Shelley Higginson

Program Director
Shelley Higginson is the Founder and Program Director at Events for Life Centre. (EFL) Starting in the summer of 2013, Shelley had a vision and together with two friends, began this “grass roots organization” at her farm in Meaford. Shelley realized that once students with special needs graduated from high school at the age of 21, there wasn’t anything for them to do. For two summers Shelley ran a summer program providing recreational activities, social skills and lifelong learning for the students. The word got out, the numbers went up and the program expanded to the basement of the United Church in Thornbury. In 2017 EFL became Incorporated as a Not for Profit charity as was generously gifted the use of the farm house, garage/workshop and use of the trails at Beaver Creek Farms in Thornbury. Shelley has an extensive background and certifications in special education. Formally trained as an Educational Assistant at Georgian College, she has worked as an EA at Georgian Bay Secondary School, supporting youth with special needs in skill development and academic improvement. Shelley represents the architect for progressive growth. She has enhanced program offerings and established community partnerships, while pivoting with grace and integrity to ensure that each individual participants and their family members are respected and honoured for their unique strengths, gifts, and lifestyle. Shelley manages 2 full time staff, occasional part-time staff, seasonal coop students and trains over 30 volunteers from the local community. By completing the Crestcom International Bullet Proof Management course Shelley has, elevated her leadership expertise and enhanced communication for continuous improvement and growth. Shelley continues to live on her farm with her husband and enjoys spending time with her grandchildren Bo and Blake. Shelley is living proof that when you have a vision and are driven to succeed, dreams to come true.