About Us
Our Story
Different Abilities was created by Logan Gillingham in order to help end the societal stigma surrounding disabilities. Back in 2017, Logan suffered a serious injury and was unable to walk unassisted for roughly three years. During this time, she noticed that people would stare, point and make rude comments about the way that she walked. Just like Logan experienced, many people with disabilities face discrimination each and every day as they are often viewed for what they cannot do rather than what the can do. Logan knew that this was not the way things should be and decided something needed to change. This is where Different Abilities was started.
​Different Abilities is a youth-run initiative working towards ending the stigma surrounding disabilities through providing community members with education on abilities/disabilities and para-sport experiences. Together, our team hopes to change the perspectives of all youth to focus on everyone's abilities rather than their disabilities.
Logan Gillingham
Founder and Co-Director
Logan is studying architecture and fine arts at the University of Windsor and the University of Detroit Mercy and hopes to pursue a career in accessible architecture. Logan plays sledge, ice and field hockey and participates in many community innovation programs to further support the development of the Different Abilities project.
Lauren Mendes
Co-Director
Lauren is a grade 12 student at Huron Heights Secondary School in Kitchener ON. She is very active in her school being involved in DECA, Link Crew, Student Senate and Band. She played rep soccer for 8 years and is currently teaching piano at Fiona's Music Studio. Lauren is very passionate about making a change in her community and is very excited about the future endeavours of the Different Abilities Project!
Ryleigh Sproul
Vice Chair
Ryleigh is a grade 11 student at Bluevale Collegiate Institute. She is an active athlete who has played rep box lacrosse for 2 years and field lacrosse for 7 years and a musician who has played the piano for over 3 years. Ryleigh loves to be involved in her school and community through student council, DECA, social justice teams and other activities. This is her first year working with Different Abilities and she is very excited to get at work with the team!
Kayla Zhang
Head of Marketing
Kayla is a grade 12 student attending Cameron Heights for the IB program. In school, she is involved in many clubs including Student Activities Council, DECA, and Link Crew. She really enjoys being apart of the school's volleyball and track team, and outside of school she spends her time creating art, and biking with her friends!
Alissa Misic
Head of Media and Finance
Alissa is a grade 12 student at Huron Heights Secondary School in Kitchener. She was the Vice President of Finance in the JAWR company program, and she has done years of DECA. As well as this, she participated in Student Senate, and other business activities in high school. For her hobbies she loves to do cardio, bike ride, and draw. Alissa is incredibly ecstatic to be working with Different Abilities and help develop this organization further!
Maddie Park
Head of Outreach
Maddie is a grade 12 full IB student attending Cameron Heights Collegiate Institute. At school, she is a member of Student Council, Link Crew, and Science Council. She enjoys sports such as Field Hockey, Nordic Skiing, and Track and Field. Maddie plays piano, coaches gymnastics, and teaches Sunday school. In her spare time, she enjoys hanging out with friends and family and swimming.
