The people who keep us in motion

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 youth in foster care 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 fostering compassionate settings. Rodd's principles for treating people with respect and equality leads Adults in Motion's values of kindness and lightheartedness.

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.

Caralee is a kind, compassionate, and dedicated individual who joined the Adults in Motion team with over 20 years of experience working with vulnerable populations and persons with disabilities, including roles as a recreationist, recreation therapist, educational assistant (EA), early childhood educator (ECE) and a teacher in an integrated classroom. Caralee has worked with all ages from preschool to seniors and loves bringing her knowledge of inclusive settings to the Adults in Motion community. Caralee also has strong business management experience while operating a family business and enjoys customer service and caring for the needs of others. Caralee is passionate about the importance of recreation and community connections and being an ambassador for Adults in Motion and an advocate for its members. She works hard to provide high-quality recreation programs that encourage being active, learning new skills, equality and having fun!! In her spare time, you can find Caralee baking, crafting, and reading with her three daughters, going on hikes with her dog Lennon, and enjoying all life has to offer!

Sabrina joined Adults in Motion as a full time staff after first completing a student placement in our Hamilton program. She quickly fell in love with the community, the meaningful connections, the supportive environment, and the fun experiences created within the program. After graduating from university with a degree in social work, Sabrina was excited to continue working alongside individuals to help build confidence, independence, and meaningful experiences - and we quickly scooped her up as a full time staff in our Kitchener program.

Through her experience working in camps and recreation settings, Sabrina developed a strong interest in creating engaging, person-centered programming based on each individual’s interests and strengths. Her passion for working with individuals with disabilities was inspired by a classmate whose strength and perspective had a lasting impact on her and helped shape her career path.

Sabrina is kind, compassionate, and enjoys building meaningful relationships while creating positive and welcoming environments for others. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time outdoors, including camping and hiking, thrifting, and making memories with family and friends.

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!

Dina is a caring and compassionate person with a strong interest in supporting others. She completed the Social Service Worker diploma program at Conestoga College and joined Adults in Motion for her student placement, where she quickly became part of the community and developed a strong connection with our members and the program.

Dina’s connection to inclusion and community support is also personal. Growing up with a cousin with Down syndrome, in a country where resources and programs were limited, showed her the importance of having access to support, opportunities, and a sense of belonging.

Dina speaks four languages: Arabic, Tigrinya, Bilen, and English, and enjoys connecting with people from different backgrounds and cultures. She also has experience in event coordination and the housekeeping industry and helps with her family’s cleaning business on weekends.

Outside of Adults in Motion, Dina enjoys trying new recipes and international dishes, learning about different cultures, and discovering new places.

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.

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 and then advanced to a full time Direct Support Professional.

Through all her Adults in Motion experience Paige has built extensive relationships and connections across all our programs and possesses a unique perspective and skill set based on her experience within our programs.

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.

Erika joined Adults in Motion Cambridge as a Social Work student placement from Wilfrid Laurier University. Prior to that, she completed a placement and training with our companion program, Lubdub Media Disability Programs. As a virtual host, Erika took on the important role of creating content and leading members through meaningful, enjoyable, and fun activities and experiences. So later when a staff position opened to join the Adults in Motion team - she jumped at the opportunity!

Erika is a driven and empathetic person with a passion for caring for others. She listens carefully, is attentive to the diverse needs of members, and always follows through with care and compassion. In all of her roles with Adults in Motion, she has been a reliable, professional, and valued part of our community.

Through the many relationships she has built, Erika has learned how to better understand members’ needs, communication styles, and personalities. This has strengthened her ability to support members in a thoughtful and person-centered way. She is extremely excited to join the Adults in Motion Cambridge team and looks forward to what the future holds.

Natalie came to Adults in Motion with a lifetime career and multiple degrees in the support services. Natalie brought with her extensive experience in community volunteerism in various roles, a career of working leadership with youth and seniors and has been working with individuals with special needs since her early teens. She is also a Nutritionist and owns a working farm that operates educational day camps for youth. Natalie continues to volunteer her animal therapy and homesteading programs as “Farmer Natalie” to not only Adults in Motion but also long term care & senior centres as well as schools throughout her community. She has three teenage children that have Learning Disabilities and held a position on the Board of Directors for the Learning Disabilities Association of Hamilton Halton. Natalie has a passion for helping others and a joy for living everyday to its fullest. In her spare time she loves to cook and hike the Bruce Trail behind her farm, she’s also a craft-a-holic and shows dogs and pigs with her children.

Sara is a Direct Support Professional with a Bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation from Brock University and a background in Recreation Therapy from Mohawk College. She has experience supporting people with disabilities and enjoys creating opportunities for members to build skills, explore recreation and leisure interests, and connect with others.

Sara first became part of Adults in Motion through a student placement in our Hamilton program and later returned as a permanent member of the team. She brings her background in therapeutic recreation to her role and enjoys getting to know members and supporting them in ways that reflect their interests and goals.

Outside of Adults in Motion, Sara enjoys board games, crocheting, reading, and spending time with friends. She is always up for learning a new game - and would happily spend every day by the pool if she could.

Andie is a passionate and dedicated support professional with a strong background in supporting individuals with diverse needs. She’s completed the Social Service Worker program at Sheridan College followed by the Recreation Therapy program at Mohawk College. Andie’s interest in working with individuals with developmental disabilities began while being inspired by her experience forming meaningful connections with people in the disabled community, which then helped shape her career path. Andie also completed a placement with Adults in Motion, where she quickly developed a deep appreciation for the sense of community, the level of support, and the positive impact our organization has on its members. Andie joined us with a commitment to creating inclusive, engaging, and supportive environments that empower individuals to thrive and reach their full potential.

Shayna excitedly joined Adults in Motion with her degree in Child and Youth Care from Humber college and her post-graduate in Brain Disorders Management from Mohawk College. With experience in afterschool programs, camp counselling and years in the hospitality industry, she has a passion for research, advocacy and support for individuals within the field of mental health, addictions and brain disorders. Shayna strives to approach every experience with a strengths-based, anti-racist, anti-oppressive, feminist framework ensuring each individual she supports can truly be themselves. With personal interests in health, wellness, self-awareness and meditation, Shayna appreciates and encourages a well-balanced and rewarding lifestyle.

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!

Sam is a Direct Support Professional with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a diploma in Recreation Therapy from Mohawk College. Before joining Adults in Motion as permanent staff, Sam was involved with our Hamilton and Oakville programs for nearly two years through volunteering, student placement, Canada Summer Jobs, and relief work.

Sam enjoys supporting people as they learn new skills, explore recreation and leisure opportunities, and build relationships and connections within their community. Her experience across several roles at Adults in Motion has given her the opportunity to get to know our members and programs well.

Outside of Adults in Motion, Sam loves Halloween, animals - especially dogs - running, and trivia. She also enjoys spending time with her curly-haired cat, Mo.