It gives us immense pride in saying  how great they are as a team members. With team members like these, we are able to achieve and do so more than we ever thought possible. We thank you them for everything that they do for the organization.

Executive Director

My name is Tina Delainey. I was born and raised in Fort McMurray, I lived here my whole life. I have a supportive husband; Clint, and have four amazing children Gabrielle, AJ, Hunter and Owen. My children have differential diagnosis, including Autism and my nephew was diagnosed with Autism. With a few other members and I of the current board returned from the fire in 2016 and decided that the community needed more, so we formed the Autism Society of the RMWB. I have a background in business and knew the skills I have could benefit being on the Board. Being a part of this Society has brought me great pride in our board members, volunteers and everyone involved with the accomplishments we have done.

Program Director

My name is Paula Bowen. I was born in Wales, UK. and lived in Fort McMurray with my husband and children since 2008. I have been supporting children and adults with autism for 20 years in various capacities. Most of my career I have worked in special education and early years education; I have been involved with the organization and running of Camp Kids First in our community since 2011. There are many exciting things happening as our board grows and flourishes and I’m proud to volunteer alongside like-minded people with a passion for autism awareness in our community.

Community Development Officer

My name is Danielle Lidstone, I was born in Ontario but have called Fort McMurray home for over 30 years. I have a supportive husband and two children. While being a stay-at-home mom I found a passion in nonprofit and volunteering in our community. In 2019 I went to school and completed a nonprofit management certificate. I enjoy giving my time to various organizations in our community. While being a volunteer in the community I see the importance of inclusion. Although there has been a lot of progress through the years, I see the opportunity and need for the continued growth to build an inclusive community. I am excited to be part of the Autism Society to help build inclusion, awareness and support families.

Employment Support Facilitator

My name is Lindsay Yayechnick and I am proudly born and raised in Fort McMurray. My passion has always been to help people. My main goal in life is to positively impact as many people as I can. I have worked with neurodiverse individuals previously and I am excited to expand my knowledge and skills and be able to help more people.  I can often be spotted out in the community, dressed up in costumes and spreading smiles.  I am very excited to be a part of the team and help build an inclusive, judge-free community.

Employment Support Facilitator

My name is Courtney; I was born in St. John’s, Newfoundland, but have called Fort McMurray my home for the last 28 years. I have two beautiful children and a supportive husband. I went to school to be in the healthcare field but quickly found my passion for helping individuals struggling with mental health and educating myself on our community resources. I am excited to be a part of this team and expand my knowledge with individuals who are neurodiverse and help build inclusion in our community.

Lifeskills Leader

My name is Leslie Rae Samson, Life Skills Coordinator at the Autism Society RMWB. Caring for others and assisting those in need has always been my passion. With a background of Nursing Aide, I came to Canada to work as a Caregiver. I have been in Fort McMurray since 2014 and had work in several Non-Profits for more than 5 years. My work right now is split between working at the Fort McMurray SPCA, Autism Society, and as a Service Representative in a Credit Union. I like to volunteer at our local Food Bank as well as Saint Aidan Society, when I am not busy. I love spending time with my family cooking, baking, playing board and video games, reading, and training my 2 dogs. My life is trying anything and everything new, exploring everything that I can. So when I get older, I get to tell stories about how I’ve tried all these wonderful things that makes me happy. To be able to say I have no regrets, I’ve earned my way, and it has led me here.

Disability Resource Coordinator

My name is Barb Fitzpatrick. I was born in Newfoundland but have lived in Fort McMurray since 2002. I have a wonderful husband and two awesome boys. My youngest son was born with Cerebral Palsy. I knew this would be very challenging as a parent, so I became involved in our community to find support for him and me.

Lastly, but definitely not least, our social respite staff. These support workers are earth angels. They keep your kiddos safe AND having the best time. We couldn’t do it without them!