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 the Centre where participation, learning, and personal growth thrive.
Thank you to all of our amazing volunteers!
Meet Darby!
Darby’s journey as a volunteer with the Centre began in June 2024, and since then, she’s immersed herself in a variety of programs, including Junior Aces summer camp, Basketballers, Teen Basketball, and Kickstart Soccer. But for Darby, the true joy of volunteering lies in the connections she creates and the impact she makes.
When asked what drew her to the Centre, Darby shares, “I’ve always believed that autism is a natural variation of human diversity, not something that needs to be ‘fixed.’ The Centre’s person-centered model reflects this belief, creating a space where Autistic people are understood, supported, and empowered.”
Her passion for fostering a community where autistic voices are prioritized is evident in her volunteer work.
Among the many programs she’s volunteered with, Basketballers and Teen Basketball stand out as her favourites. “I grew up playing and coaching a lot of basketball,” Darby says. “Being able to share my passion for the sport while supporting participants in developing their skills has been incredibly rewarding.”
For Darby, the greatest reward of volunteering is the constant personal growth it brings. “Every session is an opportunity to learn something new,” she says. “Volunteering is a space for constant self-improvement, where I get to practice skills that will benefit me in my future career while also developing personally.”
One of her most cherished memories happened during Junior Aces Camp when a young participant, who had spent most of the day overwhelmed, used visuals for the first time to express his need for connection. “He reached out to hold my hand for a minute,” Darby recalls. “It’s little moments like that that make all the hard parts worth it.”
Darby encourages anyone considering volunteering to dive in: “It’s one of the most rewarding experiences you could have. You’re not just giving your time—you’re making a real difference.”
Thank you, Darby, for your incredible dedication and volunteer service at the Centre!
Meet Ethan!
Ethan’s journey into autism advocacy began with a childhood friendship that shaped his view of the world. “Growing up, I found out my best friend had autism, but neither of us really knew what that meant,” he says. “He was always being bullied for being slightly different, but we didn’t understand why. Seeing what he dealt with really inspired me to help those navigating the spectrum.”
In September 2018, Ethan began volunteering at the Centre, driven by a desire to support the autism community. “I really enjoy the programs and community goals of the Centre,” he says. “I first heard about it while being a member of the student organization at the University of Alberta, and from there, I was able to learn more about the community.”
Of the various programs he’s volunteered in, Ethan’s favourite is Active for Life. “I’ve always loved exercise and sports. It’s been my outlet for stress, so being able to help others while doing something I enjoy is always fulfilling,” he explains. “What I love most is learning from the participants. They teach me so much about what’s integral to them and how to assist them in the best way possible.”
One standout memory for Ethan is from his time with Virtual Social Night. “It was incredible to realize that most participants lived outside Edmonton,” he recalls. “This was potentially the only resource they had access to, and it made me see how far-reaching the Centre’s impact truly is.” For Ethan, volunteering has become a way to make a meaningful difference, building connections and broadening his understanding of the world. “I would recommend it every time,” he said. “It really widens your lens of the world.”
Thank you, Ethan, for your compassion, dedication, and volunteer service!
Meet Imogen!
Imogen started volunteering with the Centre in April 2024, just after she graduated with a degree in Kinesiology. Currently pursuing her master’s in Speech-Language Pathology, Imogen was initially drawn to the Centre for its diverse programs, but what she didn’t expect was how much she would connect with the participants and her fellow volunteers.
“I’ve been all over the map!” Imogen says, reflecting on her time volunteering. She began with Kickstart Soccer, then moved to summer camp, and now works with Young Adult Social Night (YASN) and Just 4 Teens (J4T). Though she expected to enjoy the sports programs most, it was the slower-paced sessions like YASN and J4T that resonated with her the most. “I’ve been surprised with how much I’ve enjoyed YASN and J4T,” she explains. “The slower pace of the programs has allowed me to build deeper relationships with participants.”
Her experience has been transformative, pushing her to work with age groups she hadn’t initially considered. “When I first started, I didn’t envision myself working with any population other than children. Now, I have a much broader understanding of the field and the Autistic community.”
Imogen’s impact extends beyond just the sessions. “I work to create fun and safe environments,” she says. “Even though I’m a small piece of the puzzle, I believe the connections I’ve made have contributed to successful sessions and a positive impact.”
One of her favourite memories is from a tactical laser tag outing with her YASN group. “I was nervous at first, but our participants crushed the game,” she recalls. “A few ranked in the top 10, and they made sure to let me know who was holding them back!” The experience, filled with playful banter, reinforced the meaningful relationships she had built.
Imogen encourages others to volunteer with the Centre, sharing that it’s “a great organization that truly cares about its volunteers and community.” For her, volunteering has been a rewarding journey of personal growth, making a meaningful difference in the lives of others while preparing her for her future career in Speech-Language Pathology.
Thank you, Imogen, for your dedication, compassion, and volunteer service at the Centre!
Meet Inderpal!
Inderpal’s journey into the autism community began in 2024 when he started volunteering with the Centre. Before this experience, he had no direct connection to the community, but now, he feels deeply connected and looks forward to continuing his efforts.
What drew Inderpal to volunteer at the Centre was its unique outreach. “The Centre provides an extensive and diverse range of volunteering opportunities for people to experience many different settings and activities,” he says. “It allows volunteers to gain deeper insights into how they can support Autistic people in various aspects of life.” This variety gave him the chance to work with different age groups and engage in a range of programs, including Summer Camp, Creative Expression, and Kickstart Soccer.
Among these, Inderpal’s favourite program was Creative Expression. “It was a very calm and casual experience,” he says. “I was able to spend time engaging with adult participants through conversation while also trying my hand at some fun artistic activities.”
For Inderpal, volunteering at the Centre has been a way to grow personally and professionally. “It has greatly increased my comfort in supporting Autistic individuals,” he shares. “I’ve learned so much in a short amount of time, especially from working with different age groups.”
He encourages others to consider volunteering: “After just one shift, you’ll see how valuable your contributions are. It’s fun, playful, and just as enjoyable for the volunteer as it is for the participant.” Inderpal’s favourite memory was the peaceful, friendly atmosphere at Creative Expression, where “it always felt like a hangout with friends rather than a volunteer session.”
Thank you, Inderpal, for your positivity, dedication, and volunteer service at the Centre!
Meet Shawn!
Shawn began volunteering with the Centre in April 2024, eager to contribute but unsure of what to expect. His first experience was with the ‘Basketballers’ program, and though he was initially nervous, he quickly discovered the profound impact volunteering could have on both him and the participants.
“Before starting my first-ever session, I remember being quite nervous,” Shawn admits. “I’ve never worked with a group of children with autism before, especially not in a basketball setting where things can get chaotic. But over time, I learned to connect with the participants and became more comfortable working in various settings.”
What really drew Shawn to the Centre over other organizations was its genuine care for everyone involved. “The Centre stood out to me the most because they truly care about the growth and well-being of not just their participants, but also their volunteers!” he says.
Among the programs Shawn has volunteered with, ‘Exploring Art’ stands out as his favourite. “The other staff and volunteers are so supportive, and seeing the participants’ creative sides is so much fun!” Shawn also found joy in drawing alongside the participants, uncovering a creative side he hadn’t fully realized. “It’s been a great way for me to grow,” he shares.
Shawn values the sense of community that volunteering has provided. “I love working with kids, especially those who need more support than others,” he says. “The Centre has been an awesome opportunity to make a difference and build meaningful connections.”
One of his favourite memories comes from Tween Social Night, where a participant played the electric piano. “Sometimes what they played matched the vibe of the moment—it was quite awesome!”
For anyone considering volunteering, Shawn encourages them to take the leap. “It’s an amazing experience to step out of your comfort zone and grow, especially if you’re considering a career in the field of disabilities and neurodiversity.”
Thank you, Shawn, for your care, dedication, and volunteer service!
Meet Sumaya and Avery!
Sumaya and Avery are the co-presidents of the Autism Acceptance Club (AAC) at MacEwan University and share a deep commitment to the autism community, but their paths to volunteering at the Centre were shaped by different experiences.
For Sumaya, her connection to autism is personal. “I have some family and friends who have been diagnosed with autism,” she says. “I’ve seen firsthand the dedication and effort the Centre puts into providing the support they need to improve their quality of life.” She started volunteering in 2022, joining the Autism Acceptance Club (AAC) at MacEwan University. “Our main focus was raising awareness about autism and creating a safe space where students could collaborate to support both the community and one another.”
Avery, on the other hand, came to the Centre in 2021, starting as a Club Executive for the Autism Acceptance Club at MacEwan. “I really believe in the Centre’s mission,” she shares. “The Autism Acceptance Club has had a positive impact at MacEwan, and people often thank us for what we do.” As President of the club in 2023, Avery continued to foster the message of acceptance, organizing events about autism appreciation.
Both women find immense value in the connections they’ve made. “Volunteering gives me the chance to give back to my community,” Sumaya said, reflecting on the support she once received. Avery echoes this sentiment: “Volunteering helps me make meaningful connections, whether it’s with people, the team, or the community.”
One shared memory that stands out for both of them is a pre-Halloween trick-or-treating event. Sumaya recalls, “The little kids were absolutely adorable in their costumes,” while Avery adds, “Watching them practice trick-or-treating was such a heartwarming experience.” For both women, volunteering has been an opportunity to not only give back but also to build lasting memories.
Thank you, Sumaya and Avery, for your leadership, dedication, and volunteer services!
Meet Annie and Adrien!
Annie and Adrien are the co-presidents of the CFASA Club at the University of Alberta. Both passionate about supporting the autism community, they found their calling in volunteering at the Centre.
Annie, a fourth-year Immunology student, first connected to the autism community through a high school friend diagnosed with autism. “I wanted to learn more about the diagnosis process and the support available,” she says.
She started volunteering in 2022 and later joined the CFASA Club at the University of Alberta in 2023. “Every time I volunteer, I learn so much from the participants,” Annie sayd. Her favourite program to volunteer with was Junior Aces summer camp, where she enjoyed helping younger participants explore their creative interests, like drawing and modelling clay. “It’s always a rewarding experience.”
Adrien, an Honors Immunology graduate, had been working with children in respite programs at other organizations for nearly three years before volunteering at the CFASA Club in 2023. “I wanted to learn more about supporting Autistic individuals beyond one-on-one care,” she explains. Adrien was particularly drawn to the children’s book project initiated by the U of A CFASA club, aiming to create inclusive stories for kids.
“It’s been amazing to craft something meaningful for them,” Adrien says. “I have learnt and grown so much from my two years with the CFASA Club, but every day I find there is still lots to learn. I hope to keep growing and supporting others the way they’ve supported me in such a wonderful organization.”
Both Annie and Adrien agree on the transformative power of community. “I enjoy being part of something that makes a positive impact,” Annie says.
Thank you, Annie and Adrien, for your leadership, dedication, and volunteer services!
