Our Team

With a BA Psych (Hons) degree and three years experience working for Neil Squire, Shanelle was excited to learn about MMC and wanted to expand her makers skills. Shanelle is showcasing our Key guards for AAC communication apps. Shanelle loves that this print can be altered to the individual to allow them more ease when communicating. When not in the office, you can find Shanelle playing recreation sports and board games with friends.

From a young age in England, UK Suzanne has supported people with disabilities. Since arriving in Winnipeg, Manitoba in 2007 she has worked in the technology sector ensuring equity for minority Canadians.  Her role at MMC enables her to continue to support her local community by combining her knowledge, skills and experience. Even though they say “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks!”, Suzanne has learnt new maker skills and here you see her posing with her FIRST ever 3d printed MMC device, the jar opener!  When she’s not in the office you’ll find Suzanne curled up on the sofa watching Netflix with her 3 dogs and 2 cats or connecting with friends and family from around the world either virtually or in person.

Courtney started with Neil Squire in 2017 as a Job Developer, but quickly began working on Makers Making Change as she found the project unique and exciting, and loved the new skills she acquired through building devices (who knew?!) Courtney loves the key turner as it was the first device she provided to a user in Nova Scotia and heard feedback about making a difference in their life – and it’s so handy for everyone! When not in the office, Courtney can usually be found at a park with her dog or enjoying food & drink at a local pub or restaurant.

Kristina joined the MMC team to solve challenges faced by people with disabilities from an industrial design lens. She believes designs should be built around the user, not the other way around. Her favourite device is the light proximity switch because users can independently adjust it to their needs. Outside of work, you can find her trying out new dishes and tending her garden.  

Jake is a maker and a lifelong learner. He’s a jack of all trades and a master of at least one (biomedical engineering), and takes immense pride in applying all those skills to create, review, and refine assistive technologies that can improve someone’s quality of life. Jake is particularly fond of the brush holder and mount that he developed with a local mouth painter that enables her to paint independently. When not in the office, you might find Jake out in the mountains with his family, gaming with his buds, or throwing stones at the curling rink.  

Milad started working with Neil Squire as part of his co-op in 2012 and has been the Systems Developer since 2016. Makers Making Change would be lost without his skills as our PCB designer. He works closely with Harry and the R&D team to develop new assistive technology designs. Milad boasts skills such as software and app development, but perhaps what he is best known for among the team is his FAIO switch and multiplexer designs which are available on our site and GitHub. His interests include: software development, robotics, and graphic design. He chose to model our 3D printed nail clipper holder, one of several low tech options available. This item provides users with the independence they need to clip their nails and can be used by those with a wide variety of disabilities such as Muscular dystrophy, SCI, and Arthritis.

With his electronics background, Derrick has always been passionate about building gadgets to empower people. He joined MMC to apply electronics in service to people with disabilities. When not in the office, Derrick loves to design and build ultra low power radio circuits, run the Stanley Park seawall, or hike in the Vancouver north shore mountains. The device Derrick is holding is a digital Sip and Puff switch, which enables a user to control devices by blowing into, or sipping onto, the mouthpiece. This version is also capable of typing onto a computer via sip and puff Morse code input.

The engineer in me will always be curious about how to use technology to help others, while the Maker in me will forever be designing, tinkering and playing with shiny new things.  Merging these passions was a no-brainer and I was actually already volunteering when life just sort of lined up to let me jump into the MMC program with both feet.  It’s such an amazing and passionate team at Neil Squire that I feel fortunate just to be a small part of it. I chose the Dice Spinner as my “Spirit Device” because I love to play board games and I love pressing buttons. This is a device that enables anyone to do both of those things! Outside the office you’ll likely find me in the forest with my 2 favorite ladies (my wife and our dog), tinkering with my machines (laser, 3DP, CNC), fetching after some type of ball or puck (me, not the dog) or cooking up some Good Eats.  

Chad Leaman is the Director of Innovation for the Neil Squire Society and is responsible for partnership and fund development. Starting with Neil Squire Society in 2002 building computer literacy programs, he has focused his career on addressing the digital divide. He spends time outside of Neil Squire volunteering with other organizations that focus on technology, education, and accessibility. He’s a father of young twins which is the source of much joy, Lego, and scraped knees. His favourite OpenAT is the Raindrop switch, as it is a great starter project for people new to making. With a little soldering, a little 3D printing, and some hot glue, you have a solution that can be made in 15 minutes and is 95% more affordable than the commercial equivalent.

Harry Lew joined the Neil Squire Society’s Research and Development Group in 1985 as an Electrical Engineer. He has extensive experience developing products for the unique needs of persons with disabilities using user centered design techniques. He also has experience in designing electronics devices from prototype to pre-production. As Manager of Research and Development, Harry is in charge of a robust engineering team that can develop specialized technology solutions for clients, all in house. He also is responsible for the development of new research and product initiatives in addition to creating and executing heuristic reviews and focus groups of products and services for accessibility and usability.

Gary Birch was appointed Director of Research and Development at the Neil Squire Society in 1988 and then in 1994 was appointed Executive Director. He is responsible for the on-going operations at the Neil Squire Society including the supervision of a Research and Development team; the preparation and supervision of contract proposals and budgets for government sponsored service delivery projects; and the overall future direction and development of the Neil Squire Society.

Computers has always been a part of Dan’s life. He likes using his knowledge and skills to help people in the community get the most out of technology. As a website Admin with Makers Making Change Dan hopes to impact more people through the creative and accessible ways he will introduce on the website. Dan really like all the Adapted Toys because if I had that option when I was growing up, I would have loved that and I feel happy now that Makers are giving kids that opportunity and I can assist that process by website development.  

Tyler (E.I.T) saw a great fit working for Makers Making Change as he has had a lifelong passion to develop devices that were designed with the user at the forefront. Tyler has lived with type one diabetes since he was 7 and has used medical devices ever since. His frustrations with these medical devices not consulting users during the design process and having features difficult for users fed his drive to want to create. Tyler started working as a student while finishing up his degree in mechanical engineering and now has transitioned to a full time employee for the R&D team. Tyler’s favorite device is the MMC60 adaptive switch. He loves this device as it allows alternative access to devices for users, is often peoples first build event experience with mmc, and has a neat flexure design.

As a mechanical engineering student at the University of Manitoba, Stephen Moyer was drawn to biomechanical design in large part by the opportunity to help others with his skills and knowledge. Upon graduating, Stephen began looking for work in the biomechanical field and landed in assistive technology as a summer intern with Makers Making change. He is thankful to have stayed on and continued to support MMC through both engineering and outreach in the central region. His favourite aspect of the assistive technology field is the immediate positive impact assistive devices can have in people’s lives. Stephen’s favourite device is the rumble plate dice roller as he loves to play cards and board games and admires how this device can enable others to join in the fun! Outside of work, you can likely find Stephen either bagpiping, or hanging out with friends to watch a movie or play some games.

Hi, I’m Kyle! I’m 24-years-old and I’m a recent graduate from The University of British Columbia where I completed a Bachelor of Arts, Major in Psychology. While in school, I discovered a passion for marketing, brand development, and social media content creation. I’m excited to be joining the team at Makers Making Change as the Community Admin Intern where I’m focusing on outreach and digital marketing. What drew me to MMC was its admirable mission of making assistive technology more accessible to people with disabilities. Fun fact about me: I never learned how to hold a pencil the ‘correct’ way after breaking my arm in grade 2.

With a background in biology and education, Heather loves to find ways to help youth thrive in school and their personal lives. She sees the use of assistive technology is a bridge to success – both in the design process and its use. She joined the MMC team after partnering with them in Summer 2022, where she helped youth explore and build assistive tech. She is very passionate about helping bring assistive technology forward into public consciousness and her favourite devices are the Reading Bars. Reading Bars help people who struggle with reading stay on the same line, an experience close to Heather’s heart. Outside of work, Heather enjoys board games, crafting, and musical theatre.

Stephan has always been interested in using engineering to help improve the lives of other people. The desire to help others lead him to complete his Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering with the Building and Designing Assistive Technology (BDAT) Lab at Queen’s University, where he learned more about universal and user-centred design, and assistive devices. Through the BDAT Lab and subsequent teaching at Queen’s, Stephan learned about MMC and he jumped at the opportunity to join the team as Outreach and Engineering Intern. Stephan is excited to help grow the MMC community in Ontario, create new devices, and improve existing designs. Stephan’s favourite device is the MMC60 Switch because of its versatility and customizability. When he’s not working you can find Stephan enjoying the outdoors by hiking, climbing, and canoeing, or trying out new recipes in the kitchen.

“I’ve always been interested in finding people’s strengths and using them to create connections with others. I was drawn to Makers Making Change after hearing stories of the many ways they bring out the abilities of the makers through events that build empowerment and community. My favorite device is the Remote Control Car Switch Adapted Toy. Adapting the car was the first build I was a part of and it showed me how accessibility switches can really put you in the driver’s seat towards building autonomy. Outside of work you can usually find me watering my porch garden or corralling friends together for a board game night.“

“I am a third-year mechanical engineering student from the University of Victoria, taking a co-op with Makers Making Change. I am someone who always has personal projects on the go, from working on cars to teaching myself blacksmithing: I love exploring new ideas. I am recovering from a physical disability to my dominant hand but found that with adaptive aids, I could continue pursuing the things I love. After hearing about MMC at school, I knew it would be a great environment to work, learn, and help others continue to pursue their passions. So far, my favourite device is the MMC60 Switch. It was my first attempt at 3D printing a device, and I find the internal design quite fascinating.”

With a background in mechanical engineering, Josie has always had an interest in biomechanical engineering and human centered design. Working in the assistive technology field introduced her to Makers Making Change and she was drawn to how they work to make assistive technology more accessible, customizable, and affordable. Josie is excited to be a member of the engineering team and to help with outreach in the Eastern region. Josie’s favourite device is the Light Touch Switch because it is a simple switch that is easy to make, easy to activate, and very affordable. Josie also loves how many things can be made possible using an accessible switch, whether it’s gaming, using the computer, controlling a switch adapted toy, or so much more! Outside of work, Josie likes to spend time with friends and family, try out new restaurants, or watch a good show.

“I graduated from the University of Victoria in August 2022 with a degree in mechanical engineering with specialization in Mechatronics, Computer Aided Engineering, and Advanced Manufacturing. I’m working at MMC as an Engineering Intern on the R&D team developing new AT devices. I enjoy working at MMC because it gives me a chance to help people and do something useful with my degree. My favourite device so far is the MMC60 Switch. It’s very well designed and has a really satisfying click when you press it. In my spare time, I enjoy woodworking, rock climbing, and reading.”