Mission Statement  

The Ottawa Family Support Network supports parents and caregivers of individuals with developmental disabilities by providing peer connection, advocacy, and access to information. We strengthen families through community engagement, shared lived experience, and collaborative partnerships that promote dignity, inclusion, and meaningful quality of life for all.

Our Vision

 A compassionate and inclusive Ottawa where every family supporting a loved one with developmental disabilities is empowered, connected, and thriving.

Our Values

• Dignity: Every person deserves respect and a voice.

• Community: Strong families build strong futures.

• Equity: Advocacy for accessible and inclusive systems.

• Empowerment: Knowledge is power — and connection is key.

Lisa Mills, a retired lawyer, is currently the Chair of the Ottawa Family Support Network (OFSN). OFSN was founded in 2024 to support the families of people with developmental disabilities in the Ottawa region. 

Lisa lives in the South end of Ottawa with her husband and two children. Zach, Lisa’s oldest child, is her inspiration for working with OFSN and the families we support. Lisa also currently serves as Vice-Chair of the Canadian Down Syndrome Society. Lisa has particular interests in awareness and advocacy initiatives focused on supported decision-making, financial wellness and inclusion in employment. 

Lisa brings her empathy and energy as well as legal and governance skills to OFSN.

Eric is the Community Liaison Officer for the Ottawa Family Support Network. He brings a unique combination of professional expertise and lived experience to his role, along with a strong commitment to advocacy, inclusion, and family support.

Alongside his wife Sophia, Eric has spent many years navigating the complexities of the disability sector in Ottawa,  while raising their daughters, Angie and Vanessa. Through their personal journey, Eric has developed strong knowledge of the local services, supports, and community organizations. 

In addition to his liaison role, Eric recently began working as an Independent Facilitator after completing facilitator training through the  Planning and Facilitation Collaborative (PFC) with Partners for Planning (P4P). He also serves as a member of the P4P Family Advisory Committee (FAC). Furthermore, Eric is a licensed real estate broker, bringing a practical, community-focused perspective to the work he does with individuals and families. 

Beth Ford brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in the federal public service, where she specialized in leading teams working in IT. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree with High Honours in Political Science from Carleton University, a Master’s Certificate in Project Management, and is a certified Professional Master Coach through Integral Coaching Canada. Beth is passionate about empowering women in the field of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math and advancing inclusive leadership practices.

A long-time advocate for the rights and inclusion of people with developmental disabilities, Beth served for three years with United Families of Eastern Ontario, where she worked alongside families to advance equitable access to supports, housing, and community inclusion. 

As a Director with Ottawa Family Support Network, Beth is committed to building stronger communities, supporting families, and helping create meaningful, inclusive futures for people with developmental disabilities and their families. She has a particular interest in supporting families build community and connect with others on their journey to housing for their  adult children.

Kara lives in Ottawa’s west end with her husband and three children. Kara’s youngest, Michael, is a young adult with Down syndrome. As a parent, she understands both the joys and challenges that come with supporting a loved one with a developmental disability.

When Lisa approached Kara with the idea of creating the Ottawa Family Support Network, she was immediately interested. Kara firmly believes in the importance of families connecting with one another—for support, encouragement, and the sharing of information and experiences. Kara previously served on the  board for the Down Syndrome Association – National Capital Region, an experience that reinforced the value of advocacy, community, and family-to-family support.

Kara is excited to be part of the Ottawa Family Support Network and to help build a welcoming community where families can connect, learn from one another, and know that they are not alone.