Panelists; Dr. Naomi Gryfe- Saperia
Monday October 20, 2025 Annual dFAN Caregiver MeetingDr. Naomi Gryfe Saperia is a Clinical and Health Psychologist in Ontario with experience working both in hospitals and private practice helping patients and families navigate the complexities of living with illness and disability. Naomi is published in multiple medical and psychological journals and combines her professional expertise with her lived experience as a caregiver to advise various hospital, regional and provincial health-care related committees. She also teaches medical trainees on how to effectively communicate with patients and families, as well as to patients and families on how to effectively advocate for their needs. Her current clinical practice focuses on supporting the mental health and well-being of those caring for a loved one with an illness or disability as well as military veterans and families navigating the complexities of trauma.
Adam Saperia
Adam Saperia is a seasoned healthcare executive with over 12 years of senior leadership experience in organizations serving diverse patient populations across the country. He is currently the CEO of KixCare, Canada’s only national, virtual healthcare provider focused exclusively on pediatrics. Adam is also the proud older brother of a young adult with autism, a role that has profoundly shaped his perspective on inclusion, care, and advocacy. He is a long-time supporter of DANI – Developing and Nurturing Independence. Since 2016, Adam has served on the Board of Directors of National Service Dogs, a charity that pioneered the first Certified Service Dog program for autism in 1996.
Moderator; David Krygier-Baum
David is the Director of the Wagner Green Centre for Access and Inclusion at the Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre (MNJcc) in Toronto, where he leads the organization’s accessibility strategy grounded in values of dignity, wholeness, and interdependence. With over a decade of experience in education, program development, and inclusive community engagement, David is dedicated to creating joyful, welcoming spaces where individuals of all abilities can thrive. He oversees a dynamic team delivering barrier-free programming, staff training, and outreach initiatives that celebrate diversity and belonging. Deeply rooted in communal life, David is passionate about building connections, elevating participant voice, and leading with warmth, creativity, and care.
Facilitators;
Meghan Ostoma; I am currently pursuing my Master’s in Social Work at York University. I have several years of experience working with older adults and individuals with disabilities. I spent three years as a Program Coordinator at DANI Toronto and now work at DANI Residential. I’m passionate about creating inclusive spaces and supporting families. I enjoy all types of baking and partner with DANI to create and supply decorative sugar cookies for the holidays.
Carrie Weiss; With over 30 years of experience in philanthropy, Carrie Weiss has dedicated her career to creating inclusive, impactful community spaces, with a special focus on the neurodiverse community. Carrie proudly serves as the Coordinator of the Volunteer Department at Reena, where she leads with compassion, vision, and a deep commitment to inclusion. Under her guidance, more than 40 volunteers have contributed over 1,300 hours year-to-date, bringing joy, connection, and purpose to the individuals and families Reena supports. Carrie’s work is rooted in the belief that every person deserves to be celebrated and included, and she empowers others to live that mission through dedicated service and meaningful engagement.
Judy Zimlichman; Born in Hungary 1953; Arrived to Montreal October 1971; Education: Concordia University, McGill University – BSW & MASTER OF
SOCIAL WORK; attended Universite de Montreal: Intensive French anguage; speaks four languages: Hungarian, Yiddish, English and French;Worked in JGH/SW in Oncology, Palliative Care and Geriatrics CLSC Rene Cassin Community Home Services-member of the
multidisciplinary Team including Psychogeriatrics; Field Supervisor for McGill MSW program students doing their Field Work
at CLSC Rene Cassin Founder and Executive Director for twelve years of JASE (Jewish Association for Special Education), established in Montreal, May 1981; it is a day-school special education programs serving children with learning disabilities and intellectual challenges; Miriam Home Users Committee Board member from 2014-2020; One of the Founders of Maison Shalom, established group homes in 1987 and 2003; these are the only shomer Shabbat, kosher Jewish residential
permanent homes in Canada for children and young adults with disabilities;Self-Published her first book about Hungary& My Family there. Title: A Legacy of Faith and Triumph, in 2006; Second book Published by iUniverse, titled “A Special Heart” is about living
life with son who is intellectually handicapped, published by IUniverse i Title: A Special Heart. Facilitated for her son (with developmental disabilities) to record his own CD in 2008.
She has been an artist for the past 30 years. It has been providing her for
the expression of her passion for nature and her culture. It has also allowed
her to cope with life’s challenges in a creative way. Most of her paintings
have been donated to charitable organizations (in Montreal) to enable
them to raise funds for special needs through the sale of the paintings.
Monday January 8th Housing Models
Jennifer Corrie
Jennifer Corrie has been actively working in the Developmental Services sector for over 30 years. She is a graduate from the Child and Youth Worker program at George Brown College in Toronto. In addition, she has also completed management training through the Developmental Services sector and York University. Currently, Jennifer is the Manager of the Community Participation Supports Program at New Leaf Living and Learning Together Inc. Her role is to provide leadership to Direct Support Professionals and support individuals with complex support needs. Jennifer is passionate about enriching people’s lives through developing meaningful programming and community partnerships.
Dr. Michael Held
Dr. Michael Held is the driving force behind ETTA, which he helped to establish in 1993. Dr. Held has led ETTA’s board and staff in growing the organization from a start-up into the largest agency of its kind in Southern California. Today, ETTA offers a multitude of programs that serve upwards of 700 youth and adults with developmental differences each month.
A licensed psychotherapist, Dr. Held recognized three decades ago that the special needs community increasingly desired independent living options. Under his leadership, ETTA created its Housing and Supportive Living Division, which offers a wide range of housing opportunities. ETTA has earned a national reputation for excellence in its housing programs, with a 97% group home retention rate.
In 2021 ETTA’s leadership team was retained to manage the creation of a new organization, Cornerstone Housing, with Dr. Held at the helm. Cornerstone is addressing the urgent need for independent living options for the neurodiverse community, with a focus on social and vocational opportunities. Its flagship enterprise, The Bhatia Family Village, is currently under construction in the heart of walkable West Los Angeles, with doors slated to open in 2025. The 64-unit apartment community will empower adults with developmental differences to live fully enriched, inclusive, and independent lives.
Bryan Keshen
Bryan began as CEO of Reena in May 2014 but his involvement with Reena has
spanned the last 50 years from volunteer work advocating for the first homes to support
worker and even Kitchen staff ( chief bottle washer). Reena during Bryan’s tenure has
doubled in service, budget and staff with over 800 staff and a $ 72 million budget.
Previously Bryan had worked for over 25 years in Jewish Communal Services. Bryan’s
diverse background includes having held roles as: Camp Director, Supplemental School
Director, Planning Associate, Campaign Director and Executive Director to each of the
three Jewish Community Centre’s in Toronto.
Bryan Keshen, is a graduate from The University of Toronto’s Masters in Social Work
and honours graduate of York University’s Faculty of Education and Jewish Educators
program with diploma in social service management at University of Toronto.
Bryan Volunteers roles include U of T’s Faculty of Social work, President’s Advisory
council to McKenzie Hospital in York region, Chair the Ontario Development services
partnership table on health, York region public health advisory committee, Chair of the
Western York Region Ontario Health Team and member of the York Region accessibility
advisory committee .
Bryan and his wife Belinda share in the joy of two children and a grandson and live in
Thronhill.
Housing: Bryan has been a fierce advocate and sought after expert on the development of
supportive housing. Having successfully advocated for targeted national investment for
the DS sector as part of the National Housing Strategy. Bryan helped found the
Intentional community consortium and has led Reena in developing 2 multi unit housing
projects and expanding housing options including Reena owned condos , new mental
health transitional homes and more
Dr. Sharon Gabison
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