The Light of NorthStar

On the journey of raising a child with special needs, every step forward is hard-won, and every spark of progress can change a life.

The story of NorthStar begins with one such spark—and has since grown into a constellation of hope for countless families.

1. Benny: Racing Against Time

To the children at NorthStar, he is “Uncle Benny”—warm, patient, and reliable.

To many families, he is a guide who is always racing against time.

As a single father of a child with autism, Benny understands deeply how critical early intervention is.

For him:

Every minute gained is a piece of future secured.

And so he runs, constantly:

• Leaving home at 6 a.m. and returning late into the night

• Replying to countless messages from families seeking help

• Traveling across the Greater Toronto Area in all weather conditions

• Fulfilling the promise of personalized, one-on-one in-home training

All this began with one transformative moment.

While teaching his son to ski, Benny witnessed firsthand how:

Adaptive, structured sports training can open doors for children with special needs—building confidence, social skills, and independence.

The joy he felt as a father quickly turned into a sense of responsibility.

He could not keep this light to himself.

He wanted more children to have the chance to be illuminated.

2. From One Father’s Love to a Community Mission

Benny knew that one person’s strength is limited—but one person’s love can inspire many.

Beginning in 2016, he and several passionate coaches volunteered to provide sports training for children with special needs. Over the years, this grassroots effort grew organically within the community.

In 2022, NorthStar Special Needs Society was officially established.

This milestone represents far more than the creation of an organization:

✔ It marks the transformation of compassion into a shared mission

✔ It turns individual goodwill into a sustainable support system

✔ It builds a platform that connects families, professionals, and resources

Guided by the vision of “A lifelong continuum of support,” NorthStar is committed to ensuring that every child with special needs has the opportunity to grow into an individual who is:

• Independent

• Whole

• Dignified

—and able to shine with their unique potential.

3. The People Behind the Light: NorthStar’s Guides

To hold up a sky full of stars, it takes more than love—it requires expertise, leadership, and collaboration.

Benny’s dedication drew talented leaders from business, education, the arts, and community service. Inspired by his story and NorthStar’s mission, they came together to form the Board of Directors and Advisory Council. They are the stewards of this growing constellation. Board of Directors

Alan C. Middleton, PhD — Vice Chair

A global marketing strategist and influential management educator:

• 25 years in senior roles at international 4A advertising agencies

• 28 years as a business school professor

• A champion for brand development and mentorship systems

Alan brings strategic vision and organizational insight to NorthStar’s growth.

Esther Wang — Treasurer

A strategic leader in education, with a unique blend of engineering and business expertise:

• 20+ years managing executive education programs at York University

• Specialist in data-driven business development

• Builder of collaborative, multi-stakeholder partnerships

Her leadership ensures NorthStar’s financial sustainability and long-term stability.

Shero Li — Secretary

A cultural bridge-builder across arts education, media, and international events:

• Founder of Dantitude Arts School

• Chair of the IPA Model Committee in Canada

• Organizer of major cross-cultural arts events connecting North America and Asia

She brings creativity, global perspective, and community engagement to NorthStar.

4. When Lights Come Together, Hope Shines Brighter

Every director, every coach, every volunteer—each one is a beam of light illuminating the future of children with special needs.

Their compassion, professionalism, and unwavering dedication form the true foundation of NorthStar. They bring hope to families. They help children find confidence, rhythm, and their own place in the world.

As we move forward, we will continue walking together—turning love into strength, turning professionalism into impact, and letting the light of NorthStar reach even more families in need.