Meet The Dream Team

Mark Shapiro

Mark spent his early years in sales for a photographic supplier.

His love of photography sent him to California, to attend Brooks Institute of Photography, becoming a commercial photographer, having successes back in Toronto specializing in architectural, food, and interior photography.

He became interested & active in the mental health community of Toronto as a result of his son Kenny being diagnosed with severe OCD, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Mark became a family member of Habitat Services Board, as a consequence of Kenny moving in to one of Habitat Boarding Homes. In 1999, he also helped to form The Dream Team, whose mission is to work for more quality supportive housing for those experiencing mental health and addiction issues.

In 2005 Mark was diagnosed with a serious illness leaving him partially paralyzed from the waist down, changing his life forever. Asking “Why me? and then, why not me?” and changing to a motto, ‘Plan for the worst, hope for the best’. His proactive attitude was translated into the hard work of rehabilitation—retraining his leg muscles and pathways to the brain. Mark began walking again and left his wheelchair behind. He continues daily to maintain his physical stability & capabilities. 

Mark’s tireless quest is also advocating on behalf of others, such as working with Ontario Shores Family Council which offers the much needed opportunity to engage with Caregivers and Family members and people living with mental illness and addiction  issues as equals in the community, and TAEH, the Toronto Alliance to End Homelessness, a collective strongly committed to ending chronic homelessness.

He has been presented with COTA Inspiring Change award & Canada 150 award, for social activism in support of People With Lived Experience, Supportive Housing for people with mental health and addiction issues and as a family member caregiver.

Oh Yes! He has been happily married for 43 years to his beloved spouse, Mary Lou.