Issue 22: Haven - 2022 Royal International Miss Canada East Role Model

Families in Canada with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often find themselves extreamly underfunded, in terms of supports, leaving them stranded without proper assistance/supports in place. As a Registered Early Childhood Educator and Behavioural Therapist in an Applied Behavioural Analysis setting, Haven’s REAL WHY is bringing awareness and providing health care availability for children living with ASD. With her pageant platform, Haven is breaking down barriers and stigmatization around Autism; through the implementation of events aiming to support local families with the cost and items they need to support their child. As an example, Respite Care, Private School Facilitation, and Electronics.

Growing up, Haven always had a passion for working with children. Inspired by her brother’s journey with severe Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and her cousin with Autism; witnessing the lack of awareness and supports within the education setting fuelled Haven’s passion to make a difference. Unfortunately, within our education system children with Autism rarely receive the correct supports and educational aids they need. While many children with Autism require additional supports such as: Applied Behavioural Therapy; Intensive Behavioural Intervention; or homeschooling. Witnessing the people, she loved struggle and feel not worthy enough, devastated Haven.

This sparked her interest to pursue her career working with young children, to ensure they feel nurtured, cared for, and receive the education they deserve. Presently, Haven uses her passion towards working with children and those on the Autism spectrum, as a Behavioural Therapist at an Applied Behavioural Analysis School. Where she teaches a Kindergarten class and works 1-1 with children on their personal therapy programming. With her passion, skills, and dedication to the field, Haven knows she can make an impact by using her voice to create opportunities for further funding to those with ASD.

Through her own platform, Haven aims to inspire action within her community through speaking in schools regarding barriers for individuals on the Autism Spectrum; provide programming on ways to provide relief and supports to families; and raising monetary amounts towards families to access supports they need. Although her passion evolves around advocating for those with Autism, there is plenty more Haven is involved with in her community. Volunteering and fundraising for the Canadian Cancer Society; Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada; Give Kids the World; and local Women’s Shelters, are just a few initiatives Haven is passionate about.

When this stellar queen is not working on her latest volunteering initiative or caring for children as a Behavi2oural Therapist/Early Childhood Educator you can find her tearing it up on the Football field as an Australian Rules Football Player or competing in Muay Thai Kickboxing.

As a pageant queen you can find her preparing to represent Canada on the Royal International Miss International Stage as the 2022 Royal International Miss Canada East Role Model; as well as holding the title of 2021 Miss Galaxy Ottawa.

Interested in following Haven’s journey to the crown? Go follow her Facebook Page “Haven Lamothe’s Pageant Journeys” and her Instagram at @havenlamothe