Mary Byrnes, Class of 1986: Finding Her Voice, Giving Others Hope

When Mary Byrnes arrived at Trafalgar Castle School in Grade 12, she didn’t know what to expect. Having felt out of place at her previous school, Mary was searching for something more—a sense of belonging, a challenge, and the opportunity to discover her strengths. She found all of that and more at Trafalgar Castle School.

As a Grade 12 & 13 boarding student, Mary quickly embraced Trafalgar’s culture and opportunity to try new things in a safe and accepting space. With supportive teachers who made learning engaging and challenging, and a roommate from Cancun, Mexico learning English, Mary’s eyes were opened to new ideas and global experiences. Her academic performance flourished, and she found herself stepping into new roles, such as assistant producer of the school musical — experiences that helped her grow in confidence and independence.

After graduating in 1986, Mary pursued a double BA in Sociology and Psychology at Western University. Her career journey was far from conventional—spanning early childhood education with a focus on children with special needs, principal of a Montessori school, sales in the large format print and point of purchase displays, and eventually, senior leadership roles in project management in supply chain operations in the consumer health products industry. Each career and position have provided her with experience to launch a registered Canadian charity called Harrison’s Hope – named after her adopted son, who lives with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), that led her to her true calling. FASD is a lifelong disability resulting from prenatal alcohol exposure which impacts the brain and body in numerous ways. Individuals with FASD may need support with motor skills, memory, attention, communications, physical health, learning, emotional regulation, social skills and other executive functioning skills. “One in 20 people have an FASD diagnosis in Canada which means every classroom is touched by FASD with at least one or two students living with the disability,” added Mary.

“After Harrison’s diagnosis I emersed myself into all the research – learning everything about FASD and as part of that process I determined that I wanted to be part of a solution,” said Mary. “I found my voice through my son’s journey.”

That desire to support other families navigate FASD and find supports sparked the creation of Harrison’s Hope, a Canadian registered charity founded and lead by Mary, with fellow caregivers supporting other caregivers, the organization is dedicated to supporting families affected by FASD through peer support, education, advocacy, and partnerships with other service sector organizations, professionals, educational institutions and Indigenous communities.   Mary, who also lives with FASD, brings a personal and compassionate lens to her work.

“Starting Harrison’s Hope was something I never imagined,” she says. “But Trafalgar gave me the faith and belief in myself to try, to ask for help, and to bring people together.”

From launching a caregiver-led board to creating mentorship programs and spearheading research collaborations, Mary has built a thriving and impactful community. The organization’s accomplishments include building FASD awareness and partnerships with local healthcare facilities, school boards, and social service agencies, helping families access FASD resources, the early design and development of an adaptive AI app that will benefit all neurodiverse individuals and their caregivers, establishment of multiple weekly webinars, guest speaking at national and international FASD conferences and events, creation of respite programs and partnerships with post-secondary students seeking placements in the field.

Mary’s story is a powerful reminder of the strength found in community, the importance of listening, and the courage to lead change. Her journey continues, with exciting plans on the horizon—including collaboration with Manitoulin Island’s Indigenous community, creation of supported employment and supported housing models, FASD Adult and Youth Mentorship program and more.

This September during International FASD Awareness Month, Harrison’s Hope is launching its first online silent auction at a Red Shoes Rock event on September 9, 2025. All proceeds from the auction will directly benefit Harrison’s Hope FASD families and their loved ones living with this lifelong disability.

To learn more or get involved, visit Harrison’s Hope website, make a donation at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/harrisons-hope/or. “You can also volunteer or join a webinar or share a message on social media to help remove the stigma and isolation our families experience daily and build awareness of FASD,” said Mary.