About Us

Our Founders and Matchmakers

Building something meaningful for a community they have passionately served for over 20 years.

Dana Zosky & Karina Klier

Dana and Karina have spent their careers working with and supporting the special-needs community – not from the outside but from the front lines. They have gained a deep understanding of the personal services each individual truly needs to thrive. People with special needs don't lack the desire for love, friendship and belonging, they simply need opportunities that are created and presented differently, with care and understanding.

Knowing traditional dating apps were not built with adults of all abilities in mind Karina and Dana created Meaningful Connections to fill that void. It is an empowering and respectful space where people with special needs are seen, valued and can build relationships that are both genuine and safe.

More about our founders

Karina Klier is a Registered Psychotherapist (CRPO) who has dedicated more than 20 years of her career to supporting individuals with different abilities and special needs. She began her clinical career working directly with people diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder in home, school and community settings. Her work in the community expanded to designing and leading recreational programs that created genuine opportunities for people of all abilities to participate, connect and feel a sense of belonging. Karina understands that meaningful participation isn’t a privilege, It’s a right. That has made her a consistent and caring voice for the community she serves, focused on bringing joy, purpose and dignity to people’s everyday lives.

Dana Zosky’s career has spanned clinical practice and community building. Since earning her Master of Social Work (MSW), Dana has worked for community social services agencies and as a Director of Camp White Pine, supporting teens and young adults navigating mental health challenges. Beyond her professional roles, Dana is also motivated by her personal experience raising a son with autism spectrum disorder. As a passionate advocate for those with different abilities, she founded and led a community social group for adolescents with special needs, partnered with numerous agencies supporting this community and helped develop an assisted living residence in Toronto.

Our Team

1

Carly Saltsman

One-On-One Coach

E39D34D6-DEF8-43AC-9DCE-4254FDA4F75E

Rachel Kestenberg

One-On-One Coach

Rooted in experience

Our approach brings together professional expertise and personal understanding, with a deep commitment to supporting individuals with special needs and their families.

Centred around you

Every person’s interests, goals, and support needs are different. We take the time to understand yours, helping you build connections that feel right for you.

A place to belong

Everyone deserves friendship, connection, and opportunities to participate. We help create pathways to meaningful relationships and experiences that bring joy, purpose, and confidence to everyday life.

Ready to start your journey?

Every connection starts with a conversation. Our team is here to listen, understand what you’re looking for, and guide you toward relationships built on genuine care and respect.

Carly Saltsman brings both professional and lived experience to her work supporting neurodivergent adults. As a neurodivergent clinician herself, Carly knows firsthand how important it is to have support from someone who understands you. Her approach is warm, strengths-based and neurodiversity-affirming, supporting each person to identify their own goals and move at their own pace. Carly provides therapy and facilitates groups for autistic and ADHD adults and is currently completing her Master of Social Work. As a member of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, Carly is passionate about celebrating love and connection in all their forms. She believes there is no one “right” way to build relationships and is committed to supporting people develop authentic, meaningful connections.

Rachel is a Registered Social Worker passionate about supporting young adults to build confidence in navigating friendships and romantic relationships. She brings extensive experience in recreational programming and community mental health, including eight years as a clinical therapist supporting children, youth, young adults, and families. Rachel takes the time to get to know each person and their strengths, creating a supportive space where they can build relationship skills and feel empowered to experience a greater sense of belonging. Outside of work, she enjoys time with her family, hiking, true crime documentaries, and discovering new coffee shops.