About Us
Choose Your Own Adventure
At Guiding Hands, we believe that life should be an adventure and each person should have the right to choose what their adventure looks like.
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Our Story
In 2015, after years of struggling with wait lists and lack of services for her sister, our founder decided to use her years of experience in disability services to launch a completely different type of organization. One that truly focuses on the needs of the individual, building relationships and creating true support networks through fun and friendship.
Testimonials
I love the encouragement and praises when you do something right, the awesome trips we go on, and believing in me to become a leader and help guide other people into healthy living.
Guiding hands has changed my life for the better, I love the people here, and have made lifelong friends. I am grateful everyday that I have them in my life and I hope to have them in my life for many years to come.
Guiding hands has helped me learn leadership, and go to different places and events I've never been before. I have met new friends.
Meet The Team
Mellissa McDonald
Founder & COO
Growing up as a sibling to a sister with a developmental disability, Mellissa was determined to help others and bring a family perspective to supports for people with disabilities. She approached every situation from the position of "what would I want to happen if this were my sister".
She was often accused of "caring too much".
This level of caring was exactly what was needed to launch a different kind of service agency. One that looks at each individual from a wholistic perspective. She is passionate about the people she supports, encourages them to push past their boundaries and believe in themselves.
Ashleigh
Program Supervisor
Most people at Guiding Hands know Ashleigh as the super artsy one and the person who loves Halloween. Ashleigh has been with Guiding Hands since early 2019. She is a certified case manager, providing interim case management support and primarily does one-on-one support, complex recreational support, and program management.
She is grateful to be involved in so many unique adventures and overcoming obstacles with the individuals we support. When she is not at work, she enjoys spending time with family, making new things, and reading.
Allan
Outreach Support Worker
Allan is passionate about outreach and loves connecting with individuals who are harder to serve. His biggest passion is helping those with addictions and mental health issues find connections and value in their lives. He has learned a lot, and lives by the motto "no one gets left behind".
Allan has been with Guiding Hands for over 3 years. He is a devoted follower of Jesus, a husband, and a father. He is an avid reader, player of video games, and absolutely loves watching youtube videos longer than he should. He loves mini golf, watching the newest movies at the theatre, and go-karts are his jam.
Michelle
Admin/Recreational Support Worker
Michelle began working with Guiding Hands in 2019. She spends much of her time behind the scenes handling funding administration, but also enjoys some time out in the community with members for one on one rec support.
Aside from work, Michelle enjoys outdoor activities, studying the bible, and hanging out with her family, friends, and fur babies. She is a bad (but very enthusiastic) dancer and has a secret passion for Speedway races. She especially enjoys helping others succeed and reach their goals.
Tianna
Recreational Support Worker
Tianna has been with guiding hands essentially since the beginning, starting as a volunteer in the early start up days and now working as a recreational support worker. She enjoys pushing herself to try new things and loves to encourage others to conquer their fears and hurdles, especially if they are related to fitness or the outdoors.
Tianna does a lot of one-on-one work with members, as well as group trips. She is currently away at university, and returns to guiding hands seasonally whenever school allows.
Leeann
Recreational Support Worker
Leeann is our newest recreational support worker at Guiding Hands. She comes from a background of over 5 years of experience working with a variety of individuals, helping them to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. Leeann has been recognized over the years by her clients for helping them achieve what they thought was impossible, which has brought her great joy.
Leeann may spend her days at the office or out in the community with members, but it's the moments of watching individuals determination turn into accomplishment and pride that she is passionate about. Aside from work, Leeann is an avid dinosaur enthusiast and loves spending time with her children.
"What do you call a dinosaur that never gives up? A Try-try-try-ceratops!!"
Abby
Workshop facilitator
Liam
Student
Sarah
Reception
Danielle
Reception
Arlow
Therapy Dog in Training
Arlow is a three-year old Dalmatian who is currently training to be a therapy dog.
He can be seen occasionally around the office and enjoys participating in the annual Christmas Parade. Outside of work, he loves eating bananas, chasing bunnies, and trying to be a lap dog.
