"Respite affords us the ability to let our guard down emotionally and physically." - Safehaven Family

about safehaven

Special People

We have some very special people at Safehaven. People who believe every child matters. People who want their special children to live normal lives and experience the joys of childhood and family life. People who have the patience and consideration to give of themselves tirelessly. We are a community of special people. Come and get to know us.

Our Families

Safehaven is a community. Families of the children we serve become members of Safehaven. Families have a key to the house. Families are very engaged with the organization, can be a member of the Board and are encouraged to participate as volunteers in a number of ways that make a difference to how the children experience daily living with Safehaven. Family involvement is paramount at Safehaven.

Staff Profiles

Meet our special people. The staff at Safehaven has taken the time to prepare a brief profile sharing some information on their own background and what they like most about working at Safehaven. Please enjoy these introductions to some amazing folks who believe and are committed to ensuring that every child matters.

Elsha Van Der Linden
  • A bit about yourself:
  • Been a practicing social worker for over 20 years.
  • Started career in developmental services; pleased to be working with families and their special needs children again.
  • Born in Holland, one of five siblings.
  • Enjoys hiking, cycling, traveling and reading.
  • Painter of water colours.
  • What you like best about working at Safehaven:
  • Has met amazing families; learned from their challenges.
  • Children are extraordinary; has had to learn new way of communicating.
  • Inspired by families.
  • Values working in a place where the staff are dedicated and truly want to make a difference.
  • Staff believe in what they do and enjoy their job.
Gillion Mootoo
  • A bit about yourself:
  • I am originally from Guyana, South America.
  • I am married with three children, two boys and one girl.
  • I have worked at Safehaven since 2005 at the Glenaden and Clayland locations.
  • I attended Medix School in Canada and Ruskin College in England.
  • What you like best about working at Safehaven:
  • Friendly environment and the beautiful residents that always put a smile on my face.

Laura Pangman
  • A bit about yourself:
  • Recently married and looking forward to having a family.
  • Love to travel, playing golf and tennis, listening to music, going to concerts.
  • Graduated from Trent University.
  • Born and raised in Toronto.
  • What you like best about working at Safehaven:
  • The children and families.
  • All of the staff.
  • Opportunities to take on new positions.
  • Have worked at Safehaven since 1996 – still love coming to work everyday.
  • Enjoy meeting new families.
  • Promoting the organization in the community.
Colleen Ashmore
  • A bit about yourself:
  • Born in Lindsay, Ontario.
  • I have three brothers, four nieces and one nephew.
  • My mother worked for 15 years as a Special Education teacher.
  • Bachelor of Arts (Sociology) Degree - University of Western Ontario.
  • Master of Arts Degree, Health Services Administration- Dalhousie University.
  • As a front line worker – I have worked in all areas of developmental services – day program, supported independent living, supported employment, residential and respite. I also have experience in long term care – working as a nurse aide in nursing homes and home care.
  • Have worked in developmental services sector for over 19 years – the last 10 years in a management role.
  • Worked for 9 years at Community Living Kawartha Lakes; 10 years in a management position with the Canadian Mental Health Association in Peterborough.
  • Enjoy reading, hiking, walking, music, photography and my family and friends.
  • What you like best about working at Safehaven:
  • A former supervisor once told me that I needed to find the potential in individuals. It didn't matter if that potential was small – just so long as you could help them to develop and share with others.
  • Learned that the potential a child brings to the world can go a lot deeper than a smile. Everyone who meets a Safehaven child immediately learns something about themselves – compassion, generosity or even fear. That makes our children pretty powerful teachers!
Annie Persaud
  • A bit about yourself:
  • Recently married.
  • I am from South America (Guyana) and have three sisters.
  • Child and Youth Worker diploma - Centennial College.
  • I love water sports and vacationing in the tropics.
  • My goal is to further my education in the health care field and have a family of my own.
  • What you like best about working at Safehaven:
  • Making a difference in children's lives each day is rewarding.
  • Putting a smile on their beautiful faces.
  • Enjoy integrating them into the community, so they can have the quality of life that everyone else enjoys.
  • Enjoy the group of girls that I work with as we work as a FAMILY!
Michelle Hajder
  • A bit about yourself:
  • Born in Cambridge, ON.
  • Certificate in Payroll Administration - Conestoga College.
  • Worked at Ceridian and Nebbs as payroll administrator.
  • Have one older brother and a dog.
  • Hobbies include reading and movies; would like to learn knitting.
  • Began working at Safehaven as a Program Administrative Assistant.
  • What you like best about working at Safehaven:
  • I feel fortunate to have been given the opportunity to share in the lives of families and their children on a daily basis.
Molly D'Souza
  • A bit about yourself:
  • Immigrated to Canada from India in 2005.
  • Bachelor's Degree in Special Education from S.N.D.T. University in Mumbai, India.
  • I also have a Bachelor's Degree in Commerce.
  • Prior to coming to Canada, I was a teacher for special needs children. I am married and have two children.
  • What you like best about working at Safehaven:
  • I like Safehaven because all staff is treated equal no matter what your culture is.
  • I enjoy seeing the smiles on the resident's faces everyday.
  • Having the opportunity to show your talents and grow as a person each day.
  • Grateful that Safehaven remembers to thank the staff (even for small actions) by sending thank you notes. Their appreciation is very encouraging.
Narine (Ramesh) Singh
  • A bit about yourself:
  • Been with Safehaven since 2004.
  • Immigrated to Canada from Guyana and has 10 siblings.
  • Witty, loves to cook, entertain and travel.
  • What you like best about working at Safehaven:
  • Love the kids and want to see them happy and in good health.
  • Safehaven is a great place to work and grow.
  • Real feeling of "team".

Carol Hamilton
  • A bit about yourself:
  • Mother of three children and one granddaughter.
  • Born in Jamaica.
  • Have three sisters and one brother.
  • Been at Safehaven since 2004.
  • What you like best about working at Safehaven:
  • Love working with the kids and feel I have something to give them.
  • The children make my day and bring out the best in me.
  • Made a good choice coming to Safehaven.
  • Safehaven gave me a chance as I didn't have experience - I will not forget it.

Partners

There are many organizations dedicated to meeting the special needs of Safehaven children and their families. We are delighted to work with and share best practices with a host of organizations. If you or your family have a multiply disable child then please access some of the resources and services available to you through the hot links provided to some of our partners in care.

Tourism Toronto: Relax, Recharge & Renew

What is this unique program? Created by Tourism Toronto, this initiative was created to give families a chance to have a break from the strains of raising a child with severe special needs.

Andrew Wier, Tourism Toronto's vice-president of communications, says: "We were looking for a way to help kids and realized that sometimes the best way to help them is to do something for their parents." What better way to do that than to provide parents with an all expense paid weekend in Toronto, tailored to their tastes, while their child enjoys their respite stay?

Tourism Toronto's goal is to help about 100 families per year. Safehaven is very excited to be involved with this partnership program! Safehaven just participated in Tourism Toronto's 250th family weekend.

For more information on Relax, Recharge & Renew, families should access the agency that provides respite care for their child or call Safehaven.

See our other partner links below: