Speakers

Madison Tevlin

Madison Tevlin was born with Down syndrome, though she’ll rightly tell you it’s the least interesting thing about her. She has dedicated her life to dismantling the stigmas associated with Down syndrome, proving from a young age that it does not define her capabilities, and that we all thrive when we reduce stigmas and lift each other up.

Her extensive credits include notable appearances on the television show “Mr. D,” and hosting her talk show “Who Do You Think I Am.” She received praise for a standout performance in “Champions,” a film directed by Bobby Farrelly and starring Woody Harrelson. Madison graced the red carpet as a host at the Canadian Screen Awards, where she also made history as the first person with Down syndrome to be nominated for Best Host in a Talk Show or Entertainment News category.

Beyond her on-screen accomplishments, Madison is an active participant in initiatives that promote inclusivity. She is a member of Best Buddies International and has walked the runway for the Knix Confidence Tour and the Be Beautiful, Be Yourself Fashion Show. Her voice resonated deeply at the “Dear Mom” conference in Laguna Beach, where she served as the keynote speaker, and later in the year was honoured by the Global Down syndrome Foundation with the Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award in 2023 for her contributions to the community.

Through her speeches, performances, and engagements, Madison Tevlin inspires audiences globally, demonstrating unwaveringly that she is much more than her diagnosis — she is a true superstar changing the world one speech, one role, and one advocacy moment at a time.

Session 2

Edna Appiah-Kubi, Senior Officer, Program Delivery & Integration, Prosper Canada

At Prosper Canada, Edna contributes to the Technology Enabled Financial Projects and primarily focuses on the user experience, functionality, and maintenance of tech tools like the Benefits Wayfinder and the Disability Benefits Compass. Edna has contributed to international and national programs and projects serving and responding to underrepresented and underserved communities. Edna holds a Master of Arts in International Development Studies from York University and an Honours Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto. 

Tim Helfrich, Director of Income Assistance, Saskatchewan Ministry of Social Services 

As director of income assistance, Tim is responsible for overseeing the service delivery of the Saskatchewan Income Support (SIS) and Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability (SAID) programs across southern Saskatchewan. Income assistance aims to support individuals by meeting their basic needs while partnering with them to become as self-sufficient as possible.

Cody Holgate

Cody Holgate is a dedicated advocate for individuals living with complex seizure disorders. His journey began at just five months old with the onset of uncontrollable seizures—a challenge he has navigated for over 30 years. Despite these obstacles, Cody has remained committed to living life with independence, resilience, and purpose. One of his greatest achievements has been realizing his goal of living independently in his own home, made possible through self-directed funding.

Cody’s advocacy extends beyond his personal experience. He has been actively involved with Special Olympics, where he not only competed but also proudly represented the organization as a speaker at fundraising events and in media appearances. His passion for progress has also led him to participate in clinical trials for seizure medications and to advocate to the provincial government for access to effective new treatments.

Believing in the power of an open mind, informed decision-making, and resilience, Cody approaches each day with positivity, knowing that the unpredictability of seizures brings unique challenges. He is driven by the philosophy of embracing each day and making it the best it can be.

Session 3

Sean McEwen, RealEyes Capacity Consultants

Sean is a workplace equity, diversity, inclusion and culture consultant and a director at RealEyes Capacity Consultants. He is also a blogger and public speaker specializing in workforce development and workplace culture. Sean supports employers – private, nonprofit and government – to  build business sustainability, innovation and profitability through diverse and inclusive workplaces with high levels of employee engagement.

Over the past 26 years Sean has been designing and directing employment inclusion services for groups under-represented in employment, while providing leadership and coaching to teams of career practitioners serving job-seekers and employers. Sean has developed and facilitated training for employers and employment service providers across Canada and has helped develop regional, provincial and national networks dedicated to employment inclusion. He is the 2018 recipient of the Award of Excellence in Employment granted by the Alberta Premier’s Council on the Status of Persons with Disabilities.

Sean is the designer and director of the GEDI-Hub, Western Canada’s first Employer Resource Centre for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.  

Very late in his career, Sean was diagnosed with five different disabilities and discovered that he had been working successfully for decades with four of these conditions. 

Sean’s educational background is in youth services and mental health. He is a certified employment specialist and has chaired the board of directors for both the Alberta Association for Supported Employment, as well as the Canadian Association of Supported Employment. Sean works across Canada but was based out of Calgary until 2024 and has worked extensively with Indigenous communities in southern Alberta. Sean’s Blackfoot (Niitsitapi) name is Oh’sskoi piiksi (blue bird).

Dylan Morin, Advocate

A lifelong Reginan, Dylan  Morin is devoted to advocating for those experiencing disability and helping them increase their independence.

After graduating from Leboldus High School Dylan attended the satellite day program at Cosmopolitan Learning Centre for 2 ½ years before being accepted into the Campus for All program at the University of Regina. There, he earned an Inclusive Post-Secondary Certificate in the four-year program.

When he’s not working at the Ukrainian Co-op, Dylan volunteers his time to help others experiencing disability learn how to safely use Regina Transit and find work to give them further independence. He also gives his time to a number of organizations including Inclusion Saskatchewan and Special Olympics and has recently started his own Inclusive Employment Fund to support programs, organizations, and workplaces that focus on inclusive hiring and job support.

Ryan Calder, Executive Director, Mallard Diversified Services Inc

Ryan has been the executive director of MDSI since 2015. He is a strong proponent of person-centred service delivery. He has a background in administration, program and business development. Since joining MDSI, he has developed a social business model to be used to assist individuals gain knowledge and experience in working in conventional business. Under Ryan, MDSI has expanded its business interests to include five businesses, four of which are on Main Street in Wadena.

Prior to working at MDSI, he worked for the Metis Nation of Saskatchewan developing rural based programing. Prior to the Metis Nation he worked in the Credit Union system managing Credit Unions in rural Saskatchewan. He has a wide variety of formal training in the areas of administration, finance and law and has sat on numerous local and provincial boards and committees in the areas of education, justice and health. 

Session 4

Nick Popowich, Advocate

Thirty-five year-old Nick Popowich is a proud advocate, locally and nationally, for people experiencing disability. Nick was born in Yorkton and has lived in Regina since 1997. Nick has always enjoyed his time on stage, whether performing at school concerts, in plays and improv competitions, or at annual Music Festivals. In 2010, through SaskAbilities, Nick began a summer term with SaskTel, which has become ongoing part-time employment. As SaskTel’s first supported employee, Nick has had opportunities to grow his confidence and public speaking abilities. He has served as a member of a national sub-committee of the Canadian Down Syndrome Society (CDSS), helping to bring the perspectives of young adults with Down Syndrome to the work of the CDSS. Nick has also co-presented, on several occasions, to SaskTel managers and colleagues about the importance of supported employment and inclusion.

Nick has a younger brother, Lucas, who is an actor in Toronto. Nick is married to the love of his life and best friend, Bree. They live in a unique, family-owned condo complex in Regina.

Elizabeth Popowich, parent and advocate

Elizabeth Popowich and her husband, Greg, are proud to be owners/collaborators in a unique co-housing project that makes it possible for 10 young adults with intellectual disabilities (including their son Nick) to live semi-independently in their own condominiums.

Now enjoying retired living in Regina, Elizabeth’s work history includes 13 years as a television reporter and anchor in Yorkton and almost 26 years as a Public Information Officer and Manager for the Regina Police Service. Elizabeth and Greg are very proud of both their sons: 35 year-old Nick and 33 year-old Lucas.

Elizabeth used to run long distances for fun and fitness but she retired from that practice (proudly still with her original knees and hips) after 20 marathons. Walking, swimming and gardening are favourite free-time activities these days.

Louise Burridge, occupational therapist, founder OuTcomes Therapy

With more than 25 years of experience, Louise Burridge is a passionate and respected occupational therapist committed to helping children thrive by supporting the families, educators, and communities around them.

Her career has spanned clinical, educational, and leadership roles across Saskatchewan, including positions with the Saskatchewan Health Authority, Good Spirit School Division, and the Ministry of Education. Louise has also contributed to advancing the profession of occupational therapy  as Director of Professional Practice for the Saskatchewan Society of Occupational Therapists. Through this work, she has led and collaborated on provincial initiatives in Autism, FASD, assistive technology, inclusive education, and self-regulation

Now as the founder of OuTcomes Therapy, Louise brings her expertise and warmth to children and families across Saskatchewan — delivering creative, evidence-informed, and relationship-driven care that makes a meaningful difference every day.

Jana La Rose, Nurse, Phoenix Residential Society