Bereaved Families of Ontario — Ottawa

Maria Boodhoo (Interim Chair)

I have been a Board member since 2006. I first benefited from the support of Bereaved Families in Ottawa after the death of my husband in 2001. Then I attended Support and Share Nights regularly. I received the most help from the closed group. I also found a community of caring people and met many friends. I wanted to give something back. I took the facilitator training offered by Bereaved Families. Now I am a facilitator for Loss of Spouse closed groups, facilitate the Wednesday Support and Share Day program, and Support and Share Night spousal groups. I enjoy the groups as it is an extension to my previous work as a Social Worker.

Maureen Belgrav-Salvador

Following a 27 year career, I retired from the Federal Public Service. I returned to university and volunteering, after travelling for a while. I became involved with Bereaved Families of Ontario, Ottawa Region (BFO-OR) in 2007. As a Facilitator and Board Member, it is rewarding to be part of an organization whose focus is the provision of assistance to those suffering the loss of a loved one. I am also an active Member of St.Paul University Alumni/Alumnae Board where I recently returned to continue a program of study of Theology and Conflict Resolution, towards a Doctorate in bereavement.

Christie May

Christie has worked with seniors in a variety of settings for over 10 years. She has a diploma in social-service work and is working on an honours degree in 'Palliative and Elderly Care' at Carleton University. She has been on the Board of Directors for Bereaved Families for 2 years.

Hilda Sabadash

Honourary Board Member.

Deborah Krogan

Program Co-ordinator

I am responsible for the planning, organization and implementation of all the programs offered to the community including our ongoing monthly Support & Share Night program, our weekly Support & Share Day program as well as our various Closed Group programs offered every fall and spring.

My first introduction to BFO was in the spring of 1993 when our family tragically lost my father to suicide. How fortunate my family and I were to have learned of this organization. With its support through the programs it offered and the kind and compassionate ear of its volunteer facilitators, we survived. The value of learning about grief as well as the experience of receiving peer support carried us through subsequent loss. Since 2003, I have been volunteering as a grief facilitator and after further involvement in various fundraising events I found myself drawn to the position of Program Coordinator.

I can be reached at the office from 9:30-4:30pm every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at 613-567-4278.

Doug Cargo

I recently joined the board (April 2010) and look forward to assisting with the oversight, management and organization of BFO - Ottawa Region. My wife passed away in Aug 2004 and I am familiar with the incredible sadness, fear, and despair associated with such a loss. In Sept 2005, BFO was recommend to me and I regularly attend the Support and Share Nights, initially for the support and comfort they provided to me and subsequently, after taking the BFO facilitator training, as a regular facilitator for the Loss of Spouse groups. Recently retired from the Canadian Forces, I hope to have more time to devote to BFO as a member of the board.

Scott Parsons

I recently joined the Board (spring 2010). I lost my wife to pancreatic cancer in January 2009. It was an overwhelming and bewildering experience. I was made aware of BFO that February and went to Support and Share nights which opened my eyes to the valuable support to the bereaved that BFO provides. I then participated in a closed group for Loss of Spouse which helped me learn how to live with the grief. Now I want to offer something back to BFO in return. I am a retired public service executive ( a former ADM) and have served on other Boards over the years.