Manda is married and has three children, with her second daughter having mixed dyskinetic cerebral palsy. She brings over 20 years of experience in health policy, advocacy, and social programs across both the United States and Canada. She has focused on improving health and social services for individuals with disabilities and their caregivers. Manda has worked at the intersection of policy development, legislative interpretation, and program implementation. Her expertise spans a range of initiatives, from federal and provincial health policies to family-centered care models that prioritize the needs of children and caregivers, particularly in the context of disability.
As a lived experience caregiver and educator, Manda is deeply committed to advancing the rights and well-being of families navigating complex health and social systems. She collaborates with leading research institutions, including McMaster University’s CanChild and CP-NET, the Ontario Brain Institute, and Children’s Healthcare Canada, to promote evidence-based policies and family-focused practices. She has co-authored several scholarly publications that center on the lived experiences of caregivers and the role of policy in shaping their day-to-day realities.
In her volunteer work, Manda provides guidance and policy navigation to families and caregivers, helping them access vital services, secure support, and advocate for their loved ones with disabilities. She continues to be a passionate advocate for improving health outcomes and service delivery, with a particular focus on the unique challenges faced by caregivers in the context of childhood disabilities and developmental conditions.
