The people behind the work.

Counsellors, tutors, advocates and administrators — meet the team supporting Manitobans every day.

Leadership

Karen Velthuys

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (CE0)

Karen brings more than 25 years of nonprofit experience to her role as the CEO of LDAM, where she has proudly led the organization for over seven years. She is honoured to lead LDAM, and through periods of significant growth and transition, she has helped shape the organization's direction and strengthen its impact — leading the way in expanding supports for Manitobans and ensuring the organization continues to meet the evolving needs of the community.

Throughout her career, Karen has been a driving force behind several of Manitoba's community organizations. She is a founding member of the Bonnycastle Family Centre and previously served as Executive Director of both the South Winnipeg Family Information Centre and Youth Employment Services, helping to build and guide programs that support families and young people across the province.

A dedicated community leader and a strong advocate for those LDAM serves, Karen also served for 12 years as a School Trustee with the Pembina Trails School Division. She believes that with the right supports and tools, everyone can succeed, and she is deeply committed to ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to learn and the power to achieve.

Counsellors

Jordan Barnes

BSW, RSW

Jordan is a Registered Social Worker (BSW, pursuing his MSW) who brings a strong foundation in supporting neurodiverse individuals through a disability-informed, strengths-based, and person-centered approach. He works with both adults and youth, offering everything from practical problem solving to creative, developmentally appropriate activities — worksheets, games, and right-brain exercises — that build emotional regulation, resilience, and essential life skills.

Andrea Espenell

BSW, RSW

Andrea is a Registered Social Worker (BSW, completing her MSW) who uses an empowering, client-led approach grounded in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. She works with clients of all ages on challenges including ADHD, learning disabilities, executive functioning, anxiety, depression, self-confidence, and suicidal thoughts, offering collaborative, practical sessions focused on setting goals and building strategies to move forward with greater confidence and clarity.

Programs and operations

Jennifer Anderson

PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Jennifer’s commitment to providing and coordinating literacy tutoring services for the community that LDAM serves, reflects her career-long dedication to empowering individuals to build confidence, achieve their goals, and lead fulfilling lives.

 Her previous experience working with nonprofit organizations supporting adults living with disabilities, as well as her background in educational settings providing communication support for students, has equipped her with valuable skills for her roles at LDAM as a tutor, program coordinator, and supervisor of the tutor team. One of the most rewarding aspects of her work is witnessing the progress students of all ages achieve in their reading and spelling abilities through their hard work and perseverance.

Catherine Shae

ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR

Bio coming soon!

Board of directors

  • Michael has worked in the financial services industry for 16 years. He holds many financial designations and is currently completing an MBA at Athabasca University.  Michael got involved with LDAM because having two boys with additional needs being on the Autism Spectrum, he wanted to focus his time giving back to the betterment of children and youth in Manitoba to help all kids remove barriers to being successful. He has been on the board since 2022. In his personal time, you can find him spending time with this family at the lake or on adventures around the city and province.

  • Colette Havens (she/her) is a Family Therapist and has a background in social services and non-profit organizations. Passionate about advocacy and inclusive mental health care, Colette is committed to helping individuals with learning disabilities thrive at home, in school, and in the community.  

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  • Michelle Falk is the Executive Director of the Manitoba Bar Association and has extensive experience in non-profit leadership in Manitoba. As a member of the LDAM Board of Directors, Michelle is committed to advancing inclusion and empowering individuals living with learning disabilities to thrive in school, work, and community. 

  • Sid Dewan is the President and co-founder of Seva Capital Canada, where he leads strategic advisory and debt origination initiatives, advising real estate developers, investors, and businesses across a range of financing and restructuring mandates. A CFA Charterholder and active community leader, Sid currently serves on the boards of CFA Society Winnipeg and the Learning Disabilities Association of Manitoba (LDAM).

  • Lauren is a person with a learning disability (LD) and an Associate Professor at the University of Manitoba. She teaches courses in the area of inclusive education, and her primary research focuses on the transition from high school to postsecondary education.