A Message From the Founder and Executive Director: Marcel Allen

Introducing Marcel Allen: Founder and Executive Director

With over 30 years of law enforcement experience, Marcel Allen has spent the latter part of his career advocating for individuals with invisible conditions. Throughout his time as a police detective and patrol officer, Marcel Allen received multiple commendations for their compassionate interactions with those experiencing invisible disorders. A unique combination of professional expertise in law enforcement and a personal understanding of living with an invisible disorder has shaped their dedication to changing how society perceives and supports those with conditions like epilepsy.

Diagnosed with epilepsy after a life-altering seizure led to a car accident, Marcel saw firsthand the confusion and misunderstanding that often accompanies invisible disorders. Despite the absence of visible evidence of a disorder, many face a range of misconceptions from both the public and first responders. My experience led to advocating for better training for first responders and law enforcement personnel on recognizing and managing seizure disorders.

A graduate of Algonquin College and Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University) with certifications in Social Studies, Humanities, Fundraising Management, and Policing Foundations-Marcel has built a unique skill set that bridges law enforcement expertise with an understanding of social issues. Drawing from his own experience and education, he developed a pioneering program to train first responders on how to handle seizures, a tool embedded on the the Canadian Police Knowledge Network.

For over 16 years, Marcel has actively advocated for epilepsy awareness and has worked with organizations like E-Action to bring about meaningful change. He has helped shape public policy and educated the public on the rights and needs of those with invisible disorders.

Now, through The Change Coalition, he is fulfilling their vision to provide support, advocacy, and education for everyone living with an invisible disorder. Their mission is rooted in a deep personal understanding: living with an invisible condition has given him invaluable insight into the challenges faced by others in similar situations. Through The Change Coalition, he continues to break down barriers and raise awareness, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their condition, is seen, heard, and supported.

CYNTHIA IRVING CPA, CFO AND PRESIDENT CHANGE COALITION

Cynthia is a CPA that has worked with non-profits over the last 20 years. She has a strong understanding of CRA regulations for non-profit organizations. She has successfully managed several non-profits, some that support individuals with invisible disabilities.

She was diagnosed with a neurological disability, multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2021, at the age of 55. As she learned about the disease and its effects, she reflected on her life and can now see issues that were never recognized. MS causes lesions on a person’s brain that lead to a number of cognitive issues, such as problems with attention and short-term memory.

She always had a desire to help people and this organization is the perfect way to accomplish that goal. Although her symptoms are less intense, there are aspects of her life that are permanently altered. She has had to adjust to this transition throughout her life and is able to be sympathetic to the plight of other.

RICHARD MARTIN, CHAIRMAN

A retired Health Canada scientist, Richard now fills his days with volunteer work. He volunteers with Matthew House, Helping with Furniture and the Catholic Centre for Immigrants (CCI), assisting with refugee support programs.

To support the inner-city programs, he founded Ottawa Food Rescue that transports grocery store food surplus to Belong Ottawa.

When not volunteering, he paddles on a few dragon boat teams and regularly runs, very slowly, along the canal. He's also a self-proclaimed gym rat.

cherina sparks r. ac.

Cherina Sparks has been a Registered Acupuncturist in Ontario since 2014. She has studied abroad and in Canada with many great TCM professionals. She has a background in nutrition and meditation before becoming an acupuncturist.

She was awarded the 2020 & 2021 Consumer Choice Award for Acupuncture Excellence and has been nominated for her work by Best in Ottawa and Faces Ottawa. She focuses each treatment to the needs of every individual patient, including on neuromuscular problems, sports/gym-related musculoskeletal injuries, digestion issues, concussion and vision issues, seasonal allergies, mental stress and mindfulness, and cosmetic skin/facial acupuncture.

Elizabeth Jackson-Caudle

Born in Swift Current Saskatchewan and then moving to Ottawa as a small child, Liz grew up in the community of Beacon Hill. Graduating from Carleton University and joining the RCMP as a Civilian member, she worked with the Missing Children’s Registy as a Research Analyst and Travel Coordinator for the return of Missing and Abducted Children. During this time, she also volunteered with Child Find Ontario. Liz later moved on to Foreign Affairs, and then Science, Innovation, and Economic Development Canada as Coordinator for Access to Information within the Assistant Deputy Ministers Office (Science and Research Sector), During this time she was given the Deputy Ministers award of merit for assisting in streamlining the ATIP process.

Current retirement plans as of March 2025, have presented a continued opportunity to assist with volunteering and giving back to the community, while enjoying time for her passions the gym, yoga and of course travel.

YOU ARE NOT INVISIBLE. TRANSFORM YOUR DISABILITY INTO EMPOWERMENT!