Our Board of Directors
Ashley Muir, Founder & Co-Chair
Meet Ashley Muir, a psychology graduate with a specialization in developmental psychology. Ashley's life has been profoundly influenced by her younger brother, who has Down Syndrome and Autism. With 8 years of experience in inclusive recreation programs, she started as an inclusion camp counselor and now supervises a team dedicated to providing support to participants and ensuring accessible recreation programs for all. Ashley is an advocate and educator, recognized with the Ontario Medal for Young Volunteers in 2018. Her goal is to create a more inclusive community for children with special needs, drawing from her professional expertise and personal experiences as a sister.
Austin Waddell, Founder & Co-Chair
Meet Austin Waddell, Oshawa resident and proud parent to the adorable puppy, Luca. Austin has spent 7 years in the public sector, working in Community Services, with a main focus on child and youth programming. Their passion for inclusive recreation blossomed during the early years as a Summer Camp Counsellor, and it has been a driving force in their life ever since. With a formal education in Digital Media, Austin brings a diverse range of skills to AAUD.
Melodie Muir, Founder & Vice-Chair
Meet Melodie Muir, a dedicated mother of three wonderful children, including Matthew, her incredible source of inspiration. Matthew, who has Down Syndrome and Autism, motivated Melodie to leave her career with the Ministry of Finance 15 years ago. Since then, she has become a passionate advocate and caretaker for Matthew. Melodie co-founded the Grandview Kid's Family Advisory Committee, served on the Board of Directors of the Durham Down syndrome Association, and actively participated in various community initiatives. Frustrated by the limited programs available for Matthew, Melodie decided to be part of the solution, leading to the creation of AAUD.
Rebekah McMillan, Secretary
Meet Rebekah McMillan, a passionate individual with a love for working in youth-oriented environments. Rebekah's journey in recreation began at 17 with BGC Durham, where she discovered her passion for creating fun and engaging experiences. Although she stepped away from the recreation field in 2022, her enthusiasm for youth development persisted. When the opportunity with AAUD emerged, Rebekah knew it was the perfect fit, allowing her to channel her career in fundraising, and her passion for youth into meaningful work.
Shawn Muir, Treasurer
Meet Shawn Muir, a Bowmanville resident for over two decades, and a proud parent of three wonderful children, one of whom has Down Syndrome and Autism. With almost 30 years of experience as a finance leader, Shawn brings a wealth of expertise in lending, accounting, and financial planning and analysis. Additionally, he is a professional photographer and photo editor for OJHL images. Shawn and his family are strong advocates for children with developmental disabilities, recognizing the need for improved programming for older youth and young adults. Shawn is honored to provide a parental perspective and contribute his financial acumen to AAUD's mission of creating meaningful change in the lives of these individuals.
Reagan MacDonald, Director
Meet Reagan MacDonald, a sports enthusiast and lover of the outdoors and candy, born and raised in Courtice. Reagan is a special education teacher at a local high school, where she teaches a small classroom of 10 students with diverse abilities. Her work in the education system has given her valuable insights into programming and the individual needs of her clients. Witnessing the gaps in support for this community firsthand, Reagan is enthusiastic about her role in AAUD and looks forward to making a positive impact on the lives of many individuals.
Denise Waddell, Director
Meet Denise Waddell, a devoted wife and mother of three amazing children. Denise believes in starting her day with coffee and puppy cuddles. With a career dedicated to supporting women and children experiencing abuse, Denise has a wealth of experience in education, safety planning, and empowering women for healthier new beginnings. Her journey began with summer camps, followed by respite care for inclusion, and counseling youth in day-treatment classrooms. Excited to share her skills and experiences, Denise is thrilled to contribute to the growth of AAUD alongside this incredible team.