Meet Our Directors!

Vice Chair

Hi, I’m Allison. After years of noticing and admiring StopGap’s ramps all over Toronto, I decided to reach out and get to know the organization more closely. The StopGap team’s incredible vision for our communities and its entrepreneurial spirit left me wanting to get more involved. I’m honoured to bring my over 20 years of experience in fundraising and non-profit management to the Board. By day I’m a Senior Consultant with KCI and passionate about building capacity and healthy work culture in non-profit organizations.

Treasurer

Michael is the founder and owner of SCI Supply Inc., an online medical supply retailer and distributor serving customers across Canada and North America. Michael has experience in all business aspects of the company including sales, marketing, strategy, accounting, and customer service. At the age of sixteen, Michael sustained a spinal cord injury during a high school football practice, which left him paralyzed from the chest down. Being an athletic and competitive child, such an injury was difficult to overcome but Michael eventually found ways to stay active and compete through wheelchair rugby and hand cycling. He has since given up wheelchair rugby but still enjoys hand cycling as well as socializing with friends and family, travelling, learning new things and meeting new people. Michael completed a BA in Psychology at York University followed by an MBA at Wilfrid Laurier University where he developed the concept for SCI Supply Inc. He has grown the company substantially since launching and feels grateful for the meaningful work he gets to do.

Member

Hello there access allies, my name is Russell Winkelaar. I describe myself differently every time I make an attempt at doing so. Mostly I enjoy being a disability awareness advocate, which I have done through the mediums of public speaking as well as acting. I have been a ramp aficionado for as long as I can recall. Physically my favourite ramp is located in the glass dome atop the Reichstag building in Berlin, Germany. As a concept though, StopGap ramps are by far the most amazing ramps out there! I first encountered a StopGap ramp back in early 2012 and helped in my couple of ramp builds in the summer of 2014. Now that I have finally made it to the inner circle, I am excited to bring as much energy and enthusiasm as I can to help promote StopGap and access for all. I can’t wait to see where this adventure goes!

Member

I’m Max. My days are mostly spent practicing human rights and employment law, cycling around Toronto, and engaging with the local music scene. I learned about this amazing organization through the work of Accessibility for Humanity and StopGap Ottawa. As a former student of urban geography, I’m thrilled to work toward a more just and accessible world with the StopGap team.

Member

Hi, I’m Shelby. I am thrilled to be a part of StopGap’s organization. I live with a genetic pain condition that limits my ability to walk stairs and requires a mobility scooter often. My passion and goals are to create a world free of barriers to allow for independence, inclusion, accomplishment, and success. I am a Registered Dietitian, mother of three, and contribute to other non-profit organizations. Together with the StopGap team, we will “break down barriers, one step at a time.”

Member

Oda Al-anizi sustained a complete Spinal Cord Injury at the c6 level in 1999. Oda is passionate about disability advocacy, peer support & knowledge exchange. Oda works at Spinal Cord Injury Ontario where he has a dual role as an Information & Resource Specialist and as a Video Content Developer. In his spare time, Oda enjoys long strolls across the beach, jazz and blues music, handbiking, cinema, and running his Instagram account @OdaHumanity where he makes disability-related comics.

Member

Hilary Johnston has been working in non-profits for over ten years. She spent the first half of her career in music education, supporting marketing, events, and other projects at the Royal Conservatory of Music and Sistema Toronto. She has led development teams at The Walrus, MOCA, and Crow’s Theatre and is now a consultant focused on helping small and mid-sized charitable organizations raise money, develop partnerships, and communicate their mission and impact. In addition to her work with StopGap, Hilary is on the board of Charlie’s FreeWheels and Lula Music and Arts. When she’s not working, she enjoys cycling, gardening, and caring for a temperamental chihuahua.

Member

Miguel Aguayo is the founder of Disabled Activist Services and has more than 30 years of work experience in promoted diversity and programs that address gaps in workforce representation for women, visible minorities, Indigenous people, and particularly disabled people.

Miguel has led and/or supported programs with federally and provincially regulated employers intended to enhance diversity, accessibility, and conducted employment systems reviews, as well as research on employment strategies that expand employment opportunities for disabled people.

A list of organizations that he has worked with includes, but is not limited to, the Ontario Public Service, Canadian Border Services, Canadian Imperial Bank for Commerce, Canada Life Assurance, Royal Bank of Canada, Compass Group, the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, Bank of Montreal, the United States Postal Service, and more.

Miguel became deafened at the age of 14 years and has earned a Master of Social Work degree from Wilfred Laurier University, a Masters Certificate in Public Management from York University, and certificates in Human Resources Management and Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Management from the Toronto Metropolitan University.

Member

Hi, I’m Denise. I’ve been cheering on StopGap from the sidelines for years, and now I’m thrilled to be part of the team. As someone who believes deeply in joyful systems change, community-led design, and dismantling the barriers that keep people out (literal and metaphorical), joining the StopGap board just made sense.

I bring over 20 years of experience in social impact, accessibility, and equity work: from running transitional homes for youth with disabilities to leading place-based systems change initiatives and building community wealth in Regent Park. I’ve launched employment social enterprises, designed trauma-informed engagement strategies, and sat on boards that push for a more inclusive world.

StopGap is about building momentum. And I’m here for it!

Member

Dr. Cyndi Gilbert, ND (she/they) is a (currently inactive) naturopathic doctor and former faculty member at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM), focused on anti-oppressive healthcare practices and policies. She is the author of several books on herbal medicine and nature therapy. They are passionate about mutual aid, community-led initiatives, and have over 20 years of experience working with nonprofits.

A long-time admirer, and now regular user, of StopGap ramps, Cyndi is excited to contribute to StopGap’s mission to highlight inclusion and accessibility through community action and empowerment.

Member

Victoria Kucher is an arts leader and accomplished filmmaker with over 20 years of experience. Her passion for arts and culture has propelled her to create a recognized and respected profile both locally and internationally. Victoria is the Executive Director of Hand Eye Society, one of the oldest video game non-profits in the world. She also works with the AFC helping support entertainment workers and artists get assistance and support in times of need. Victoria puts story and mentorship at the centre of her work, and is a passionate community builder. She is thrilled to bring her energy and creativity to the board!