Mary Byrnes is the Founder and Executive Director of Harrison's Hope, a Canadian charity transforming support for individuals and families living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Her path began with two deeply personal moments: adopting her son at birth, and his later diagnosis, which sparked a lifelong commitment to advocacy and inclusion.

Trained in early childhood education and special needs, Mary first navigated complex diagnoses as a caregiver. Her search for answers led her to an FASD-informed practitioner - a turning point that shaped her belief in care systems that are trauma-informed, strength-based, and built with, not for, the people they serve.

She is recognized internationally as an FASD educator, speaker, mentor, and research collaborator across North America and the United Kingdom.

In 2024, Mary received her own diagnosis of Prenatal Alcohol Exposure, further shaping Harrison's Hope into a disability-led organization where lived experience guides governance, program design, and strategy, ensuring authentic inclusion and accountability at every level.

Since founding Harrison's Hope in 2023, she has advanced sustainable, community-based lifespan supports from prevention awareness through adulthood and senior care. Her leadership honours her son's legacy while building a future where every person with FASD is included and thrives.