Board of Directors

Families Matter is governed by a dynamic and supportive Board of Directors that believes in our mission and vision. Read about our Board of Directors below, as they share their “why” in the work that they do to support our organization and the families we serve.

My connection to Families Matter has always been profound. I firmly believe that every child deserves to grow up in a secure home filled with love and laughter, like the one I was so fortunate to be raised in. Being able to volunteer for an organization that supports both caregivers and children to learn, play and grow is a privilege. Together, we can create well supported, resilient, loving families. I believe this creates a positive ripple extending throughout our society and to future generations.  

I am thrilled to serve as a board member of Families Matter because family and building our community is at the heart of my values and experiences. As a parent, I have witnessed the impact of having a supportive family environment and am committed in ensuring families in our community have the resources, guidance, and support systems they need to thrive.  Families Matter is a huge enabler of this and when families are empowered, individuals flourish, and communities prosper. As a board member I am honoured to support the amazing team at Families Matter as they create a lasting impact on the well-being of families in our community.

Photo coming soon…

I am very excited to be a part of an organization that provides members of our community with the support, tools, education and overall foundation needed to create strong, loving and supportive families, like I was so lucky to have growing up.  Families are the backbone of our community and society generally as they play a critical role in personal development while simultaneously creating an environment that provides a sense of belonging for those who require support outside of their own family. At the end of the day, families matter, and I’m honoured to be a small part of that.

I’m passionate about making a meaningful impact by supporting a not-for-profit organization in Calgary. With my expertise in finance and strategy, I see an opportunity to contribute to Families Matter’s success. As a parent of two children, I’m drawn to an organization dedicated to supporting families like mine. Our own journey with our daughter’s health challenges has shown me the vital importance of community support in navigating tough times. I believe in Families Matter’s holistic approach to assisting families and want to be a part of the success.

I was thrilled to join the Board and contribute my corporate and board experience to the organization that helped me out of my darkest time. In 2014, I was referred to Families Matter’s perinatal mental health program while experiencing deep postpartum depression. In my Chinese culture, mental illness is deeply stigmatized, and I harboured so much shame and self-blame for my depression. But joining group therapy through Families Matter normalized my experience and helped me access many tools and life-long skills that enabled a full recovery. It also ignited a passion for mental health.  

Since then, I have left my career in the energy industry and trained to become a mental health professional, which allows me to serve this organization in a different way. Families Matter works quietly and diligently to serve families in this city, but its impact is resounding. I am honoured to be a part of this agency that very literally saved my life. 

Families Matter was an important resource for me in my early post-partum days as a new mother experiencing PTSD and navigating my healing journey. I was inspired to support the organization by volunteering my time and professional expertise as a board member. I strongly believe in the importance of Families Matter’s accessible, informative, and family-focused programming; they can change the lives of families for future generations.  

I joined the Families Matter board because I am passionate about centering families and children. I believe that when families feel supported, valued, and connected, we create the best environment for children to thrive in health, development, and wellbeing.  

My own journey with postpartum anxiety left me feeling isolated and depleted. Raising little ones is a big responsibility and struggling with your mental health can make everything feel overwhelming and impossible. Parents often struggle with a lot of internalized shame and society contributes to this. Finding community and support was profoundly impactful to my healing and growth. I discovered that I was not alone in my experience. Having access to tools, skills and resources can change everything for a family. I am grateful to be a part of such an incredible organization! 

When the opportunity came up to support Families Matter as a board member and donor, my wife and I knew that we would be helping to make a difference for mothers and their families when they are vulnerable due to emotional, mental, and financial strain. Since joining Families Matter, our appreciation has only grown as we have come to see the full scope of resources it provides to support families.

I joined the Board of Families Matter because I wanted to serve in an organization that supports and empowers families in my community. Being orphaned as a young child, I understand the importance of building resiliency through the support of the community to grow and thrive. 

Coming soon….