The 2023-2024 Exec Team
Simone Brown (she/her), Co-President
. Pronouns: she/her
. Role: Co-president
. Honours/ Major(s)/ minor(s): Linguistics and History majors
. Why do you think raising awareness for communication disorders is important?
Raising awareness can help us combat the stigma and misinformation that can make having a communication disorder so isolating and traumatic. Communication comes in all sorts of forms, but it's undeniable that as humans we want to form connections with others. Understanding communication disorders strengthens the love and compassion we have for one another as individuals and communities.
. Fun fact about me: My hobbies include collecting plants and baking! :)
Tommy Liu (he/him), Co-President
. Pronouns: he
. Role: Co-president
. Honours/ Major(s)/ minor(s): Psychology and Linguistics majors
. Why do you think raising awareness for communication disorders is important?
Communication disorders affect about 1 in every 10 Canadians. Yet, there is a gap in the knowledge of the general population about them, and a shortage of professionals who can treat them.
. Fun fact about me: I am leading a research project on speech disorders that will be published this semester!
Eugene Lee (he/him), Buddy Program Coordinator
. Pronouns: He/him
. Role: Buddy Program Coordinator
. Honours/ Major(s)/ minor(s): Honours in Microbiology and Immunology, Minor in Geology
. Why do you think raising awareness for communication disorders is important?
I felt that communication disorders were not discussed enough among the general public as much as some other disorders, and lots of people are affected by it, major or minor. I think it is important to raise awareness so that they get the care and accommodations they deserve.
. Fun fact about me: I play baseball at McGill!
Omar Lahlou (he/him), Buddy Program Coordinator
. Pronouns: He/him
. Role: Buddy Program Coordinator
. Honours/ Major(s)/ minor(s): Major in Cognitive Science, Minor in Statistics
. Why do you think raising awareness for communication disorders is important?
Raising awareness for communication disorders is important as language underpins our interactions and relationships. Support is crucial for those with communication disorders to help navigate its challenges and to flourish as a person.
. Fun fact about me: I like taking pictures with old analog cameras
Lauryn Santiago (she/her), VP Fundraising
. Pronouns: She/her
. Role: VP Fundraising
. Honours/ Major(s)/ minor(s): Major in Psychology, Minor in Anthropology
. Why do you think raising awareness for communication disorders is important?
Communication disorders as a whole tend to be misunderstood by the general public and those living with such disorders are largely perceived as having a linear experience, but that is not the case. As someone who works closely with children facing wide ranges of communication disorders, I believe that it is crucial to raise awareness and challenge its stigmas so that those with the disorders can seek their proper intervention comfortably and confidently.
. Fun fact about me: I like to spend my free time hanging out with friends, reading and trying out new cafés.
Charlotte Pieper (she/her), First Year Rep
. Pronouns: She/her
. Role: First Year Rep
. Honours/ Major(s)/ minor(s): Major in Linguistics and History
. Why do you think raising awareness for communication disorders is important?
Communication is such an important part of our lives, and being aware that it is not as given as we think is a huge step to acknowledge and respect others. Raising awareness is the first step for those who need support.
. Fun fact about me: My clothes always revolve around flowers.💐
Ava McKenzie (she/her), VP Events
. Pronouns: She/her
. Role: VP Events
. Honours/ Major(s)/ minor(s): Major in Linguistics, Minor in Hispanic Studies and FRSL
. Why do you think raising awareness for communication disorders is important?
I think communication is one of the fundamental parts of human connection. Raising awareness for communication disorders is so important because everyone wants to connect and feel seen; knowing more about what communication disorders are, how they work, and how people are affected by them lets us open up greater pathways for communication and build stronger relationships. Everyone deserves to be heard and understood in a way that works for them.
. Fun fact about me: I was a competitive gymnast for 15 years!
Jenna Mackenzie (she/her), VP Events
. Pronouns: She/her
. Role: VP Events
. Honours/ Major(s)/ minor(s): Major Psychology, Minor in Sociology and Behavioural Science
. Why do you think raising awareness for communication disorders is important?
Communication is the foundation for human connection, but communication disorders can make it difficult to achieve this connection. By raising awareness, we can better support and empower those who experience communication challenges. In doing so, we can also help reduce the stigma of communication as well as make for a more inclusive and positive community.
. Fun fact about me: In my free time I like to swim, try new restaurants, and go to concerts.
Allie Amiel (she/her), VP Finance
. Pronouns: She/her
. Role: VP Finance
. Honours/ Major(s)/ minor(s): Major in Psychology, Minor in Behavioural Science and Sociology
. Why do you think raising awareness for communication disorders is important?
Language and speech are the building blocks of our daily interactions, facilitating the expression of thoughts and emotions. Raising awareness about communication disorders encourages people to educate themselves on the subject, empowering individuals with these disorders to lead more fulfilling lives within a supportive and accepting community!
. Fun fact about me: I have to listen to music while I study (Noah Kahan or Harry Styles)
Michelle Xu (she/her), VP Outreach
. Pronouns: she/her
. Role: VP Outreach
. Honours/Major(s)/Minor(s): Major in Neuroscience
. Why do you think raising awareness for communication disorders is important?
Raising awareness for communication disorders is crucial because effective communication is the cornerstone of human connection and understanding. By increasing awareness, we foster empathy and recognition that individuals grappling with communication disorders face unique challenges in expressing themselves and navigating the world. This awareness not only reduces societal stigma but also encourages early intervention, promoting a supportive environment where individuals can access the resources and understanding necessary to overcome these obstacles. Ultimately, it contributes to building a more inclusive and compassionate society that values the diverse ways people communicate.
. Fun fact about me: I like to play and write music in my spare time🎵
Arabel Morin (she/her), VP Communications
. Pronouns: She/her
. Role: VP Communications
. Honours/ Major(s)/ minor(s): Major in Linguistics, Minor in East Asian Studies
. Why do you think raising awareness for communication disorders is important?
It’s important to acknowledge that communication looks different for everyone, and that our reality might be very different from that of someone living with a communication disorder. The best way to break the stigma and to support those living with a communication disorder is by listening to their experiences and doing what we can to learn more, all with an open mind.
. Fun fact about me: I’ve dyed my hair at least 8 different colours!