Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Work Hours
Monday to Friday: 7AM - 7PM
Weekend: 10AM - 5PM
Welcome
Lappano Howe Consulting
Workplaces thrive when people do.
We’re a consulting partnership focused on human centered organizational change, leadership development, and workplace wellbeing. We support organizations and leaders through change management, leadership and team development, mental health training, and equity driven culture work.
Let’s Talk About Our Team.
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How We Work Together
We partner with you and/or your team to understand your goals, uncover root issues, and design sustainable, people first strategies that strengthen both culture and performance.
Meet our team
Elyse Lappano
Founder & CEO
I’m an educator, leader, and community builder with a passion for designing inclusive, hands-on learning experiences that create meaningful impact. With expertise in curriculum design, program development, and accessibility advocacy, I support teams and organizations in reimagining their learning strategies and service models (i.e. streamlining operations, facilitating professional development, and fostering inclusive, engaging programming across a range of settings).
A core focus of my work is accessibility and inclusion. At Brock University, I lead the facilitation of SNAP (Supporting Neurodiversity through Adaptive Programming), designing adaptive physical activity programs that empowered neurodiverse participants and student volunteers for over a decade. I also played a key role in establishing the Centre of Excellence in Inclusive & Adaptive Physical Activity (CAPA), which continues to support innovative, community-based programming and research.
This work has been recognized in a number of ways, including Brock’s Accessibility and Inclusion Award, and it continues to shape how I approach building equitable, high-impact learning experiences. In 2024, I was honoured to be named one of Niagara’s 40 Under Forty Business Achievement Award recipients. I’ve also been proud to receive several community partnership awards and to contribute to teams that have been recognized for outstanding service and innovation.
My academic background includes a Master of Arts in Applied Health Sciences and a Bachelor of Physical Education, with graduate research focused on developing sustainable physical activity programs for the disability community, which continues to influence my practice in building evidence-informed, inclusive programming.
Whether I’m leading a workshop, consulting on curriculum or program design, or conducting an accessibility review, I bring a collaborative, hands-on, and outcomes-driven mindset. I’m known for asking thoughtful questions, building trust with interest holders, and creating solutions that lead to meaningful, sustainable change across sectors and communities.
Specialties:
· Movement Education
· Inclusion/Accessibility (AODA)
· Program design and evaluation
· Service-based provision
· Experiential learning, reflective practice and partnership development
· Instructional Skills Workshop (Facilitators’ Development Workshop certified)
· Program Management
I am also a healthy Enneagram 1 for those familiar with this tool! Daily, I strive for excellence, pay attention to the finer details, and work toward equity and justice.
Sandy Howe
Founder & CEO
As a senior leader in higher education, an innovative educator, and someone involved and engaged in my communities, I bring more than 20 years of experience to this work. With a background in mental health and crisis response, work-integrated and experiential learning, community partnerships, as well as reconciliation and building relationships with Indigenous communities as a settler on these lands, I am lit up by the opportunity to work with leaders, teams and organizations looking to put their best forward in a complex and ever-changing world.
Having had significant experiences across the lifespan that focus on driving individual and organization excellence, I am passionate about developing authentic leaders and teams that bring that “magic” to their workplace. I am certain that when people are supported and feel a sense of belonging, we can do powerful things together! I have served on various board, including being the President of the Distress Centre Niagara’s Board of Directors most recently. Having spent 13 years as a contract trainer and facilitator with the Mental Health Commission of Canada, I hit the milestone of training and empowering 1,000 Canadians in Mental Health First Aid in 2025! I strongly believe that when we care for one another and focus on holistic wellbeing, people will give 110% to their “work” (families and friends, jobs, community and more) without the need to ask. I lean into tough conversations, leading with curiosity, empathy, and understanding, strive for radical and open communication, and enjoy facilitation on a variety of additional topics.
Specialties:
· Performance management and coaching
· Change management
· Building trusting, inspirational and authentic teams and leaders
· Core skills development (i.e. caring, empathy, emotional intelligence, etc.)
· Indigenous methodologies (research), decolonization support, and EDI training
· Community-engaged learning and relationship development
· Strategic planning
· Experiential learning, reflective practice, and partnership development
· Instructional Skills Workshop (Facilitators’ Development Workshop certified)
· Leadership coaching, mentorship, and personal growth workshops
My Enneagram 7 shines when new opportunities cross my path as well as when values align with those I work with. This led to a recent move across the country to trust that alignment and seize a new opportunity!
We also work with a talented collective of associates! Stay tuned for introductions to these fine folks soon, but know that if we don’t offer a specific fit for your need, we can source it.Stay tuned for introductions to these fine folks soon.
Ready to build a workplace where people thrive?
Let’s talk about what’s possible for your team.
What We Do
We partner with leaders and organizations that want to create healthier, more equitable, and more sustainable ways of working. Our services are designed to meet you where you are, with warmth, clarity, and a deep respect for the people and values at the heart of your work.
Organizational Change & Culture
Support for teams navigating complexity, growth, and transformation.
Organizational Change
Helping leaders of organizations move through change with intention, clarity, and compassion.
Managing Transitions
Guiding teams through endings, new beginnings, and legacy preservation so people feel grounded and supported.
Organizational Culture Development
Strengthening communication, trust, and collaboration so people can show up as their best selves.
Strategic Planning
Facilitating values aligned planning processes that create shared direction and sustainable momentum.
Performance Management
Building fair, human centered systems that support accountability, growth, and clarity.
People, Leadership & Team Development
Human-centered support that builds confidence, capability, and connection.
Manager & Leader Coaching
One on one or small group coaching focused on personal growth, emotional intelligence, navigating change, and leading with authenticity.
The “1 Word Project”
A reflective, confidence building experience that helps individuals reconnect with their values and personal authenticity.
Building Empathy & Emotional Intelligence
Workshops and coaching that strengthen relational skills, self-awareness, and team cohesion.
Ad Hoc Facilitation & Follow Up Hoc Facilitation & Follow Up
Targeted support to address root issues, navigate tension, and move teams toward healthier dynamics.
Mediation & Tough Conversations
Neutral, skilled facilitation to help teams work through conflict with dignity and clarity.
Mental Health, Safety & Well Being Being
Training and support that help teams care for themselves and each other.
Mental Health Training
Practical, skill building, and/or stigma reducing education that equips teams to recognize and respond to mental health needs.
De-Escalation Training Escalation Training
Tools and strategies to navigate heightened emotions, reduce conflict, and maintain psychological safety.
Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility & Decolonization
Deep, values aligned work that supports systemic change, belonging, and accessible workplaces where everyone can thrive.
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI)
Helping organizations build cultures where people feel respected, valued, and able to participate fully. Supporting teams in reducing barriers and creating environments (physical, digital, and cultural) where everyone can participate. We help organizations strengthen accessibility through clearer processes, and inclusive design approaches, including Universal Design.
Decolonization Support
Guiding organizations in examining systems, histories, and power structures, and rebuilding approaches grounded in respect, reciprocity, and shared humanity. This is done in partnership with Indigenous peoples when appropriate.
Who We Work With
We support mission-driven organizations, nonprofits, public sector teams, and values-led businesses or leaders who want to create workplaces where people feel seen, supported, and able to thrive.
If you’re committed to doing better for your people, we’re here to help you do it with intention.
Our Approach
We believe meaningful change happens through relationships, not checklists.
Our work is:
• Human-first — grounded in compassion, curiosity, and care.
• Practical — tailored to your real constraints, not idealized scenarios.
• Collaborative — built with you, not for you.
• Sustainable — focused on long-term culture, not quick fixes.
We translate complex concepts into language your teams can understand and act on because change sticks when people feel connected to it.
Mission and Vision
Mission
Supporting and inspiring organizations, teams and individuals to build a more conscientious future through impactful collaboration and an intentional approach.
Vision
Bringing out the “magic” by transcending traditional disciplines and conventional practices to reveal the best in others and build momentum behind positive change in the world.
Values
Accessibility: meeting the needs of our local and global community by ensuring all people have an opportunity to fully participate in practical and dignified ways.
Authenticity: intentional, honest, and compassionate engagement to build relationships through facilitation.
Innovation: unconventional thinking and doing to meet the needs of diverse populations.
Purpose: open-minded and open-hearted listeners aiming to respond, not react, to your needs in a meaningful way.
Connectedness: supporting community, collectives, and relationships in ways that create a positive ripple effect.
What We Offer
Looking for a fantastic workshop to bring your team along in their growth and development? Aspiring to be an amazing manager or leader taking your approach to the next level? Want to feel confident in the more challenging aspects of working with people?
We are approachable, compassionate, and effective leaders who customize coaching, and design plans that align with your values. Let’s collaborate to individualize your coaching, resources, and training in ways that will take your teams or YOU to the next level!
Project Examples:
Crisis Services Integration (Distress Centre Niagara)
A data‑informed integration initiative that strengthened crisis response capacity, improved workflow efficiency, and enhanced service continuity across the organization.
- Operational Performance Review: Analyzed call/text volumes, response times, workflow bottlenecks, and cross‑program handoffs to identify high‑impact improvement opportunities.
- Workflow Redesign: Streamlined processes between crisis lines, coordinated access, and internal programs, reducing duplication and improving consistency in client response.
- Cross‑Team Alignment: Strengthened coordination across crisis responders, intake teams, and mental health services, improving communication flow and reducing service fragmentation.
- Crisis Continuum Integration: Mapped the full crisis pathway and aligned organizational services with regional partners to support smoother transitions, clearer roles, and more reliable follow‑up.
- Training & Change Adoption: Delivered targeted training and established feedback loops to support staff adoption of new workflows and ensure continuous improvement.
EDI Workshop Facilitation – workshop facilitator
CUPE 4207, September & October, 2024
Session title: EDI – Moving from Acronym into Action
Niwasa Kendaaswin Teg (2024)
AODA and IASR training program for all staff; Provide specialized services to assist Niwasa Kendaaswin Teg in the implementation of its Accessibility Plan.
The scope included: Consultation and Planning (Guiding the development, refinement, and execution of the Accessibility Plan); Training and Development (Delivering tailored AODA and IASR training sessions to staff and volunteers); Compliance Reviews (Conducting regular accessibility reviews and ensuring compliance with AODA standards); Progress Reporting (Preparing and presenting detailed progress reports and documentation); Feedback Management (Administering feedback mechanisms and recommending plan adjustments).
Deliverables: Monthly Progress Reports; Compliance and Review Reports; Customized Training; Materials and Session Records; Comprehensive Year End Implementation Review and Report.
Niagara Catholic District School Board (2024) – Instructional strategies workshops for Educational Assistants.
Session title: Making the Most of What You’ve Got!
Niagara Leadership Summit for Women 2024 – workshop facilitators
Brock University – April 6, 2024
Session title: Using Inclusion and Decolonization as a Basis for Unlocking Bold and Unapologetic Leadership
Momentum Community FunFest (2019) + CAPA Community FunFest (2024)
The primary goal of this inaugural community project was to challenge stereotypes and raise awareness by showcasing the talents, capabilities, and contributions of individuals with developmental disabilities. The event provided a platform for these individuals to lead activities and games, demonstrating their valuable skills in an authentic and autonomous way. By creating an inclusive space, the event fostered a deeper understanding of the importance of inclusion and the potential for people with disabilities to thrive in various settings, including the workplace.
Deliverables: Project management plan; Regular communication/coordination with internal and external interest-holders; Development of promotional materials; A wide range of activities facilitated by individuals with disabilities, encouraging hands-on participation for attendees of all ages; A live performance by Momentum Choir, showcasing the musical talents of individuals with disabilities; Free snacks and T-shirts for participants; Opportunities for networking and connecting with community members, fostering a sense of inclusion and empowerment.
Brock University – Indigenous campus-wide collaboration on decolonizing experiential education and the University; For more information and a link to this research: The current state is a crime: Decolonizing experiential education on the Brock University campus – Brock University (exlibrisgroup.com)
Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario – EDI consultation and review of Work-Integrated Learning resources: A Practical Guide for Work-integrated Learning – Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario
Education at Work Ontario (EWO) – consultation on decolonizing awards and recognition processes; – EWO Work-Integrated Learning
District School Board of Niagara (December 2017) – Inclusive Strategies training for teachers and support staff;
Session title: Simple Tools for Complex People
Autism Ontario (December 2016-June 2017)
The Parent and Tot Program (Program Evaluator)
The Parent and Tot Program is a recreation and play-based opportunity for parents and their children to interact and explore various play activities in a non-judgmental and supportive environment. The program will incorporate various sensory, fine motor, gross motor, craft, and literacy activities as well as an opportunity to participate in circle time ran by the program’s group lead. The programming of each activity will be created with each child’s developmental level and interests in mind and will follow a play-based curriculum.
Government of Ontario – Career Ready Fund design and launch of Toolkit for the Design, Delivery and Assessment of Experiential Learning; For more information and to access this open education resource: Defining EL: Frameworks and Typologies – Experiential Learning Toolkit (eltoolkit.ca)
Project S.H.A.R.E – non-profit community consultations and establishment of Board-approved three-year strategic plan (2014-2017, project owned by the organization)
Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (2012-2017)– Instructional strategies and movement education training and consultation with various schools; Developed and hosted workshops for teachers and educational assistants that focused on physical activity for students experiencing disability; Developed and implemented physical activity programming on site for students; Consulted with teachers regarding developmentally appropriate physical activity for their students and was responsible for supervision and evaluation
Education at Work Ontario (EWO) – consultation on decolonizing awards and recognition processes.
Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario – EDI consultation and review of Work-Integrated Learning resources: A Practical Guide for Work-integrated Learning – Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario
Brock University – Indigenous campus-wide collaboration on decolonizing experiential education and the University; For more information and link to this research: The current state is a crime: Decolonizing experiential education on the Brock University campus – Brock University (exlibrisgroup.com)
Project S.H.A.R.E – non-profit community consultations and establishment of Board-approved three-year strategic plan (2014-2017, project owned by the organization)
Mental Health First Aid for those who Interact with Youth (2 days, in-person) and also Supporting Youth(hybrid and virtual options) facilitator (Independent First Nations, Toronto District School Board guidance counsellors, Foster Parents of Ontario, Ridley College, various non-profits and educational institutions) on behalf of the Mental Health Commission of Canada. More than 900 Canadians personally trained since 2013. See website for more information on this in-person, virtual or hybrid course: MHFA Supporting Youth – Opening Minds
