Chief Executive Officer

From the start, I’ve been with The Centre for Dreams. My brother John’s transition from school at 21 highlighted the need for this program. I earned my Social Work degree from the University of Windsor in 2000 and have always worked in the disability field. Having John as my brother led me to advocate for disability rights from a young age. I’m proud to work with The Centre for Dreams, an organization that significantly impacts youth and adults with developmental disabilities. I’ve learned that achieving dreams requires more than just dreaming; it demands hard work.

I’ve always been passionate about teaching. After earning an Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree, I completed my Masters of Science in Education. I’ve taught in various elementary and secondary schools across York Region. Additionally, I’m actively involved in teaching and choreographing dance at reputable studios in the GTA. I’m dedicated to inspiring and being inspired by everyone at the Centre for Dreams.

My name is Mikayla Knapton, and I hold an Honours Bachelor of Business Administration degree, with a concentration in Marketing, from Wilfrid Laurier University. My journey with The Centre for Dreams began at a young age, as I have known the founding member since I was 14 years old. I later had the opportunity to volunteer at events, where I saw firsthand the organization’s impact and quickly grew inspired by the incredible community. In my role as an Administrative Coordinator, I provide operational support to our dedicated team, helping facilitate the meaningful work they do each day. I also draw on my background in marketing to develop materials for various campaigns, programs, and events, helping to increase awareness of the organization’s mission. I am proud to contribute to a space that is dedicated to creating greater opportunities for individuals living with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Every day, I feel incredibly lucky to come to work with a smile on my face, something I credit to the joy, energy, and unique personalities of each of our members, who make The Centre for Dreams such a wonderful place to be.

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As a young girl, I wanted to be a nurse so I could help others. I took a course to become a personal support worker at the North American School of Information Technology. I heard about The Centre for Dreams from a friend and thought to myself, “I would love to be a part of that organization.” I started at DREAMS in September of 2010 as a personal support worker and now I am a program facilitator. Coming to Dreams every morning makes me feel very fortunate because I am doing something that I enjoy. I love working with the members because of their unique personalities and their smiling faces. It makes me feel good to know that I am doing something to improve their way of life.

I am passionate about teaching, community engagement, and helping others thrive.  With a B.Sc. in Kinesiology from the University of Waterloo and a B.Ed. from York University, I have experience in both education and physical wellness.  I am a mother of 4 grown children and operate a small boutique fitness studio for women.  I am deeply committed to empowering others and building meaningful connections.  I joined The Centre for Dreams as a volunteer and immediately connected with their relational philosophy and functional programming.  I adore spending time with all the members and am excited to be part of the Dreams family.  I enjoy traveling, hiking, reading, knitting, and spending quality time with my dog and family in my free time.

My name is Amanda, and I hold a degree in Behavioural Psychology. Inspired by my uncle with CP, I am passionate about supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. My experience with ABA and behavioural psychology techniques at the Centre for Dreams allows me to meet members' needs and ensure they feel respected and valued. I love spending time with each member, sharing laughs, and helping them achieve their goals. In my free time, I enjoy walking my dog, playing volleyball, baking, and being with family and friends. I am honoured to be part of the team!

My name is Joshua Chong and am a graduate of the Social Service Worker program at Centennial College. My field experience as a student came from right here in this agency! Being able to use my school experience to influence my work, through communication and problem solving, I was fortunate enough to build relationships with staff and members in the adult day program and Youth Achieving Dreams! Being a field placement student throughout the 8 months helped me realize that this is an organization I would feel lucky to be a part of, everyone is treated like family and there isn’t anywhere like it. 

My name is Rachel Marotta, and I am a proud graduate of Centennial College with a diploma in Developmental Services Work. I am extremely passionate about supporting individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities and helping them reach their fullest potential. My journey with The Centre for Dreams began in 2020 as a co-op student, and I immediately fell in love with the incredible community. In 2021, I became part of the team as a summer staff member, and I have since grown into my current role as a full-time Program Coordinator. Everyday, I am inspired by our members, their resilience, joy, and determination make Dreams a truly magical place. I am deeply committed to creating a space where every person feels valued, supported, and celebrated for exactly who they are. I live by the words, "Do it from love, not for love"; which guide everything I do. At Dreams, love, respect, and belonging are at the heart of every moment, and I am grateful to be part of it.

My name is Jeni, and I hold a bachelor of Social Work degree from York University. My journey into social work began with the most personal of stories - my mother’s battle with cancer. Her strength and love continues to guide me and it’s because of her that I have dedicated my life to helping others navigate their own challenges. From my cooperative experience at The Centre For Dreams, I was given the opportunity to help create a positive and inclusive environment for individuals with developmental disabilities. This experience allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the importance of community support and advocacy. It’s an honour to be part of a community that values growth, individuality, and belonging.

Hello! My name is Benjamin Marrison and I am a Social Service Worker graduate from Fleming College and I completed my    co-op placement at The Centre For Dreams. Throughout my placement, I was able to see just how loving, caring, and supportive the community is as a whole, which made me truly fall in love with the environment and the individuals within it.

I got into social service work because I have learned how to manage my own mental health challenges and learning difficulties, and I want to help support others in doing the same. I am passionate about being a positive influence and support within the community and I am incredibly excited to be part of the team!

My name is Julianna Del Carmen and I am the Program Coordinator for the Youth Achieving Dreams Program and a Program Facilitator for the Dreams by Design Program. I am passionate about creating inclusive and meaningful opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities to build confidence, independence, and strong relationships. My connection to The Centre for Dreams is both personal and professional. With my uncle as the founding member, I grew up connected to its mission, and completing my high school placement with the organization further strengthened my passion for the disability services field. I am currently studying at King's University College School of Social Work, where I am working towards my Bachelor of Social Work degree. Through both my education and my work, I hope to continue supporting individuals in reaching their personal goals and creating positive change in their lives. Outside of work and school, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, playing with my dog, and listening to music.

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My name is Ciara McCormick, and I hold a Bachelor of Behavioural Psychology from Seneca Polytechnic College. Passionate about working with individuals with developmental disabilities, I've dedicated my life to this field. While completing my degree, I did my placement at The Centre for Dreams, supporting adult members to become more confident and skillful. I graduated on the Dean's List. Currently, I am a program supervisor in the Youth Achieving Dreams Program at The Centre for Dreams, providing specialized services to youth. The mission of the Centre aligns with my beliefs, and working here has deepened my passion for supporting the disability community. Outside of work, I enjoy music, spending time with loved ones, and practicing mindfulness.

My Name Is Urooj Munawar, and I hold a bachelors degree in Psychology and recently completed a Behaviour Technician Micro-credential from Seneca College. My journey with The Centre for Dreams began as a volunteer in November 2025, where I quickly fell in love with the warm and supportive community here at dreams. As a Youth Achieving Dreams Program Facilitator, I am dedicated to creating a safe, empowering environment where every member feels valued, supported, and inspired to reach their personal goals. I firmly believe that empathy and compassion are essential when supporting individuals with developmental disabilities, and I am super excited to bring that heart and dedication to our team!

My name is Juliana Garcia Hernandez, I am a YAD Program Facilitator at Centre for Dreams. I am currently 17 years old and in high school, and I really enjoy working with youth and creating a positive and welcoming environment for everyone.

As a YAD Program Facilitator, I teach social and life skills to youth through fun, interactive, and meaningful activities. Some of the topics I cover include friendships and relationships, communication, boundaries, conflict resolution, self-care, independence, and everyday social skills.

I try to make my lessons engaging and easy to connect to real-life situations. I want the youth I work with to feel comfortable being themselves, sharing their ideas, asking questions, and learning at their own pace. I believe that everyone has different strengths and ways of learning, and I think it is important to create a space where everyone feels included and supported.

Working at the Centre for Dreams has given me the opportunity to learn and grow while also helping others develop skills that they can use in their everyday lives. I am grateful to be part of a program where I can connect with youth, build relationships, and hopefully make a positive difference in their lives.