Our Board of Directors gives leadership and guides the strategic direction of Manitoba Down Syndrome Society. It governs MDSS on behalf of their members.
Jubilee Dueck Thiessen – Executive Director
With over 6 years of experience in Manitoba’s disability services sector, Jubilee has worked alongside individuals, families, and communities to promote inclusion, access, and opportunity. She brings a strong foundation in fund development, program development, and people-centered leadership, and is focused on growing community connections, listening to what families and self-advocates need, and leading with collaboration, curiosity, and compassion.
2023 – 2025 OFFICERS
Kathy Yunker – President
I had participated in the annual MDSS fundraising walk, Walk With Us, the same year my nephew, Taylor, was born and have every year since. I happily decided to become a Board member in 2017. Taylor and I formed a close bond right from the moment I held him as a newborn. I knew he and I would have a special auntie/nephew relationship. His happiness and progress in this world matter so much to me. I want to make a difference by being part of a Board who cares and has a vested interest in supporting Manitobans with Down syndrome. In addition to being the secretary I have also taken on other volunteer roles including coordinating/organizing the ever popular annual dinner and dance, taking pics at the bi-annual baby love events, volunteering at the Walk With Us and being an engaged member of the Board. I am appreciative of having the privilege to be a member of the Board and I enjoy the camaraderie of the other Board members and the common goals that unite us.
Val Surbey – Vice President
Val has been a long member of the Manitoba Down Syndrome Society from its inception to the present. Val is mom to Timothy, 31 years of age. Tim was adopted at birth by Val and Vince and we have never looked back. At present Val is involved in other organizations for individuals with intellectual disabilities and is an inclusion advocate.
Rick Sawyer – Treasurer
Rick started as treasurer on the Board in 2007, as a way of indirectly supporting his Daughter Courtney, born in 2001 with Down Syndrome. He has enjoyed volunteering with other parents in the DS community, which has led to many friendships and opportunities for his daughter and family.
He is a major sports fan and enjoys watching, attending and supporting the local teams, especially when being accompanied by Courtney or her younger sister Nicole.
Ian Coupland – Secretary
I grew up near Benito, Manitoba with many siblings including a foster sister who has Down syndrome. I moved south to complete university and then worked in the disability field for about 10 years with various organizations in Winnipeg I transitioned away from paid employment in the disability field to full time with the Canadian Armed Forces, working with the Cadet Program and volunteering in the not for profit social services sector. In 2019 my wife Amber and I welcomed our seventh child, Chloe, and she came with a birth diagnosis of Down syndrome. We live in the RM of Morris near Rosenort, Manitoba, but both work in Winnipeg. We have had a lot of support from the Down syndrome community, and all our networks, and I look forward now to working with the MDSS to give back some of what we have received over the past few years. I am excited to support the organization in its endeavours to provide support, information, and opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome as well as for their families and support systems.
Kris Yunker
In 2013 I participated in Walk with Us for another member, never imagining I would be here one day walking for our own son.
In 2014 my husband Lee and I were blessed with the brightest light in our lives. Our son Taylor Lee was born and diagnosed with Down syndrome.
In 2017 I became a board member with the MDSS where I took on many different roles within our amazing organization.
I visit members with gift packages when they are in Hospital and volunteer for many other events the MDSS hosts. I have taken on the role of creating socks for World Down Syndrome day, umbrellas and so many other beautiful MDSS keepsakes.
I am heavily involved in every aspect of this wonderful organization and I do it all for our son Taylor and for all of our beautiful members who have become my family.
I am so happy when I think of how far we have come as an organization and all of the things we have been able to do to better the lives of our members. And I can’t help but smile when I think of all of the things we have yet to do!
Nicky Saindon
I have been a member of MDSS since November 2008 when my son, Brady, was born. As a new board member, I am looking forward to working with my fellow directors to continue to bring opportunities, support, and awareness to our community with the bonus of making new friendships along the way. Currently, I am a stay at home parent as well as a caregiver to a parent. Prior to that I worked in the medical field for 28 years. I have been a volunteer for Challenger Baseball Manitoba since 2017 and have been the co-provincial coordinator for the last 2 years. I enjoy volunteering in my community helping to provide opportunities for children and adults with disabilities. I am an avid sports fan and enjoy going attending sporting events. My quiet time is spent reading a good book. I appreciate everything MDSS does in Manitoba and look forward to being a part of what is to come in the future.
Ginette Laurin
Ginette grew up in rural Manitoba and moved to Winnipeg almost 25 years ago. Ginette and her partner Nick have two children; their youngest, Jameson has Down Syndrome. She has worked in the Social Services field since 1998. She has dedicated her career to helping victims and survivors.
Ginette is looking forward to becoming more involved with the DS community.
Kim Mozil
When our granddaughter Ivy was born with an extra chromosome in 2018, I just KNEW that she would make our family better!
We immediately became members of the MDSS, and have participated in many of the wonderful events over the past seven years.
Now that I have retired, I am looking forward to investing my time and energies into the MDSS. I happily do this for Ms Ivy Grace, and all of her peers.
The work that MDSS does, and will continue to do, inspires me every day. And I am honoured to be a small part of it.
* If you are interest in becoming a member of the Board of Directors, please contact Jubilee at 204-992-2731 or click here to send an email.