Our Staff
- Dean Svoboda- Dean is the founder and Executive Director of AAFS and has spent the last 10 years working with children with Autism all over the city. He has worked for the Janus Academy, Society for Treatment of Autism, The Seperate and Public School Board, Options Rehabilitation (still!) and continues to Coach part time for Hockey Canada Skills Academy.
- Jamie Schiwy- Program Director - Jamie attended the University of Calgary taking Bachelor of Arts Psychology Honors and a Sociology Minor. In the past she has worked with preschool children with disabilities, gifted children, and at a camp for disadvantaged kids grades 1 through 12. She enjoys camping, running, cooking, water sports, playing with her pup Berkley, and rock climbing. Jamie leads our cooking club program.
- Michelle Allen - LAAFS Program Director (under 12 years of age) - Michelle has spent many years working with kids within the Autism Spectrum. She loves to dance and travels the world with her dance troop.
- Kimberley Blocka - Respite Worker - Kim has worked for many years with children with disabilities with PACE Kids and private respite. Kim loves the arts, dancing, and animals.
- Matthew Cho - Summer Respite Worker - Matt has been with AAFS for many years first as a sibling of one of members, then a volunteer until finally joining as summer staff. Matt enjoys computers and just hanging out with the kids.
- Michael Hetherington - Respite Worker - Mike originally came to us from our GODS program and started volunteering - he was so wonderful that we had to have him as staff. Mike is extremely thoughtful and always takes the time to get to know each of the AAFS youth. He is the first person to help, and is dedicated to make sure everyone has fun. In his spare time Mike enjoys working out, movies, anime, poker and computers.
- Payam Motamedi - Respite Worker - Payam is currently finishing his masters in teaching. Payam loves to work with children, the arts and traveling.
- Charisse Roza - Respite Worker - Charisse is currently doing her masters in Behaviour modification - she has traveled the world everywhere from Argentina to New York City. She enjoys yoga, and swimming.
- Susan Tran - Respite Worker - Susan is currently taking Nursing in University. She has lots of experience with kids within the Autism Spectrum. Susan enjoys being outside and traveling.
- Kyla McPhee - Respite Worker - Kyla is currently taking psychology in University - she loves to dance, the arts, yoga, and gymnastics.
- David Schiwy - Respite worker - David loves being outside, camping, sports, and hanging out with kids. David is fun loving and adventurous - the kids love wrestling him at Gymnastics.
- Paul Schiwy - Respite worker - Paul loves being outside, camping, fishing, sports, hiking, and rock-climbing. Paul loves going camping with AAFS kids at OLQP Ranch and playing in the wave pool.
- Addison Roy has been one of our long time members and is now a member of our staff. Addison is the first person to help and makes
sure that he gets to know and helps each member of AAFS. Addison has a
great sense of humor and is a huge asset helping younger AAFS kids at
rock climbing. In his spare time Addison enjoys skiing. - Meaghan Brister
- Michelle Roberts
- Liz Coderre
The Buddy Club
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Anton Gasper was one of the original members of AAFS. This past year, he began volunteering within the LAAFS program. Anton is a proud Flames fan and can frequently be found at the Dome cheering on the Flames, Roughnecks and Hitmen. He was also a member of SMADDZ productions in the fall of 2007.
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Danny Watt has been with AAFS for a very long time. Both a member and occassionally a volunteer Danny brings his love of Anime to AAFS - he is always a great help at activities and brings great activity ideas to AAFS. Like OTA FEST!
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Robin Jessee was one of the original members of AAFS. She has volunteered both with the LAAFS Program and with the AAFS group. Robin is currently volunteering more in the office and helping lead Cooking Club. Robin loves helping out and spending time with young kids, and teenagers. Robin loves music, the arts, and the Jonas Brothers ofcourse.
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Will Pritchard
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Will Shepherd
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Avery Hogan
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Scott Johnson
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