Melanie Côté

President

Melanie is a creative director, copywriter, and brand strategist. Together with her husband Chris, she is raising two kids, one of whom happens to have Williams syndrome (WS). Melanie is also a social entrepreneur. In 2020, she founded Do Good Donuts to help create stronger pathways to employment for young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She has been involved with CAWS since 2013 and became President in 2022.

Joanne Photiades

Vice President

Joanne serves as Vice President of CAWS and is based in the Montreal area. As a mother of twins, including a child with Williams syndrome, she brings both personal experience and professional expertise to her role. Joanne works as Manager of Sustainability and Social Impact at BDC, where she develops business strategies to address social injustices and challenges. Her commitment to social impact extends beyond her professional life, as she actively works to improve access, awareness, and inclusion in all aspects of life, medical care, and education to ensure children with Williams Syndrome can have a life of choice and independence. 

Amy Bonner

Treasurer and BC Director

Amy Bonner, a CPA with a Master’s degree in Accounting, began her career at PwC Vancouver in 2007. She joined TELUS Finance in 2016 where she works full-time. In 2019, Amy's daughter was diagnosed with Williams syndrome, inspiring her to actively support the cause - writing a Children's book: "Life with Williams Syndrome" available in four languages in 11 countries on amazon.  She currently serves as BC representative & Treasurer for CAWS as well as a Director for the REACH Foundation in Delta, BC.  

Nathalie Berubé

Saskatchewan Contact

Nathalie has served as the CAWS Director for Saskatchewan since 2014, where she lives with her husband and two children, including a son with Williams syndrome. Originally from Québec, she became involved with CAWS after attending various events including the Family Conference in Saskatoon. Nathalie organizes provincial activities like family gatherings to support the Williams syndrome community.

Jessica Kidd

Manitoba Director

Jessica serves as the Manitoba representative for CAWS and lives in Starbuck, outside Winnipeg, with her two children. Her daughter's Williams syndrome diagnosis inspired her to create a supportive community for families, focusing on awareness and connection. Jessica is dedicated to ensuring individuals with Williams syndrome and their families have access to resources and support.

Ariane Gagnon

Ontario Director

Ariane serves as the CAWS Director for Ontario and is mother to two girls, including a daughter with Williams syndrome. Based in Oakville, ON, she has been actively involved in the Williams syndrome community since her daughter's diagnosis in 2018. Ariane focuses on fostering connections and organizing events to help families navigate their Williams syndrome journey.

Stéphanie Simard 

Quebec Director

Stephanie Simpson 

New Brunswick and Newfoundland Director

Stephanie serves as the CAWS representative for New Brunswick, where she supports families navigating Williams syndrome diagnoses. Her personal experience with her youngest son's diagnosis drives her commitment to connecting with other families in the community. Aside from volunteering with CAWS, Stephanie also works full time as a dental hygienist. In her free time she enjoys outdoor activities such as camping and hiking with her family and their Bernedoodle.