is engaged in her role on the board of directors to support TCE as the agency continues the realization of its strategic plan.
Karen Morin
Karen, a retired Behavior Consultant with 30 years of experience at the Ottawa Catholic School Board, now serves as a literacy tutor. Specializing in Applied Behavior Analysis, she collaborated with diverse professionals, including school leadership teams, staff, and parents. Her expertise extended to designing and monitoring Individual Behavior Programs for students with Special Education needs, promoting their integration into community school classrooms. Karen co-chaired the Annual OCSB Special Olympics Swim Meet, was a trainer for Nonviolent Crisis Prevention Intervention, and spearheaded school-wide anti-bullying initiatives.
Her contributions also encompassed implementing conflict resolution programs and organizing the Annual Student Peace Conference across the OCSB. In addition to committee work addressing relationship abuse, Karen's commitment to inclusivity aligns with her role in supporting community members. Beyond her educational career, she engaged in meaningful activities, such as running a breakfast program for youth, President of a skating club, and volunteering with wild bird and cat rescue centers. Karen finds joy in playing futsal, camping, and remains dedicated to organizations that share her passion for community inclusivity.
Christopher Wilson
Christopher brings over 15 years of teaching experience to the board, currently educating grade 7 and 8 students at Sir Robert Borden. His commitment to education extends outside the classroom, demonstrated by his involvement with Children's International Summer Villages (CISV) and coaching youth hockey and soccer.
With a deep personal connection to TCE through his brother Jamie, who resides at the Kirkwood home, Christopher is dedicated to supporting individuals with special needs. As the Family Support Network representative, he ensures a supportive and inclusive environment for all families touched by TCE's services.
Marge McCabe, Past Chair
Marge has a Professional Background in Nursing, worked in various medical capacities. She also has marketing and sales experience in real estate. Marge’s 45-year-old daughter Brenda has a developmental disability and is now being supported by TCE. Over the years since her daughter’s birth, Marge been involved in many family groups for people with developmental disabilities. She was one of the Founders and a Fundraiser of Trinity Homes, Saskatoon and a Co-Founder and Executive Director of Families Matter Coop, Ottawa. Marge has volunteered in different capacities on a number of non-profit boards and has been a member of the MCSS Partnership Table and more recently a member of the MCSS Ontario Developmental Services Housing Task Force.
