I’ve had a long-standing commitment to under-served and/or vulnerable populations and have felt that those experiencing mental health challenges are often among those most vulnerable and most under-served. As with many dimensions of mental health disorders, the incalculable impact of those suffering with eating disorders and disordered eating is not widely understood by those who are unaffected. I’m honoured to have the opportunity to contribute to such an amazing organization that strives to improve the lives of individuals experiencing this life-altering health issue.
I think courage, compassion and hope most resonate with me because they are characteristics that apply equally to the success of the individual, their family, and our organization.
I love travel, photography, equestrian sport, and animals. Oh yeah… and my husband!
My family’s experience of an eating disorder opened my eyes to the seriousness of this illness and the shortage of treatment options and support services in our community. Looking Glass is an organization of people passionate about filling this need. I feel very privileged to be part of an organization that is so effective and creative in providing services to so many people in our province.
Hope and accessibility resonate the most for me. Hope, because we know that recovery is possible, and accessibility, because accessing effective treatment is essential for recovery.
I spend as much time as possible at our Gulf Islands vacation home, travelling, entertaining friends and family, cultivating new garden projects or walking BC’s beautiful trails.
I am eager to contribute my skills to an organization which provides support and resources to individuals and their loved ones who are facing an eating disorder – support that might not otherwise be available.
Collaboration resonates the most with me because by working together, we can make it possible for more people to access programs that can assist with their recovery.
I am a big fan of outdoor activities, including running along the seawall in Stanley Park, hiking the grouse grind or going for a day/overnight hike in the lower mainland, to name a few. I also love to travel all over the world and have had the privilege of traveling to Scotland, Germany, Spain, Malta, Egypt, Jordan, and Israel.
I have known of the Looking Glass Foundation since growing up with the daughter of one of the Co-founders and from my time working as a dietitian, before becoming an accountant. I am motivated to help this organization which has had a tremendous impact in raising awareness and supporting people with eating disorders in Canada.
Integrity. Integrity is a core value in my professional career in finance, and in my life.
I spend my free time cycling, enjoying the local trails, and playing with my beautiful Wheaton Terrier.
Our family co-founded Looking Glass Foundation for Eating Disorders, so the organization will always be incredibly important to me. In my youth there were virtually no accessible services. The Looking Glass peer support and counselling programs are critical components of the system of care in our province.
Compassion – for self and from others – is essential for recovery. It’s also so important to keep courage and hope as your recovery partners.
I love spending time with my husband and our daughter. I also love water and snow sports. Practicing self-care is high on my list as well!
Through some of my undergraduate work on eating disorder outreach and awareness, I know that disordered eating can present itself in many different ways; we have only just started to understand more diverse presentations of eating disorders and acknowledge how prevalent disordered eating may be. I want to be part of an organization that is leading the way to create supports for those struggling with eating disorders regardless of age, ethnicity, sexuality, gender identity, and lived experience.
Courage and compassion. Eating disorders, like many mental illnesses, are stigmatized and misunderstood. Eating disorder support and recovery rests on the courage of those seeking treatment and the compassion of those supporting their recovery journeys.
I love looking for different ways to challenge myself: running, weightlifting, yoga, learning a new song on the guitar — you name it!
The programs and resources that the Looking Glass provides are so needed and important to our communities. I am excited to use my skills to assist in the organizations efforts in supporting individuals facing eating disorders.
Compassion resonates the most with me as it is necessary to provide an environment that promotes safety and inclusivity.
Over COVID I was able to teach myself how to knit again and enjoyed working on several projects for my nieces and nephews. Otherwise I love cooking, wine tasting, travelling and spending time outdoors.
I learned about eating disorders through a family member's experience. As I became more involved with the Looking Glass Foundation, I was stunned by how widespread this mental illness really is. Eating disorders, as with many mental health conditions, have not received the attention they need or deserve, and as a community, we must work hard to increase the level of support available to sufferers and their families.
A few of the LGF values resonate with me. Accessibility, as those who suffer frequently have difficulty reaching out to ask for help. Compassion, so that when they reach out, they feel welcomed by the Looking Glass community. And Hope, an integral part of believing that recovery is possible.
Family time and travel!
Volunteering has always been an integral and important part of my life, whether it be as a blood donor, Board member or community canvasser. Looking Glass Foundation is an exceptional non-profit that provides critically valuable services and support to individuals with eating disorders. As a Board member, I am privileged to share my knowledge and lend my support to those battling this life threatening illness.
The LGF values all resonate with me, however, if I were to pick just one it would be accessibility. Ensuring that LGF’s programs and services are accessible for all no matter, for example, their gender, race, ancestry, religion or background, is vitally important.
So much! Family. Yoga. Reading. Spending time with dear friends.
LGF supports a cause that is close to my heart. I have seen my closest friends struggle with eating disorders and believe there is a lot of opportunity to break down the stigma and better support individuals struggling with this disease.
Compassion and courage. I believe LGF wouldn't be a success without the compassion LGF volunteers have in supporting the individuals who come through our programs. And the programs and community would not be as effective without the courage of the individuals who walk the path to recovery. Without their strength, nothing LGF does would be possible.
Spending time with my husband and our children is the top of my list! I also love outdoor activities. As a working parent, I also enjoy finding a little quiet time to myself.
I have been involved with Looking Glass for several years. At every Board meeting, we hear about the successes and challenges of those dealing with eating disorders. There are far fewer services than necessary. As a ‘numbers guy’ I know how difficult it is to raise funds to support those who reach out to us. I’m here to help build awareness and solidify our funding base.
Accessibility, accountability, and courage.
I love to golf, and enjoy checking out new courses in BC and beyond.