Category: Neurodiversity

My name is Caylee Ortiz and I have humbly accepted a position on the board of directors with The Autism Network LACAN.

I have a diploma in Early Childhood Education and Community and Justice Services with 7 years of experience in the world of child care. I am wildly passionate about working with children and ensuring that each child I come into contact with feels seen and heard. I currently work as a programming assistant for the early years with the Kingston Frontenac Public Library and I am an ECE & EA with the Limestone District School Board. 

My approach as an educator is one in which I describe as The Whole Child Approach. This can be broken down into three categories, 1. See the child 2. Hear the child, 3. See With New Eyes.

My teaching wheelhouse is driven by adaption, inclusion, diversity, praise and research. 

A child at heart myself I believe connection comes in all forms and the most effective avenue of learning is through organic play. The paramount scale to follow, is that of happiness and joy. To See With New Eyes is to recognize and value the differences in the children of the world. It is to educate ourselves and those around as to how to be successful in being a propeller of success in a child’s life. Change the way we teach, not change the way they learn, find new perspective, in times of confusion. 

My passion for advocacy has many branches but in terms of this particular branch, there is a child close to my heart who is navigating his adventure with ASD and I can truly say, no tiny human has taught me more than this little man. It is because of him and others along my ECE journey that I will continue to work hard to provide equal opportunity for those who have been touched with the wand of neurodiversity. 

I have a deep passion for yoga and holistic approaches to healing, therapy and education. It is through my practice that I am able to provide affirmation, reassurance and support to each family I work with. I look forward to the journey ahead, may you all be happy and free!

Pronouns: She/her.

There was a nice turnout to witness the installation of Pallet’able Art by the Town of Greater Napanee.

This project was a collaboration with Community Living Lennox & Addington aimed to raise awareness of disability inclusion within our community. “Inspiring Possibilities” was sponsored and commissioned by CLLA, staff and clients.

Autism Network LAC – LACAN commissioned the talented Barbara Andrea Grawberger to bring “Inclusion” to fruition.

It was an honour to have Tim Nimigan’s knowledge and experience with the Celebrating Arts and Culture of Napanee, to honour this piece.

Visit the Town of Greater Napanee to see more Pallet’able Art and the artists description of this amazing piece.

https://www.greaternapanee.com/en/live-play-and-discover/-pallet-able-art-program.aspx#

Communities who work together make beautiful things happen.

Today it was this fabulous piece of art.

inclusion #InvisibleDisability #communitysupport #community #autismnetworklac #neurodiversity #autism #supportlocal #supportlocalartists #communityliving #CLLA #InspiringPossibilities #inclusionmatters #palletproject #palletart #winchesterpark #townofgreaternapanee #LACAN #disabilityinclusion #disabilityadvocate #autismadvocacy

Here we grow again!

Lee Cowling has graciously joined our efforts to spread awareness of inclusion in her field of work and our communities.

She lives in Harrowsmith, which is an area we cover in Lennox & Addington County.

Lee is an experienced professional in the healthcare community. Some might even call her an expert in critical care, which is a specialized area of nursing.

Lee has travelled to the United States on a special work visa, spending two years of her career in a trauma hospital located in St. Petersburg, FL.

More recently, Lee held an important role with Trillium (Organ Donation Donor Team) where she experienced grief, tragedy and loss regularly.

She has provided compassion and kindness to many families during the challenging journey of organ donation.

We have no doubt Lee is perfect for a seat on our board to assist us to fulfill our vision of advocating for acceptance and inclusion in our community.

Autism Network LAC is honoured to have Lee’s skill-set, healthcare perspective and integrity on the board.

Please join us in welcoming Lee.

Lee Cowling BIO:

Hello! My name is Lee, I’ve been selected for a position, on the board of directors with Autism Network LAC – LACAN as a healthcare professional.

I have been in the healthcare field for the past 20 years. During this time I have seen diversity and with that the knowledge of how important educating our community of different challenges many families face daily. How to be an inclusive; family member, friend, co-worker or neighbour.

Someone close to me lives on the autism spectrum and has given me many reasons to be passionate about advocating for acceptance and inclusion.

I’m looking forward to bringing a voice as a healthcare professional to encourage inclusion now and for our future generations!

Lee Cowling