Having worked in the education system for over 30 years, Elizabeth brings extensive knowledge and leadership experience from all levels of our Newfoundland and Labrador Education System; School, District and Province. She is currently the Principal of Elizabeth Park Elementary located in Paradise, NL. Elizabeth joined the board in 2019 with the desire to focus on the school experience of persons with Autism and their families, recognizing the positive impact that individualized student programming can have.

Melanie is a parent of an autistic child and a strong advocate for inclusion, accessibility, and family-centered supports. Through her lived experience, she understands the importance of timely services, meaningful inclusion, and community-based supports for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families.
Melanie is the Executive Director of Broadening Horizons in Gander, a non-profit organization that provides inclusive programs and meaningful employment opportunities for adults with intellectual disabilities. She brings a parent-focused, practical perspective to the Board, along with experience in nonprofit leadership and community advocacy.
Melanie lives in Gander with her family and is honoured to serve on the Board of Directors of the Autism Society of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Dave is a Senior Consultant with over 15 years of experience in the financial planning industry. He joined the ASNL Board of Directors following his daughter’s diagnosis with Autism Spectrum Disorder, and through seeing firsthand how access to the right supports can make a real and lasting difference for a teen and their family.Based in St. John’s, Dave brings a strong community voice to the board, informed by both his professional background and his lived experience as a parent navigating the autism support system. He is passionate about helping ensure families feel supported, informed, and less alone. Outside of work, Dave is part of a busy blended family of five teenagers, his partner Maria, along with their dogs.

Rebecca has received Bachelor of Education, Bachelor of Special Education, and Master of Education degrees from Memorial University of Newfoundland. Having worked with Autistic individuals for well over twenty years in various capacities, she now runs the Autism Community of Newfoundland and Labrador group on Facebook.  A proud Autistic activist for both Autistic individuals and their families, Rebecca is very happy to be on ASNL’s Board of Directors to help us better serve the needs of our community and bridge the gaps.  She strongly believes that by getting everyone on the same page and working together, we can make a difference.

Sabrina (she/they) is a registered social worker and autistic adult who brings both lived and professional experience in the disability sector. She believes in building systems that honour the full spectrum of autistic experiences and meet people’s needs across the lifespan. Sabrina is passionate about improving supports for autistic adults and addressing the gaps that too often emerge after childhood. She hopes to help create a future where all autistic people feel understood, valued, and supported at every stage of life. She is also an avid admirer of testudines (turtles), who remind her daily of the strength in moving at your own pace.

Dr. Allison Lamond is a Developmental Pediatrician at the Janeway Children’s Hospital. She  completed her pediatrics training at Memorial University of Newfoundland and at the University of Alberta. She works with Autistic children, adolescents and their families, supporting them through the diagnostic process and ongoing follow up. She brings a unique lens as a clinician and the sibling of an Autistic adult.

Dawn is a Newfoundland-based business owner, community advocate, and parent. She serves on the Board of Directors with the Autism Society of Newfoundland and Labrador, bringing both lived experience and professional expertise to the role. As the mother of an autistic child, Dawn is deeply committed to improving access to inclusive services, reducing wait times, and ensuring families feel seen, supported, and heard. With a background in business operations, leadership, and community development, Dawn is passionate about bridging the gap between systems and real family needs, and using her voice to help create meaningful, lasting change for autistic individuals and their families.

Shelly has focused her career on working for and supporting different minority groups. Both her personal and professional life has been involved with supporting and working with autistic people. Shelly is a parent of two amazing young men who are Neurodiverse and strongly believes in the impact that ASNL has to the community and families across the province.

Robert is a Health Policy Consultant, formerly the CEO of the Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association, and formerly a longtime provincial public servant including the positions of Clerk of the Executive Council and Deputy Minister of Health and Community Services.  He has volunteered for the Autism Society in the preparation of an advocacy strategy on pre-school services, as well as facilitating the Board’s strategic planning workshop.  He is motivated by his autistic grandson and the need to build acceptance of neurodiverse individuals along with strengthened services and supports.  

She is an ardent supporter of several health initiatives. As Campaign Patron for the Autism Society of Newfoundland and Labrador’s capital campaign, Mrs. Dobbin was the driving force behind the raising of $1.9 million and the construction of Shamrock Farm/Elaine Dobbin Centre for Autism. She continues as Honorary Board Member and Patron for the Society.