Our Staff
Carly Lambert (B.A.H Health Studies, Mental Health Specialist)
Program and Office Manager
As a member of the Danielle's Place team for the past three years, Carly brings her experience in community awareness and advocacy to the position of program coordinator. Carly has spoken to a wide variety of audiences about various issues regarding eatings disorders including a spot on Global Television and various community groups in the area. In her years at McMaster University she devoted her research to the field of eating disorders. Focussing specifically on treatment options, environmental influence and cross cultural factors. Carly's experience enables her to have a multifacted understanding of the effects of eating disorders on individuals as well as families. WIth certification in self-help group facilitation Carly brings a varied skill set to her role as program coordinator.
Ingrid Exner (B.A. Social Development Studies and Rhetoric and Professional Writing, Dip. Social Work)
Volunteer Coordinator
Ingrid Exner has several years experience working in volunteer recruitment, retention and recognition as well as many years working in the field of mental health. She brings over 15 years experience in counseling, in-take, group facilitation and volunteer recruitment. Ingrid has spent the last few years as an active volunteer member of the fundraising team at Danielle’s Place, raising both funds and awareness. As a dedicated community volunteer, Ingrid is passionate about extending the volunteer recruitment program at Danielle’s Place and enhancing future volunteer recognition and appreciation
Mike Champion
Maintenance Supervisor
Danielle's Place is fortunate to have such a dedicated employee, who keeps our centre sparkling clean and in great condition! Mike always has a smile on his face and is actively involved in various volunter work in the Burlington community. He also is a volunteer with the annual Danielle's Place Harvest of Hope Brunch Fundraiser.
Our Board of Directors
Alison Colavecchia
(Pschological Associate, Private Practice)
Board President/Chair
Peggy Thomas
(Teacher-Librarian, Toronto District School Board)
Board Secretary
Ron Lambert
Board Member
Deborah DiCroce
Board Member
Kristina Trim
Board Member
Jennifer Schramm
Board Member
Ruthanne Bowker
Board Member
Dr. Jane McDonald
Board Member
Debbie Lewchuk
Board Member
Dr. Michael Shih
(SHIH Developements)
Honorary Board Member
Our Mission
Danielle's Place is committed to providing a non-judgmental, caring and supportive community to any individual whose life has been touched by an eating disorder. Our mandate is to provide care that is complementary to the medical model. We promote a holistic and self-directed approach to healing through which families and individuals can begin, maintain or resume their healing journeys.
Our Vision
To establish a welcoming place for those affected by eating disorders that provides:
Drop-In Centre Services, Access to Resources, Support Groups, Community Outreach and Education, Healing Workshops, Groups and Course.
Our Principles and Values
No-cost accessibility, Holistic approach , Respect and Dignity , Confidentiality , Individuality , Empowerment and Acceptance
Our History
When Danielle's mother Carolyn approached Alison Colavecchia, regional coordinator of the Central West Eating Disorder program with some of these goals, Alison realized that she had a group of dedicated parents all looking at improving various aspects of the experiences for families. A Steering Committee was formed, and projects were soon underway - a bookmark for family doctors, with key contact information, a physician's training session run by peers, a successful support group for loved ones run by Peggy Thomas, awareness and prevention activities, and ultimately, the work on establishing Danielle's Place.
With the help of Guy and Catherine Ironmonger, David Richards, Bev Miller, and Peter Wendling, the initial time-consuming research and strategic planning was done. Danielle's Place became an incorporated not-for-profit in Ontario in 2004, and began raising funds privately. Ron Rodgers and Halton Child and Youth Services generously provided Danielle's Place with use of their charitable number and program space for a transitional program at 497 Elizabeth St. near the bus station in Burlington.
Danielle's Place received an Oakville Community Foundation grant for $5,000.00 towards library resources. The Retired Teachers of Ontario-ERO dontated $4000.00 for posters, brochures, and business cards. The Board is especially grateful to many private donors, and to Oakville Saint Vincent's Ladies Night Out group who planned the successful and very first community-organized fund-raiser for Danielle's Place. It was great fun, while bringing in over $14,000.00 towards offering programs.
By January 2005, Danielle's Place began offering drop-in services twice weekly and a therapist-led adult support program. In June 2005 a 3 year $90,000 grant from the Halton Healthy Community Fund opened the gateway to expanding programs to include a teen support group, nutrition group, family support group, binge-eating support group, and other core services.
In July 2005 , Danielle's Place received a generous and empowering donation. Mrs. Emily Shih and Dr. Michael Shih offered free occupancy of a 3,000 square foot suite at 895 Brant Street in Burlington. With easy access to the GO Station and the Burlington Bus Terminal, this gift, representing well over $55,000.00 per year, provides a wonderful space to run programs and operate the charity.
Danielle's Place is grateful to all those who aided in establishing Danielle's Place.
We are a not-for-profit incorporated in Ontario (001614555) and a federally registered charity (charitable number BN 85550 6671 RR0001). Volunteers play a key role in our mission.
