We are a community where highly specialized staff support clients and families on their unique journey.”

Providing a promise of hope to more than 300 clients annually.

What started out as a family support group in 1987, has flourished into one of the largest community-based ABI rehabilitation agencies in Ontario. Thirty years later, the same passion, commitment and care that started the agency, remains evident throughout the organization.

Leadership team from left to right: Vlad Bartchouk, Mary Jackson, Nadina Salciccioli, Mila Ray-Daniels, Candy Sarraf, Joanna Pajak, Steve Dawn. Staff members are standing in a row on lush green grass in a park like setting, surrounded by many large trees.

Vlad, Mary, Nadine, Mila, Candy, Joanna, Steve

Quotes from our Executive Team

In my 25 years with the agency, the biggest reward is seeing the results of the client’s hard work first hand. I’ve always had an interest in individual behaviours and believe that each survivor has their own road to recovery. Each gain should be celebrated as a step towards a higher level of independence and I feel privileged for being a part of that journey.

With 20 years working in ABI, I’ve learned to never take the small achievements of our clients for granted. Rather, we celebrate those wins with them and the staff that work tirelessly to help them achieve their goals. Their gains, no matter how big or small, continue to inspire me every day. I bring forward honesty, integrity, empathy and compassion in hopes that I can impact the lives of the clients as they have impacted mine.

In my 21 years with the agency, I’ve experienced so many successes and have been inspired by our clients. After helping my own family member recover from a stroke, I’ve seen first hand how the respect and careful treatment of ABI survivors can make a tremendous difference in their recovery. I continue to enjoy being a part of such a rewarding team that supports clients and families through each step of their journey.

No one wants a brain injury. But it does happen and the impact can be profound. That’s where HIRO can make a difference. We are a community where highly specialized staff support clients and families on their unique journey. It is a community where each individual is valued, respected and treated with dignity.

Through my own personal experiences, I have seen how a brain injury can affect not only the individual living with the ABI, but their family and friends as well. I am honoured that I am able to apply my professional skill set to give our clients a voice and an opportunity to share their story. Each person in our HIRO community; staff, clients, family or friends, has a story to tell and a chance to inspire others who are in need of support throughout their recovery journey.

ABI is often an invisible disability that can have life altering effects for the individual as well as family and friends. It is my wish for people to have a better understanding of ABI in hopes we can help those affected by this disability. It is truly a pleasure to play a role in our HIRO community that offers hope for independence and creates a supportive environment throughout the recovery journey.

For over 20 years, I’ve witnessed the achievements of our clients as a result of the agency’s dedicated staff and rehabilitation programs. Although I’m not providing direct care to the clients, I’m honoured as a Chartered Professional Accountant to maintain the financial viability of the agency and ensure the funding and fundraising dollars will continue to be used to best serve our clients.