A Big Thank You: Please Join Us In Wishing All The Best To Batoul Auf!

Editor’s note: departing Team Lead Batoul Auf has worked with the rest of the leadership team for several months to ensure a smooth transition as she moves on to a new adventure in her life and her career. Team Lead Grace Hudson is now Director of the Community Support Team (a new position that mirrors Anna Nelson’s director position on the Employment Support Team).

My Journey with LiveWorkPlay

A fond farewell from Batoul Auf

In the Beginning

My journey with LiveWorkPlay began in 2014, during a time of transition and uncertainty. I had just moved to Ottawa to start university, feeling alone and searching for a sense of community. I stumbled upon a volunteer opportunity at LiveWorkPlay, and when I reached out to learn more, I had no idea how profoundly it would shape my life.

Becoming a Friday night meetups volunteer not only allowed me to explore and experience this wonderful city, but it also gave me something even more valuable—a sense of belonging. I was welcomed and included in ways I never thought possible. Meeting other volunteers and members of LiveWorkPlay slowly erased the loneliness of being a newcomer. I felt immediately at home, proving that the mission of LiveWorkPlay extends to everyone—including me! That sense of inclusion was a gift I never expected but will forever cherish.

From Volunteer to Team Member

Caroline Matte with Batoul when she was just getting started on the team!

Fast forward three years, and I found myself at another crossroads. Alex Darling, our amazing Volunteer Coordinator, encouraged me to apply for a summer student staff position. I almost didn’t apply—I was convinced I probably wasn’t right for the job. But something inside me knew this was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up, and I had to at least give it a try. So, I took a leap of faith—and to my surprise, I got the job!

That summer was an exciting whirlwind. I got a behind-the-scenes look at the incredible work LiveWorkPlay does, met inspiring colleagues, and built even more connections within the community. When the summer ended, I was thrilled to be offered a continuing part-time role, and ultimately, moved to a full-time position in the community support team!

For five incredible years, I had the privilege of building meaningful relationships with members, witnessing their achievements, and supporting them on their journeys. Being part of their milestones and growth was truly an honour, and those experiences will stay with me forever.

Stepping into Leadership

My journey didn’t stop there! I was given the opportunity to step into the interim Volunteer Coordinator role to cover Alex on maternity leave. This experience allowed me to give back in a new way—supporting volunteers just as I had once been supported.

I connected with so many incredible people, from new volunteers to those who had mentored me when I first started. At that time, LiveWorkPlay had over 150 dedicated volunteers, and I was fortunate to learn from and collaborate with them. I also engaged with community partners, attended community information fairs, and expanded my network in ways I never imagined.

Then came my final role at LiveWorkPlay as a Team Lead with the community support team! I had the privilege of working alongside Grace Hudson (and if you know Grace, you know how amazing an opportunity is to work with her).

Festive Family Gathering with colleague Shayna!

This role brought new challenges and immense growth.Though I was no longer working directly with members and families as much as I used to, I collaborated with families, supported my team, and deepened my understanding of the sector and the meaningful work LiveWorkPlay does in advocacy and systems change.

This role was both the most challenging and the most rewarding. It also pushed me to overcome one of my biggest personal hurdles—public speaking! I faced me fears, and with help from one of the external professionals who have helped us with learning and training opportunities, practiced my public speaking with internal audiences, and then went out and spoke at many large events in the community. What a change!

Batoul, Grace, and Keenan presented to a standing room only audience at the HSA Canada gathering!

LiveWorkPlay Changed My Life

To summarize it in one sentence, LiveWorkPlay is where I grew up.

Over eight transformative years, it shaped my young adulthood in ways I never anticipated. This organization wasn’t just a workplace—it was my community, my support system, and my greatest teacher. It helped me build confidence, conquer fears, and achieve personal milestones, including becoming a Canadian citizen and getting a Master’s degree.

Welcome Back BBQ with Peter Keay and Grace!

While it is bittersweet to move on, I do so with immense gratitude. I know I wouldn’t be who I am today without the experiences, relationships, and growth that LiveWorkPlay gave me. I am forever thankful for this community and excited to see how it continues to make a difference in people’s lives—just as it did in mine.

What’s Next?

As I step into this new chapter, I am shifting my focus to growing my psychotherapy practice, where I can dedicate myself to supporting others on their journeys. My time at LiveWorkPlay taught me the power of community, connection, and belonging—values that I will carry with me as I embark on this new journey. Helping people navigate life’s obstacles, build confidence, and find their own path forward is something I am deeply passionate about. While change always comes with uncertainty, I embrace this next phase with optimism, knowing that the lessons and experiences I gained will continue to shape the way I support and walk alongside others.