We are so proud to have such a wonderful group of volunteers! These individuals generously give their time to help participants build skills in sport and recreation, ignite creativity through art, foster independence through cooking and socializing, bridge gaps by interpreting languages for families, and so much more.
Our volunteers selflessly devote their time, generously share their talents, and leverage their strengths to create an environment at CFASA where participation, learning, and personal growth thrive.
Thank you to all of our amazing volunteers!
Meet Simi!
As an aspiring developmental psychologist, Simi brings both professional passion and personal understanding to her volunteer role. “I have Autism myself and I have family members who also have Autism,” she shares, a connection that shapes her commitment to creating supportive, welcoming spaces.
Simi began volunteering with CFASA in September 2025 after recognizing it as a place where everyone could truly belong. “I chose to volunteer at the Centre for Autism because I wanted individuals who have Autism to feel supported in their activities,” she explains. “It is a very inclusive and welcoming place… I knew volunteering at CFASA would create a space for me to be myself, while working with others who are just like me.”
Her favourite program is the Spotlight program for youth. She enjoys watching participants fully embrace their creativity and confidence. “I love seeing all the participants put on their acting faces and get so involved in their role,” she says. One of her favourite memories is simple but meaningful: “Being an actor in every play.”
Simi strives to ensure every participant feels valued. “I make sure that every participant is being seen, heard, and acknowledged,” she explains. Volunteering has also helped her grow professionally and personally, building her confidence Autistic individuals. “I have learned how to adapt to overwhelming situations and make sure everyone feels included.”
For Simi, the most rewarding part is the joy she sees each week. Seeing everyone so happy to be doing their activities reminds her why she volunteers. She encourages others to consider volunteering, describing it as a very rewarding experience.
“Every single time I have volunteered, I always left with a smile on my face.”
Thank you, Simi, for your incredible dedication, compassion and volunteer service at CFASA!
Meet Olha!
Since the summer of 2025, Olha has been helping create welcoming spaces where Autistic individuals can build confidence and meaningful connections. Currently pursuing a BSc in Dental Hygiene at the University of Alberta, she was drawn to CFASA’s neurodiversity-affirming approach and its commitment to empowering participants to be themselves. “CFASA’s focus on building confidence, independence, and community is what made me want to apply,” she shares.
Olha has volunteered in programs including Camp Ace, Young Adult Social Night, and Teen Social Night, connecting with participants across a wide range of ages and experiences. Camp Ace was especially meaningful to her. “I truly value working with Autistic children because of their honesty and directness,” she explains. “It creates such a refreshing and authentic dynamic.” Through these experiences, she strengthened her ability to adapt her communication style, respond to nonverbal cues, and support individuals in ways that respect their unique strengths and needs—skills that will support her future work in dental care.
She is intentional about helping participants feel heard and supported. “I make a conscious effort to actively listen and show genuine interest when someone shares something important to them,” she says, especially when conversations centre around special interests. CFASA’s supportive environment encouraged her to explore new roles and step outside her comfort zone. “I appreciated being trusted to explore different programs instead of staying in just one area.”
One favourite memory took place during Teen Social Night at a bowling alley, where she witnessed confidence grow in real time. A participant who began the evening feeling shy chose to play a favourite song on the jukebox, and everything shifted. Strike after strike followed, and when he won, he jumped up and said, “Wow, I feel like I’m on top of the world!” Seeing that moment unfold left a lasting impression. “Seeing his confidence grow made me so happy I could not stop smiling.”
Thank you, Olha, for your care, dedication and volunteer service at CFASA!
Meet Lisa!
Lisa began volunteering with CFASA in the summer of 2023 and since then, has been helping participants discover new interests, build confidence, and celebrate small but meaningful successes. Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s of Science in Biochemistry, Lisa was inspired to learn more about supporting neurodivergent individuals after teaching a swimming lesson to an Autistic child. She wanted to better understand how to help people feel comfortable and achieve their best. When she discovered the CFASA’s approach, she knew she had found the right place. “I loved how CFASA focuses on person-centered care and truly tries to make the best experiences for participants,” she says.
Lisa has contributed her time across many programs, including Camp Ace, Creative Expressions, Just 4 Teens, Kickstart Soccer, Basketballers, and Shop Cook Learn. Shop Cook Learn quickly became a favourite. “Being able to help teens cook their favourite foods and seeing them enjoy a treat at the end is incredibly rewarding,” she says. The excitement and energy in the kitchen often spark conversations that are just as memorable as the meals themselves.
Through patience, creativity, and collaboration, Lisa works to ensure participants feel comfortable and supported. “I try to creatively make activities suitable for each individual so they feel comfortable with the activity,” she explains. Whether acting like animals during sports to encourage movement or inventing new games at camp, she enjoys finding thoughtful ways to engage participants. Over time, she has seen her own skills grow as well. “My communication skills have vastly improved. I’ve learned how to creatively interact and encourage participation through verbal or nonverbal communication.”
What Lisa values most are the moments that may seem small but mean everything.
“Finding out that someone has a unique handshake they enjoy, giving high fives after succeeding a task, or making someone laugh, these small achievements make volunteering worthwhile,” she shares.
For Lisa, volunteering is about connection, encouragement, and community. “Each time participants come in they are a little more confident and comfortable,” she says. Being part of that growth continues to inspire her every day.
Thank you, Lisa, for your positivity, dedication, and volunteer service at CFASA!
Meet Jean!
Jean has been a volunteer with CFASA since February 2025 and has been creating meaningful connections with participants while building skills that support her future career in psychology and education. Currently completing her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and hoping to become an Occupational Therapist or Special Education teacher, Jean first discovered CFASA through a classmate who worked as a behaviour interventionist. Curious to learn more, she began researching opportunities to gain hands-on experience. “Although I had learned about autism in school, I hadn’t had any first-hand experience,” she shares. Volunteering became an opportunity to deepen her understanding and learn how to meaningfully support Autistic individuals.
Jean has volunteered in Respite, Summer Camp, and the PUF/ECS classroom programs. Each setting offered a new perspective, but the classroom quickly became her favourite. With a consistent schedule, she was able to develop strong relationships with the students. “I was able to learn more about each child’s personality, interests and needs,” she explains. Over time, she began to see the impact of patience and consistency. “It was very rewarding to see a participant who didn’t talk or interact with me at all at first slowly begin to approach me and ask for my company to play.”
Through encouragement and a positive attitude, Jean strives to create an environment where participants feel comfortable and supported. “I always try to bring a fun and positive approach to each volunteering session,” she says. One favourite memory took place during Summer Camp, when a participant approached her to share a story about school. “I made sure to listen closely and ask question. I could see his excitement and confidence,” she recalls. That moment of connection left a lasting impression.
Jean credits the supportive staff for helping her grow in confidence and skill. “They consistently gave me practical advice. Their guidance was very patient and empowering,” she says. After gaining experience through volunteering, Jean recently began working with students who require additional support in the classroom.
For Jean, the most meaningful part of volunteering is simple: Making the participants laugh and smile. Through her dedication, she continues to create positive experiences that help individuals feel supported, understood, and confident.
Thank you, Jean, for your positivity, care, and volunteer service at CFASA!
Meet Benson!
For Benson, volunteering has been an opportunity to step into new experiences while supporting participants as they discover their strengths and interests. Currently studying Pharmacology at the University of Alberta with hopes of pursuing Medicine, he was drawn to CFASA’s wide variety of programs and the opportunity to support individuals in exploring what excites them. “I loved the idea that we as volunteers could help foster these interests or even introduce new ones to the participants,” he shares.
Since beginning in 2025, Benson has volunteered in Creative Expression, Basketballers 2, Camp Junior Ace, and Spotlight. Spotlight quickly became a favourite, even though it pushed him outside of his comfort zone. “I surprisingly really enjoyed Spotlight despite never imagining myself doing improv,” he explains. Watching participants grow more confident inspired him to do the same. “I loved seeing the kids grow more and more comfortable being silly. I even found myself becoming increasingly more comfortable being silly and just having a fun time.”
Benson hopes his presence helps participants feel confident trying new things. “I’d like to believe that I’ve made a more comfortable environment for the participants to express themselves and to give them the confidence to try new things,” he says. Through volunteering, he has also built confidence in himself. “CFASA has helped me improve in my confidence a ton and has pushed me past my comfort zone to try new things, and learn new skills,” he shares. Learning to adapt and embrace uncertainty has been especially meaningful as he prepares for a future in medicine.
One of his favourite memories was the final Spotlight performance for families. Seeing the culmination of all the kids’ efforts and all their ideas coming together to create a story that is uniquely them was an unforgettable moment. For Benson, it is the small signs of growth that matter most. “I love seeing the participants grow and slowly taking on more initiative and becoming more confident.”
Through encouragement, curiosity, and a willingness to try something new, Benson continues to help create spaces where participants feel safe to express themselves and proud of what they achieve.
Thank you, Benson, for your creativity, dedication and volunteer service at CFASA!
Meet Alex!
Connection and creativity often come together in the spaces Alex helps create through volunteering. Since April 2025, Alex, a Bachelor of Arts Honours Psychology student, has supported participants across programs including Fun with Art, Camp Junior Ace, Tween Social Nights, and PEERS for Young Adults. Through each program, Alex has helped foster welcoming environments where individuals feel comfortable expressing themselves and building meaningful relationships.
Two programs stand out as especially memorable. “My favourite program to volunteer with is a tie between Fun with Art and PEERS for Young Adults,” she shares. In Fun with Art, participants are encouraged to explore creativity in ways that reflect who they are. “I loved Fun with Art because I had the opportunity to support participants in expressing themselves creatively and taking the lead in making art that represents who they are in a fun, safe environment.” In PEERS for Young Adults, Alex appreciated the opportunity to listen and learn from participants’ experiences. “It provided me with an opportunity to hear participant stories and learn how they uniquely navigate various social situations,” she explains, noting that the 16-week program allowed her to witness meaningful growth over time.
Alex strives to ensure everyone feels respected and supported. “I think that I have helped establish a safe space for fellow volunteers, peers, and participants to be who they are without judgement or condition,” she says. The strong sense of community at CFASA is what Alex values most. “Everyone is treated with respect and warmth regardless of their backgrounds.”
One favourite memory comes from a shared love of creativity and connection. During Fun with Art, Alex bonded with a participant over a shared interest in Minecraft, collaborating on a drawing inspired by the game. “The participant wrote our names on the picture and offered for me to keep the drawing,” Alex recalls. The artwork now hangs in her home as a reminder of that meaningful moment.
For Alex, volunteering is about building genuine connections and supporting participants as they grow, express themselves, and feel valued within a caring community.
Thank you, Alex, for your dedication and volunteer service at CFASA!
Meet Julianna and Chloe!
Different paths can lead to the same goal: creating spaces where people feel welcomed, supported, and encouraged to grow. Julianna and Chloe each bring unique perspectives to their volunteer roles, united by a shared commitment to helping participants feel confident and included.
Julianna, currently pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and serving as President of the MacEwan Autism Acceptance Club, was drawn to the variety of programs offered at CFASA. “I liked the way the programs were set up, allowing volunteers to partake in many different programs that are all unique to each other,” she shares. Since beginning in 2025, she has volunteered in Basketballers, Soccer, and Fun with Art. She especially enjoys the sports programs, where activities can be adapted so everyone can participate. “They can easily be adapted to different skill levels, allowing every participant to feel included and successful.” Julianna’s calm and supportive presence help participants feel comfortable trying new things. “I’ve found that the calm presence I have has been a strength,” she explains. One of her favourite moments is witnessing participants push past hesitation. “Seeing a participant try something new and enjoy it is always a super special moment,” she says.
Chloe, a fourth-year biochemistry student at the University of Alberta and President of the Centre for Autism Student Association, was inspired to volunteer through her personal connection to the autism community. “One of my younger sisters has autism,” she shares. Through her involvement with the CFASA’s Student Association and Neurodiverse Network, Chloe has helped create welcoming opportunities for connection and community. Her experience has strengthened both her leadership and compassion. “Leading the UAlberta team this year has taught me how to lead with love,” she says. “It has taught me to speak boldly and helped me gain confidence in pouring out love to others.”
Both Julianna and Chloe value the relationships formed through volunteering. Chloe reflects, “I love meeting new people and learning about others’ experiences,” while Julianna appreciates seeing participants grow in confidence each session. Together, they demonstrate how encouragement, patience, and kindness can help create meaningful experiences where everyone feels supported and empowered.
Thank you, Julianna and Chloe, for your leadership, dedication, and volunteer services at CFASA!
