Issue link: https://publications.tfs.ca/i/1540856
Looking back, Stephanie says she and her husband had no trouble choosing TFS for their children. They valued the school's co-ed environment, but it was the international mindset and strong emphasis on bilingualism that truly set TFS apart. "Living in a bilingual country, we know how doors open when you're multilingual," Stephanie says, reflecting on her own international experiences, including finishing high school in France. The school's holistic priorities—academic excellence, mental health and sustainability—resonated deeply, as did its evolving commitment to helping students thrive both within and beyond the classroom. "Even after so many years at the school, Stephanie's dedication never waned," says Gaudet. "Year over year she continued to ask: How can I be of service to the community?" In the spring of 2025, Stephanie opened her home to host Visionnaires, an event that honours the school's most generous donors. The evening featured an inspiring conversation between TFS alumna Dr. Samantha Nutt and parent Jeff Latimer of Canada's Walk of Fame, both reflecting on the impact of a TFS education and the community's shared values. "It was a powerful reminder of how this school lifts up humanity in meaningful ways," Stephanie reflects. THE GIFT OF PHILANTHROPY Beyond her volunteer work, Stephanie and her husband Jeremy have made significant philanthropic contributions to the school, including supporting the creation of the La Salle Thompson fitness studio—a vital new space promoting daily physical activity for Senior School students. "As a family, sports and fitness are very important to us and we believe staying active is essential for these young people, especially given the academically rigorous environment in which they're going to school." She continues: "I've definitely been more philanthropic because of my volunteer involvement, it really connects you with the school and the community and provides insight on what's needed." A LEGACY OF WARMTH AND SERVICE Stephanie's commitment is evident not only in what she does, but also in the spirit she brings to every interaction. Whether sharing thoughtful articles with school leadership, sparking conversations or extending a warm welcome to new families, she continually finds ways to make her contributions feel personal and heartfelt. Her advice to parents new to volunteering is simple: "Start small," she says. "Get involved in what feels right, and watch how it enriches your experience and connection to the school." Stephanie's own journey, from class representative to board member, shows how one person's dedication can make a difference. FROM CLASS REP TO BOARD MEMBER AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN One of Stephanie's early and enduring contributions to the community was helping to launch Junior Java, a morning coffee drop-in that offers parents a chance to connect during busy school drop-offs. "We recognized that as families moved beyond La p'tite école, those daily parent interactions were lost," she says. "Junior Java has become a meaningful way to keep that community alive." Stephanie's dedication only deepened when she joined the TFS Foundation Board of Directors in 2018. Bringing her business and marketing expertise to the table, she played a crucial role in the Can't Wait! fundraising campaign, guiding it from its early stages to a record-breaking launch. 57 TFS