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NEADS Welcomes Vanessa Aase, Stephanie Evans, and Elizabeth Doherty to the Board of Directors

The National Educational Association of Disabled Students (NEADS) is beyond excited to welcome Vanessa Aase, Stephanie Evans, and Elizabeth Doherty to our Board of Directors!

At this exciting time for the organization as we navigate new projects and opportunities, our Directors play a critical role in guiding the organization through the evolving landscape of post-secondary education and employment. We are so privileged to welcome these three outstanding women to the NEADS team and look forward to seeing where their perspectives and contributions take us next.

"Vanessa Aase, Stephanie Evans, and Elizabeth Doherty are fully engaged, outstanding, passionate disabled student leaders within the post-secondary community. They all have proven their expertise and advocacy skills at their universities and within the provinces where they study," said Frank Smith, NEADS' National Coordinator. "We are so excited to welcome them to the NEADS team in the roles of Director at Large, Newfoundland and Labrador Director and New Brunswick Director respectively." – Frank Smith, National Coordinator

“In the short time that I’ve had working with these three individuals, I have learned what a tremendous asset they bring to the board. I feel hopeful for the future direction of the NEADS board and the organization as a whole. Congratulations!” – Adam David, Chair of the Board of Directors

Meet the Directors

Vanessa Aase, Director at Large

Vanessa Aase (she/her) is currently enrolled in her final year of a History Honours Undergraduate Degree at the University of Victoria. She contributes to the university community by working in research positions on marginalized communities and serving on UVic’s Society for Students with a Disability. Previously, she volunteered to support the disabled community by mentoring a disabled child through Big Brother Big Sisters. Vanessa feels grateful for the opportunity to work with NEADS, given the organization’s strong community and vision for a more equitable Canada.

Stephanie Evans, Newfoundland and Labrador Director

"Hi there, I'm Stephanie (she/her)! I'm pursuing my social work degree at Memorial University in Newfoundland. Apart from studying, I dedicate most of my time to volunteering, as I find giving back to my community incredibly fulfilling. My main areas of interest are mental health and disability advocacy, and I am always looking for opportunities to learn more and raise awareness. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to be the new Newfoundland and Labrador director for NEADS! I feel extremely grateful and excited to embark on this new journey and look forward to making a positive impact on the lives of others in my community."

Elizabeth Doherty, New Brunswick Director

Elizabeth (she/her) has called Fredericton, New Brunswick home for the last twenty years. She is currently enrolled in the St. Thomas University School of Social Work after completing her BA in 2022. Her social action field placement last year was with the New Brunswick Coalition of Persons with Disabilities, and she is actively involved in advocacy work with varied non-profits and patient groups. A rare form of Muscular Dystrophy and other complex health conditions have created opportunities for Elizabeth to navigate some of the various supports and agencies within her home province. Elizabeth has a thirteen-year-old son and in her spare time she enjoys spending time with loved ones and watching stand up comedy. Elizabeth is thrilled to be part of the NEADS Board, and she can't wait to see what changes we all can make together.

Carly Fox (she/her/elle), carly.fox@neads.ca, NEADS Communications and Partnerships Director |Directrice des communications et des partenariats de NEADS

National Educational Association of Disabled Students (NEADS)
Rm. 514 Unicentre, Carleton University
Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 5B6

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