Our Team

Meet the dedicated people who give bullied kids a brighter future.

Scroll

We are stronger together

Rob Benn-Frenette, O.N.B.

Rob Benn-Frenette, O.N.B.

Co-Founder & Executive Director

After being relentlessly bullied for 11 years and finding no one or no organization to end his being bullied, at age 17 Rob co-founded BullyingCanada in 2006. At age 21, he was awarded the Order of New Brunswick for creating a new groundbreaking national 24/7 service for bullied youth. From Fredericton, Rob manages all daily administrative and fundraising duties; recruits and trains volunteers; and still jumps on the helpline to ensure no call for help goes unanswered.

Marlena McCarthy

Marlena McCarthy

Director of Fundraising

Marlena joined BullyingCanada in 2018. She brings extensive experience in fundraising and communications, having worked directly with non-profits since 1982, and independently since 1999 in her Done Write Communications business. Marlena writes and designs all of BullyingCanada's direct mail appeals to individuals, foundations and organizations; newsletters; donor correspondence and surveys; marketing materials and assists with website text.

James Ryan

James Ryan

Director of Public Relations

James, leveraging his experience in marketing, earned media, and finance at several Fortune 500 companies, has handled BullyingCanada's media relations for several years now. When he isn't volunteering with BullyingCanada, James works in the European financial services sector. James is passionate about fighting for the underdog—having suffered from bullying as a child. James can be found with his pets or travelling and exploring new places when he isn't volunteering.

Lex Spencer

Lex Spencer

Executive Assistant

Lex joined BullyingCanada in 2022. Bringing her extensive experience in administration, event coordination, and sales, Lex has quickly become an integral part of our team. She manages Rob’s schedule and responsibilities, deals with quoting and suppliers, vets callers and handles volumes of administrative email, prepares and sends correspondence and fundraising appeals, maintains our donor database, handles invoices, and assists in the sourcing and recruitment of volunteers and their scheduling – all with a can-do attitude and a smile!‍

Mary Lynne Stewart

Mary Lynne Stewart

Manager, Leadership Giving

Since 2021, Mary Lynne has been responsible for approaching family foundations, individuals, and businesses for major gifts. She has brought our donor stewardship practices to a new level, and leads the way in seeking new partnerships and ways of marketing BullyingCanada. She brings with her a wealth of development and communications experience gathered in senior roles in March of Dimes Canada and Christian Children’s Fund of Canada.‍

Katie Thompson (Neu)

Katie Thompson (Neu)

Co-Founder

Katie met Rob at age 14, when she had been so badly bullied at school that her parents homeschooled her to keep her safe. She and Rob set up BullyingCanada.ca – a forum where bullied kids could lean on each other for help. She has led many of our Empowering Youth Workshops and writes reviews of many books on bullying. Katie has a certificate in Criminal Psychology and Behaviour.

Will you help us give bullied kids a brighter future?