Diverse Family Roots 2025 Board

Terri McLeod: Board Chair

I have worked for the past three decades in a variety of programs that support persons with diverse needs. I passionately assist and advocate for individuals who may be compromised with any variety of health issues.

I believe when all of us experience the power of belonging, great things can happen. Transformation is not limited by disability, age, or intellect. The measuring stick is different, and different is good!

Denise Papin: Treasurer

I have 2 adult children dealing with Autism and various other conditions. I have been involved in many support groups around the province which supported individuals with diverse abilities.

I have been a Board Member for various organizations including the Spectrum Group for the Kootenays, Family Support Institute of British Columbia and Kootenay Society of Community Living (last which I sat as Treasurer the last time I was on the Board). I have a 5 year Bachelor of Commerce Degree majoring in Industrial Relations and Organizational Behavior and minoring in accounting from the University of British Columbia, I also have a Liberal Arts Diploma from Selkirk College. For the last 30 years I have been doing bookkeeping for various companies and organizations. These organizations include for profit and non profit organizations.

I have extensive experience setting up accounting books and completing books to Trial Balance for various reporting requirements. For the last thirteen years I have been employed by Selkirk College. I have held various positions within Finance including auditing 29 accounts, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, and cashier. For the last 10 years I have been a Financial Aid Assistant with Selkirk College handling Student Loans across Canada, other specialized funding for students, and Scholarships and Bursaries.

My montra is to assist in creating incredible futures for individuals that I work with.

Aneeda Mota: Secretary

Aneeda is a mom to 3 beautiful boys. Two of her youngest sons have shown immense bravery and tenacity on their journey living with Autism. Now, as young adults, her family is no stranger to the co-occurring challenges that come alongside living on the ASD Spectrum such as OCD, ADHD, epilepsy, non-verbal communication, and Intellectual Disability. They have also navigated different mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, catatonia, and dysphoria.

Aneeda is a past Board member with KSCL- Kootenay Society for Community Living as well as an Education Assistant in SD 20. Actively involved in her community for several years encouraging other parents and caregivers that it’s never too late to learn about the unique challenges families are facing living with diversity.

Aneeda is also one of our valuable Family Stewards- supporting Castlegar and area.

We are Better Together.

Katie Barnett: Director

I’m an Autistic daughter, sister, wife, mum, cousin, aunt, friend and passionate advocate for inclusion. Originally from Australia, I made Fernie BC my home 20 years ago, where my husband and I are raising our wonderfully Autistic boys on the unseeded lands of the Ktunaxa People and the chosen lands of the Métis People.

I bring over two decades of corporate experience, which I left behind to pursue more meaningful work as an Education Assistant in SD 5. My lived experience and deep commitment to building connected, supportive, and inclusive communities drives me to champion mentoring neurodiverse youth, information sharing/educating, and opening avenues for authentic connections.

Kelly MacKenzie: Director

Based in Fernie, BC, I work as a Learning Services Worker with School District No. 5, where I support diverse learners with compassion and commitment. My journey in education began over a decade ago, deeply influenced by growing up alongside my brother, who has Down syndrome. This personal connection inspired me to spend nine years as an Education Assistant, and ultimately pursue my path toward becoming a teacher.

As both an educator and a parent of three boys—including a seven-year-old diagnosed autistic — I bring a unique blend of professional expertise and lived experience to Diverse Family Roots. I’m passionate about fostering inclusive environments where all people feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed

Sheri Sadowick: Director

Sheri Sadowick, a West Kootenay mom of two grown sons, has immersed herself in community for 25 years, from facilitating parenting programs like Mother Goose & Love 2 Learn at Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy to supporting neurodiverse families as an Education Assistant for nearly two decades. She’s empowered women through trauma-informed roles at Kootenay Career Development Society, and Bridges for Women Society.

Sheri holds a Teaching Assistance Certificate, Behavioral Intervention Certificate, a Bachelor’s degree from Thompson Rivers University, and most recently, an Applied Psychology and Professional Counselling Diploma from KCPC.

Now, with the launch of Sheri Lee Wellness, she supports women, families, and caregivers through Parent Support Counselling, Trauma Recovery Counselling, Growth Coaching, and Adventure Travel Coaching.

When she is not busy, you will find her on the Nordic trails, at Whitewater, road biking, or in her garden!

Ben Postmus: Founder and Executive Director

I have been involved in the disability world since my daughter Kayleigh was born 35 years ago. I am also the father of three adult sons who are each carving their way. This year marks 41 years of marriage to my wife and life long partner Debbie.

Our family has spent a lifetime seeking ordinary – and what a journey it has been – while living in the Kootenays. The phrase that resonates with me each and every day is “be the change you wish to see”.

I have an extensive background in supporting families and individuals as well as advocating for my own family, along with many years of experience volunteering with our local CDC, Special Olympics, Minor Sports, CLBC Community Council, and others. I look forward to and am excited to connect, inspire, mentor, support, and advocate for Families as they navigate their own journeys.

I’m excited to be laying down the foundation for Diverse Family Roots, and to ride the rails as we continue to grow, looking forward to the legacy that this group will leave for other Families.

Gordon Fletcher: Member At Large

I have been a member of the People First movement for 30+ years, Past President of BC People First, Past President of People First of Canada, Currently Treasurer of People First of Canada, Currently Co Chair of the PFC/ Inclusion Canada Task Force On Deinstitutionalization.

I believe that we all should be treated in an inclusive way regardless of our abilities or disabilities.

Diverse Family Roots Society

Create a world where everyone is connected to support, families, resources, and to the community in which they live. Providing information sharing, mentoring, opportunities for connection and sharing, promoting awareness and inclusion.

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The Board and Members of the Diverse Family Roots Society is grateful to work, play, and raise our families in the territories of the Sinixt, Syilx, Ktunaxa, and Secwépemc peoples. We acknowledge and value the contributions of all Indigenous, Metis, and Inuit who call this place home, and who have stewarded it since time immemorial.