Meet Our Team
Meet Our Team

More Details...
More Details...
Do people often tell you how awesome you are? If so, keep reading!!
We are looking to add a Mentor to our team!
Our Mentors assist members of Abode House live their best lives.
This is a part time position. Applicants must :
-have availability during the week between 9-5 Monday/Wednesday/Friday
-have a valid CPR certification
-Vulnerable sectors clearance
-a long reputation of being awesome with people
- have an understanding of the value, power and strength the disability community adds to our community and the barriers they face within our community
-know the definition of ableism
-know what abode stands for, and that is it “Abode” not “Adobe”
- have a valid G license.
If you are interested in joining the Abode Fam, please email your resume and cover letter including what #ABILITYFIRST means to you to aboderespite@gmail.com

More About Our Founder and Executive Director
More About Our Founder and Executive Director
For as long as she can remember, Heather had a vision of starting an out-of-home respite program that acted as a home away from home for people of all abilities. Heather grew up as a big sister to Hannah, who was born with Cerebral Palsy, epilepsy, and quadriplegia. Hannah lived every moment to the fullest and taught people how to love beyond words. Hannah was known for her squeals and giggles, colourful clothing, painted nails, and very full life surrounded by a loving support network of family, friends, and incredible respite providers. Hannah passed away in 2008 at the age of 10. Later in life, Heather’s vision she had when she was younger manifested to create Abode Respite in April 2017 that later become Abode Respite Services Inc. a non-profit organization in February 2019. Heather graduated with honours from St.Clair College’s Development Services Worker program where she served as Vice President of Thames Students Inc. and was the recipient of the President’s Medal, DSW Leadership Award, and CSA Regional Advocacy Award for her work raising awareness in accessibility on campus, students of all abilities, and challenging mental health stigma on campus. Now, in addition to her Executive Director role at Abode Respite Services Inc., Heather is a member of the Developmental Services Worker Program Advisory Committee (PAC) at St.Clair College. Heather is a dog enthusiast and loves potatoes of any variety. Heather believes the key to happiness is through human connection, movement, lots of laughing and coffee.

More About Our Abode House Advisor
More About Our Abode House Advisor
"I am a woman living with autism and really love that about myself.I had learned about Abode respite being a disability service and support organization in Essex, Ontario, Canada. I started Abode at the age of 20 at Brooker Baptist Church in 2019. It was old and we had alot of fun there and we used to do Abode meetings and planned trips.I was born at Hotel Dieu grace Healthcare Centre in Windsor Ontario on September 17, 1997. I went to Storybook Early Learning Centre since childhood. Ursula also went to Sun Parlor Junior School, Maplewood Public school, Essex Public School, Essex District High school STEPS, and also went to St. Clair college for CICE program where I participated in culinary labs and other classes. I also did Abode’s leadership course in 2021 and became a leader on Fridays and used to participate in the Abode the Musical rehearsal recordings. I am a paying member of Abode House on Mondays and Wednesdays, and have started as the Abode House Advisor near the end of January. The Abode House Advisor works with the Executive Director in decision making on behalf of the members who attend Abode House. I would also like to remind everybody that COVID-19 is a threat to the community and tell them to wash their hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. I love to be here at Abode."
-Ursula Fawdry




Want to Volunteer?
Want to Volunteer?
Join the Abode Team as a registered volunteer.
Contact us to get your volunteer application started.
As a non profit organization, we graciously accept volunteers of all abilities to assist us in day-to-day programming and hosting inclusive events. Please contact us to obtain our volunteer application.
Join the Abode Team as a registered volunteer.
Contact us to get your volunteer application started.
As a non profit organization, we graciously accept volunteers of all abilities to assist us in day-to-day programming and hosting inclusive events. Please contact us to obtain our volunteer application.