Media

Katja Newman to become National Coordinator of NEADS in October 2026!

Ottawa, Ontario (July 27, 2026)

After 40 years of serving as National Coordinator of the National Educational Association of Disabled Students (NEADS), Frank Smith will retire at the end of September 2026.

We are thrilled to announce that Katja Newman has been selected to lead NEADS into the future and will assume the role of National Coordinator on October 1, 2026. Katja has a Master's degree in Grant Writing, Nonprofit Management and Program Evaluation from Concordia University Chicago. Prior to completing her Master's, Katja received a Bachelor of Social Work degree from Carleton University and a Child & Youth Care diploma from Georgian College. Katja has been on staff at NEADS since June 2021 and has held senior leadership roles, including Financial Assistance Program Director and Co-Manager of the Building Employment Pathways Program. Katja has also been the organization's representative to the Council of Canadians with Disabilities and the Canadian Accessibility Network for several years.

"A career with NEADS, from its foundation in 1986, has been such a great privilege and honour for me," says Frank Smith. "I believe the organization has made significant accomplishments in supporting post-secondary students and graduates with disabilities in advocating for full access to college and university education and the employment market. I have loved collaborating with so many passionate and accomplished disability leaders who have served on the NEADS Board of Directors and staff. Katja Newman is brilliant and has the experience to take NEADS to the next level. She has led successful projects, managed staff and brings fund development and capacity building expertise to the organization. Katja has cultivated deep connections with non-governmental organizations in the disability and student communities across Canada. She's ready to lead NEADS as National Coordinator."

"It is an honour to be entrusted with this role,” says Katja Newman. “Frank has dedicated four decades to building NEADS into the organization it is today, and I know I have very big shoes to fill. While I'm approaching this new chapter with both excitement and a healthy dose of nerves, I'm grateful for the opportunity to continue working with our incredible staff, Board, partners, and community to build on the strong foundation that already exists."

Stephanie Evans, NEADS Chair, Newfoundland and Labrador Director shares her perspective on Katja's new position: “It’s been such a privilege to work alongside Frank and witness the impact of his leadership over so many years. His dedication to disability advocacy and to supporting students across Canada has shaped NEADS into the strong, community driven organization it is today. I’m genuinely excited to welcome Katja into the role of National Coordinator. She brings so much heart, skill, and vision to this work, and her commitment to our community is clear in everything she does. Katja has already shown incredible leadership within NEADS, and I have full confidence in her ability to guide the organization into its next chapter. This transition marks an important moment for NEADS, and I’m looking forward to continuing our work together as we build on the foundation Frank created and support Katja in leading us forward.”

About the National Educational Association of Disabled Students

Since its founding in 1986, the National Educational Association of Disabled Students (NEADS) has worked to advance full access to education and employment for post-secondary students and graduates with disabilities across Canada. We represent over 500,000 disabled students currently enrolled in colleges and universities across Canada, along with many more graduates with disabilities.

NEADS is a consumer-controlled, cross-disability charitable organization. We support our constituents through projects, resources, research, publications, and partnerships. NEADS is governed by a national Board of Directors representing every province and territory. The National Educational Association of Disabled Students centres its work through an intersectional lens, recognizing not only disability but also the many other identities that persons with disabilities bring to their experiences in post-secondary education and the labour market.

Our work as an organization focuses on three core strategic program areas:
    •    Disabled student experience in the classroom and on campus
    •    Disabled student and graduate employment
    •    Disabled student financial assistance to pursue post-secondary studies and reduce educational debt

For more information:

National Educational Association of Disabled Students (NEADS)
Rm. 514  Nideyinàn, Carleton University
Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 5B6, tel. (613) 380-8065, ext. 201