President
Demetra Hajidiacos
Demetra has a Master's Degree in Education (Curriculum, Teaching and Learning) and a passion for helping children, families and institutions navigate the world of autism. She has nearly 30 years of experience as an educator and has received training in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), Relationship Development Intervention (RDI), and DIRFloortime. She is the owner and director of Autism Learning Centre and The Prep Montessori Daycare in Winnipeg. Demetra believes in using what works best to reach people and meet their unique needs. Demetra has been running recreation programs her entire teaching career, and has focused on running therapeutic recreation programs for children and teens with autism for the past 15 years. She is the recipient of Recreation Manitoba's 2024 Therapeutic Recreation Award of Excellence for her many years of contribution to the autism community in Manitoba. Demetra lives in Winnipeg with her husband of 20+ years, two kids (one on the spectrum), one horse, and two dogs. She loves to garden, travel, read, write, spend time with her friends and family at the lake, and volunteer her time in the community. She is silly and often looses her keys and glasses and is very excited to volunteer her time sharing her knowledge and talents with Autism Manitoba!
Vice President
Dr. Leanne vanAmstel
Dr. Leanne vanAmstel grew up on the scenic East Coast near Halifax. She and her husband are proud parents to two sons and a daughter, and have been settled in Winnipeg for the past 15 years. A graduate of Dalhousie University, Leanne holds a medical degree and practices as a radiologist. She finds fulfilment in gardening, exploring the culinary world, traveling, and spending time with those who make her laugh. Despite her professional and personal pursuits, Leanne is a self-professed introvert who is recharged by quiet nights in, and gathering with those close to her. Inspired by her own journey raising a child on the spectrum, she looks forward to helping other families navigating similar paths.
Secretary/Treasurer
Athena Deschambault
Athena grew up in Florida and moved to Winnipeg in 1994 for university. She studied Interior Design at the University of Manitoba, and worked in the industry for over 20 years. She is now the proud Office Manager at Autism Learning Centre. Athena has a wonderful husband and son who was diagnosed with autism at a younger age. Athena enjoys spending her time gardening, being outdoors, fishing, and photography.
Member at Large
Rebecca Brask
Rebecca has spent the past two decades in the not-for-profit sector, including roles in Programming, Events, Communications, and Development. She has worked at Manitoba Theatre for Young People, The Rady JCC, The Children’s Hospital Foundation and most recently held the role of Chief Development Officer at the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg. She is currently a Senior Generosity Advisor at The Winnipeg Foundation. Rebecca holds a degree in English and Theatre from the University of Winnipeg and loves to read. She is the proud mom of two kids and two dogs and most loves spending time with her partner, family, and friends, especially at the lake during a Manitoba summer.
Marketing & Communications Assistant
Anna Hajidiacos
Anna runs the social media pages for Autism Manitoba. She also helps with editing our website, and producing marketing materials for our events including our well-attended Temple Grandin event at The Leaf in Assiniboine Park. Anna enjoys rowing, photography, filmmaking, spending time with friends and family, hanging out with her two dogs Jack & Lucy, and giving many deserved treats to her retired dressage horse Wellie!
Adminisrative Assistant
Peter Hajidiacos
Peter is a student at Red River College taking Business Administration. He helps out in the office by generating great ideas, purchasing supplies, and keeping us organized! He also helps out with events such as our Temple Grandin event at The Leaf in Assiniboine Park. Peter enjoys cooking, baking, planning parties, hanging out with friends, spending time at the lake, and going to the movies. Peter has worked on over a dozen movies filmed in Winnipeg as a background actor. His favourite movie sets to work on were Hollywood movies Champions, Ordinary Angels, and Winner.