Retirement Announcment
May 5, 2022
Dr. Burdz joined Knowles Centre in 1996 as the Community Treatment Coordinator, responsible for managing the Day Treatment Program and Sexual Abuse Treatment Program, and as a part-time therapist. After only one year, he became the agency's Clinical Director, which included co-managing the Group Care Program.
In 2004 Dr. Burdz became the CEO of the organization. Under his leadership over the 19 years, Knowles Centre has grown by over 300%. Where Knowles was initially viewed as predominantly a group care facility, we have expanded to provide a greater range of services to more clients from birth to age 21. Clients' needs have become more complex over the years, highlighting the importance of a multi-disciplinary approach.
"I want to thank all Knowles Centre staff and board members over the years for their hard work, dedication, and loyalty to our clients, and for helping us fulfill our mandate. I also consider myself fortunate to have worked with a great group of directors, bringing success to Knowles Centre's various programs. I aspired to be a mentor to them, but I also learned a great deal from them as well. Knowles Centre is like a family and I enjoyed celebrating the positive updates and the many successes achieved by our clients. At the same time, I shared in their sorrow when clients experienced setbacks.
Knowles Centre is set up well for future growth, having established a solid foundation, and a vision of where it plans to grow to address the unmet needs of clients within our sector. As I prepare for my departure, I'm proud of what has been accomplished during my years as CEO. I'm confident that KC will continue to be successful in helping clients achieve their goals and realize their potential." ~ Dr. Michael Budrz, C. Psych.
Real joy comes not from ease or riches or from the praise of men, but from doing something worthwhile.
~Wilfred T. Grenfell
