Leadership Team
Hedy Chandler
Chief Executive Officer
Hedy is the Chief Executive Officer of CHIRS and has led CHIRS since 1986, when it was a small transitional program called Ashby House. Under Hedy’s leadership, CHIRS has grown into a multi-service agency with a highly specialized collection of ABI programs for adults who live with the effects of ABI. Hedy has held leadership roles in the ABI community both provincially and locally and is committed to improving the quality of life for those in Ontario living with ABI through her involvement in program development, policy initiatives, and improving access to services. Hedy is also the Chair of the Toronto ABI Network.
Carolyn Lemsky, Ph.D., C. Psych, ABPP-CN, C-CAT (MB)
Director of Practice in Clinical Neuropsychology and Rehabilitation Psychology
Dr. Lemsky is a registered Neuropsychologist and Rehabilitation Psychologist and has been the Clinical Director of CHIRS since 1998, leading the Clinical Team. She has over 30 years of experience in providing rehabilitation and assessment services in medical-legal, inpatient, and community-based settings, serving people living with the effects of neurological disabilities. Dr. Lemsky is board certified by the American Board of Professional Psychology and American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology.
Dr. Lemsky continues to participate in research and has contributed a number of book chapters and articles to rehabilitation literature. She has a special interest in working with individuals with co-occurring substance use and mental health issues.
Eduardo (Ed) Santiago, CPA, CMA
Director of Finance
Ed leads CHIRS’ Finance Department as the Director of Finance, playing a vital role in CHIRS’ financial well-being, the safety of facilities, and the protection of IT infrastructure. Holding both Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and U.S. Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designations, Ed brings a wealth of expertise to the table that spans years of experience in finance and accounting across a diverse array of industries, including both for-profit and not-for-profit sectors. Ed’s impressive track record includes serving as the Director of Finance at Save the Children and as the Corporate Controller at Central LHIN, which is now integrated into Ontario Health.
Kerry MacLean, BA, MHA (CC)
Director of Programs and Services
Kerry has served as Director of Programs and Services since 2024. She joined CHIRS in 1998, bringing a background in addictions/mental health and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Welfare. Kerry has provided leadership across both Residential Support Services and Community Support Services, guiding multidisciplinary teams, advancing service quality, and supporting organizational growth. She has contributed to sector-wide system transformation through her role as an ABI System Navigator and has demonstrated a commitment to community leadership through board service with the Brain Injury Society of Toronto. Kerry recently completed a Master of Health Administration (Community Care) at the Ted Rogers School of Management, Toronto Metropolitan University.
Management Team
Jessica Perlmutar, BA Psych., Rehabilitation Services Certificate
Manager of Community Support Services
Jessica serves as the Manager of Community Support Services, overseeing community-based programming and supporting clients living independently in the community. Jessica joined the CHIRS family in 1999 as a Residential Facilitator, following completion of her bachelor’s degree at York University and a certificate in Rehabilitation Services from York University/Seneca College, and has held a variety of positions in Residential Services, including Service Coordinator. In 2021, she served as General Manager, coordinating major site improvements and strengthening relationships with staff and external contractors before transitioning into her current role in 2024. Jessica brings long-standing institutional knowledge, operational experience across service lines, and a strong interest in Occupational Health and Safety and Infection Prevention and Control initiatives.
Michele Graham, BA, Psych., Rehabilitation Services Certificate
Manager of Operations
As the Manager of Operations and a member of the CHIRS Senior Management team, Michele’s responsibilities include staff training coordination and oversight of agency occupational health and safety and infection prevention and control programs. Michele is CHIRS’ Privacy Officer and plays an active role in quality improvement and management initiatives. Since embarking on her career at CHIRS in 1988, she has assisted in the development and expansion of CHIRS services over the years, helping to establish and manage new residential services as well as Ashby Community Support Services. Michele attained her bachelor’s degree at York University where she also earned a certificate in Rehabilitation Services from York University/Seneca College.
Galyn Baptist, Honours B PHE/Kin.
Human Resources Manager
Galyn has served as Human Resources Manager since 2006. She oversees policy development, recruitment and hiring of staff, performance management, and accreditation coordination across the organization. Galyn holds an Honours Bachelor of Physical and Health Education/Kinesiology from McMaster University and has worked in the field of ABI since 1989. She joined CHIRS in 1991 and has held a variety of positions including Community Facilitator, Service Coordinator, Day Program Manager, Training Coordinator, and Accreditation Coordinator. Through continuing education in Human Resources management, Galyn transitioned into HR leadership and has held her current role since 2006. Galyn brings deep institutional continuity, frontline service experience, and a strong understanding of accreditation and workforce development, ensuring alignment between human capital strategy and client-centred care.
Kim McCaul
Manager of Residential Services
Kim oversees the management of CHIRS’ residential sites as the Manager of Residential Services, leading the residential team that is committed to ensuring high-quality care, satisfaction, and fulfillment in the daily lives of CHIRS clients.
Kim joined the CHIRS team in 2009 and has provided support at the CHIRS residences in a number of capacities including roles as a Residential Facilitator, Senior Residential Facilitator, and Service Coordinator and by serving in several committees throughout her time with CHIRS.
Kim received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Brock University. She has been in the field of serving those affected by acquired brain injury for nearly 20 years.
Clinical Team
Carolyn Lemsky, Ph.D., C. Psych, ABPP-CN, C-CAT (MB)
Director of Practice in Clinical Neuropsychology and Rehabilitation Psychology
Dr. Lemsky is a registered Neuropsychologist and Rehabilitation Psychologist and has been the Clinical Director of CHIRS since 1998, leading the Clinical Team. She has over 30 years of experience in providing rehabilitation and assessment services in medical-legal, inpatient, and community-based settings, serving people living with the effects of neurological disabilities. Dr. Lemsky is board certified by the American Board of Professional Psychology and American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology.
Dr. Lemsky continues to participate in research and has contributed a number of book chapters and articles to rehabilitation literature. She has a special interest in working with individuals with co-occurring substance use and mental health issues.
Michelle Busse, Psy.D., C.Psych., C-CAT (M/B)
Clinical Neuropsychologist and Rehabilitation Psychologist
Dr. Busse is a registered Clinical Neuropsychologist and Rehabilitation Psychologist with more than 10 years of experience at CHIRS. She specializes in conducting comprehensive neuropsychological assessments with patients who have acquired brain injuries, both for treatment and medical-legal purposes. In addition to her assessment work, Dr. Busse provides clinical consultation and training to the residential and community-based teams at CHIRS, as well as clinical supervision to Neuropsychology practicum students and fellows. Dr. Busse completed specialized training in Clinical Neuropsychology at the Dean Clinic in Madison, Wisconsin during her residency year, followed by a two-year clinical fellowship in Neuropsychology with a focus on acquired brain injury at CHIRS. She previously held positions at the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute – Neurology Service/WSIB Clinic and at Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences – Memory Disorders Clinic.
Lisa Bolshin, Ph.D., C.Psych.
Clinical Neuropsychologist and Rehabilitation Psychologist
Dr. Bolshin is a registered Clinical Neuropsychologist. Dr. Bolshin joined the CHIRS team in 2017. She provides clinical neuropsychological services at CHIRS as well as supporting the development and implementation of clinical groups designed to teach emotional regulation and mindfulness skills. Her clinical practice includes Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Mindfulness Meditation, and integrating other evidence-based methodologies as needed. She provides clinical consultation to clients and staff in long-term supportive housing residences, as well as brain injury organizations that extend throughout rural communities in Ontario. Dr. Bolshin’s practice areas are in clinical psychology and neuropsychology across all adult ages (18-90+). She attained her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Fielding Graduate University and conducted her doctoral research at the Rotman Research Institute at Baycrest Health Sciences. After completing her pre-doctoral residency at Saskatoon Health Region in the areas of Rehabilitation Health Psychology and Neuropsychology, she completed two years of post-doctoral supervision in Clinical Neuropsychology at CHIRS.
Sylvia Romanowska, Ph.D.
Post-Doctoral Fellow
Dr. Romanowska is currently a post-doctoral fellow at CHIRS, where she is involved in neuropsychological assessment, neurobehavioural and cognitive intervention, and clinical consultation. She completed her doctoral training in clinical psychology at the University of Toronto. She subsequently completed her clinical residency at Vancouver Coastal Health in Vancouver, BC, focusing on assessment, cognitive intervention, and psychological treatment in neuropsychology, rehabilitation, psychiatry, and health psychology settings.
Dr. Chanth Seyone, M.D., FRCPC
Neuropsychiatrist
CHIRS’ Neuropsychiatric Services are offered by Dr. Chanth Seyone and his team at the Acquired Brain Injury Clinic. Dr. Seyone is recognized for his expertise in the effects of brain injury on mood, behaviour, and cognition, and his focused and multi-disciplinary approach to assist individuals who have experienced a brain injury. Dr. Seyone also provides on-site education and guidance to CHIRS staff via regular attendance at residential team meetings, in-house neuropsychiatric clinics, and on-call support. In addition, he lends his experience and expertise in the development and implementation of CHIRS’ programs and services and provides the neuropsychiatric perspective for CHIRS’ clinical and practical standards.
Benjamin (Ben) Promane, MSW, RSW
Social Worker
Ben is a Registered Social Worker with broad experience working with individuals and families in community, residential, and education settings. He earned a Master of Social Work from the University of Windsor and has additional training in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). He also serves as an Adjunct Lecturer at the University of Toronto’s Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work. Since joining CHIRS in 2024, Ben has been a member of the clinical team providing individual, couples, family, and group interventions for individuals living with brain injury and their families. He leads the implementation of the organization’s ethical framework, offers clinical consultation to client support teams, facilitates staff training, contributes to family support program development, and supervises Master of Social Work students in their clinical placements.
Kov Lam, MSc. (OT), OT Reg. (Ont.)
Occupational Therapist
Kov Lam is a registered Occupational Therapist who has been working at CHIRS since 2020. He conducts functional, mobility, cognitive and home safety assessments for clients living with acquired brain injury. He primarily focuses on the needs of CHIRS clients living in the residences and community. Kov completed a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy at the University of Toronto in 2014. Since graduating, Kov has worked in pediatrics, in palliative care, and in the community.
Andrea Alves, MSc. (OT), OT Reg. (Ont.)
Occupational Therapist
As a registered Occupational Therapist, Andrea works with individuals with acquired brain injuries and co-occurring mental health and/or substance use concerns to enhance their safety, well-being, and participation in home and community. She utilizes strengths-based, trauma-informed, and harm reduction approaches to care. Andrea received her undergraduate degree in Psychology, Neuroscience, and Behaviour at McMaster University. After several years working in clinical research in mental health and service delivery at CAMH, Andrea went on to pursue her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy at the University of Toronto, where she completed training in the areas of acute care, mental health, and stroke rehabilitation at various organizations in the GTA before joining CHIRS in 2023. In addition to providing individualized consultative services for CHIRS clients, Andrea advocates for funding and services, develops community partnerships, and facilitates the Substance Use and Brain Injury (SUBI), Creative Wellness, and ACT for Caregivers groups.Intake
Shobha Orlando, BA Psych., M.Ed.
Intake Coordinator
Shobha has been the Intake Coordinator since 2005. She began her career at CHIRS in 1990 and has held various roles over the years including Residential and Apartment Support Worker at Ashby House, Community Facilitator, and Senior Intake Facilitator. As part of her current responsibilities, she oversees the Intake Department and helps manage fee-for-service referrals for CHIRS and TABIRS. Besides her commitment to providing quality care to individuals living with an acquired brain injury and their families, she has a passion for teaching and lifelong learning. Shobha is a part-time adult ESL, LINC instructor with the Peel District School Board, and an accredited member of TESL Ontario.