DR. SUSAN VANDEVELDE-COKE
PRESIDENT AND CEO

Susan VanDeVelde-Coke, RN, MBA, PhD is the President and CEO of Kerry’s Place Autism Services.  She has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Professions/Nursing Executive at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Vice President at VON National Canada, Senior Vice President at Winnipeg Health Sciences Centre, and Executive Director of CARE, Centre for Internationally Educated Nurses.

Dr. Coke has served on numerous federal, provincial and local task forces and committees namely, the Canadian Nurses Association, the Academy of Canadian Executive Nurses, and the VON National Board of Directors.  She is currently a Director on the Habitat for Humanity GTA and the Canadian Nurses Foundation Board of Directors. 

Dr. Coke earned an MA from the University of Washington, MBA from McGill University and her PhD from McMaster University. She also serves as lecturer at the Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing at the University of Toronto, and has held similar positions at the University of Manitoba, Ottawa University, and Rush University in Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Coke is a Certified Health Executive.

Sue Coke (left), and Jan Stewart, Board Chair


CARMELA CAMPANELLA-BORRACCIA
VICE PRESIDENT OF CLINICAL SUPPORTS AND SERVICES

Carmela has been in the field of developmental services, specializing in Autism Spectrum Disorder, for 15 years.  She has been responsible for overseeing various ABA programs for children and adults, as well as transition programs to employment.  She has consulted to group homes, worked with parents and teachers using a mediator model of teaching for children, youth and adults with complex needs and has developed trainings and presentations for a variety of partnerships and conferences.

She graduated with a Bachelors degree in Psychology from York University, a Masters degree in Psychology (specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis) from the University of Nevada, and became a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA) in 2007.  She also has a background as a Certified Pharmaceutical Technician.

Carmela Campanella-Borraccia, M.A., BCBA


DEBORAH COMPTON
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Deborah is a Chartered Professional Accountant and a Project Management Professional with over 25 years of Senior Financial Management experience in the not-for-profit sector. She has extensive experience in organizational leadership, strategic planning, project management, multi-year budgeting and building relationships with funders.

Deborah’s sector experience ranges from Hospitals to Community Health to Education and Training. In each of these sectors, she was responsible for creating new revenue streams, implementing new technologies and is a driver of continuous quality improvement and change management to ensure the financial viability of the organization.

Deborah Compton headshot

Deborah Compton


OSMAN GELLE
VICE-PRESIDENT, SUPPORTED LIVING

Osman Gelle is an effective and visionary leader in the field of supported living services with a proven track record and over eight years’ experience. As the Vice President of Supported Living at Kerry’s Place Autism Services, Osman brings extensive expertise and a deep passion for making a positive impact on the lives of individuals with autism. He is dedicated to creating inclusive, safe, and supportive environments to enhance quality of life for those with ASD. His strategic approach to program development and resource allocation ensures that individuals receive the highest standard of care and support.

Osman holds a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree from Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University). He has leveraged his academic knowledge and practical experience to develop and implement innovative strategies that enhance the quality of life for individuals with autism.

Osman Gelle


RENÉE SCHUMANN
VICE-PRESIDENT, HUMAN RESOURCES

Renée Schumann is a highly effective, results-oriented Human Resources leader with over 25 years’ experience providing strategic HR leadership. In addition to extensive experience working in health care and the broader public sector, Renée brings a passion for bringing out the best in people and extensive experience in developing strong teams, leading change management, and organizational development practices. Most recently, Renée was the Director, Human Resources and Organizational Development at York Region Children’s Aid Society. Previously, Renée held Director roles at Southlake Regional Health Centre, Humber River Hospital, Rouge Valley Health System, and The Town of East Gwillimbury.

Renée completed Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from York University in 1995. In addition, Renée has completed Certificates in Adult Education, Human Resources Management, Organization Development and Change, and Leadership and Inclusion.

Renée Schumann


KEVIN SPAFFORD
VICE-PRESIDENT OF STRATEGIC INITIATIVES

Kevin Spafford is passionate about ensuring those with the most challenges and barriers in our society get the help they need to achieve their full potential and live with dignity. Kevin Spafford began his career in the Ontario Government, advising Ministers in legislative affairs and communications roles including the Minister of Health and Minister of Children and Youth Services. In his various roles, he was involved in the Ontario Autism Program, as well as the redevelopment of long term care facilities. He subsequently held public affairs and sustainability roles in the private sector and most recently led the Social Impact program at GreenShield, Canada’s largest non-profit social enterprise.

Kevin holds an Honors BA in Political Science and Certificate in Writing from Western University and a Graduate Diploma in Social Responsibility & Sustainability from the University of Toronto.

Kevin Spafford


KELLY WEST
VICE-PRESIDENT, COMMUNITY SERVICES

Kelly West is an experienced leader in the developmental services and children’s mental health sector. As the Vice President of Community Services at Kerry’s Place Autism Services she is responsible for system planning and leadership with the Ontario Autism Program, complex special needs strategy and provincial and federal service sector planning for persons with ASD and their families.

Kelly holds a B.Soc.Sc. with a concentration in Criminology from the University of Ottawa, Bachelor of Social Work degree and Master of Social Work degree from York University and an Executive Master of Business Administration degree. She sits on the Board of Directors for York Region Children’s Aid Society and is a member of the Governance Committee.

Kelly West