OUR TEAM
CKFTO started as an idealistic concept of an Occupational therapist and a parent of a child with special needs in 2008. It was brought to life by a dedicated voluntary Board of Directors, who set out to create a structure to provide clinical and financial assistance to families in a sustainable model.
Krista Hamel-Smith
Managing an NGO company in today’s ever changing world requires administrative skill and a cool head. Krista’s commitment to making Trinidad and Tobago a caring society for all children and families with special needs, is evident in her passion to overcome the many obstacles we encounter as a therapeutic non-profit service provider in Trinidad and Tobago. She attended Lander University where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in Health Care Management and a minor in Dance. Since graduation Krista guided her career to stay in the Health Care field and has a broad spectrum of experience in many different types of health care facilities.
Christopher Ristic
Chris Ristic is a Registered Occupational therapist specialized in Autism and ASD disorders, and is certified in ADOS, Sensory Integration, Social/emotional regulation, Astronaut Training. Christopher’s approach to pediatric Occupational therapy combines his 18 years of diverse clinical experience with his love of empowering children to achieve their full motor development. His love for the natural world, outdoors and aqua therapy provide his foundation for ADHD solutions. He is magnifying his neurodivergent programs offerings by adding a tech component to appeal to gen Alpha.
Carolina Calles
Carolina Calles is a Registered Occupational Therapist with 25 years of paediatric experience. She specializes in Autism and ASD disorders, and is ADOS, SI and ABA accredited. As a school based Occupational therapist, she focuses on refining handwriting, Fine motor skills and teaching social/ emotional behaviour for school preparedness. As a mother, Carolina’s calm, comforting, demeanor encourages clients with their daily challenges.
Shasta Green
Tamika Thomas
Our latest recruit from the University of the Southern Caribbean has gotten a plethora of hands-on direct therapy, plus field training and coaching from her team at CKFTO. As an a Arima native, she is impassioned by the therapy services that CKFTO offers at The Autistic Society’s base in D’Abadie. She is not afraid to dive in and meet challenges head on! She embodies the mission of CKFTO in her cool, reassuring demeanour.
Samuel Everduim
Samuel Everduim is a physiotherapist graduated from the May Hamilton University College of Rehabilitation in Caracas Venezuela, he also holds a Master’s degree in Physical Education. He has worked as an assistant professor at the Libertador Experimental Pedagogical University, Caracas Pedagogical Institute, Caracas, teaching anatomy, human physiology and kinesiology at the undergraduate and graduate levels. He is a practicing level II CME® therapist.
Toni Betaudier
Toni Betaudier is a highly experienced School Psychologist with over 15 years of expertise in the field. She specializes in conducting comprehensive psychoeducational assessments for children and adolescents. Toni's approach to school psychology combines her deep knowledge of psychoeducational evaluation with her passion for advocacy. She is dedicated to empowering parents and supporting children on their educational journeys. Her interests lie in parent education, diversity, and mental health. She is committed to fostering supportive learning environments through professional development for educators and psychoeducation for parents.
Donna Holder
I am Donnareakica Holder, but feel free to call me Donna. I’m an empty nester and proud mother of two amazing young men. My father was from Trinidad & Tobago, but I was raised in the US. Professionally, I am a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist with 25 years of experience, —helping others find their voice has always felt like a deep personal mission. I have a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Michigan State University, and I’m currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Teaching & Learning with an Executive Leadership certificate at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (St. Augustine, Florida)My passion lies in shaping the next generation of speech-language pathologists. Fact about me: I grew up with very high anxiety. I started playing piano at age 10 and alto sax at age 11. Music became my escape and a means to cope in high-stress situations.
Deborah Deane
Deborah started as a volunteer in 2009 and has been part of the foundation that has grown CKFTO over the years. Her work behind the scenes to ensure operational excellence, demonstrates her commitment to helping children with special needs achieve their potential.
Michelle Laveau
Michelle is multi talented and multi faceted but at CKFTO she is our CKFTO Count Me In®, Bullying and Human Trafficking Puppet Show Co-ordinator and Program leader. Michelle is vital to our Puppet Show awareness program and she is in charge of creating awareness. Michelle is passionate about the puppet show.
Roxanne Grant
During her 12 years at CKFTO, Roxanne embodies the giving lifeforce of a non -profit by constantly being willing and eager to help with any situation, at any time. She grew up with the responsibility of having to take care of her siblings until they finished school; when her mother migrated to America. This difficult life lesson instilled in her the importance of family life, as such, Roxanne champions the family centered service approach at CKFTO, and embraces and offers some comfort to challenged parents and caregivers.
Stacy Ann Welsh
Stacy Ann Welch is the warm, welcoming smile children see first when they walk into CKFTO. As CKFTO’s receptionist and Office Assistant, her bubbly personality puts parents and children at ease and helps set a positive tone for every visit. Stacy is dedicated to creating a caring, inclusive environment where children with special needs and their families feel supported, valued, and understood. Her compassion and attention ensure smooth daily operations and a comforting experience for all who enter the centre.