Meet the Team
Introducing our exceptional team, who bring together diverse talents and skills united by a common purpose. With dedication, collaboration, and a shared commitment, each team member contributes their unique strengths to achieve our collective goals. Get ready to meet the team and embark on a journey towards a brighter future.
Program Supervisors
Christine-Lisa Denis
Program Supervisor: The East Mall
Christine-Lisa started her journey as a camp counsellor at Camp Amy Molson in Montréal where she was introduced to people with intellectual disabilities. She then opened a chapter of Best Buddies at George Brown, the college she was attending. Christine-Lisa was lucky to be paired with a person supported by Community Living Toronto (CLTO). Her next placement was at an Employment Training Service for CLTO. Christine was hired as a relief staff, then moved up the ladder to a Support Worker II and then a Support Worker III. One of Christine-Lisa favorite parts of being a Support Worker III was planning boat cruises, outings and after hours activities. Christine enjoys photography, reading and spending a lot of time with her son.
Charmaine Palmer
Program Supervisor: Adult Respite
Charmaine been a part of CLTO for over 20 years, and has worked in various departments across the agency during her tenure. These Including Supported living homes and SIL, Central ADP and Foster Connection, Youth 2 Work, children’s and adult respite.
In Charmaine’s spare time, she enjoys travelling, going for long hikes, and spending time with family and friends.
Nicole Mazzotta
Program Supervisor: Children's Repsite
Nicole’s journey began with early experiences coaching gymnastics, including impactful one-on-one sessions with a child with autism, igniting a passion for helping others. This passion led her to undertake a student placement with Community Living Mississauga during her academic years. Following graduation, Nicole dedicated seven years to the Mental Health sector at Regeneration Community Services before transitioning to Community Living Toronto in 2019. Over the past four years, Nicole held various roles, progressing from Support Worker II at North York SWACA to Support Worker III Ennerdale Children’s Respite then Caseworker with Lifeshare, to her current role as Program Supervisor.
In Nicole’s spare time, she finds joy in various activities that cater to her diverse interests. Whether it’s hiking through nature trails, experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, or delving into strategic board games with loved ones, each moment is filled with adventure and camaraderie. Nicole also cherishes peaceful bike rides through scenic routes and cozy movie nights at home, where she can unwind with her partner and cuddle up with their beloved dog.
Dennis Cadenas
Program Supervisor: Advance Road
Dennis has worked at Community Living Toronto for over 14 years in a variety of different capacities throughout the organization–from Supportive Living, Supported Independent Living, Community Participation Supports, and Virtual Programming while also being part of various committees. Before working at Community Living Toronto, he worked at Social Planning Toronto, Amnesty International, Rexdale Women’s Centre and as a part time Bartender at various restaurants in Toronto’s downtown core. Dennis speaks fluent Spanish and is a world traveler seeing over 20 countries around the world. He enjoys, drawing/sketching, listening to a wide range of music, dancing to Latin music and practicing his mixology skills when possible. He loves camping, is an avid soccer/football fan, big foodie, and a big film buff.
Carmen McNeil
Program Supervisor: Fairfax
Carmen has over 35 years in the field with the majority of years with CLTO day programming.
She started out in the field because she wanted to help people. Little did she know how much she would learn from the folks she has worked for over the years. Carmen enjoys time outdoors, music, dancing and a good party.
Alicia Medeiros
Program Supervisor: Community Junction
Alicia started at CLTO as a student and have worked for the agency for over 15 years. She has had the opportunity to work in various streams Supported Living, Youth 2 Work, Passport and Fee For Service. Alicia is passionate about having a positive impact on individuals and communities. Alicia spends her time exploring the world and enjoying the company of her friends, family and dog!
Christine-Lisa Denis
Program Supervisor: The East Mall
Christine-Lisa started her journey as a camp counsellor at Camp Amy Molson in Montréal where she was introduced to people with intellectual disabilities. She then opened a chapter of Best Buddies at George Brown, the college she was attending. Christine-Lisa was lucky to be paired with a person supported by Community Living Toronto (CLTO). Her next placement was at an Employment Training Service for CLTO. Christine was hired as a relief staff, then moved up the ladder to a Support Worker II and then a Support Worker III. One of Christine-Lisa favorite parts of being a Support Worker III was planning boat cruises, outings and after hours activities. Christine enjoys photography, reading and spending a lot of time with her son.
Charmaine Palmer
Program Supervisor: Adult Respite
Charmaine been a part of CLTO for over 20 years, and has worked in various departments across the agency during her tenure. These Including Supported living homes and SIL, Central ADP and Foster Connection, Youth 2 Work, children’s and adult respite.
In Charmaine’s spare time, she enjoys travelling, going for long hikes, and spending time with family and friends.
Nicole Mazzotta
Program Supervisor: Children's Repsite
Nicole’s journey began with early experiences coaching gymnastics, including impactful one-on-one sessions with a child with autism, igniting a passion for helping others. This passion led her to undertake a student placement with Community Living Mississauga during her academic years. Following graduation, Nicole dedicated seven years to the Mental Health sector at Regeneration Community Services before transitioning to Community Living Toronto in 2019. Over the past four years, Nicole held various roles, progressing from Support Worker II at North York SWACA to Support Worker III Ennerdale Children’s Respite then Caseworker with Lifeshare, to her current role as Program Supervisor.
In Nicole’s spare time, she finds joy in various activities that cater to her diverse interests. Whether it’s hiking through nature trails, experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, or delving into strategic board games with loved ones, each moment is filled with adventure and camaraderie. Nicole also cherishes peaceful bike rides through scenic routes and cozy movie nights at home, where she can unwind with her partner and cuddle up with their beloved dog.
Dennis Cadenas
Program Supervisor: Advance Road
Dennis has worked at Community Living Toronto for over 14 years in a variety of different capacities throughout the organization–from Supportive Living, Supported Independent Living, Community Participation Supports, and Virtual Programming while also being part of various committees. Before working at Community Living Toronto, he worked at Social Planning Toronto, Amnesty International, Rexdale Women’s Centre and as a part time Bartender at various restaurants in Toronto’s downtown core. Dennis speaks fluent Spanish and is a world traveler seeing over 20 countries around the world. He enjoys, drawing/sketching, listening to a wide range of music, dancing to Latin music and practicing his mixology skills when possible. He loves camping, is an avid soccer/football fan, big foodie, and a big film buff.
Carmen McNeil
Program Supervisor: Fairfax
Carmen has over 35 years in the field with the majority of years with CLTO day programming.
She started out in the field because she wanted to help people. Little did she know how much she would learn from the folks she has worked for over the years. Carmen enjoys time outdoors, music, dancing and a good party.
Alicia Medeiros
Program Supervisor: Community Junction
Alicia started at CLTO as a student and have worked for the agency for over 15 years. She has had the opportunity to work in various streams Supported Living, Youth 2 Work, Passport and Fee For Service. Alicia is passionate about having a positive impact on individuals and communities. Alicia spends her time exploring the world and enjoying the company of her friends, family and dog!
Program Managers, Senior Manager and Senior Director
Joe Persaud
Senior Director Community Participation Supports & Respite
Joe has an extensive background in the Developmental Services (DS) field. From Direct Support Professional to Executive Leadership, Joe has dedicated over 30 years of deeply committed service to the field of Developmental Services. He is currently the Senior Director of Community Participation Supports and Respite at Community Living Toronto. He has “grown up” in the DS sector and has acquired considerable knowledge at all levels from his time at other progressive DS organizations like Reena and Kerry’s Place Autism Services. He has served on numerous provincial groups, most notably: Ontario Association on Developmental Disabilities, Provincial Network on Developmental Disabilities, Provincial Respite Network, Developmental Services Human Resources Strategy, and Developmental Services Workforce Initiative’s Collaborative Table.
Joe enjoys spending quality time with family, golf, tennis, reading, and gardening.
Flora Nichols
Program Manager, Finch & Fairfax
Flora is a trained DSW with nearly three decades of dedicated service in the field of developmental services. Flora has accumulated a wealth of experience over the years across various settings, including supported independent living, group homes, employment supports, community-based initiatives, direct family supports, and currently in Community Participation Supports. She has also developed and implemented an innovative partnership with Centennial College that has individuals with disabilities attending college. Floras’ career began with CLTO in 2004 after completing a field placement within the Job Placement department; she was the student that never left. She is an advocate and ally for individuals with disabilities who is deeply committed to promoting their rights, dignity, and autonomy. Flora believes that individuals with disabilities are valued members of our community, each having unique contributions and gifts to share.
Charla Rodak
Program Manager, Foster Connection & Children's Respite
Charla began her career with Community Living Toronto in August 2002 at the Annette Street supported living program, following her graduation from the Developmental Service Program. Over the years, she has held a variety of roles within the agency, including positions in Supported Living, Youth to Work, SIL-Youth at Risk, Respite for both Adults and Children, and the Adult Day Program. Currently, Charla serves as the Supervisor of Community Participation Supports at Foster Connections. In her leisure time, she enjoys spending time with her dog and relaxing at the cottage.
Sherene Myers
Program Manager: Advance & The East Mall
Sherene has been with Community Living Toronto for almost 20 years. She started off as a student placement and then got a job as a part time secretary for a 2 years, before becoming a Support Worker I, then Support Worker III. Sherene became a Program Supervisor in 2017 and then Program Manager. She has worked for Community Living Oakville, Williams Marijan & Associates (wm+a), WCFS Inc. and have experience working with youth, and dual diagnosis. Sherene enjoys reading, watching movies and spending time with family. She considers herself to be a lifelong learner and loves to learn new things. She enjoys trying new foods and recreating them as well.
Melanie Hooker
Program Manager: Foster Connections, Community Junction & Adult Respite
Melanie started her career at Humber College in 1994 in the CICE program. In 2000, she came to CLTO where she worked in community, fee for service, supported living programs and currently in CPS/Respite. Melanie is passionate about life long learning and making programs accessible, engaging and fun. She has developed community partners with Toronto Parks/Recreation, Toronto Public Library to create collaborative programming that promoted inclusive programs in home communities. Melanie loves to explore our great city, dog walking, hiking, photographing around the GTO. She is a lifelong learner, and book reader and enjoys spending time with loved ones.
Heather Dunn
Senior Program Manager Community Participation Supports & Respite
Heather has worked in a variety of roles with Community Living Toronto for 24 years. She is passionate about developing others to achieve success, find joy and explore new opportunities. Heather enjoys building strong relationships and supporting community development.
Heather has always loved spending time with friends and family. She is currently trying new activities like cornhole, pickleball and golf.
Joe Persaud
Senior Director Community Participation Supports & Respite
Joe has an extensive background in the Developmental Services (DS) field. From Direct Support Professional to Executive Leadership, Joe has dedicated over 30 years of deeply committed service to the field of Developmental Services. He is currently the Senior Director of Community Participation Supports and Respite at Community Living Toronto. He has “grown up” in the DS sector and has acquired considerable knowledge at all levels from his time at other progressive DS organizations like Reena and Kerry’s Place Autism Services. He has served on numerous provincial groups, most notably: Ontario Association on Developmental Disabilities, Provincial Network on Developmental Disabilities, Provincial Respite Network, Developmental Services Human Resources Strategy, and Developmental Services Workforce Initiative’s Collaborative Table.
Joe enjoys spending quality time with family, golf, tennis, reading, and gardening.
Flora Nichols
Program Manager, Finch & Fairfax
Flora is a trained DSW with nearly three decades of dedicated service in the field of developmental services. Flora has accumulated a wealth of experience over the years across various settings, including supported independent living, group homes, employment supports, community-based initiatives, direct family supports, and currently in Community Participation Supports. She has also developed and implemented an innovative partnership with Centennial College that has individuals with disabilities attending college. Floras’ career began with CLTO in 2004 after completing a field placement within the Job Placement department; she was the student that never left. She is an advocate and ally for individuals with disabilities who is deeply committed to promoting their rights, dignity, and autonomy. Flora believes that individuals with disabilities are valued members of our community, each having unique contributions and gifts to share.
Charla Rodak
Program Manager, Foster Connection & Children's Respite
Charla began her career with Community Living Toronto in August 2002 at the Annette Street supported living program, following her graduation from the Developmental Service Program. Over the years, she has held a variety of roles within the agency, including positions in Supported Living, Youth to Work, SIL-Youth at Risk, Respite for both Adults and Children, and the Adult Day Program. Currently, Charla serves as the Supervisor of Community Participation Supports at Foster Connections. In her leisure time, she enjoys spending time with her dog and relaxing at the cottage.
Sherene Myers
Program Manager: Advance & The East Mall
Sherene has been with Community Living Toronto for almost 20 years. She started off as a student placement and then got a job as a part time secretary for a 2 years, before becoming a Support Worker I, then Support Worker III. Sherene became a Program Supervisor in 2017 and then Program Manager. She has worked for Community Living Oakville, Williams Marijan & Associates (wm+a), WCFS Inc. and have experience working with youth, and dual diagnosis. Sherene enjoys reading, watching movies and spending time with family. She considers herself to be a lifelong learner and loves to learn new things. She enjoys trying new foods and recreating them as well.
Melanie Hooker
Program Manager: Foster Connections, Community Junction & Adult Respite
Melanie started her career at Humber College in 1994 in the CICE program. In 2000, she came to CLTO where she worked in community, fee for service, supported living programs and currently in CPS/Respite. Melanie is passionate about life long learning and making programs accessible, engaging and fun. She has developed community partners with Toronto Parks/Recreation, Toronto Public Library to create collaborative programming that promoted inclusive programs in home communities. Melanie loves to explore our great city, dog walking, hiking, photographing around the GTO. She is a lifelong learner, and book reader and enjoys spending time with loved ones.
Heather Dunn
Senior Program Manager Community Participation Supports & Respite
Heather has worked in a variety of roles with Community Living Toronto for 24 years. She is passionate about developing others to achieve success, find joy and explore new opportunities. Heather enjoys building strong relationships and supporting community development.
Heather has always loved spending time with friends and family. She is currently trying new activities like cornhole, pickleball and golf.