Meet the Panelists

When Kitty Parlby’s younger son was diagnosed with autism and intellectual delay in 2000, she fully plunged in, researching, taking courses, and attending seminars. Before long, she was speaking at P.D. days and many teachers’ conventions. Kitty also worked as a one-on-one special-needs Educational Assistant for years and has written many articles on autism. She started her own business, Autism Inspirations, presenting workshops throughout the province, and later consulting in schools. A long-time volunteer board member of Autism Society Alberta, Kitty joined the Autism Society of Alberta team in June 2020.

Krista Davidson Flint is the CEO of Accessible Housing in Calgary and has spent over 30 years leading and consulting in the non-profit sector across North America. She has held multiple CEO roles, including with the Canadian Down Syndrome Society, and worked extensively with organizations to develop strategies, civic goals, and cause-driven marketing rooted in storytelling. A sought-after public speaker, Krista has presented at the United Nations Consultation on Canada’s ratification of the Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities and at Canadian Parliamentary Hearings on Compassionate and Palliative Care (MAID Track 2). Passionate about housing and human dignity, Krista is also a proud Northern Ontario native and mom to three grown sons.

Laurence Grigg and his wife, Kathy know firsthand the challenges of navigating services for a person with autism and complex needs through their experience raising their 27-year-old son. After 16 years in the oil and gas sector, Laurence turned his attention to helping other families. For the past five years, he has been a Complex Case Consultant with Autism Calgary, helping families navigate PDD, understand their options, work through FMS agreements, appeal funding decisions, and secure the supports they need.

Carolyn Dudley is a nurse and project manager with fourteen years of experience working in the autism sector, where she wrote numerous papers on autism policy, services, and care. Who Takes Care of Our Kids was written while serving on the Autism Alberta board several years ago. This issue remains deeply personal; Carolyn is the mother of a 28-year-old son living with autism. Her professional experience and personal perspective give her a unique understanding of the challenges facing families as they navigate systems of care. She now enjoys new areas of interest and stays active in retirement. She looks forward to contributing her experience in ways that are practical and positive.

Dawn Leonard is the Executive Director of PLAN Calgary, a family-led organization that supports people with disabilities and their families to develop comprehensive plans for the future and build strong personal support networks. Dawn is passionate about helping families move from uncertainty toward greater peace of mind by strengthening relationships, community connection, family leadership, and belonging for people of all abilities.