The beginning of June marks the start of a new chapter in CanFASD’s leadership structure. We would like to express our gratitude to two board members who are stepping down from their positions following years of dedication to both our network and the wider FASD community. At the same time, we warmly welcome new leaders who will help us continue towards our mission to support Canada’s leadership in addressing the extraordinary complexities of FASD. 

Thank you to Olecia and Wenda  

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Olecia Walker, who is stepping down as our Board Chair. CanFASD also bids farewell to Wenda Bradley, a valued board member whose contributions have supported the strategic growth of our organization. We are incredibly grateful to Olecia and Wenda for their service over the years. Their leadership has certainly strengthened CanFASD’s role as a national voice for FASD research. While we will miss their voices around the table, we remain grateful for their lasting impact on our organization. 

Introducing our new Board Chair  

CanFASD proudly welcomes Darren Joslin as the new Chair of our Board of Directors. Darren first joined the Board in 2019. He brings over three decades of experience in Alberta’s Social Services and Health sectors. His leadership has been instrumental in the development and implementation of major initiatives including Alberta’s FASD 10-Year Strategic Plan. Darren also played a pivotal role as Co-Chair of the FASD Cross-Ministry Committee. He helped establish CanFASD through his work with the Canada Northwest FASD Partnership. With a career grounded in systems change, youth support, and FASD policy development, Darren is uniquely positioned to lead CanFASD into its next era of growth.  

Welcoming two new board members  

We are also thrilled to welcome Dr. Edgar M. Jimenez and Tammy Roberts to the CanFASD Board of Directors.  

Edgar is a Developmental Pediatrician with deep clinical and personal commitment to the FASD community. His journey into this work was inspired by his own experience as a foster sibling to children with FASD. Professionally, he has worked in a variety of care and diagnostic settings. These include Sunny Hill Health Centre and the Asante Centre. Currently, he serves as the pediatric lead at the Autism Integrated Medical Services clinic.  

Tammy Roberts is the Executive Director of Home Base Yellowknife and the Foster Family Coalition of the Northwest Territories. Tammy’s passion comes from being a devoted caregiver, providing both emergency and long-term care to approximately 250 foster children and youth across the Northwest Territories. Her caregiving experience spans a wide range of abilities, and she continues to provide long-term care to neurodivergent individuals who were prenatally exposed to drugs and alcohol, both as a foster and adoptive parent.  

Looking ahead  

As we navigate the future, we remain committed to building a country where all Canadians are engaged and united with awareness, evidence and knowledge and are effectively addressing the complexities of FASD. The expertise, experience, and lived wisdom of our board members – past and present – will continue to guide this work. 

Please join us in thanking Olecia and Wenda for their incredible service and in welcoming Darren, Edgar, and Tammy to their new roles.