Floyd Kelly, President
Volunteering with ON-BPD is a deeply fulfilling opportunity to share knowledge and skills that have been transformative in my family with the broader community. I only wish I had found Family Connections sooner. With each cohort of participants, I am honoured to listen to their stories, share in their struggles, celebrate progress and re-learn the Family Connections skills together.
Michèle Langlois, Past President
Through my volunteering, I am inspired to bring hope and better tomorrows through safe and supportive spaces for families to explore, make sense of and improve relationship experiences with their loved one. It is fulfilling to learn about the positive impact our programming is having in the community - for families, individuals with lived and living experience of BPD and its symptoms and those dedicated to their wellbeing.
Ellie Rock, Vice-President
My beliefs and values require me to pay it forward. The support I received from ON-BPD helped me create a positive connection to my loved one with BPD. I am inspired to offer the same opportunity to others. Volunteering allows me to connect with others seeking support for dealing with mental health issues in their families. We are all doing the best we can in the moment; with support we are able to do better. This support allows us to experience a safe place and hope for change.
Yolanda Madarnas, Treasurer
I became a physician to help others, but my training didn’t prepare me to support a loved one with emotion dysregulation. My husband and I discovered Family Connections during a very dark time, and the skills we learned helped us rebuild our relationship with our daughter. We’re in a much better place thanks to the amazing volunteers who led our course—especially Kathryn and Madonna. Becoming an FC Leader and volunteering with ON-BPD is incredibly meaningful. It aligns with my values, gives me a way to give back, and lets me connect with others as we advocate for more resources.
Alain Landriault, Secretary
The desire to make a meaningful impact fuels my passion for volunteering. I'm inspired by the opportunity to contribute to mental health support networks, providing essential aid to those in need. Additionally, my dedication to family ministry drives me to offer support and guidance within communities, fostering stronger familial connections. Volunteering aligns with my passions, allowing me to positively influence lives and create lasting change.
Danielle Langlois, CIO
Volunteering with ON-BPD was a natural choice for me because I’m passionate about supporting families who are navigating the challenges of loving someone with chronic emotion dysregulation. Being part of this work gives me a deep sense of purpose because I know I’m helping to ease the burden and bring real change to people’s lives. It’s my way of giving back and making a meaningful impact in the community.
Natalie Barnes, Director of Communications
A therapist once recommended ON-BPD’s Family Connections program and I’m so glad I listened. It was 12 weeks of learning, unlearning, healing and a surprising amount of laughter. It was a lifeline. When the call came for volunteers, I knew it was time to give back. Now, I see my role as helping the helpers, supporting the people and programs that make this community so special. My goal is to help more families find the same connection and hope that I did.
Ani Spooner, Director
The question is not why do I volunteer, but how could I not. The transformative skills and insights I gained from participating in the Family Connections Program have been incredibly important in enhancing all my relationships, regardless of challenges, fuelling my desire to help others do the same. In my board role, I want to ensure that those connected with ON-BPD are equipped with the necessary skills and resources they need to thrive. This position, akin to my role as a counsellor, symbolizes my personal commitment to supporting individuals with Emotion Dysregulation and their loved ones, helping them navigate their journey with grace and resilience.