Autism Community Network Award Winners – Fall 2011

• autismcalgary

Presenting the

Autism Community Network Award Winners:

September 2011

Leadership Award – Adult Leaders

Derek Derosier

  • Valedictorian at his High School Graduation
  • Active member of the Self-Advocacy Program representing the ASD community through film and live performance
  • Current student at Mount Royal University

Anton Gasper

  • Volunteer at the Autism Aspergers Friendship Society; supporting fundraising events and founding the “Buddy
  • Club” a volunteer program for AAFS youth
  • Sound Engineer for his church
  • Volunteer at AAFS activities with youth and in office
  • Student at Mount Royal University

Jeff Dewar

  • Entering his 5th year as a Program Presenter for the Autism Calgary Association Satellite Friend 2 Friend Program
  • Strong advocate for himself and the entire ASD community
  • Talented artist and performer

Leadership Award – Youth

Benji Weizman

  • Participated in the Asper Human Rights Program in Washington, DC
  • Volunteer at AAFS activities with youth
  • Tutored an adult couple on Hebrew Prayers and Teachings
  • Volunteered at the United Jewish Appeal Walk and Roll, Camp Ramah, Kollel Kids (Children’s Hebrew lessons), and the Chabad House

Will Shepard

  • AAFS Volunteer with younger children and teens
  • Strong member of the self-advocacy program – sharing and helping others to share the gifts and struggles of the Autism community
  • Helps orient new AAFS members and makes them feel part of the group
  • Manager for his school basketball team

Stephen McPhee

  • Inspired the formation of “Stephen’s Backpacks” a charity providing backpacks for children in families facing financial challenges
  • His “Footprints” program provides running shoes for children in need
  • Stephen’s backpacks are delivered throughout Alberta and to Haiti in the “Hugs to Haiti” program

Lifetime of Service Award

Cathy Friio

  • Currently board member of the Autism Aspergers Friendship Society (AAFS)
  • One of the founding members of AAFS, Autism Calgary Association, and the Allies for Autism Foundation
  • Mother to 25 yer old son with Autism
  • Nurse for Canadian Blood Services

James Donnelly

  • Founder of the Allies for Autism Foundation
  • Former board member of Autism Calgary Association and Janus Academy
  • Recently retired to Eastern Canada
  • Father of a son with Autism

Nancy Belanger

  • Currently Board President for Autism Aspergers Friendship Society
  • Teacher at St. Bede Elementary School
  • One of the founding members of AAFS and Autism Calgary Association
  • Mother to a 25 year old son with Autism

Colleen Eggertson

  • Past President for Autism Society Alberta
  • Prior Program Director for Autism Calgary Association
  • Strong advocate for ASD Community
  • Registered Professional Psychologist
  • Mother of two, a son with Autism

Leadership – Mentor

Michelle Allen

  • Current Program Coordinator for Autism Aspergers Friendship Society
  • Coordinates the Self-Advocacy program providing a space for the Spectrum community to “speak their truth”
  • Has worked with Third Academy and Janus Academy
  • Mentor and support worker for countless youth with ASD and their families

Outstanding Achievement in the Arts

Daniel George Watt

  • Successful Artist, Actor (Stage and Film), and Writer
  • Disability Discriminators (2006)
  • The Actorvists (2008) with Stage Left Productions
  • The Danny Watt Report (2009)
  • The Amulet of Dracul (2010)
  • ‘6’ The Movie (2011)

Mike Tapuska

  • Passionate about music including piano and guitar
  • Writes both instrumental and vocal songs
  • Performs live and encourages others new to live performance
  • Interested in many different instruments, compostions, theory, and music history
  • Hosts his own Youtube Channel

Lilith McCrae

  • Multi Media Artist; stained glass, painting, and sculpture
  • Proud Mother of her first child… Morris
  • Art shows in Alberta, Manitoba, and British Columbia
  • Advocate for herself and mentor advocate for the ASD community

Shawn Belanger

  • Talented and Celebrated artist with unique style using markers
  • Featured in Books, Websites, and Local Media
  • His Art has been displayed in local and international (New York) galleries
  • 1st Solo Art Show in 2011 “The Way I See It”
  • www.shawnbelanger.com