About Us
CRSS provides residential and support services for transitional aged youth and adults living with an intellectual disability and other complex needs. Our dedicated and highly trained staff work with funders, community partners and family members to provide individualized care. Our goal is to create a home and future where everyone has the support and confidence to be at their best.
Who We Are
Our Mission
To empower people with compassionate care and personalized support, ensuring everyone feels valued, safe, and truly at home.
Our Purpose
Everyone deserves a place to call home—we’re dedicated to helping those with complex needs find a supportive community where they can thrive, feel included, and live their best lives.
Our Values
Our Promise of Care – “H-E-A-R-T”
H
Home and Heart: We create spaces where individuals feel a sense of home, safety, and belonging—where they are genuinely valued.
“Turning houses into homes.”
E
Excellence Through Expertise: Our experienced professionals provide thoughtful, clinical care tailored to each individual’s needs.
“Care that adapts to every need.”
A
Action with Compassion: We approach care with love, empathy, and a commitment to treating every individual like family.
“Fresh muffins and a warm hug.”
R
Relationships & Connection: We foster meaningful relationships by supporting family bonds and creating communities where everyone feels included.
“Your family is our family.”
T
Transformation and Growth: We empower individuals to achieve their goals, develop life skills, and confidently navigate their journey with dignity.
“Empowering lives, one step at a time.”
Our Vision
To be the trusted leader in developmental services, offering unparalleled care, exceptional environments, and innovative programming that empower individuals to thrive.
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Trusted Partner for Funders and Families:
Become the number one choice for funders and families by building trust, upholding uncompromising standards of care, and delivering consistently high-quality services.
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Employer of Choice:
Cultivate a supportive, engaged, and rewarding workplace that attracts and retains top talent in the developmental sector through a positive culture, fair compensation, and robust growth opportunities.
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Expansion and Innovation:
Grow responsibly by doubling residential programs, expanding Supported Independent Living (SIL) initiatives, and creating high-quality day programs with enhanced facilities.
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Quality-Driven Training and Accountability:
Lead in staff training excellence with accessible, high-quality online resources and establish accountability measures to ensure effective, measurable client outcomes.
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Sustainable Growth for Lasting Impact:
Foster smart growth with informed decisions that lay a strong foundation for continued development, securing CRSS’s role as a go-to model in the developmental services sector.
Clinical Services
Our Clinical Services team is led by Mary Helen Leddy, Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA) and Lynette Annaert, Director of Policies and Quality Assurance. This team is dedicated to enhancing the quality of care and support we provide. They oversee and collaborate closely with our leadership team and direct care staff, providing ongoing training and consultation, ensuring we consistently deliver compassionate, evidence-based care that meets the unique needs of our clients.
Support Plans
We complete Behaviour Support Plans (BSPs) and conduct our own Functional Assessments. Third party review and/or implementation of existing BSPs may be completed as required.
Clinical Oversight
We ensure effective implementation and monitoring of BSPs with data tracking to support ongoing changes to the benefit of our clients.
Training Expertise
Training is tailored on an individual basis, based on the specific needs of the individual residing at each location. We go above and beyond the ministry requirements.
In Home Support
We offer families and caregivers respite services, crisis intervention support and behaviour coping strategies to manage difficult situations to promote positive family ties.
The CRSS Team
Our Team
CRSS is powered by a team of nearly 200 dedicated professionals who work together to deliver innovative, personalized, and supportive programming for the individuals and families we serve. Our leadership team brings deep expertise, compassion, and a values-driven approach to creating meaningful outcomes and lasting impact.
Each of our residential programs is further supported by a dedicated on-site Supervisor and/or Assistant Supervisor, as well as a Client Care Coordinator. This layered structure has been established to ensure consistent, high-quality care is delivered for every client, in every home, each and every day.
Leadership
Lisa Hooey
Chief Executive Officer
Lisa is responsible for setting the organization’s strategic direction, ensuring operational excellence, and fostering a culture that prioritizes both employee engagement and exceptional client care. Lisa joined CRSS after a career in global banking, bringing expertise in operations, finance, and project management, along with tremendous passion and energy. Having immediate family members with disabilities has shaped Lisa’s understanding of the challenges faced by vulnerable populations, inspiring her dedication to fostering inclusivity and creating opportunities that empower others.
Under Lisa’s leadership, CRSS is enhancing its client-centered approach, fostering a supportive and rewarding environment for staff, and expanding its reach to serve more individuals and families. Her focus is on ensuring CRSS delivers the highest standard of care, instills confidence in families and funders, and becomes an employer of choice for those passionate about making a difference. Lisa holds an MBA and a Certificate in Social Impact from Queen's University.
Carla Jackson-Adams
Executive Director
Carla brings over 20 years of experience in the social services sector, including more than 12 years at CRSS, where she plays a central role in guiding day-to-day operations across the organization. As Executive Director, she oversees our residential and day programs, manages CRSS’s facilities, and ensures the organization runs smoothly and efficiently.
Carla works closely with Lisa to align program delivery with CRSS’s mission and priorities. She is especially known for deep knowledge of our client needs and ability to foster trusted relationships with families, funders, and frontline teams. Through her personalized approach and steady leadership, Carla helps strengthen family bonds, build strong staff teams, and ensure that every individual supported by CRSS receives the care and consistency they deserve.
Kyley Werheid
Director of Residential Services
Kyley brings over 14 years of experience in the developmental services field and has been with CRSS since 2016. She began her journey as a part-time frontline staff and quickly advanced through progressive leadership roles, including Team Leader, Program Supervisor, and Area Manager overseeing seven residential programs across the organization before stepping into her current role.
In her current role as Director of Residential Services, Kyley provides strategic and operational leadership across CRSS’s residential portfolio. She is passionate about building strong, supported teams and ensuring that every program delivers safe, high-quality care. With a personal connection to mental health advocacy, Kyley leads with empathy, accountability, and a deep commitment for the individuals CRSS supports.
Lynnette Annaert
Director of Policies and Quality Assurance
Lynette brings over two decades of experience in the social services sector, including eight years at CRSS, where she leads organizational compliance and quality assurance. In her role, she is responsible for ensuring that all programs meet or exceed legislative and regulatory standards, while also promoting a high standard of client care.
Lynette works closely with the organization’s consulting Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and is currently pursuing her own BCBA designation. Once completed, this will allow Lynette to sign off on Behaviour Support Plans (BSPs) internally, expanding CRSS’s clinical capacity and autonomy. She is passionate about delivering personalized, trauma-informed care and is committed to supporting staff in upholding CRSS’s values of dignity, safety, and inclusion.
Matthew Wilcox, CPA
Controller
As Controller at CRSS, Matthew oversees the organization’s financial operations with a focus on accuracy, transparency, and long-term sustainability. He brings a strong background in both public accounting and corporate finance, along with a CPA designation and a deep understanding of systems integration and process optimization.
Matthew plays a key role in financial planning, budgeting, and risk management, helping CRSS maintain fiscal responsibility while sustainably expanding our capacity to help more individuals. His proficiency in technology-driven solutions and proactive approach ensures CRSS has the tools and insight to make informed decisions that enhance organizational impact and support the delivery of exceptional care.
Testimonials
Success Stories
Lucas
Lucas is a shining example of breaking boundaries and redefining possibilities. As an accomplished artist, entrepreneur, and storyteller, he brings his passion to life through engaging projects that inspire and entertain. In 2016, Lucas hosted the Inclusive Careers Summit, showcasing his dynamic personality and exceptional communication skills.
But Lucas’s talents don’t stop there—he’s also a dedicated sports fan and an active athlete. One of his dreams came true when he signed a one-day honorary contract with the Denver Nuggets, a moment that highlighted his determination and love for the game.
Lucas’s story is a testament to the limitless potential of individuals with autism. His achievements, paired with unwavering determination and community support, encourage others to embrace their own unique abilities and reach for the stars.