Board of Directors

Kathy Yunker

President

I had participated in the annual MDSS fundraising walk, Walk With Us, the same year my nephew, Taylor, was born and have every year since. I happily decided to become a Board member in 2017. Taylor and I formed a close bond right from the moment I held him as a newborn. I knew he and I would have a special auntie/nephew relationship. His happiness and progress in this world matter so much to me. I want to make a difference by being part of a Board who cares and has a vested interest in supporting Manitobans with Down syndrome. In addition to being the president I have also taken on other volunteer roles including coordinating the ever popular annual dinner and dance, taking pictures at the bi-annual baby love events, volunteering at the Walk With Us and being an engaged member of the Board. I am appreciative of having the privilege to be a member of the Board and I enjoy the camaraderie of the other Board members and the common goals that unite us.

Val Surbey

Vice President

Val has been a long member of the Manitoba Down Syndrome Society from its inception to the present. Val is mom to Timothy, 31 years of age. Tim was adopted at birth by Val and Vince and we have never looked back. At present Val is involved in other organizations for individuals with intellectual disabilities and is an inclusion advocate.

Rick Sawyer

Treasurer

Rick started as treasurer on the Board in 2007, as a way of indirectly supporting his Daughter Courtney, born in 2001 with Down Syndrome. He has enjoyed volunteering with other parents in the DS community, which has led to many friendships and opportunities for his daughter and family.

He is a major sports fan and enjoys watching, attending and supporting the local teams, especially when being accompanied by Courtney or her younger sister Nicole.

Kim Mozil

Secretary

When our granddaughter Ivy was born with an extra chromosome in 2018, I just KNEW that she would make our family better!

We immediately became members of the MDSS, and have participated in many of the wonderful events over the past seven years.

Now that I have retired, I am looking forward to investing my time and energies into the MDSS. I happily do this for Ms Ivy Grace, and all of her peers.

The work that MDSS does, and will continue to do, inspires me every day. And I am honoured to be a small part of it.

Ian Coupland

I grew up near Benito, Manitoba with many siblings including a foster sister who has Down syndrome. I moved south to complete university and then worked in the disability field for about 10 years with various organizations in Winnipeg I transitioned away from paid employment in the disability field to full time with the Canadian Armed Forces, working with the Cadet Program and volunteering in the not for profit social services sector. In 2019 my wife Amber and I welcomed our seventh child, Chloe, and she came with a birth diagnosis of Down syndrome. We live in the RM of Morris near Rosenort, Manitoba, but both work in Winnipeg. We have had a lot of support from the Down syndrome community, and all our networks, and I look forward now to working with the MDSS to give back some of what we have received over the past few years. I am excited to support the organization in its endeavours to provide support, information, and opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome as well as for their families and support systems.

Paul Glennie

My son Caedryn has Down syndrome, and he is the reason I'm here. He and I have been actively involved with the MDSS, and you'll often find us together at events throughout the year. Before transferring to Manitoba, I also briefly served on the board of the Waterloo Wellington Down Syndrome Society - so serving with this organization is a natural continuation of something that matters deeply to me.

Professionally, I've been an RCMP officer for two decades, serving in communities across Canada. I was a founding board member of the National Police Federation - the RCMP's first-ever union - an experience that taught me a lot about building organizations, governance, and advocating for people. I've also been proud to represent Team Manitoba RCMP at the Special Olympics Ultimate Unified Games every year since the event began.

It's a privilege to contribute to an organization that has given so much to Caedryn and to families across Manitoba.

Nicky Saindon

I have been a member of MDSS since November 2008 when my son, Brady, was born. As a new board member, I am looking forward to working with my fellow directors to continue to bring opportunities, support, and awareness to our community with the bonus of making new friendships along the way. Currently, I am a stay at home parent as well as a caregiver to a parent. Prior to that I worked in the medical field for 28 years. I have been a volunteer for Challenger Baseball Manitoba since 2017 and have been the co-provincial coordinator for the last 2 years. I enjoy volunteering in my community helping to provide opportunities for children and adults with disabilities. I am an avid sports fan and enjoy going attending sporting events. My quiet time is spent reading a good book. I appreciate everything MDSS does in Manitoba and look forward to being a part of what is to come in the future.

Natalka Romancyshyn

Natalka is a proud mother of two, wife, and passionate advocate for inclusion and accessibility. Inspired by her son Benson, who has Down syndrome, she is dedicated to supporting individuals with diverse needs and their families while promoting awareness, acceptance, and opportunity within the community.

With a background as an Educational Assistant and volunteer experience - including serving as a Secretary on her son's school Parent Advisory Council (PAC) committee and a Union Work Steward- Natalka brings both lived experience and a strong commitment to advocacy to her role as a board member. She is dedicated to helping create a more inclusive future where every individual is valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.

Outside of her advocacy work, Natalka enjoys spending time outdoors with her family. They love going out to the lake, camping, boating, fishing, travelling, and making lasting memories together. One of her favourite pastimes is planting and gardening, which brings her great joy and balance.

She hopes to bring her lived experience, passion, and voice to the table while embracing new ideas, supporting families, and continuing to advocate for inclusion, accessibility, and opportunity for all.

Ginette Laurin

Ginette grew up in rural Manitoba and moved to Winnipeg almost 25 years ago. Ginette and her partner Nick have two children; their youngest, Jameson has Down Syndrome. She has worked in the Social Services field since 1998. She has dedicated her career to helping victims and survivors.

Jennifer Penner

I am an educator and Student Services Consultant who is passionate about inclusion, advocacy, and helping others reach their full potential. Throughout my career as a teacher, resource teacher, and educational leader, I have been committed to creating supportive environments where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered.

My connection to the Manitoba Down Syndrome Society is deeply personal. Growing up with my brother, who has Down syndrome, taught me the importance of acceptance, patience, and celebrating each person's unique strengths. He has been one of my greatest teachers and continues to inspire my commitment to building more inclusive communities.

I am honoured to serve on the Board of the Manitoba Down Syndrome Society. I look forward to giving back to an organization that reflects values that have shaped both my personal life and my career, while supporting individuals with Down syndrome and their families through advocacy, education, and community.