CONNECT Hamilton purpose-built brain injury rehabilitation home aerial view in Stoney Creek

Stoney Creek, Hamilton, Ontario — est. 2019

CONNECT
Hamilton

Opened in 2019 in partnership with Hamilton Health Sciences, CONNECT Hamilton is a purpose-built 42-bedroom condo-style home in beautiful Stoney Creek. Rehabilitation happens in real life here, not a clinical setting. Guided by a Coaching Resource Team 24/7, approximately 70% of the people we support move home or to less dependent environments.

Leading Practice — Accreditation Canada 42 bedrooms HHS Partnership 24/7 Coaching Resource Team Award-winning building
Get in touch (289) 389-2200 Download Referrer Guide
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Call us to learn more about CONNECT Hamilton

(289) 389-2200
0%

move home or to less dependent settings

0+

years supporting people after brain injury

0

bedrooms across BC and Ontario

Service Evaluation

What the evidence shows

CONNECT has completed two Service Evaluations, one from Lake Country data in 2017 and one from Hamilton data in 2024. Both reveal consistent and powerful outcomes for the people we support and the systems we work within.

1

Outstanding Personal Outcomes

2

Significant System Improvement Contribution

3

Value for Money

Read the findings directly. Choose the version that works for you.

4-page summary

Better Outcomes: The Power of Partnership and Innovation in Brain Injury

A condensed overview of the key findings from the Hamilton Service Evaluation, covering outcomes, system impact, and value for money.

Download PDF →

Full report

CONNECT Hamilton Service Evaluation: Positive Impacts on People, Health Systems and Finances

The complete evaluation document covering all findings, methodology, and future potential of the CONNECT model.

Download PDF →

Our reputation

30+ years of making lives better

CONNECT was founded in 1993 by mother-son team Janet and John Sherwood, drawing on their own family's experience with brain injury. Starting from a single home in Langley, BC, that founding intention still runs through everything CONNECT does today.

Three decades later, CONNECT has grown to 168 bedrooms across six locations in British Columbia and Ontario, serving thousands of people living with acquired brain injury and stroke.

Hamilton, ON ★ Langley, BC Lake Country, BC Richmond, BC Saanich Peninsula, BC Parksville, BC — coming soon
CONNECT Communities team celebrating 5 years at Hamilton

30+

Years of experience

One of the longest-running specialized ABI organizations in Canada. Founded 1993, Langley BC.

168

Bedrooms across Canada

Five locations in BC and Ontario. A sixth opening soon in Parksville, BC.

1000s

Lives redesigned

Thousands of people supported across all CONNECT locations to rebuild independence and return home.

Accreditation Canada Leading Practice badge awarded to CONNECT Communities

Accreditation
Canada

Leading Practice — Accreditation Canada

CONNECT's Life Redesign Model has been designated a Leading Practice by Accreditation Canada in client and family-centred care for Acquired Brain Injury services. This recognition is awarded to programs that demonstrate innovation, measurable outcomes, and a replicable model that other organizations can learn from. CONNECT is one of the few ABI organizations in Canada to hold this designation.

Leading Practice
Exemplary Standing
HHS Partnership
Resident working with Life Redesign Coach at CONNECT Hamilton

Our approach

Life Redesign after brain injury and stroke

At CONNECT Hamilton, rehabilitation happens in the middle of real life — not in a clinical setting removed from it. Our Coaching Resource Team works alongside each person 24/7 to rebuild routines, relationships, and independence on their own terms.

We don't measure success by move-out dates. We measure it by whether someone can cook their own meals, walk their dog, rejoin their community, or move back home. That's what Life Redesign means.

Inside and outside of CONNECT Hamilton's award-winning building, the Leading Practice Life Redesign Model is changing lives for the better — in a non-institutional setting where people work toward the life they want.

Learn more about Life Redesign →

"CONNECT believed in me when I didn't believe in myself. The goals eventually became bigger and bigger, and now I am living completely independently."

— Person supported at CONNECT

24/7 Coaching Resource Team Real-life setting Person-centred Non-institutional Community transition focus

Life at CONNECT

A home, not a facility

CONNECT Hamilton is 42 bedrooms of real life. From morning routines and community BBQs to woodworking, smudging ceremonies, and dogs in the hallway — this is what rehabilitation looks like when it's rooted in living.

Resident with dog at CONNECT Hamilton
Community BBQ at CONNECT Hamilton
Life Redesign Coach supporting a resident in daily activities at CONNECT Hamilton
Smudging ceremony at CONNECT Hamilton — Indigenous cultural practice
Common space inside CONNECT Hamilton

Take a tour

See CONNECT Hamilton

Watch a walkthrough of our Hamilton location — the common spaces, bedrooms, rehabilitation areas, and the neighbourhood it sits in.

CONNECT Hamilton — Site Tour

In their words

What people say about CONNECT

"I've lived here almost 4 years and I can safely say, connect has changed my life."

Eli Klein, Person We Support

Life Redesign Coach with brain injury rehab patient
Community BBQ at CONNECT Hamilton

"There was no laying in bed past 10am like in the hospital. CONNECT was all about good routines, independence, and preparing our own meals."

— Keith, former resident

"We were a family and supported each other a lot. The people living and working here were pretty incredible."

— Tracy, former resident

"I call them my brain wizards. These are pretty special people who do good work for people like me. I'm very, very fortunate."

— Dan, former resident

"I have joined a club and am part of a choir. I am studying library tech at Mohawk. Things have been really good."

— Michael, former resident

Brain injury rehab patient speaking at CONNECT's anniversary

"I praise CONNECT every opportunity I get. The people working here are making a big difference in people's lives."

— Peter, former resident

✦

"The whole philosophy behind CONNECT and helping people redesign their lives after brain injury and stroke really speaks to me."

— Denise, Life Redesign Coach, CONNECT Hamilton

How it works

From first conversation to coming home

CONNECT Hamilton purpose-built brain injury rehabilitation building in Stoney Creek
1

Initial conversation

We listen, answer questions, and help you understand whether CONNECT is the right fit.

2

Assessment and proposal

We conduct a needs assessment and prepare a tailored cost proposal for submission to the insurer or funder.

3

Tour the home

See CONNECT Hamilton in person or virtually. We want people to feel at home before they arrive.

4

Rehabilitation

3-month funding cycles with regular progress reporting. An integrated team, a real-life setting, and a person-centred plan that evolves with the person being supported.

5

Coming home

Planned transition to home or a less dependent environment, with full documentation and continued support through the next chapter.

For referral partners

Supporting you at every stage

We work closely with lawyers, case managers, OTs, and insurers — generating the documentation you need while the individual supported rebuilds their life.

Cost-of-Support documentation

3-month cycles with detailed cost reporting — directly usable in support cost claims and legal proceedings.

Functional progress reports

Demonstrates level of support required and outcomes achieved at every stage of rehabilitation.

Transition planning

Clear move-out documentation from intensive residential care to community reintegration.

One integrated daily rate

Simpler cost-of-care calculations versus itemizing piecemeal services across multiple providers.

Funding sources

We work with your funding source

Arrangements are tailored to each case. We have experience working with all major third-party funders in Ontario and British Columbia.

MVA / Auto Insurance (SABS) WSIB ICBC WorkSafeBC Litigation & settlement Long-term disability Veterans Affairs Canada Private / family resources

Our team can discuss your client's situation confidentially — including funding pathways, timelines, and next steps.

Get in touch Download Referrer Guide

What referral partners receive

Detailed cost proposals

Tailored to your client's needs and ready for funder submission

Regular progress reports

3-month cycle updates on functional outcomes and care levels

Direct access to our team

One point of contact throughout the entire placement

Transition documentation

Complete discharge package when your client comes home

Ready to talk?

Your first conversation starts here

We respond to all inquiries within one business day. No commitment required — just a conversation.

Get in touch

Adam Van Sickle

First point of contact for placements, funding questions, and case consultations in Ontario.

Call: 289-260-7743 Email Adam

Download

Referrer Guide

A 2-page overview of the model, outcomes, funding pathways, and how to refer.

Download the guide

Our Team

People
Huda Khadra
Huda Khadra

Nutrition Coach (Registered Dietician)

Hi, I’m Huda Abu Khadra, and I am a nutrition coach or registered dietician at CONNECT Hamilton. I support individuals in making confident, informed food choices that align with their health needs and long-term goals. Whether  managing a chronic condition, working on sustainable weight management, or navigating dietary changes like gluten-free eating, I’m here to offer flexible and realistic guidance — grounded in science and adapted to everyday life.

Dee Sperry
Dee Sperry

Communication Coach

My name is Dee Sperry, and I am one of the Communication Coaches at CONNECT Hamilton. I am here to support residents, families, and team members as we work together toward meaningful life redesign goals. I think a lot about thinking, talking, and how people get along, and how these abilities help us connect with the world around us.
I believe communication is about much more than words. It is about relationships, participation, confidence, and belonging. When communication works better, people have more opportunities to engage with others to do the things that matter most to them.  I love discovering creative ways to connect with others.

Emilie Whitty
Emilie Whitty

Social Wellness Coach (Social Worker)

My role as Social Wellness Coach (Social Worker) is to support individuals with building meaningful connections, navigating challenges, and accessing resources such as financial support and housing options, all while providing a listening ear to help individuals feel empowered throughout their Life Redesign journey.

Alison Lambert
Alison Lambert

Communication Coach

My name is Alison Lambert, and I am a Communication Coach at CONNECT Communities in Hamilton. My role focuses on supporting individuals as they navigate the cognitive, communication, and swallowing challenges that can arise following an acquired brain injury, with the goal of helping them return to meaningful roles, relationships, and activities.

I believe communication is at the heart of who we are. It shapes our relationships, helps us express our values and identity, and allows us to participate in the things that give our lives meaning. Through compassionate, human-centred support and close collaboration with the CONNECT team, I have the privilege of walking alongside individuals as they rediscover their strengths, rebuild confidence, and redesign a life that reflects what matters most to them. Outside of work, you'll usually find me exploring local trails, bird watching, or soaking up time in nature.

Sai Vajravelu
Sai Vajravelu

Physical Coach

As a Physical Coach (Physiotherapist), I work alongside the people we support, their families, and the interdisciplinary coaching team to help individuals achieve their goals. My role focuses on supporting physical mobility, balance, strength, endurance, and functional movement so that people can participate more fully in the activities that matter most to them. Whether the goal is to improve mobility at home, increase community participation, return to recreation, or enhance overall physical function, I collaborate with individuals to identify their strengths, overcome barriers, and create practical strategies that translate rehabilitation into everyday life. 

Heather deBoer
Heather deBoer

Physical Coach

I work with the people we support, their families and the other coaches to support individuals in their physical mobility. This can be anything from getting out of bed and around the house, to recreational physical activities like rising a bike! I love supporting people to find ways to engage in parts of their lives that are meaningful and bring joy to the day to day!

Amanda McKinnon
Amanda McKinnon

Independence Coach (Occupational Therapist)

As the Independence Coach (Occupational Therapist), my role involves supporting residents to increase their independence in meaningful daily activities, both within the home and in the community. This involves assessing where individuals are at, what support they need, and what skills they can build on. This might involve learning to use strategies to support memory and attention while making a meal. Or, trying an assistive device to increase independence with dressing, or a mobility aid to get around more independently.

Alex Grevatt
Alex Grevatt

People Resource Coach

I started my journey at CONNECT Hamilton as a Life Redesign Coach and now my job as the People Resource Coach is to be a coordinator and advisor for all things related to our Life Redesign Coaches. My goal is to help build an inclusive, supportive and collaborative environment by championing clear communication, performance development, and workplace culture. My focus is the schedule, support, guidance, growth and development of the coaches at CONNECT Hamilton. PS – don’t forget to fill out your timecards!

Jamie Curran
Jamie Curran

Director of Culture, People and Services

Jamie Curran is responsible for supporting our people and making sure CONNECT is a safe, healthy, and inclusive place to live and work. He is focused on mirroring consistency and efficiency between our locations, quality enhancement initiatives, strategic and operational planning, leadership coaching, mentoring and support, and financial stewardship and accountability.

Adam Van Sickle
Adam Van Sickle

Service Access and Transitions Leader

My role is to support smooth transitions into and out of CONNECT. This is done by getting to know the person prior to moving in, and through conversations with the CONNECT Hamilton team, we make sure everything is ready for move in day and we are ready to hit the ground running. I enjoy getting to know all the people at CONNECT, hearing their stories and learning from them.

Heather Busili
Heather Busili

Physical Coach (Physiotherapist)

I work with the people we support, their families and the other coaches to support individuals in their physical mobility. This can be anything from getting out of bed and around the house, to recreational physical activities like rising a bike! I love supporting people to find ways to engage in parts of their lives that are meaningful and bring joy to the day to day!

Primrose Bonomale
Primrose Bonomale

Leader of Culture, People and Services - Hamilton

I am a Social Worker by background. My role is to ensure the CONNECT team has what it needs to support the individuals living here and their families as they redesign their lives after a brain injury or stroke. At the core of what we do is CONNECT’s culture, service philosophy, vision and values.

Ryan Wheeler
Ryan Wheeler

Play Coach (Recreation Therapist)

I help people get involved in activities, relationships, and experiences that bring them joy and a sense of belonging. My role focuses on community integration, supporting individuals to explore their interests, build connections, and participate in meaningful recreation and leisure opportunities. Whether it's going camping, biking, meeting up for coffee, or attending community and in-house events, I work alongside people to help them connect with others and spend their time in ways that are enjoyable and meaningful to them. I believe that recreation and leisure play an important role in overall well-being, personal growth, and creating a life filled with purpose and fun.

Jennifer Reid
Jennifer Reid

Health and Wellness Coach (Registered Nurse)

My role includes helping the people we support achieve any health and wellness goals which includes ensuring they have the necessary medical interventions required to live a better life after a brain injury or stroke. I frequently engage in health promotion and education with the people we support so they can improve their health. One of my favourite parts about my role is promoting independence in the people we support, for example, working with them so they can take their medication on their own which contributes to better health outcomes.

Sylvia Szara
Sylvia Szara

Administrative Resource Coach

I work collaboratively with Alex, Joanne and Matt and together we are your trusty Resource Team! I can help our coaches with any financial needs, which can range from your day-to-day groceries, ordering supplies, helping with making fun activities our coaches and the people we support have planned happen, and helping the people we support with their finances (i.e. comfort funds). I started at CONNECT Hamilton as a Life Redesign Coach and can lend a helping hand whenever you need it. My favorite part of my job is getting to interact with wonderful humans daily.

Matt Hudak
Matt Hudak

Home Resource Coach

My role involves maintaining CONNECT Hamilton – inside and out! Being the home resource coach also gives me the flexibility to collaborate with the people we support, participate in activities, and help the people we support reach their goals. This fun approach provides meaningful activities by utilizing our Life Redesign Model to help individuals acquire skills and help build confidence through active engagement. My role serves all the people at CONNECT to make their daily lives easier, safer and more enjoyable.

Joanne Trigiani
Joanne Trigiani

Service Resource Coach

My role is part of the resource team including Sylvia, Alex and Matt. I provide all kinds of support for our Life Redesign Coaches, the people we support and the professional coaching team. My favorite part of my day is time spent getting to know the people we support.

Amber Span
Amber Span

Social Wellness Coach (Social Worker)

I work with the people we support and their families to navigate housing options, access financial support, and connect with vital resources in the community. I am also grateful to have the opportunity to encourage and support individuals in overcoming personal challenges and to be a part of the positive change in their lives.