Sabeeka Jaffer

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

ABOUT SABEEKA JAFFER

As the Director of Family Programs at SMILE Canada, I lead and support initiatives that strengthen services for children, youth, and families navigating disability, healthcare, and community systems. Building on my previous experience as a Service Navigator and Hospital Support Program Coordinator, I work closely with families, healthcare professionals, and community partners to ensure services are accessible, coordinated, and family-centred. My work is grounded in advocacy, systems navigation, and empowering families with the tools, resources, and compassionate support they need to navigate complex journeys with confidence.I bring a strong foundation as a Child and Youth Care Worker, with experience across after-school programs, community workshops, daily programming, support groups, and the facilitation of community events. This frontline experience continues to inform my leadership approach and ensures programs remain responsive, inclusive, and rooted in the lived experiences of families.In addition to my professional roles, I serve as a Board of Directors member with the Ontario Association of Child and Youth Care (OACYC), contributing to governance, strategic direction, and sector-wide advocacy for the child and youth care profession. I am also a member of a Curriculum Advisory Committee at TMU, contributing to program development and alignment with evolving sector and community needs. Additionally, I have supported children’s rights research initiatives, collaborating with teams to inform policy, practice, and systems-level improvement.I am passionate about community engagement, capacity building, and advancing inclusive, family-centred supports. If you’d like to learn more about my work or explore opportunities to collaborate, feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn or reach out via email at j••••••••@gmail.com