About Us
For over 80 years, Family Service Thames Valley has offered counselling and support services to families, parents, and children. Whether it’s relationship difficulties, adjusting to life transitions, or living with a developmental disability, we have programs to help.
Our Mission
“Empower people to face life challenges.”
Our Vision
“Renew hope and transform lives.”
Our Values
Compassion & Respect
We are compassionate and respectful.
Integrity
We act with integrity.
Excellence & Innovation
We strive to provide exceptional service.
Collaboration
We collaborate with those we serve, our colleagues and our community.
Social Justice
We believe in creating safe and inclusive environments.
Our Programs
Family Service Thames Valley’s Community Integration Program (Developmental Services) supports children, adults and their families who have a developmental disability. We help link people to community resources, support planning and advocacy, and provide limited non-financial support.
Professional counselling and psychotherapy is offered to families, couples and individuals to better manage:
- grief and loss
- relationship difficulties
- anxiety, depression
- past trauma or abuse
- adjustment to separation and divorce
- other life transitions such as job loss or transition to retirement.
Clients may qualify for support under a range of government funded programs, employer paid supports, or subsidized counselling provided by the United Way and other donors. These services are offered primarily in London-Middlesex.
Our Team
Our Board
Family Service Thames Valley is a charitable organization 107376154RR0001 incorporated in Ontario and governed by a Board of Directors who volunteer their time and talent to improve the lives of those we serve.
- Kim Fraser, Chair
- Sunny Mann, Vice Chair
- Luigina McCarthy, Secretary
- Nadia Circelli, Treasurer
- Angela Roberts
- Angelica Castillo
- Caleb Zimmerman
- Erin Anderson
- Erin Huner
- Hannah Litchfield
- Kelley McIntyre
- Landon Hang
- Laurie Lewis
Interested In Joining Our Board?
We are looking for individuals who are passionate about making a difference in our community. Please keep an eye on our social media channels for board member postings at the beginning of the calendar year.
Leadership Team
Nicola Memo, Executive Director
Registered Social Worker, Master of Social Work
Nicola has over 15 years of experience working in the areas of addiction and mental health, women at risk, cultural issues and intersectionality. She is a Social Worker by profession and has worked in the community in different capacities since 2004, bringing her valuable experience working with diverse, marginalized and multicultural individuals; using a trauma and violence informed lens.
Deisy Vanegas, Counselling Services Director
Registered Psychotherapist with a Masters in Counselling Psychology, Fundamentals of Addiction
Deisy has over 20 years’ experience working with vulnerable populations in areas including women abuse, trauma, anxiety, addictions, and youth impact by war or legal problems. She provides services in both English and Spanish.
Linda Howgego, Developmental Services Director
Recreational Leadership Diploma
Linda has over 40 year’s experience working in developmental services. Her passion is to provide individualized supports based on a person’s hopes and desires, and providing advocacy for families in need of assistance for the future.
Kathy Pierson, Passport Program Manager
Developmental Service Worker
Part time Faculty – Fanshawe College
Kathy has over 25 years experience working within the developmental sector. Kathy is passionate about advocacy, supporting people with their own self determination and connecting people to their entitled support funding.
Plans, Reports & Financials
Accreditation and Memberships
Family Service Thames Valley engages the Canadian Centre for Accreditation to review its governance and operational practices to ensure all aspects of our work meet or exceed the highest standards.
Family Service Ontario represents 44 not-for-profit member agencies across the province who serve more than 250,000 individuals, couples and families in communities and workplaces every year. Our work ensures that Family Service agencies are strengthened by providing a collaborative voice and building capacity.
Family Service agencies in Ontario deliver a wide range of mental health, trauma and wellness services to individuals and families in workplaces and communities.
