Founder and Executive Director, L’Étoile de Pacho
Nathalie Richard is the Executive Director of L’Étoile de Pacho, a peer-support network for parents of children with disabilities. She founded the organization in 2013 following the birth of her son, who was diagnosed with multiple medical conditions and illnesses that limited his life expectancy. She created this unique Québec-based organization, which uses peer support as its core approach to assisting parents of children with severe multiple disabilities. Today, L’Étoile de Pacho employs 27 staff members, 23 of whom are parents of children with disabilities. Through her own personal journey, she has worked to raise public awareness and improve the lives of parents within her community.
Whether in her role as an advocate, a non-profit leader, or the mother of a child with severe multiple disabilities, her ability to develop and communicate solutions to the challenges faced by her community has contributed to tangible social change over the past 13 years. These achievements include the development of Québec’s most accessible park, Parc Saint-Joseph in the Rivière-des-Prairies borough, as well as securing an annual investment of more than $22 million from the Government of Québec to provide enhanced financial support for families caring for a child requiring exceptional care. In addition, she currently serves as Vice-Chair of the Committee of Partners Concerned with Supporting Caregivers.
Following the passing of her son in October 2025, she has continued, more than ever, her mission to improve support for parents of children with severe multiple disabilities.
