Meet the board

Charles is a bilingual certified Assistive Technology Specialist (Assistive Technology Application Certification: California State University, Northridge) with an Applied Learning Disability Specialist certification LSLD/ATLD (LDED) from Cambrian College. He came to the Neil Squire Society from the private sector in the information technology/e-learning industry as a Chief Technology Officer and holds various Microsoft certifications. He also holds a diploma from CCNB-Edmundston and has completed the online Teacher/Trainer Certificate program from Conestoga College, Kitchener, ON. Since 2011,

Charles has established several special assistive technology projects for the New Brunswick government. These projects for the department of Early Education and Childhood Development and the department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour involved the assessment, training and support of individuals in the province who use assistive technology or those supporting them. He has also worked with Elections NB as the Project Coordinator for the disability and seniors community during the 2008, 2010, 2012 and 2014 municipal and provincial elections. Charles sits as Chair for AvenueNB Cooperative, he is the former public representative for the New Brunswick Association of Occupational Therapists, and consults on assistive technology matters with various other community, provincial and government-based committees. At the Annual Legislative Breakfast in 2017, Charles was presented with the Disability Awareness Week Provincial Award for his continued work with the Neil Squire Society and his involvement in the field of assistive technology. Charles also received an award from the Learning Disability Association of New Brunswick on October 22, 2020 for his dedication to helping individuals with a Learning Disability in using Assistive Technology. In 2021, Charles also completed the Lean Six Sigma - Yellow Belt Certification for Non-Profits.

Gérald LeBlanc has been Assistant Director at the Restigouche Residential Agency Inc. in Campbellton since 2001. In addition to working as a special educator for a decade, Mr. Leblanc began as an employment counsellor for correctional services clients and was subsequently promoted to Assistant Director. Mr. Leblanc is responsible for the coordination, supervision and development of various employment and support projects for people with special needs. In addition, Mr. LeBlanc is actively involved in various provincial and regional committees related to the hiring and retention of people with special needs. Born in Val D'Amours, NB, he obtained a bachelor’s degree in social science from the Université de Moncton in1991. 

Julia has a twenty-five-year career managing organizations that provide services and supports to people with disabilities and their families, including 15 years at Easter Seals NB and 20 years at Opal Family Services in Fredericton, NB. Experienced in working with Boards of Directors, including targeted recruitment, governance, and accountabilities. Recognized by Boards as being particularly skilled at managing and working with operational finances and budgetary processes and a focused organizational leader with innate attention to details. Acknowledged as an innovative and forward thinker, including the introduction of several new and successful programs. Known by staff as a fair and compassionate manager and supervisor, including promoting personal growth and learning through delegation, fair, and equitable management practices. Identified as a collaborator, including creating and fostering partnerships with the University of New Brunswick Nursing Program, Fredericton Association for Community Living, Neil Squire, and several Government of New Brunswick departments. Dedicated individual whose personal and professional mission statement is to help others. Graduate of Nova Scotia Teachers’ College; attended numerous and diverse professional development training programs. Member of an avid group of Friday-night Poker players, who rarely misses a game or an opportunity to ‘take home the spoils’. Inspired by a life well-lived in Cape Breton, now enjoys all that life in rural New Brunswick has to offer, including gardening, pickling and cooking, undertaking small construction projects, and just generally enjoying nature at the doorstep.

Rania is an employment specialist, specializing in supporting persons with Developmental Disabilities with employment services in greater Saint John, New Brunswick. She is committed to the values of inclusion, collaboration, and community service. She has worked for Hire Potential since 2017.

Rania has 10 years of experience in advocacy and program development. She is passionate about removing barriers for persons with disabilities and improving equity. She has worked across sectors (non-profit, government) in diverse areas, including in public service, research, literacy, and disability services. She has a Master of Science in Developmental Psychology from Memorial University of Newfoundland.

She joins the avenueNB Board of Directors with the goal of improving access to employment services for persons with disabilities and building opportunities for all.

Trisha has worked in the Employment Division of Key Industries since 2018 in various roles including Program Facilitator for Workplace Essential Skills and In Motion/Momentum, Essential Skills Mentor for the Fundy Region with the provincial Focus Forward program, and Job Development Coordinator, before accepting a management role in 2021, and joining the Board of Directors for AvenueNB in 2022.

These roles have allowed Trisha to work with a variety of group dynamics and various government departments, leading to a strong understanding of the training needs of job seekers living with a disability. Trisha’s creativity and commitment to innovation combined with her professional experience have led to the creation of a new job simulation project, The Bridge, where Trisha and her team help bridge goals to success for persons with barriers to employment. As a manager, Trisha leads her team of facilitators, coaches, and mentors to deliver effective employment services to increase and support labour market participation for persons with a disability in New Brunswick.

Trisha obtained her bachelor’s degree in psychology and Linguistics from the University of New Brunswick Saint John Campus in 2016, followed by her TESOL Certification. She became a Registered Professional Trainer and Registered Professional Recruiter through the Institute of Professional Management in 2022.

Outside the office, you can find Trisha spending time outdoors, cycling or hiking the trails of Canada’s National and Provincial Parks, or enjoying a book and a cup of tea.

Since 2011, Andrea has dedicated her career to supporting individuals with disabilities through direct services, program leadership, and advocacy for inclusion in education, employment, and community settings. Grounded in a person-centered approach, her work prioritizes dignity, autonomy, and empowerment.

In 2015, Andrea began focusing on increasing the labor market participation of individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD), building expertise through diverse roles spanning frontline service delivery to strategic leadership. Her experience includes job coaching, facilitating transition planning, developing pre-employment programs, and partnering with employers to promote inclusive hiring practices. These roles have shaped her comprehensive understanding of tailored employment supports and strategies for the disability population.

In 2021, Andrea stepped into the role of Director of Inclusive Employment at Inclusion NB (INB), where she oversees the development, implementation, and evaluation of INB employment programs across New Brunswick. Her work ensures alignment with best practices while fostering collaboration with government, community organizations, and advocacy groups to address systemic barriers and create equitable opportunities for individuals with IDD.