About Us
In 2024 and 2025, Chris Fillion, Kaitlin Larabie, and Lisa Skillen came together as the founding leaders of FASD Mentors of Change. They invested significant time and care into building a peer-led initiative focused on creating positive change within the community.
As the organization moves into 2026, not all founders remain directly involved, but their contributions are respectfully acknowledged. FASD Mentors of Change remains committed to a future where people with lived and living experience—across all disabilities—are recognized, accepted, and supported without judgment.
FASD Mentures of change
In 2024, Chris Fillion began developing the idea that would eventually become FASD Mentors of Change. The concept grew out of a trip to Seattle April 11 – 14, 2024, where he attended the International Conference on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. Witnessing strong examples of peer voice and leadership made it clear that Manitoba needed a space where individuals with lived and living experience could lead and shape conversations that affect their lives. After returning home, Chris developed a proposal focused on peer leadership, which led to a small provincial grant and early support from a local coalition that believed in the vision.
As momentum grew, Chris connected with individuals with lived and living experience and shared the idea with them. The response was overwhelmingly positive, and together the group adopted the name FASD Mentors of Change. Early meetings were held at 114 Gary Street, where participants shared meals, built relationships, and explored ideas around community engagement, business concepts, websites, and social media. As the group evolved, it became more structured and grounded through the introduction of the Talking Circle model, with guidance from a Knowledge Keeper through New Directions—helping shape a respectful, space rooted in listening, trust, and shared experience.
Advisory panel
In February 2026, Chris Fillion launched the Mentors of Change Advisory Panel as a foundational step before establishing a formal Board of Directors. This panel is designed to guide the program’s initial growth and strategic direction. It brings together experienced professionals from various sectors of the social services community, providing expert guidance, insight, and oversight.
While the panel currently includes Chris Fillion and other dedicated professionals, future additions will reflect diverse lived and living experiences, ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive approach as the program matures.
Our Mission
We encourage and support those with lived and living experience of FASD and their families to take a central role in their own lives. Using the ‘nothing about us without us’ approach, we recognize them as experts in their own experiences and promote respect, dignity, and inclusion.
Our Vision
We envision a world where those with lived and living experience of FASD and their families are supported, encouraged, and treated with respect and dignity. Through education, teaching, and raising awareness, we foster stronger communities and greater understanding.
Funders and Sponsors
We are grateful to New Directions for sponsoring Mentors of Change by providing a consistent monthly meeting space, office resources, and ongoing in-kind support.
We would like to acknowledge and thank our funders, sponsors, and community partners who make our work possible. This includes funding support from the FASD Community Grants Fund, supported by the Manitoba Government. We also extend our sincere appreciation to the Manitoba FASD Coalition for holding and administering funds, as well as providing additional financial support to strengthen our work.
As we continue to grow in 2026, we look forward to highlighting additional funders and sponsors and strengthening how we work alongside the community to build clearer, more sustainable pathways for our mentors—guided by the principle of nothing about us without us.
