Our Staff

Alison Elliott (Kinesiologist)

Manager

With a degree in Kinesiology and Psychology, Alison's work includes program management, clinical support for clients and families, and community awareness. Her mental health background includes clinical work with inner city, at-risk youth and addictions in Hamilton. Alison is also a member of the Central West Eating Disorder Program Advisory Committee, and sits on the Board of Directors for the Eating Disorder Awarness Coalition of Waterloo Region. A former personal trainer and professional dancer, her experiences have instilled in her a desire to promote a healthy, balanced approach to living life.

Nadine Braund (Registered Practical Nurse)

Evening Program Supervisor

As a Registered Practical Nurse, Nadine brings with her over 20 years of mental health work experience. Her work includes mobile crisis, child & adolecent mental health, and residential eating disorder programs. Her work as the Danielle's Place Evening Program Supervisor includes supervising volunteers, overseeing evening programming and organization. She has also been a facilitator for the Teen Support Group, Adult Support Group and Support for Famliy and Friends Group.

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

(Regional Co-ordinator, Central West Eating Disorder Treatment Program)

Board Chair

Peggy Thomas

(Teacher-Librarian, Toronto District School Board)

Board Secretary

Anne-Marie Joki

(Retired Teacher)

Fundraising/Special Events Committee Chair

Leena Hypponen

(CEO/CFO, Fibrecast)

Board Treasurer

Ron Lambert

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.