Our Staff
Michelle McQuigge, Chief Executive Officer
As CEO of BALANCE for Blind Adults, Michelle McQuigge is leading the growth of an organization that reaches farther, responds faster, and works across sectors to expand opportunities for people living with blindness and sight loss across Ontario. Since taking the helm in August 2025, she has expanded BALANCE’s programming deeper into the communities where clients live — informed by her own experience of blindness and a firm belief that a truly inclusive society doesn’t leave its blind and partially sighted members on the margins. Michelle is known for her warm, pragmatic leadership style, and is committed to ensuring BALANCE’s work remains practical, responsive and grounded in real-world experience.
Michelle spent 19 years as a national journalist and editorial leader with The Canadian Press and has more than a decade of governance experience in Canada’s sight loss sector, including nine years as a BALANCE director. She is totally blind and navigates the world with her Seeing Eye® dog and BALANCE’s Chief Morale Officer, Lucy.
Cristina Lopes, Program Coordinator and Community Engagement Specialist
Cristina Lopes is the Program Coordinator at BALANCE for Blind Adults and a Registered Social Service Worker. Since joining the organization in 2019, she has played a central role in expanding community-based programming, strengthening services and building partnerships that support adults who are blind or partially sighted.
Known for her ability to bring people together and move ideas into action, Cristina works closely with clients, staff and community partners to connect BALANCE’s programs with the broader community and help partners understand how accessibility works in practice.
Through her close relationships with participants and the community, Cristina brings valuable front-line insight into program development and decision-making, helping drive innovative programming while ensuring BALANCE’s services remain responsive and impactful.
Assistive Technology
Doug Poirier, Assistive Technology Lead
Doug Poirier has been part of BALANCE for Blind Adults since 2001 when he was first brought on to teach what was then new adaptive technology. That work helped lay the foundation for BALANCE’s Assistive Technology Program, which he has helped build and shape ever since.
With nearly three decades of experience, Doug helps lead BALANCE’s practical, innovative approach to assistive technology — from foundational skills to the latest accessible mainstream and adaptive tools. His work includes one-to-one instruction, workshops, workplace and office technology training, course development, and the Assistive Technology Apprenticeship Program. Known for his deep expertise and pragmatic style, he helps clients use technology in ways that work in real life.
Windy Ho Li, Low Vision Specialist
Windy supports clients at BALANCE for Blind Adults through low vision assistive technology training and adaptive living strategies that build independence in everyday life. Drawing on both professional training and lived experience, she helps clients develop skills and navigate real-world challenges with confidence.
She contributes to individualized support and programs that promote accessibility, taking a holistic approach to identifying client needs and connecting them with appropriate tools and resources.
After completing the BALANCE Assistive Technology Apprenticeship in 2022, Windy is motivated to help others build confidence and live more independently.
Orientation & Mobility
Bill Phung, Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialist and Data Quality Specialist
Bill Phung is a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist at BALANCE for Blind Adults, where he has worked since 2013. He supports clients in developing the skills and strategies needed to travel safely and independently in their home and community environments.
Known for his collaborative, client-centred approach, Bill focuses on supporting the whole person, working with clients to build confidence, independence, and practical skills that reflect their individual goals and circumstances.
In addition to his direct work with clients, Bill plays a central role across the organization, leading staff training, supporting group programming, contributing to community outreach, and overseeing data and reporting that inform program delivery and external funding. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Integrative Biology and Neuroscience from the University of Toronto and completed the Orientation and Mobility program at Mohawk College.
Kiana Raeesdana, Orientation and Mobility Specialist
Kiana Raeesdana is a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist at BALANCE for Blind Adults. She works with clients to develop the practical skills and strategies needed to navigate their environments safely and independently.
Through hands-on training in travel techniques, environmental awareness, and assistive tools, Kiana supports clients in building confidence and adapting to real-world challenges.
Kiana holds a Master’s degree in Vision Science (Orientation & Mobility) from the University of Montreal and brings a background in optometry, combining clinical expertise with a strong commitment to client-centered support.
Pre-Employment
Elizabeth Mohler, Pre-Employment Specialist
Elizabeth Mohler is the Pre-Employment Specialist at BALANCE for Blind Adults, where she supports blind and partially sighted job seekers in developing the skills, confidence, and strategies needed to pursue employment or further training.
In her work, Elizabeth collaborates with community partners and employment service providers to connect participants with resources, training opportunities, and employment pathways. She is committed to creating supportive learning environments that help individuals build independence and meaningful participation in the workforce.
Elizabeth completed her PHD in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at Western University. Outside of work, she is an active triathlete and tandem cyclist who values community, movement, and inclusive participation in sport.
Victoria Hernandez, Pre-Employment Program Assistant
Victoria joined BALANCE for Blind Adults in 2022 through the Assistive Technology Apprenticeship Program. As a Pre-Employment Program Assistant, Victoria supports participants in developing assistive technology skills, building confidence, and preparing for their job search while encouraging independence and growth.
Victoria works closely with the Pre-Employment Program, supporting participants as they build job-readiness skills, explore employment opportunities, and connect with valuable resources.
With lived experience and a background in assistive technology and client support, Victoria is passionate about empowering people with visual disabilities to reach their goals and succeed in the workplace.
Adaptive Daily Living
Greg Pickios, Adaptive Daily Living Skills Instructor
Greg Pickios is a Toronto based Occupational Therapist and Physiotherapist Assistant. He spent four years volunteering with BALANCE for Blind Adults before joining the staff team in 2025.
Greg helps clients build the tools and techniques to live safely and independently. He works directly with clients in their homes and communities and takes great satisfaction in helping his clients achieve their goals. His friendly voice has also become a fixture at BALANCE’s group programs, such as self-defence and modern dance classes.
Olivia Pietrzyk, Adaptive Daily Living Skills Instructor (On Leave)
Olivia Pietrzyk is an Adaptive Daily Living Skills Instructor at BALANCE for Blind Adults. She works with clients to build practical skills that support independence and confidence in everyday life.
A graduate of Humber College’s Occupational and Physiotherapy Assistant program, Olivia is passionate about helping people strengthen the skills they need to navigate daily routines and achieve their personal goals.
Mental Health & Wellness
Lisa Derencinovic, MSW, Counsellor
Lisa Derencinovic is a counsellor at BALANCE for Blind Adults with lived experience of blindness and extensive experience providing therapeutic support. She works with clients on issues including grief and loss, general wellness, and adjusting to vision loss and disability.
Lisa holds both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Work from Toronto Metropolitan University and brings a compassionate, client-centred approach to her work.
Melanie Marsden, MSW, Counsellor
Melanie Marsden is a Registered Social Worker and Traditional Counsellor who works with clients at BALANCE for Blind Adults, providing individual counselling, psychoeducation groups, and training. She also works with Anishinaabe Health Toronto, where she offers counselling and support grounded in Indigenous approaches to care.
Melanie completed her Master of Social Work in the Indigenous Field of Study at Wilfrid Laurier University and brings a culturally grounded, client-centred approach to her work.
External Relations & Partnerships
Christina Peruzzi, Communications Strategist
As Communications Strategist at BALANCE for Blind Adults, Christina Peruzzi leads communications and strategic initiatives across the organization, connecting programs, partnerships and ideas to expand opportunities for people who are blind or partially sighted.
Working collaboratively across teams and strategic partners, she brings people together to build shared understanding, align priorities and move ideas into action. She is known for listening and shaping ideas into real-world approaches that make BALANCE’s work clearer and more accessible, helping people understand what’s available and how it works in practice.
With nearly two decades of experience in project management and communications, Christina works across the organization to make its work more visible and easier to navigate – so people can understand what BALANCE does, why it matters and connect with the organization in ways that are meaningful to them.
Karitte Gomez, Digital Communications Specialist
Karitte supports BALANCE’s communications and outreach by managing social media and developing accessible content for programs, services, and events. She focuses on making information clear, inclusive, and easy for the community to engage with, while also helping expand BALANCE’s presence through digital platforms and collaborations.
With a background in marketing, business management, and customer service, she brings experience in digital marketing, event planning, and team leadership. She is passionate about creating positive connections and supporting inclusive, empowering experiences for individuals with vision loss.
Anita Laurnitus, Volunteer Coordinator
Anita is the Volunteer Coordinator at BALANCE for Blind Adults, where she recruits, trains, and matches volunteers to support programs and strengthen community involvement. Her work helps enhance client experiences through in-person group support, and initiatives such as fundraising and newsletter reading.
She is actively involved in coordinating volunteer support across programs and contributes to initiatives that strengthen community engagement and organizational capacity.
With over 18 years at BALANCE, including 5 as Volunteer Coordinator, Anita is enthusiastic about creating meaningful opportunities for both clients and volunteers, fostering connection, inclusion, and personal growth within the community.
Amanda Race and Deanna Carruthers, Fundraising
As the Development Team at BALANCE for Blind Adults, Deanna Carruthers, CFRE, and Amanda Race, are responsible for all things fundraising. From building meaningful relationships with our donors, to writing grants to support the programs and services our clients receive, Deanna and Amanda work tirelessly to ensure BALANCE can continue delivering impactful, inclusive, and sustainable support to the community BALANCE serves.
Since joining the team in 2023, they have both had a hand in executing our signature fundraising event Because of BALANCE, they both love the foundation of the Because of BALANCE campaign, and getting to connect with clients, volunteers and friends who share their stories through this meaningful event!
With over 30 combined years of fundraising experience, Deanna and Amanda love being part of the BALANCE team and celebrating the inclusion and connection they witness every day.
Operations
Ronashelle Coro, Office and Communications Coordinator
Ronashelle Coro’s background combines a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from York University with experience in customer service, administration and communications, and involvement in community-based healthcare delivery. Her work in the healthcare sector has deepened her passion for supporting others in meaningful, everyday ways.
She currently serves as Office and Communications Coordinator at BALANCE for Blind Adults, where she plays a central role in the day-to-day operations of the organization while supporting outreach, engagement, and accessibility for the community. Committed to continuous growth, she strives to develop both personally and professionally while making a positive difference in the lives of other.