About Us

In 2024 and 2025, three individuals with lived and living experience 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.

Chris Fillion

Executive Director

Chris Fillion is the Executive Director of WEAREYOU INC and has been involved in several community and social service roles connected to neurodiversity, disability support, and peer-led initiatives.

His background includes:

  • Former Program Coordinator with Visions and Voices at IJC
  • Vice Chair/President of the Manitoba FASD Coalition Board of Directors
  • Community Resource Worker with New Directions
  • More than five years of experience working in social services
  • Experience as a foster parent
  • Founder and Executive Director connected to Mentors of Change and WEAREYOU INC
  • Experience supporting peer-led programming, Talking Circles, and community engagement initiatives
  • Focus on promoting inclusion, accessibility, and opportunities for people with lived and living experience across disabilities

His work has involved collaboration with community organizations, government partners, support agencies, and individuals with lived and living experience to help create more inclusive and community centered supports.

chris.fillion@weareyou.ca

First Directors of the Corporation

  • Deborah Clark
  • Robyn Sugden
  • Chris Fillion
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

Providing people living on the Neuro Diversity Spectrum lifestyles choices like those for other not living on the Spectrum

Our Vision

We envision a society where individuals on the neurodiversity spectrum experience the same opportunities for choice, independence, and fulfillment as anyone else building a future free of barriers, where everyone’s life path is equally valued and supported.

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.