Team

Ruth-Ann Charles

Ruth-Ann Charles

Chair/Executive Director

Background

I have worked in the health industry for over 25 years in various sectors, as a dental assistant, as a wellness consultant, as a personal trainer. I have volunteered for non-profits and charities, running classes and workshops. I have worked full-time jobs, owned my own business, and raised four kids as a single parent, and needless to say it has not been an easy journey…but what I can say is that I’m glad that this journey has opened my eyes to a community so misunderstood that they seem to be invisible right in plain sight.

Why I Started Blocks & Bridges

Helping to build strong informed confidence has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember, and co-running FASD Connection Peel fed into that passion, as well as working to create a community with other families like mine. Little did I know then that this would turn into my call to action in service to our community.

My Role

As Executive Director, my role is not only to drive the overall strategies and direction of the organization, but also build relationships with other potential partner organizations in order to better achieve our goals. Additionally, I oversee the day-to-day business operations of the organization, and make sure that we always adhere to our policies, values, and overall mandate in serving the FASD community at-large.

O. Stephen Peart

O. Stephen Peart

Co-Chair/Project Manager

Background

I am the founder of Released Expressions and a published author. I draw from my life story and the journeys of others when writing about life and our existential differences. This allows me to inspire change, sharing stories and connecting perspectives.

Why I Joined

I joined Blocks & Bridges driven by a deep connection to the poignant narratives of families grappling with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Witnessing the challenges these families face has ignited a passion within me to contribute meaningfully to their stories. Moreover, I am acutely aware of the existing disparities in our community, and joining Blocks & Bridges provides an opportunity to actively address these inequities. My overarching goal is to make a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by FASD and bridge the gaps that hinder their well-being. By being part of this organization, I am committed to fostering positive change and creating a more inclusive and supportive community for all.

My Role

I utilize my diverse experience with a solid background in IT, project management, and customer support to serve the FASD community. I am also qualified in family remediation.

Dr. Jennifer Sharman

Dr. Jennifer Sharman

Secretary/Board Treasurer/Social Science & Community Co-ordinator

Background

I am an anthropologist, writer, editor, and researcher with a passion for building community and equitable access to healthcare, supports, and services.

Though my academic research involved human skeletons, I discovered that working with living populations and potentially impacting lives positively is very fulfilling.

Besides expertise in anthropology (of note here is the interaction between health, socioeconomic status, and aspects of identity including gender, ethnicity, age, etc.),

I’ve been a freelance editor for over 20 years, led a project called Compassionate City Burlington, which aimed to build community capacity around death, dying, loss, and bereavement, and have volunteered on several community projects, where I assisted in the initial work on mission/vision/programming, evaluation framework, and volunteer model.

Why I Joined

When my brilliant and passionate friend, Ruth Charles, asked me to become involved with Blocks & Bridges, I jumped on the chance to help this under-served population get the support they need and deserve, so they too can fully participate in and be understood by their communities.

My Role

As Secretary and Board Treasurer, it’s naturally my job to help balance the books, help write grants, and ensure the overall financial future of the organization is stable. However in addition to that role, as Social Science & Community Coordinator, I utilize my anthropology background to research and implement new ways in which we can provide support to the FASD community.

Ryan Draga

Ryan Draga

Director, Technical Operations/Social Media

Background

I am a 20+ year tech industry veteran, currently working in the DevOps/SRE/Platform Engineering and Cybersecurity space. I’ve helped companies ranging from fledgling startups to Fortune 500-level large enterprises accelerate the development of, and ensure the security of, their platforms, products, and service offerings.

Why I Joined

I met Ruth initially through a mutual acquaintance whose son has FASD and was already part of the FASD Connection Peel support group. I saw an opportunity to help and jumped in wholeheartedly. As a neurodivergent person myself (AuDHD), I sympathize with the struggles that neurodivergent kids face in a world that often misunderstands their needs; they need all the support they can get from folks who are willing to take the time to understand them, and I believe Blocks & Bridges is an organization which can provide that in a way that few others can.

My Role

Within the organization, I manage not only our IT assets and social media presence but also actively advocate for security and privacy by advising FASD Connection Peel group members on their own personal security and privacy concerns. It’s a wild, woolly world out there and there are so many pitfalls that kids can unknowingly step into and get themselves into dangerous situations. It’s my hope that I can help mentor kids and their families on how to stay safe online.

Shira Brym

TBD

TBD