Company History
The Centre was co-founded in 2002 by Gail Gallagher, Damian Quansah, Julia and Michael Schmalz in the Quansah’s home to provide focused therapy for their two children with autism.
Believing that there was also a need in the Barrie area to service more children with autism; they gave other parents the opportunity to be involved with their children’s future. Developing a family friendly tradition; they provided families with a voice in their children’s programming while allowing more access to a psychologist.
Over time, with patience and perseverance, they continued to meet the challenges, overcoming hardships and personal risk to their financial future and successfully established the Achimota Centre for Children with Autism. In September 2005, the Centre was granted non-profit/charitable status.
Presently located at 65 Cedar Pointe in Barrie, the Centre is now the largest organization that provides centre based therapy north of the GTA.
Today, Gail Gallagher remains involved with the day to day operations of the Centre. The Centre is an incredible asset to families living in and around the Barrie and surrounding area. The Centre’s Board includes both families and professionals from the community.
The Name Achimota was the name of a school attended by Damian Quansah’s father. Damian’s father was born in Cape Coast in the West African ll country of Ghana. His father attended the local school there called Achimota Secondary School. It was previously that Damian’s father was told by his grade one teacher that he would fail math. Dr. William Quansah grew up to be a Professional engineer and college Math professor, and received his Ph D from Bristol University in England where he met Damian’s mother. They moved to Canada when Damian was only two years old.
Both Gail and Damian returned to Ghana to live from 1994 to 1997. They were raising 2 beautiful children Emiliene born in 1994 and Cameron born in 1995. It was during this time, they realized that Cameron was not developing typically and would visit the small village in hopes of finding answers. It was not until 1998 that Cameron was diagnosed with autism while living in Canada.
West Africa has always been an important part of the Quansah’s family. The symbol of the black and white piano keys displayed at the Achimota Centre for Children with Autism was adopted by Dr. William Quansah as his own personal manifest and belief. It was a symbol of unity and harmony in time of racial divide as both the white keys and black keys are making music together. And, the Latin motto inscription “UT OMNES UNUM SINT”; these words mean “SO THAT ALL MAY BE ONE”, regardless race, creed, gender, or disability.
When the centre was established in 2002, it was an easy decision to take this beautiful symbol and to use these wise words as a dedication and in loving memory of Dr. William Quansah who inspired hope for future potential, acceptance and unity!
