Who We Are

Our Story

Annie Leung was deeply passionate about helping individuals with developmental disabilities and strived to create a community where everyone would belong. She formed Cherish Integrated Services (CHIS) on May 18, 2010 with encouragement from Hugo and Ivy Lam, Mama Lu, and numerous community members. The organization became a registered charity (CR# 81036 2061 RR0001) in December 2015.

The Cherish team carries Annie’s legacy years after her passing by upholding her mission of serving our community with unwavering excellence and boundless passion.

Our Mission

Cherish Integrated Services actively promotes the social inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in communities and enhances their individual social functioning in daily living.

We deeply value the uniqueness of each individual and recognize the importance of integrating their lives in the community.

Ultimately, we empower individuals to unlock their full potential and help them achieve maximum independence in every aspect of their lives.

Our Team

Full team coming soon!!!

Management

Registered Social Worker specialized in working with individuals with developmental disabilities and their families for over 20 years in Asia and Canada.
Bachelor of Social Work, MSc in Marketing, along other management credentials.
Dynamic and creative leader with strong determination and extraordinary communication skills, always has fun and innovative ideas in leading Cherish into a vibrant and proactive organization in the community, and is inspirational to her team.
Provides leadership by formulating the service direction, ensuring the sustainability of the organization, and leading service advocacy and resource solicitation to support Cherish’s growth and development.
Kyoko is fluent in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin, and enjoys travelling and food.

Registered Social Worker with 10 years of experience supporting children, youth, families, and individuals with developmental disabilities.
Bachelor of Social Work (Toronto Metropolitan University), Master of Social Work (York University).
Passionate about anti-oppressive social work practice, with a focus on community building, advocacy, systemic change, and strengths-based counselling approaches including Narrative Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy, and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy.
Oversees Cherish’s programs and services, organizational growth, outreach and advocacy, fundraising initiatives, and counselling services for youth and youth adults.
Esther enjoys playing softball and ice hockey in her free time.

Extensive experience supporting children, youth, and adults with ASD, ADHD, Global Developmental Delay, and learning disabilities.
Bachelor and Master of Education (B.Ed., M.Ed.), and a Certificate for Teachers of Children with Special Education Needs.
Specializes in evidence-based, individualized learning through inclusive approaches such as multisensory and play-based teaching, as well as task analysis to foster independence, confidence, and lifelong learning.
Leads Daily Living Enrichment (DLE) curriculum development, staff mentorship, teaching resources, and Job Venture vocational projects.
Connie enjoys arts and crafts, and loves sharing her passion with trainees, finding great fulfillment in seeing their works of art.

Program Officers

Registered Social Worker (RSW) with over 35 years of experience in the social services sector across Canada and Hong Kong.
Master of Arts in Social Service Management and Bachelor of Social Work.
Experienced in supporting older adults and individuals with developmental disabilities, with a focus on promoting the psychological, physical, and social well-being of individuals and their caregivers.
Oversees the Daily Living Enrichment (DLE) Program for adults with developmental disabilities since joining Cherish in 2022.
Fluent in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin, and enjoys staying active through a variety of sports and recreational activities.

(Description Coming Soon)

Psychology double major (Queen’s University).
AP Scholar and recipient of the AP Capstone Seminar and Research Certificate.
Experience supporting children and adults with developmental needs through job-readiness, social, and communication skill development.
Program & Projects Officer at Possible Cafe (VTES Centre), teaching food safety, allergen awareness, customer service, and workplace skills.
Wesley enjoys playing the saxophone and piano outside work.

Over 20 years of experience supporting children with special needs through early childhood intervention and therapeutic programs.
Trained in recreational therapy in the United Kingdom, with specialized training in adaptive swimming, music therapy, and art therapy for children and older adults.
Specializes in developing individualized learning and life skills programs that support each person’s unique strengths and needs.
Provides early intervention services and program support at Cherish.
Vania enjoys volunteering with social service organizations, rehabilitation centres, and hospitals.

(Description coming soon)

Ontario Certified Teacher (OCT) with the Toronto District School Board (TDSB).
Bachelor of Arts in Children, Childhood and Youth Studies, Bachelor of Education (York University).
Qualified to teach Primary, Junior, and Intermediate students (Kindergarten – Grade 10), with additional qualifications in Special Education, teaching English as a second language, Health and Physical Education, and teacher librarianship.
Provides program support to students in the PGE program at Cherish.
Maisie is fluent in English and Cantonese.

(Description Coming Soon)

Clinical experience supporting individuals with complex needs, including hands-on work at CAMH’s forensic unit, specializes in children and youth with diverse support needs.
BA in Social Psychology (McMaster), MSc in Psychotherapy (McMaster, in progress).
Takes a strengths-based, evidence-informed approach, using clients’ interests to promote independence and personal growth.
Leads Cherish’s Saturday Youth Connect program, fostering life skills, wellness, and community.
Max is passionate about helping children and youth build confidence, independence, and meaningful connections.

Professional background in social work with a passion for supporting children and youth.
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), Registered Social Worker (RSW).
Creates warm, engaging environments that support learning, growth, and well-being, with experience working with children in a hospital setting.
Provides one-on-one support for children and youth in PGE programs and facilitates children’s camps throughout the year.
Louisa enjoys exploring cafes and playing guitar outside work.

Two years with Cherish, including one year as a placement student and one year as a Program Officer, supporting adults and youth with diverse support needs.
Honours Bachelor of Social Work (BSW).
Focuses on building daily living, social, and communication skills tailored to each individual’s strengths and goals.
Supports the Adult Day Program, Saturday Social Club, grant writing, and other organizational initiatives.
Hayley enjoys baking and cooking outside work.

Over 15 years of experience as a Social worker supporting children, youth, and families.
Master’s degree in Social Work from the Chinese University of Hong Kong.
Specializes in supporting children and youth with special education needs, as well as providing guidance and support to their parents.
Provides individualized support to help trainees develop daily living and social skills as a teacher in the Daily Living Enhancement program.
Yammi enjoys playing board games and badminton in her free time.

One year of experience supporting individuals with developmental disabilities.
Business Diploma from Centennial College.
Focuses on supporting individuals with developmental disabilities through an adaptable approach and a positive attitude, always ready to weather the storm.
Provides individualized support to trainees in the Pink Group and PGE programs.
Jet is a huge fan of Godzilla and heavy metal music.

(Description Coming Soon)

Over 5 years of experience supporting individuals on the autism spectrum in China and Canada.
Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Psychology, and a Graduate Certificate in Autism and Behavioural Science.
Specializes in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), with a focus on behaviour shaping, cognitive development, and daily living skills.
Provides daily living guidance, skill-building, and individualized support for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Chris is fluent in English and Mandarin, and is currently learning French and Japanese.

(Description Coming Soon)

Therapeutic & Administration

Over 20 years of experience in commercial sales, administration, and operations.
MBA from the University of Hong Kong.
Passionate about supporting individuals and families through compassionate service and open communication.
Oversees daily operations at the centre while fostering a safe, welcoming environment for trainees and staff.
Myra takes pride in celebrating the growth, progress, and achievements of Cherish’s trainees and team.

Background in Media and Communications, including writing, editing, social media, photography, videography, and nonprofit marketing.
Honours BA with High Distinction (University of Toronto), Graduate Certificate in Social Media (Seneca College).
Supports Cherish through marketing, fundraising, event coordination, and administrative operations.
Passionate about using storytelling and media to strengthen community connections and support nonprofit initiatives.
Anna is fluent in English and Cantonese.

Over 10 years of experience in accounting and financial administration.
Expertise in financial operations, record management, and organizational administration.
Focuses on accurate financial management, administrative coordination, and efficient day-to-day operations.
Oversees financial processes, maintains organizational records, and provides administrative support to help Cherish programs operate smoothly.
Jessica is committed to supporting the success of the Cherish team through reliable, detail-oriented service.

Over 40 years of experience as an Occupational Therapist supporting children and adults with developmental disabilities.
Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy, with extensive clinical experience in pediatric and adult rehabilitation.
Specializes in enhancing independence and participation in daily activities, including personal care, school functioning skills (fine motor, gross motor, social skills, and play), and community independent living skills.
Provides guidance and consultation to support programs and services at Cherish.
Betty has been a dedicated volunteer with Cherish since 2023, continuing to share her expertise through consultation.

(Description Coming Soon)

Over 30 years of experience as a Speech-Language Pathologist, primarily supporting pediatric populations in Hong Kong.
Bachelor of Science in Speech and Language, with training in Hanen Program®, DIRFloortime®, SCERTS®, and TEACCH®.
Specializes in supporting school-aged children and youth through functional, play-based activities that strengthen receptive, progressive, and overall communication skills.
Provides individualized speech, language, and communication training for individuals with communication difficulties.
Enjoys meeting new people and spending her free time crocheting.