Together Rodd and Shelley bring decades of experience in the education and developmental services sectors. Both began their careers working in the school system and in direct support roles with individuals with disabilities, including those living with dual diagnoses and complex behavioural needs. They also worked in high-risk residential settings supporting individuals facing significant behavioural and mental health challenges.
Building on this experience, Shelley and Rodd established and operated a specialized private school for high-risk youth living in foster care with dual diagnoses. They later founded and operated residential mentoring homes for foster youth with high support needs for more than 15 years, providing stable, family-style environments and intensive mentorship. They founded Adults in Motion in 2009 in response to the community’s need for high-quality, inclusive day programming for adults with disabilities.
Shelley’s leadership is further informed by her training in bioethics, policy, and her experience in child protection, with a focus on ethical decision-making and ensuring that the voices and lived experiences of people with disabilities inform programs and policies. Rodd brings extensive practical expertise in program development, mentorship, and compassionate settings with a strong focus on building supportive, well-run environments.
As parents of children with exceptional needs, Shelley and Rodd’s work is also deeply personal. Their combined professional and lived experience continues to shape the values and leadership behind Adults in Motion.
Megan joined Adults in Motion with previous experience in the social work field. Megan is a kind, empathetic and open minded person who loves working within the community and has a passion for advocacy. She graduated from Kings University College at Western in 2023, with a double major of Disability Studies and Thanatology along with a certificate in Loss, Grief and Bereavement studies. Megan has worked in long term care and retirement settings. She also completed her school placement by co facilitating grief support groups for grieving children, youth and families. Throughout her youth and University Megan was a part of the Best Buddies Program where she further gained a passion for advocacy and assisting supported individuals in independence, building friendships and encouraging opportunities for experiences and social engagement within the community. Prior to joining our Adults in Motion team Megan was a Behavioural Support Worker for 2 years working with adults with disabilities in respite care homes, group homes and a day program. In her Behavioural Support Worker role she also worked with children with disabilities in social groups, a respite home and as an inclusion worker at a camp. In her spare time Megan enjoys being outdoors, going for walks and spending time with her friends and family.
Brian came to Adults in Motion with over 20 years of experience in the social work field. While attending University pursuing a Bachelor of Arts with a Sociology Major, Brian also experienced living with a nephew that was born with special needs who was cared for in his family home. This experience led him to seek a caregiver role as weekend counsellor and relief staff member at KW Habilitation. After graduating he pursued his career at Elmira District for Community Living (EDCL) as a job coach, then moved onto their supported employment coordinator. To further his experience, he became a manager of an independent living home, assisted living home and respite services for EDCL. For the last fourteen years Brian has worked as a rehabilitation support worker for Bartimaeus Rehab assisting individuals who have suffered an Acquired Brain Injury. In this role Brian supported his clients by providing opportunities to return to some pre-accident recreation, education and community reintegration. While growing up Brian spent many summers as a camper, leader-in-training and later as a counsellor at Camp Tawingo. This, along with his work history has enabled Brian to see the importance of providing meaningful programs offering a social and fun experience for all.
Ryenn is a very energetic and passionate Recreation Therapist! She credits her love for this field to her absolutely amazing older brother who happens to have ATR-16, a very unique intellectual disability. Ryenn says ‘He is such an amazing guy, my best friend and has made me very eager to advocate for all people with special needs and increase quality of life for all.’
Paige Joined Adults In Motion originally as a Student Placement at our Cambridge location. Once she graduated, Paige worked as relief staff for Oakville, Hamilton, Kitchener, and Cambridge and soon after, began working as Cambridge’s Canada Summer Jobs placement where she spent her time building relationships, developing her skills, and connecting with the community. Paige is a registered SSW, with a diploma from Conestoga College’s Social Service Worker program, and certificates in Adverse Childhood Experience Training and Trauma Informed-Care. Paige has a love for supporting others in reaching their goals, gaining new skills, and just having fun! Paige is enthusiastic, kind-hearted, and a little silly. She enjoys reading, cooking, traveling, walks with her dog Chuck, and dance parties! Paige believes in helping others shine in their own way.
Charlie is a conscientious, gentle, and thoughtful person, with a passion for planning and implementing adventures and activities. He came to Adults In Motion after years of supporting people in a residential care and day program settings – supporting adults with disabilities who have a variety of needs and interests. Charlie is exceptionally gifted in connection with others, helping guide good decision making and honoring all people as individuals. In his spare time Charlie enjoys drawing, making games, spending time with his amazing wife and their dog, and going for runs. He is very excited for the new stories that he will get to be a part of with Adults In Motion!
Jon is a compassionate, outgoing, and enthusiastic person with a degree in Outdoor Recreation from Lakehead University. Jon’s background in overnight camp programs has fostered a love for adventure. Even now, he loves being out in the wilderness whenever he can get a chance; a frequent canoe tripper who enjoys time spent with a paddle in his hand. Prior to joining Adults in Motion in 2024 Jon enjoyed 4 years of one to one work in the camping industry which fueled a passion for inclusionary experiences and creating character building moments through creative programming. Jon’s passionate about strong community connections and having a positive impact on everyone he meets! Jon is very excited to be part of our team for this adventure with Adults in Motion and to be part of the warm and encouraging atmosphere here at our program!
Danielle is an enthusiastic, compassionate, and dedicated individual who is always happy to connect with and learn about others! Danielle began her studies in the social service field at Mohawk College, obtaining a Social Service Worker diploma in 2021 before continuing her studies at Wilfrid Laurier University in the Bachelor of Social Work program. In addition to working with individuals who have disabilities, Danielle has experience working with individuals experiencing addiction or mental health concerns and currently maintains a relief position at an emergency women’s shelter. Danielle believes in doing with, not for, and seeks to empower individuals by utilizing a strength-based approach in her practice. In her spare time, Danielle can be found listening to her favourite music or watching documentaries with her beloved cat, Stella.
Every community has it’s story, and ours is a deeply meaningful to us. Explore what Adults in Motion means to us, how we came to build it, and where we are going from here!
