Staff Biographies
Gail Hawkins
Position: Executive Director
About Gail:
Gail founded Hawkins Institute in 1995, to help people with Asperger Syndrome (AS), and more able autism, realize their goals, achieve employment success and improve their overall quality of life.
Gail is an innovative consultant and practitioner, a frequent guest speaker, and author of How to Find Work that Works for People with Asperger Syndrome (Jessica Kingsley Publishers) and recently featured as the book for employment advice in the acclaimed movie “Adam” staring Hugh Dancy and directed by Max Mayer- 2009, contributing author to Children, Youth and Adults with Asperger Syndrome - Integrating Multiple Perspectives (Jessica Kingsley Publishers), and professional commentator on Nick Dubin’s DVD: Asperger Syndrome and Employment - A Personal Guide to Succeeding at Work (Jessica Kingsley Publishers).
With more than 20 years of experience, Gail has received global recognition for her specialized work within the field of Autism and her programs at Hawkins Institute are being modeled internationally.
What does Gail Like most about her job?
“I have always been inspired by the people who come to our programs. They teach me so much about life. It has always been my pleasure to do what I can to help our participants find a meaningful path to employment and the reward is being a part of their success stories.”
Debbie Seery
Position: Director
About Debbie:
Debbie came to Hawkins Institute in 2003, after immigrating to Canada from England where she worked for 14 years in Human Resources and Employment Services for people with disabilities. In addition to her extensive training in the UK, Debbie has taken several career related courses in Canada including Sexuality Awareness & Asperger's Syndrome, Workplace Mental Health, and the Power of One series from Ian Hill through the Ministry of Social Services Ontario.
As Director of Hawkins Institute, Debbie is responsible for the day-to-day management of the office and supervision of staff. Her role includes conducting information meetings with potential participants/families and providing assistance with the Ontario Disability Supports Program, Employment Supports application forms for funding. She also provides recommendations to the Ministry of Family & Social Services ODSP Employment Supports Liaison Officer on appropriate action plans for participants and provides monthly figures to the Ministry’s Corporate Head Office.
When she is not performing her administrative duties, Debbie is liaising with potential employers to promote and identify job opportunities for clients. She also takes an active role with existing employers to ensure continued placements for participants. Debbie is a link to medical professionals for individuals seeking assessment or diagnosis and she often counsels clients while they are in the programs.
What does Debbie like most about her job?
“I feel extremely lucky to work with individuals with Asperger Syndrome – I enjoy being part of a team that can help make a difference to someone’s life by empowering them to work independently and earn their own wage. It is exciting to work with a client to identify and address their challenges and subsequently see them thriving in the job they were placed in.”
Paul Rodgers
Position: Vocational Training Consultant
About Paul:
Paul’s interests have always involved working with and helping people. His education includes the Psychology Specialist program at University of Toronto and the Sign Language Interpreter program at Sheridan College.
Paul joined our team in 2003 after working for Brampton Caledon Community Living for 7 years. His role at Hawkins Institute has evolved over the years, starting as a Vocational Consultant working one-on-one with participants, to facilitating the Small Group Training program.
As the trainer, Paul’s primary responsibility is to assess the participant’s ability to move into independent, paid employment. In order to provide every chance at success, Paul must identify challenges that may hinder employment and implement strategies. In addition to conducting Small Group Training, Paul provides job coaching to participants that have moved into paid employment.
What does Paul like most about his job?
“I enjoy working hands-on with participants. Being part of a change that will positively affect the rest of their lives is a rare opportunity and it drives me to make a meaningful connection with every person that enters our program.”
Andrea DeLong
Position: Placement & Training Consultant
About Andrea:
Andrea has always had a passion for helping others, especially in the field of autism. She began working at Hawkins Institute as a volunteer in 2010 and most recently joined our staff as Job Developer/Coach in summer 2011. Her education includes an Honours Degree in Sociology from McMaster University and credits from the Autism and Behavioural Science program through Seneca College. Andrea has spent much time volunteering with different organizations working with both adults and children on the spectrum.
As Job Developer/Coach, Andrea helps the clients find suitable job opportunities and works to place the clients in these jobs. Once the client has been employed, Andrea offers support to both the client and the employer to ensure the placement is successful for long-term employment.
What does Andrea like most about her job?
“I enjoy getting to know the people in our program and helping them attain their employment goals. By identifying strengths and working on challenges, they begin to develop more confidence in their ability to find employment and become independent. It’s incredibly rewarding to watch them succeed in the workplace.”