HDSB SEAC Reps

Each school board has a SEAC representative and an alternate for the Autism Ontario Halton/North Halton Chapters. Here are the bios for the Halton District School Board:

HDSB

Carla Marshall, SEAC Representative

Carla Marshall is mom to a lovely 11 year old girl with Autism. She has been involved with Autism initiatives since 2008, beginning with working with the CLC to promote and secure media coverage for the Cycle for Autism. In 2009, Carla was the event chair for the event and also sat on the CLC for the Halton Chapter of Autism Ontario.

Carla works full time as a Communications Advisor for the City of Burlington. She has a B.A.A. from Ryerson University, an Advertising Design Certificate from George Brown College, is a Certified Festivals and Events Executive (C.F.E.E.) and is currently attending McMaster University and will be receiving her Post-Graduate Diploma in Public Relations in 2015.

She has vast experience with boards, elected officials and leading and participating in groups with diverse goals and interests. She is passionate about education, especially when it comes to bringing out the potential in children on the spectrum.

Follow Carla @craZK9PRgrl on twitter.

Jess Urcuyo, SEAC Alternate

Jess is an active volunteer in our local community, and sits on the Chapter Leadership Council for the Autism Ontario Halton Chapter. She is involved with PAATH, Parents of Adults with Autism Transitioning through Hope, and along with her Standard Poodle, volunteers as a certified pediatric Therapy Dog team for St John Ambulance. She is a registered Occupational Therapist by profession, and the Director of a local pediatric therapy company.

Jess’ biggest inspiration is her younger brother who can drive, has a full-time job, lives semi-independently, and has autism. As a sibling of a young man with autism, Jess understands the challenges families face throughout their journey from education through employment. She’s a natural problem solver who is driven to make a positive change in her corner of the world.

In her downtime, Jess loves exploring new hiking trails, yoga, and cooking. She truly believes that life is full of opportunities and solutions if you’re willing to think a little differently.

Both Carla and Jess can be reached by email at halton.publicseac@autismontario.com or leave a comment on the blog.