Lansdowne’s new board chair Ashley Veldkamp focused on possibilities

Lloyd St Amand has shifted into his role as past chair of the LCC board, as Ashley Veldkamp now takes on the role of chair.

Ashley Veldkamp and her family were first connected to Lansdowne Children’s Centre when her son, Mason, was a baby.

“He was born at 24 weeks gestation,” said the Brant County resident. “He had a lot of needs for physical therapy, occupational therapy, feeding and swallowing – we had a whole slew of things that we visited Lansdowne for.”

Veldkamp noted that like many other families, “ours has walked the path of navigating therapies, appointments, and the emotional weight that can come with supporting a child who experiences the world a little differently. Lansdowne was there for us  – not just as a provider of services, but as a source of support, understanding, and hope.”

Veldkamp decided to act on the deep connection she felt to Lansdowne and its mission by joining the organization’s board eight years ago as a director; at the June 19, 2025 annual general meeting, she officially started her new two-year term as the board’s chair. Lloyd St Amand is now the board’s past chair.

“Joining the board was my way of giving back. I wanted to contribute to a place that made such a difference in our lives – and to help ensure that every child and family who walks through their doors feels heard, supported, and empowered,” Veldkamp said.

“I also wanted to be a voice for those who may not always have the opportunity to speak up. Families like mine deserve strong advocates, and I’m proud to be one of them.”

Perhaps the biggest advocacy task that the board has faced, and will continue to face in the immediate future, is fulfilling the need for a new building.

“We need a space to grow,” Veldkamp said.

Many of those connected to Lansdowne – clients and their families, volunteers, staff, etc. – have been eagerly awaiting the details as to where the new building will be, what the final design is, etc.

Veldkamp noted that while that information can’t be disclosed just yet, “We can get excited with seeing the building rendering that we have, to see some of the vision. This has been a work in progress … it’s a long time coming.”

It’s a big task, but one she’s eager to take on, because for her and her family, Lansdowne has been “an integral part of our lives, and shaping Mason to who he is, even to this day.”

Now 13, Mason still accesses some of the services offered through Lansdowne, and the family as a whole is still supported.

“When you’re a parent trying to advocate for your child, it can sometimes feel isolating. But Lansdowne helped us find a sense of community and reminded us that we weren’t alone,” Veldkamp said.

“They gave my son opportunities to grow and thrive, and they gave me the reassurance that his unique needs were seen, respected, and met with compassion.”