Advisory Committee Members and Family Consultant
Families want to know that our Ensemble Advisory Committee members understand their experiences, so that is why all of our members are family members of someone with a disability.
In addition, our committee members are all passionate caregivers and advocates for their loved ones and desire to provide support to family caregivers.
Marilyn Godard
Family Consultant
As the co-founder of Ensemble in 2000, Marilyn has been actively involved for 26 years. Marilyn is a resident of Harrow and understands issues of rural living. As a mother of 3 adult daughters, one with complex challenges: an intellectual disability, unique communication, epilepsy and limited mobility. Marilyn likes to say, “We live the life. I get it!” Marilyn is a retired educator who continues to educate by volunteering to teach immigrants English as a second language. Regularly travelling to France gives Marilyn an open mind that embraces diverse cultures. By actively engaging community members in the realities of the lives of those impacted by disability, Ensemble will open doors with the potential to create lives of possibilities.
Dee Chooti
Dee is the mom of three adult children, one who has severe global developmental delays, autism/mental health challenges, cerebral palsy/gait challenges, is non-verbal and has had to deal with the COVID-19 lockdown that impacted him mentally and physically.
Dee is a Nurse Practitioner with over 40 years of nursing experience in family practice of all ages, mental health, disability management, chronic disease, chronic pain, addiction, homecare and community health, workplace health and safety to name a few.
At Ensemble, we are “Strengthening Families together”. Dee continues to strengthen partnerships and provide a voice for children, adult-children, families, and caregivers. Dee is her son’s strongest advocate, ensuring that his voice is heard, his quality of life and dignity is maintained, and he can live his best life ever. The possibilities are endless. Together, we can do anything!
Diane Neves
Diane joined Ensemble in September 2013. She lives in Belle River and is the mother of three adult children, one of whom has complex physical and intellectual disabilities requiring 24/7 care. Her lived experience is the foundation of her advocacy and commitment to supporting other families navigating similar journeys.
Diane works full-time as an Executive Legal Assistant for a Windsor lawyer and is a past Director on the Board of Community Living Essex County.
Through her own experiences, Diane understands the challenges, isolation, and learning curve families often face. Discovering Ensemble was a turning point, providing the connection and support that helped her move forward with confidence. She is passionate about ensuring no family feels alone and believes strongly in the power of shared knowledge and collective voices to create meaningful, supported lives.
Connie Ure
Connie Ure joined the Ensemble team in 2025 after participating in a caregiver activity. As a mother, past foster parent and grandmother, Connie is well aware of the challenges and rewards of caregiving. She is the sole caregiver for her young adult son with physical and intellectual disabilities. Connie’s varied life experiences are a welcome addition to the team. Creative outlets, such as painting and baking, bring balance to her life. She values the opportunities to form new friendships, while accessing resources that support her family and create greater community awareness.
Alana White
Alana White comes to Ensemble with a unique perspective. She is a single parent supporting her 22 year old son with autism, in the town of Essex. She is employed by the City of Windsor as an Ontario Works Caseworker. Alana loves the outdoors: hiking, kayaking and playing pickleball. Mothers, with similar lived experiences, that Alana has met in her community, continue to provide her with ongoing encouragement as she navigates life.
Alana would like the community to experience the available resources; as well as the guidance, understanding and emotional support she has found at Ensemble.
The words of Melinda Gates guide Alana:
“Optimism isn’t a belief that things will automatically get better. It is a conviction that we can make things better.”
