Georgina Rayner

Georgina Rayner (BSc(PE), BEd) has spent many years advocating for children with all types of special needs, attending IPRC hearings, appeals and assisting with human rights cases. Georgina has been involved with and has taken on leadership roles in Special Education Advisory Committees in the TDSB, at the Provincial level and at George Brown College. She was the past president of LDA Toronto, presently sits on the Board of Aspergers Ontario, CADDAC, and has been a long- standing member of the Association for Bright Children. Georgina also co-authored 'The Advocate's Journal' and developed and taught a course in Advocacy at Humber College. Georgina presently teaches in the Resource Teacher program at Centennial College. Georgina's wealth of knowledge has assisted countless children receive the educational assistance they require.


Heather Swanton

Heather Swanton is the mother of a gifted daughter with ADHD, CAP disorder, severe anxiety, and sensory processing difficulties. In addition to being an advocate for her daughter, Heather is a full time administrative support assistant with an ECE background and a keen interest in psychology. She has participated on the school council, is a Brownie leader and is working toward her Honours BA through part time studies at the University of Toronto. After researching ADHD to help her daughter, Heather was herself diagnosed with ADHD. Heather is passionate about de-stigmatizing and dispelling the myths surrounding ADHD, and about the importance of understanding individual temperament and learning styles. Heather’s interest in CADDAC is to promote awareness and provide support for others who are navigating the maze of ADHD.


Roberta Funk

Roberta is married and the mother of two children, with the oldest child diagnosed very early in age with ADHD, ODD, & giftedness. Shortly after their son was diagnosed, Roberta joined CHADD –Calgary Chapter to increase her knowledge and gain information on ADHD, and to seek accommodations for their son at school. Within a few years she began serving on the Executive Committee, assisting in educating and advocating for other parents of children with ADHD. While being actively involved with CHADD Calgary as the Chapter Coordinator, she most recently began serving on the National Board of Directors of CH.A.D.D. Canada Inc. Roberta is also a past Board member of the Calgary Chapter of LDAA, having served two years; prior to that she volunteered countless hours at LDA events and fundraisers. Her passion is encouraging parents and adults on the positive aspects of ADHD, but more specifically empowering them with strategies to assist their ADHD children, both socially and academically.


Doug Bates

Doug Bates is an independent business owner, and drum teacher. He currently resides in Cobourg where he sits on the Board for several organizations; such as, the Cobourg Public Library - which he chaired for 3 years, and the Northumberland Poverty Reduction Action Committee. Doug runs a support group for Autism and ADHD as his eldest son has high-functioning Autism with several ADHD traits.


John Tucker

John Tucker is a trained personal and adult ADD coach in Toronto, ON, Canada and has been working in the health care field for 15 years. He is currently the Director of Government & Interprofessional Relations for the Canadian Chiropractic Association since 2001. Prior to his joining the chiropractic profession, John spent 25 years in education in Newfoundland as a teacher, department head and principal. He  focused much of his activities on advocacy and support for students who need special help or consideration. In 1995, John pursued graduate studies at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto where he earned his Ph.D. in 1998. His primary research interest was centered on students’ transitions from high school to post secondary institutions.
Dr. Tucker has been actively engaged in a number of activities, including Aikido, Yoga, barbershop harmony and ballroom dancing. For decades, he has also been actively interested in diet, nutrition and research in education and health.
John believes in his clients’ potential and assists them in identifying strategies to overcome life challenges. His transition into ADD/ADHD coaching was a natural progression in his career. He loves coaching to help clients to live the life they want to live.


Ilayna Harris

Ilayna Harris is both a parent of a child with ADHD and is also a Special Education Resource Teacher who works with students who may or may not have been identified with ADD/ADHD.  Ilayna advocated for her daughter's rights throughout her school career and continues to advocate as a teacher by informing teachers what is ADD/ADHD and how they can help their student(s).


Cheryl Paige

Cheryl is personally and professionally familiar with ADHD and the effects it has on children's and adolescent's achievement and success in school and life.
Cheryl has a Masters of Education in Special Education (U of T) and is currently a Principal in Toronto District School Board.  Cheryl has been a Special Education consultant, has chaired IPRC's and has been an advocate for children and adolescence ADHD through presentations to principals, teachers and parents amount managing children with this disability.  Cheryl also has an interest in integrating technology to support achievement and her school has won national awards in this area.