OUR TEAM
Staff & Instructors
They bring creativity, care, and energy to every session - making sure every participant feels seen, supported, and empowered.
Voices who bring each program to life.
Minds who shape our direction forward.
Board of Directors
With compassion and leadership, our board ensures we stay true to our mission while growing our impact.
Youth Team
Hearts who spark leadership in others.
These dedicated youth step up to lead, innovate, and inspire - driving change and supporting SDC from the inside out.
Meet the Staff & Instructors
Cecilia L.
Program Coordinator
“My position allows me to help advocate and create inclusive programs that eliminate as many barriers as possible for our participants and their families. I hope to continue to assist SDC in creating safe, supported learning environments for our amazing community.”
Jack H.
Program Coordinator
“I love spending time with my students, watching them laugh and smile. When I’m teaching them, I find they’re also teaching me, inspiring me to grow and improve alongside them.”
Eric C.
Program Manager
“Watching our programs come to life and seeing the impact on SDC participants is truly rewarding. It’s a chance for participants to gain confidence, build friendships, and discover their own strengths. Seeing their smiles and excitement as they learn and grow reminds me why we do what we do.”
David C.
Executive Director
“SDC started as a dream to empower children with special needs, and over the years, it has grown into something far greater - a movement of compassion, inclusion, and leadership. Every child we reach, every life we touch, fuels our commitment to doing even more.”
Eric L.
IT Coordinator
“I’ve really enjoyed working on projects that make it easier for families to access SDC’s programs. It’s been rewarding to see how our work helps things run more smoothly for both staff and participants.”
Eric X.
IT Coordinator
“SDC has given me the chance to work on meaningful tech solutions in a supportive team. I’ve learned a lot and it feels good knowing our tools are helping a great cause.”
Sucina T.
Instructor, Education Through Creativity
“Teaching at SDC has shown me that creativity knows no boundaries with only infinite possibilities.”
Gwyneth L.
Instructor, Education Through Virtual Reality
“Virtual reality provides an incredible platform for students with diverse needs to learn, grow, and have fun. It offers a safe and engaging environment where they can develop essential life skills while building on the abilities they already possess. Witnessing their growth and the smiles of achievement and accomplishment as they master VR is truly rewarding to me.”
Gillian L.
Instructor, Education Through Creativity
“Seeing the students working hard on their projects and getting immersed in their creativity makes me so thrilled to continue teaching with SDC!”
Reanna L.
Instructor, Dance for Body Literacy (K-Pop)
“Teaching at SDC has been an amazing personal journey for me. Since my time here, the students I’ve worked with has shown me what true patience and understanding looks like. They’ve taught me that growth doesn’t always follow a set path, and sometimes, the most meaningful moments happens when we embrace the unexpected..”
Sidney H.
Instructor, Dance for Body Instructor (K-Pop)
“Dance is an outlet for self-expression and confidence! Sharing this gift with my students at SDC reminds me how special it is when we come together to create a space where everyone feels welcomed and empowered.”
Mako F.
Instructor, Drama for Diversity and Education Through Creativity
“Teaching art and drama to kids has taught me that creativity has no limits and that every child has a unique way of expressing their own beauty. It’s a constant reminder that patience and understanding create the space where talent can truly shine.”
Sammie K.
Instructor, Dance for Body Literacy (K-Pop)
“ ‘When I dance, I forget everything else and I just feel completely happy.’
--Katherine Jenkins”
Ruby P.
Instructor, Education Through Creativity
“These last 3 years have been an incredible experience. I have had the privilege to guide so many fantastic students on their artistic journeys, nurturing their creativity and witnessing their growth. Art is a powerful medium for self expression, and it has been a joy to watch my students develop their skills and confidence!”
Joyce K.
Instructor, Dance for Body Instructor (K-Pop)
“K-pop is a fun way to keep students active, and it is truly rewarding to see them so engaged and excited during class each week. Watching their growth has been amazing, and I look forward to showing you what we've been working on for the gala!”
Jessica L.
Instructor, Building Bridges with Music
“Teaching at SDC has been an incredibly rewarding journey. It’s inspiring to see students’ curiosity for music grow and their joy in discovering new possibilities.”
Carina L.
Instructor, Balloon Artistry Adventure
“Teaching with SDC is a journey filled with love, fun, and connection to our community. In our classroom, learning happens through hands-on support from both parents and support workers, fostering teamwork and developing executive functioning skills. The key is flexibility - we can solve about 80% of the challenges we face, and for the remaining 20%, we learn to let go.”
Penney L.
Instructor, Balloon Artistry Adventure
“At SDC, balloon twisting helps children build confidence, fine motor skills, and creativity. As a teacher, it’s inspiring to see their excitement when they create something new. Through hands-on practice and step-by-step guidance, they develop patience, problem-solving skills, and a love for artistic expression, turning every creation into a moment of joy and growth.”
Wendy
Instructor, MPM Math and JELIC Math
“Every child is unique, and each one has their own strengths and abilities. At SDC, I love seeing participants discover their potential as they tackle math challenges with growing confidence. Watching them develop problem-solving skills and a love for learning makes teaching truly rewarding.”
Claudia A.
Instructor, Drama for Diversity
“At SDC, Drama class gives the children a space to express themselves, build confidence, and explore their creativity. Through storytelling, role-playing, and movement, they develop communication skills and discover new ways to connect with others. Watching their joy and curiosity evolve as they step into different roles and find their voices makes teaching an incredibly fulfilling experience.”
Winnie W.
Instructor, Dance for Body Literacy (K-Pop)
“Every child is gifted. They just unwrap their packages at different times.” I see this every time I teach my SDC program, from watching the kids smile as they become more aware of their movement and grow a better understanding of their learning processes for dance. This makes teaching at SDC one of the most inspiring and rewarding experiences I have had.”
Meet the Board of Directors
Hon. Dr. Alice Wong
Lifetime Member of the King’s Privy Council for Canada | Former Member of Parliament, Richmond/Richmond Centre | Former Federal Minister for Seniors | Advisor to SDC
“I've watched SDC grow over the past 15 years, and it's truly inspiring to see how many lives it has touched. The impact it has made - on children, families, and young leaders - is a testament to the power of inclusion and community.”
Troy MacBeth Abromaitis
Board Member, Lytton Economic Development Corp
“At SDC, every child finds a place where they are celebrated, supported, and empowered. It’s not just about learning - it’s about creating a second home filled with love and acceptance.”
Eileen Wang
Principal & CEO, Beeta Education
“Education extends beyond academics - it shapes future leaders who understand the value of giving back. Supporting SDC and the Once Upon a Shine Gala allows us to encourage young people to take on meaningful roles while empowering children with special needs to thrive.”
Agnes Mao
Managing Partner, Oriental Franchise Management Group
“SDC is a place where hope thrives. Seeing children overcome obstacles, embrace their strengths, and light up with confidence reminds me of the resilience in every one of us. The energy, dedication, and heart behind every initiative show what our community can achieve when given the opportunity.”
Judith Buist
Real Estate Consultant, 1ne collective realty
“SDC is more than an organization - it’s a movement that changes lives. Seeing children grow in confidence, skill, and joy reminds me why I believe in this mission so deeply. SDC is paving the way for a world where every child is seen, heard, and valued.”
Rosa Lenihan
Principal Director, Quantum Academy
“Seeing the participants and volunteers grow over the past 5 years really warms my heart. All children, regardless of their needs and abilities, should shine in their own light. Quantum will continue to support SDC for many more years to come to help more children and youth find their own spotlights - the world is their stage.”
Evelyn Chang
Operations Director, Quantum Academy
“Working with children, I know firsthand how vital inclusive programs like SDC’s are. SDC doesn’t just provide activities - it creates opportunities for children with special needs to thrive, connect, and feel valued in a world that often overlooks them.”
Ben Yao
Real Estate Consultant, 1ne collective realty
“The beauty of SDC lies in its ability to transform young leaders while uplifting children with special needs. This cycle of empowerment is what makes this work so meaningful.”