President – Mood Disorders Society of Canada

Cynthia’s passion is to advocate and network on behalf of persons with disabilities. She has been in the non-profit sector both employed and as a volunteer for over 30 years. Prior to retirement Cynthia was employed as the Executive Director with BUILT Network Moncton providing services and advocating on behalf of individuals with mental health issues. She is an active volunteer Mental Health Advocate assisting individuals in Ontario and New Brunswick in the field of mental health and the criminal justice system.

She has been involved with the hard of hearing movement at the local, provincial, and national levels and served for five years as President of the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association, NB Chapter. In the corrections field, Cynthia has volunteered with the Alternative Measures (Restorative Justice) Program, Circles of Support and Accountability and was Chair of the NB & PEI District Area Parole Office Citizens’ Advisory Committee, Correctional Services Canada and a member of the Citizens’ Advisory Committee at Millhaven Institution, Bath, ON. She served as a member of the Bell Canada National Health Advisory Committee for Clara’s Big Ride and member of The Greater Moncton Steering Committee on Homelessness.

Cynthia was actively involved with the Quinte Employment Network, and Women’s Small Business Network. In 2019 she was the Event Host for the Fear Nothing 2019 Belleville Defeat Depression Campaign – Walk, Run, Ride & Roll for Mental Health. Annually Cynthia participates in CSC Health Fairs at five federal penitentiaries on behalf of the MDSC.

Cynthia has a bilateral sensorineural moderate hearing loss, and lived experience with mental health issues.