Leadership
Jill Farber, BASc
Executive Director
Jill Farber is the Executive Director of Autism Speaks Canada (ASC).
Jill has been involved with Autism Speaks Canada since its inception in 2006. Jill’s mandate includes increasing the organization’s profile by driving its mission forward through collaborative efforts with other stakeholders, raising public awareness of ASD, and continuing to raise funds to support essential research and family services across the country.
Previously, Jill held a position on ASC’s Board of Directors and was instrumental in the launch of ASC’s Family Services Community Grants program in 2010. This program has distributed over $3.5 million in grants to service providers across Canada.
Prior to working at ASC, Jill spent 15 years as a private consultant and therapist, specializing in ABA therapy for clients with a diagnosis of ASD and their families. Jill’s work with the ASD community has focused on building a strong relationship with the community and supporting them through her different roles.
Jill holds a Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc), Applied Psychology from the University of Toronto.
Esther Rhee, MSW
National Program Director
Esther Rhee joined Autism Speaks Canada as National Program Director in March 2014, where she oversees the Family Services program in Canada, which focuses on increasing programs and resources for families. Through the Family Services Community Grants program, Esther has supported the distribution of over $3.5 million across Canada to increase programs for individuals with autism and their families. Esther also sits on the Autism Speaks global science team which has supported over $200 million towards autism research internationally. Additionally, Esther collaborates on provincial and national advisory committees and alliances.
Esther’s work in the ASD community has focused on building community capacity, collaboration, program development and navigation support strategies. Esther has also worked as a Clinical Therapist focusing on child and adult mental health. Esther received her Master of Social Work degree from Wilfrid Laurier University and also holds a B.A.H in Philosophy from the University of Guelph.
Lena Trubnikova
Operational Director
Lena Trubnikova joined Autism Speaks Canada in November 2013 as the Operations Director. In this capacity, Lena is responsible for all aspects of ASC operations, including finance, IT, database administration, human resources, office administration, etc. With vast experience in various sectors of economy like entertainment, real estate and IT, Lena supports all areas of Autism Speaks Canada’s day-to-day activity.
Carrie Habert
Marketing Director
Carrie Habert joined Autism Speaks Canada as Marketing Director in January 2014, where she is responsible for their website, social media and communications to donors, participants, prospects, service providers and corporate partners. Carrie also works closely to support each of the organization's pillars of engagement.
With a strong foundation of marketing experience from packaged goods to financial institutions and passion for fundraising, Carrie is eager to support and highlight the work that Autism Speaks Canada is doing across Canada.
John Branton
National Development Director
John Branton joined Autism Speaks Canada as National Development Director in 2014 as a strategy expert, responsible for conceiving, diversifying, and executing strategies to drive revenue growth.
John comes to ASC after over twenty years in senior executive positions at organizations such as Crohn's and Colitis Foundation Canada (CCFC) and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), among others. His role has remained consistent: identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual, foundation and corporate relationships through the strategic implementation of all fundraising initiatives, while minimizing structural inefficiencies. As Chief Development Officer for CCFC, he was a three time winner of the Hermes Award and the IABC Award for Community Relations Campaigns.
Melanie Haydon
National Walk and Community Events Director
Melanie is the National Director - Walk & Community Events at Autism Speaks Canada and brings with her over 20 years’ experience with charitable organizations; working and living in both Eastern and Western Canada. While most of Melanie’s time has been in Toronto and Edmonton, she has made tracks across the Nation training and supporting implementation of signature special event campaigns. Melanie brings innovative ideas and veteran leadership; proven through the large number of programs and teams she has led to achieve significant revenue growth. And while at Crohn’s and Colitis Melanie was nominated by her peers to be the recipient of the staff Mission Award which is awarded to individuals who demonstrate exemplary contribution to the achievement of the mission through their work.
Since joining Autism Speaks in December 2013, Melanie is focused on building the Walk and Community Events programs, and since 2013, the number of Walks and Community events has more than doubled in Canada. Melanie is very excited to be a part of the Autism Speaks Canada team!
