Our Team
Emily Branje
Managing Director and Independent Facilitator
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Hello my name is Emily Branje and I am the Managing Director of Facile Perth. I grew up in Perth and Huron counties before moving away to go to University. I have lived in the United Kingdom, Kingston, and Toronto and in 2020 I returned home to the community I am most passionate about.
My passion for this work is rooted in my personal relationships to people who have a disability and my desire to see people live meaningful lives firmly rooted in community.
For the past 16 years, I have been an active member of the inclusion movement working in Community Development roles at the local, provincial and national levels. I have primarily worked with youth, families and survivors of institutions. I believe that community connection and reciprocal relationships are the beating heart of a good life.
I am eager to work with people, their families, organizations and community neighborhoods who think creatively to implement strategies that are sustainable and that protect the right for people with a disability to live a dignified life that is grounded in choice and self-determination.
Mirjam Schut
Independent Facilitator
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Hello!
My name is Mirjam Schut and I’m an Independent Facilitator for Facile Perth.
I grew up in The Netherlands and received my bachelor degree in Social Work and worked as a social worker until I moved to Canada in 2010.
My motto is: “Reach for the stars”. By reaching for the stars I have helped people to go after their dreams. I believe in looking at possibilities , looking at peoples strengths, passions and gifts.
Dreaming, looking at opportunities and having high expectations is often new for people I work with, but one that has been proven to be successful.
I’m honoured to walk alongside someone’s journey, to explore what their dreams are, to follow their lead, and to see them grow and achieve their goals.
What can be more beautiful than helping someone live the life they want?
I’m a creative, resourceful and an out of the box thinker. I don’t give up and I look at the community as a first resource. I strongly believe society is going to be a better place if everyone can be seen for the gifts they bring and through my work as a facilitator I hope to contribute.
Knocking on closed doors until they open, being an advocate for people and helping them to become their own advocate and see their confidence grow is a very rewarding part of my job.
Seeing someone flourish in their own home, in their job, volunteer or by having more relationships in their lives is what life is about and why I love this work.
I thoroughly enjoy being the Facilitator for Facile Perth and leading the organization for a few years was a wonderful and rewarding experience. I look forward to continue to work together with families, service providers and the different communities.
Mirjam
Board of Directors 2024-25
Wolfgang Struss, Acting President and Treasurer
Wolfgang is the past executive director of Community Living St. Marys. He supports Independent Facilitation as a way for people to enhance self-determination and choice in their lives. Wolfgang is also our contact person in case of any complaints.
Nichola Taylor, Secretary
Nichola worked as an independent facilitator for Facile Perth in its early days and currently works as a social worker in private practice. She is a strong believer in independent facilitation and believes it can be very useful both within and outside of developmental services – helping people from all walks of life connect to their communities, fight loneliness, reduce isolation and ultimately lead full, meaningful lives.
Jean Misener, Director
Jean is a parent member. She is the past president of Facile Perth Board of Directors. She is considered to be a pioneer for Independent Facilitation in Perth County. Her son has benefited from having an Independent Facilitator over a number of years.
Joe Lambert, Director
Joe is a public speaker and author. He sits on Canada’s National de-institutionalization task force. Joe’s lived experience and voice at board meetings is important to the integrity of our work. Joe and his wife have experienced independent facilitation themselves.
Vicky Wolfe Hinz, Director
Vicky is a parent member. Her son McKenzie has an Independent Facilitator who has helped him transition from high school to adulthood.
Martin Ritsma, Director
Martin is a retired high school principal and is a very active member in the Stratford community. Through his work as a high school principal he has seen the importance of inclusion and the importance of transition planning for those leaving the school system.
Christine Wick, Director
Christine is a parent member. Her son Nate will be transitioning from high school to life after school in the next few years. Christine believes in the importance of building belonging and community in order to live a life filled with purpose, meaning, and most of all genuine friendship and love.