Local Man Devoted to People With Special Needs

It takes a special man to bring joy to countless special needs people and Peterborough’s Craig Meredith has been up to the task.

Meredith has been a support worker for Community Living Trent Highlands for the last decade. He named his group he supports, “Meredith’s Mean Machines”, and he describes it as the greatest job in the world.

“I have had the opportunity to watch my clients grow into independent individuals on a day-to-day basis,” said Meredith. “I have connected with great family members of individuals I have supported. Just watching them laugh and smile is a great day’s work.”

“Meredith’s Mean Machines” get together every Friday with activities such as mini-golf, nature walks or group decisions. Photo by David Tuan Bui, PTBOCanada

The group competed for the “Meredith Cup” in a friendly bowling competition at Lakeview Bowl in Peterborough. David McLeod won the award after “judge’s decision” from Meredith.

“The support I have received from the community through text, phone calls and emails have been overwhelming,” said Meredith. “I will continue to support everyone to the best of my knowledge and abilities.”

David McLeod after winning the “Meredith Cup”. Craig Meredith started the “Meredith Mean Machines” since the Covid-19 pandemic began restricting the country. Photo by David Tuan Bui, PTBOCanada

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PTBOCanada Featured Post: Social Worker Stephanie Moeser

Often, people move on from smaller towns to larger metropolises for work. Stephanie Moeser and her family did the exact opposite last summer when they uprooted and moved from Toronto up the 115 to Peterborough.

The draw of an active arts community, vibrant downtown atmosphere and natural environment provided all the incentive they needed to pack up and leave their comfort zone. The slower pace of life, and friendlier atmosphere that the Lift Lock City could provide for their children also helped in the decision.

Stephanie is a social worker with a particular focus on supporting teens and adults with Asperger Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families. She worked previously at Geneva Centre for Autism in Toronto for 13 years as a social worker and later as a supervisor.  She also managed a service for adults with a dual-diagnosis. Currently, she still remains an affiliate of the Redpath Centre in Toronto. 

More recently, Stephanie decided to take a leap of faith and work for herself. She is now a social worker in private practice here in Peterborough and couldn’t be happier with this decision.

Stephanie has expertise in providing clinical support to all those affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder. As part of her work, she supports families understanding of their child’s diagnosis and how it effects their child and family as a whole. She also provides counseling to couples where one or both spouses have an autism spectrum disorder through offering support and guidance navigating some of the complexities of intimate relationships.  

Stephanie works directly with teens and adults with Asperger Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder, supporting them through many facets of their lives, including (but not limited to):

- understanding their diagnosis
- navigating the social environment
- emotional regulation and relationships
- supporting individuals who are experience mental health issues

Through her many years of work, Stephanie has always been amazed at the strength of the individuals she has met. Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder have taught her to embrace thinking outside the box and have shown her how to look at situations in new and unique ways.  Through these interactions, Stephanie knows the importance of embracing difference and using our strengths and passions to reach our goals. 

In working with families, Stephanie has been awed by their strength, love and resilience.  Families fight for the best for all of their children, and at times do this while putting their own needs second. Stephanie has worked with families to help them find balance and support so all members can thrive.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about Stephanie Moeser and what she is now offering our community, she can be reached at:

Email: stephanie@rediscovery.ca
Facebook: Rediscovery Counselling
Website:  RedpathCentre.ca
Twitter:  @re_discovery
Phone: 705.927.1318

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