Virtual Workout Room (VWR) is HERE!
marcel allen, ceo and founder
Marcel Allen brings over 30 years of law enforcement experience, with a particular focus on advocating for individuals with invisible disorders. Throughout his career as a police detective and patrol officer, Marcel earned numerous commendations for his compassionate approach to those facing conditions that often go unseen. His unique perspective—a blend of professional law enforcement expertise and a personal understanding of living with an invisible disorder—fuels his passion to shift societal attitudes toward these conditions and improve support systems for those affected, particularly those with epilepsy.
After being diagnosed with epilepsy following a life-changing seizure and a car accident, Marcel personally encountered the confusion and misunderstanding that often surrounds invisible disorders. Despite the lack of visible symptoms, many individuals with conditions like epilepsy face misconceptions from the public and even from first responders. This experience inspired Marcel to advocate for enhanced training for law enforcement and emergency personnel in recognizing and responding to seizure disorders.
A graduate of Algonquin College and Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University), Marcel holds certifications in Social Studies, Humanities, Fundraising Management, and Policing Foundations. This diverse education has helped him create a unique skill set, blending law enforcement expertise with a deep understanding of social issues. Drawing on both his personal journey and professional background, Marcel developed a groundbreaking program to train first responders in handling seizures, a tool now integrated into the Canadian Police Knowledge Network.
For more than 16 years, Marcel has been a dedicated advocate for epilepsy awareness, working with organizations like E-Action to drive meaningful change. His efforts have helped shape public policy and raise awareness of the rights and needs of those living with invisible disorders.
Through The Change Coalition, Marcel is committed to providing support, advocacy, and education for individuals living with invisible disorders. His mission is rooted in personal experience, offering invaluable insight into the challenges faced by others in similar situations. Through The Change Coalition, Marcel continues to break down barriers, raise awareness, and ensure that everyone, regardless of their condition, is seen, heard, and supported.
CYNTHIA IRVING CPA, CFO AND co-founder
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, co-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.
earl cobb, co-CHAIRMAN
An exceptional leader with 25 years of progressive experience in Casino / Gaming Operations. Earl led the slot program (25,000 games) in Ontario working with key stakeholders within Ontario Lottery & Gaming and the commercial gaming operators to drive growth in a sustainable manner. He introduced slot strategies that enhanced the player experience and ensured player safety (Responsible Gaming) was a priority. Earl has held many progressive positions in his gaming career, such as: Operations Manager, General Manager, and Director of Electronic Gaming to name a few. He is well respected throughout the gaming industry for his knowledge and ability to work with all stakeholders. He has strong relationships with regulators, crown gaming agencies, private operators and vendors throughout North America.
Earl’s many accomplishments include Chairing the Ontario Slots Initiatives Committee, assisting the OLG in the transition to the current Conduct and Manage model, and working closely with the regulator on implementing the AGCO Standards. He has also participated on various committees in the Province of Ontario and in Canada to drive and implement change. Earl is well-versed in analytic methodologies and process improvement practices. He is recognized as an expert in driving strategic implementation initiatives and operational excellence models to enable growth and improve business performance. Earl uses his strong communication and relationship building skills to work collaboratively to achieve best practices that are mutually beneficial for stakeholders.
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.
sue cunningham
Susan is retired Registered Nurse with over 35 years of professional experience across a broad range of clinical settings, including neurosciences, nephrology, elder care, and psychiatric
nursing. Throughout her career, Susan worked closely with interdisciplinary teams, patients, and families, developing strong skills in advocacy, problem-solving, communication, and ethical decision-making.
Susan has a deep understanding of complex systems, vulnerable populations, and the importance of compassionate, evidence-informed approaches, bringing a practical, grounded perspective to challenges, with a strong appreciation for accountability, transparency, and teamwork.
In retirement Susan would like to engage in service-oriented work and am enthusiastic about participating in specific projects where focused effort and collaboration can make a meaningful impact. I particularly enjoy environments that value creative thinking alongside solid, thoughtful planning, being energized by working with people who share like-minded goals of service, integrity, and community benefit.
I look forward to contributing my experience, time, and creativity in support of the organization’s mission and long-term success.