I am Jennifer Daudlin, and it is an honour to assume the role of the new Chair of the Family Dispute Resolution Institute of Ontario. Before I share our vision for the future, I would like to extend my deepest appreciation to our outgoing Chair.

Julie Gill has been an exceptional beacon of leadership and resilience, particularly during some of our most challenging transitions. Under her guidance, FDRIO has not only navigated but flourished, ushering in a new era for our organization. Her unwavering dedication and tireless efforts have played a pivotal role in shaping the positive trajectory we find ourselves on today. Julie’s service as your Chair was remarkable, and the legacy she leaves behind her is greatly appreciated.

In addition to expressing our gratitude to Julie, it’s important to acknowledge the contributions of two esteemed former board members, Raheena Dhaya and Neil Maisel, who resigned this year. Raheena and Neil have made significant contributions to our organization over more than a dozen years combined, and their dedication to our mission has been invaluable. We extend our heartfelt thanks to them for their service and wish them success in their future endeavours.

I would like to extend heartfelt congratulations to the conference committee and support staff for orchestrating yet another successful annual conference. Your dedication and hard work have undoubtedly contributed to the conference’s success, providing valuable insights and opportunities for all attendees. I also express my sincere gratitude to our speakers, whose expertise and commitment to our program have enriched the experiences of our participants.

Furthermore, I would like to express our gratitude to our generous sponsors for their invaluable support of the conference. Your commitment and dedication have made it possible for us to continue offering this important gathering and providing resources to advance our filed. Your contributions are instrumental in ensuring the success of our mission, and we are deeply appreciative of your partnership.

As we look forward, we collectively embrace a shared vision: the advancement and enhancement of family dispute resolution.

At FDRIO, our mission is crystal clear. We are here to educate, advocate for, and elevate the field of Family Dispute Resolution and the professionals within it. We believe in enlightening the public about the benefits of out-of-court resolutions and in the ongoing development of our professionals. We advocate for policies and practices that safeguard and support families, and we remain committed to elevating the contributions of our volunteer board members and partners.

Our values are in harmony with the essence of our work. Collaboration is at the heart of our efforts – we collaborate to align our actions with the needs of those we serve. We embrace diversity in all its facets, ensuring that our board and activities mirror a broad spectrum of professions, perspectives, and life experiences. Leadership forms the cornerstone of our organization, drawing lessons from the past to shape a better future. We prioritize progress through continuous learning and professional growth. Lastly, we uphold accountability as a guiding principle, setting high standards and perpetually striving to surpass them.

I am particularly excited to follow Julie’s exemplary lead by creating new and lasting collaborative relationships with other organizations serving family law professionals and clients. By fostering these partnerships, we can strengthen our collective impact and provide even greater support to those navigating the complexities of family dispute resolution.

As I step into this role, I carry these principles with great reverence. I eagerly anticipate collaborating with each of you to make a substantial impact on the lives of the families we assist. Together, let us persist in our mission to educate, advocate, and elevate, transforming FDRIO into a beacon of hope and guidance within the realm of family dispute resolution.

Once again, I extend my heartfelt thanks to Julie for her exceptional leadership. And I am grateful to all of you for entrusting me with this responsibility. Let us embark on this journey together, fueled by dedication and compassion.