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Our Story

Playtoria is more than a play centre - it is a space born from lived experience, community collaboration, and a deep belief that neurodivergent individuals and families deserve respect, safety, and true belonging.

Playtoria grew from the vision of Rose Senior, owner of The Respite Club. It was carried on by Executive Director, Vix Daguman, a neurodivergent parent who experienced the relief, understanding, and sense of safety that the former Respite Club once provided to their family. When the space was set to close, Vix felt compelled to preserve what it meant - and reimagine what it could become. Together, with new owner Kris Watson and a passionate community of supporters, Playtoria was rebuilt with renewed purpose and heart.

Rose, the former owner of the space, believed that there needed to be a place designed to celebrate diversity, promote understanding, and foster belonging - allowing people of all abilities to play, learn, and thrive together. We plan to honour those values and continue to create a safe and respected environment for all people, regardless of their abilities with support and compassion.

The name Playtoria honours the late Victoria Watson, Kris’s mother, who was an art teacher and worked as a camp counsellor for children of various abilities. Her legacy of compassion, advocacy, and unwavering care lives on through everything we do.

At Playtoria, we are committed to creating an inclusive, affirming environment grounded in dignity, rest, accessibility and connection. Our centre is designed to meet individuals where they are - offering a space where neurodivergent people of all ages can play, explore, and simply be, while families feel supported, understood, and welcomed. 

Playtoria exists because community matters - and because every individual deserves a place where they belong.

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Meet the Team

A group of passionate individuals dedicated to supporting families in Durham Region.

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Lead ECE - Program Director

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Sarah Savage

Sarah holds years of experience working with children of various needs and capacities. Passionate and skilled in helping all children in feeling safe, welcome and empowered. Sarah handles designing and leading programming at Playtoria. She also leads the respite services.

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Owner

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Kris Watson

Kris developed a passion for neurodivergent inclusivity during his years of child support work. He is happy to help provide a safe space for play in all ages with our amazing team at Playtoria!

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Executive Director

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Vix Daguman

Vix is an AuDHD parent of 2, with a background in customer service. They are passionate about neurodiversity and disability safe spaces. They believe that nobody is too small to make a difference in creating a more accessible & loving world.

1656 Nash Rd - Unit 11, Courtice, ON

(365)403-2189

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