Leslie Broun Mastrianni, a resident of Barre, Vermont, has received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, for her contributions in the field of education of students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. A leading educator and author, Mastianni is being recognized for significant achievement and remarkable service to Canada.
Mastrianni received the Diamond Jubilee Medal at a formal presentation gala at Toronto’s Roy Thomson Hall February 6, 2013. She is pictured with presenter Dan Aykroyd.
Mastrianni said, “This is a thrilling and humbling honor that renews my commitment to studying, researching and writing about developmental disabilities and sharing this information with others.“
A native of Canada, Mastrianni has been a leader in autism spectrum education in the province of Ontario for more than 30 years. She has been recognized as an innovator in teaching reading to children with Down syndrome and applying the same sight reading method to teaching students with autism spectrum disorders.
She has been awarded the Ontario Council for Exceptional Children: President’s Award, 2006; and The Gerry Bloomfield Professional Award, 2008 (for outstanding professional contributions to the field of Autism Spectrum Disorders).
Now a resident of Barre, VT, she is currently a consultant in several school districts in Vermont and is working with parents and teachers of students with Down syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorders in Washington and Chittenden counties.
The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal was created to mark the 2012 celebrations of the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the Throne as Queen of Canada. The medal also serves to recognize Canadians from all walks of life who have made significant contributions to Canada or whose achievements abroad have brought credit to Canada.
“Over the past 60 years, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has served our country with distinction and dedication and continues to show Canada her generosity and affection,” said Prime Minister Stephen Harper during the inaugural presentation of the Diamond Jubilee Medal. “These medals honour those Canadians who follow the fine tradition of service so exemplified by Her Majesty.”
In Ontario, other recipients of the Diamond Jubilee Medal include journalists Peter Mansbridge and Lloyd Robertson, retired major-general Lewis MacKenzie, singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot, ballet dancers Karen Kain and Rex Harrington and author Austin Clarke, among others.
The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal is administered by The Chancellery of Honours, which is part of the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General.