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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.