Franke James

The Freeing Teresa audiobook is brought to life by a full cast of thirteen talented voice actors. It stars Jackie Blackmore, Lauren Potter, and Dayleigh Nelson, with a supporting cast of Cynthia Potvin, Bill Mackie, Paula Hoffmann, Rob Cottingham, Sidika Larbes, Geoff Sugiyama, Laurel Bailey, Divina Soriano-Leacock, Justin Smallbridge, and Roshni Kashyap.

The casting reflects the authors’ commitment to authentic representation. Two of the actors have Down syndrome, just like the characters they play. U.S. actor Lauren Potter takes on the lead role of Teresa Heartchild, whose struggle for freedom and independence is the heart of this story. Roshni Kashyap is a Canadian artist and author who performs as a young woman who was unfairly institutionalized.

A unique feature of this full-cast audiobook is that it is based on a true story. Each of the actors had the opportunity to listen to the audio recordings or watch the videos from the actual events—the telephone calls, Teresa’s rescue from the nursing home, and the final family showdown with the police and paramedics. These recordings informed and inspired each of the actors’ performances, and helped them capture the emotion and tension of these dramatic moments.

Check out the actors’ comments and audiobook samples below

• Jackie Blackmore, “Franke”
• Lauren Potter, “Teresa”
• Dayleigh Nelson, “Bill”
• Cynthia Potvin, “Deirdre”
• Bill Mackie, “Dad”
• Paula Hoffmann, “Siobhan”
• Rob Cottingham, “Conrad”
• Sidika Larbes, “Phoebe”
• Geoff Sugiyama, “The Cop”
• Laurel Bailey, “Candi”
• Divina Soriano-Leacock, “Perla”
• Roshni Kashyap, “Woman from the 1970s”
• Justin Smallbridge, “Silver Don”

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JACKIE BLACKMORE is the lead narrator and plays Franke James

“This is a bold, brave, and enlightening story about fighting for human rights at home within your own family,” Blackmore says. “I was honoured to voice this important book by Franke James.”

Jackie Blackmore brings years of experience to the job of narrating Freeing Teresa. As a voice actor, she has an expressive range, conveying complex emotions: passion, fierceness, determination and love. She is an award-winning theatre, film, and TV actor, an improvisational comedian, a director, a teacher, and an award-winning playwright.

“Reading Franke James’ story and listening to the actual audio recordings of the family discussions was a haunting and transformative experience,” Blackmore says. “I was deeply maddened by the discrimination Teresa faced, but then inspired by Franke’s determination to defend her sister. The scariest thing is that this is a well-documented, true story. Franke was like an embedded journalist, recording everything as it happened.”

AUDIOBOOK EXCERPT: from Chapter 17, “Mount Everest”

I held the silver recorder in my hand as I weighed the pros and cons. If this all blew up, I would need a witness to what had really happened. By now my siblings had stopped answering my emails. It seemed like they didn’t want to put stuff in writing. I needed to start creating an audio record. Otherwise, it would just be my word against theirs. I’d be roadkill, and I would have failed to save Teresa.

But still, I was facing a gut-wrenching decision. I knew how to do this. I’d done it before. But I never thought that I’d be put in a situation where I might have to blow the whistle on my own siblings. I reminded myself that making a tape was like an insurance policy. I wouldn’t need to use it unless things went haywire. And then I’d have an objective record.

So, with my recorder connected to my phone and these confusing life-changing events swirling around me, I made the decision. I steeled myself, and—still on the phone with Siobhan—I pressed record.

FREEING TERESA, CHAPTER 17, Mount Everest (page 267)

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LAUREN POTTER plays Teresa Heartchild

“Playing Teresa Heartchild was so exciting!” Lauren Potter says. “I’m a strong advocate for disability rights, and so is Teresa. I was proud to play her because she had to fight so hard for the right just to be free. Everyone with Down syndrome deserves the right to decide where they live.”

Potter is best known for playing the spunky character “Becky Jackson” on the hit TV series, GLEE, for six seasons. She was nominated for a SAG Award for GLEE. Potter was also honoured with the SAG/AFTRA Harold Russell Award at the Media Access Awards for the series.

Potter serves as an advocate for those with disabilities through organizations including AbilityPath, Best Buddies International, the Down Syndrome Association, the American Association of People with Disabilities, and Special Olympics. She has worked with the non-profit on an anti-bullying campaign. Lauren is thrilled to be using her voice to speak out for other people with disabilities who may not have the same opportunities.

AUDIO EXCERPT: from Chapter 30, “Heartbreak Place”

I looked at Teresa who was coping much better than me. “I’m upset. But you’re not upset?”

“I’m trying to hide my feelings,” she said.

“Why?” I asked with surprise.

“It’s about my father,” said Teresa.

“Why would you hide your feelings?” I asked again.

“Siobhan told me the news of what happened to my father.”

“What happened to your father?” 

“I don’t know,” she answered. “But she said they’re taking him to Sunnybrook Hospital.”

“No!” I said. “He’s not going!”

Freeing Teresa, Chapter 30, heartbreak Place (pages 194-195)

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BILL MACKIE is Dad, the family patriarch

“My experience in portraying Franke’s and Teresa’s father was a privilege and an honour.” Bill Mackie says. “Listening to Franke’s real-time recordings of conversations she had with her father gave me real insight into the honourable gentleman her father truly was. He had to endure an ordeal, but he was ultimately Teresa’s ticket to freedom!”

Bill Mackie is a professional voice-over artist based in Vancouver who brought Shakespearean gravitas and warm sincerity to play the role of Dad. He has forty years of experience on the other side of the mic as a producer/director on national and international television. He has developed and produced Canadian dramas, as well as other content, and won many accolades in his long career.

AUDIO EXCERPT: from Chapter 25, “Stay with My Father”

“Why is it that I get to a certain age,” said Dad with exasperation, “and they decide to put me into one of those damned homes? I don’t want that. I want to stay with Teresa, where we are!”

“Right,” I said.

“It’s better for Teresa. It’s better for me,” Dad said, adding, “I do pretty well.”

“You do,” I agreed. I turned to Teresa. “Dad is ninety-one— at some point he won’t be around forever.”

“I know,” said Teresa.

“Where would you want to live?” I asked. And then we went in circles again with Teresa saying over and over again, “Stay with my father.”

“I guess it just means that I have to stick around for a while,” said Dad laughing.

Freeing Teresa, CHAPTER 24, STAY WITH MY FATHER, (page 169)

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DAYLEIGH NELSON plays Bill, Franke’s partner and husband

Dayleigh Nelson’s portrayal of Bill captures Franke’s husband’s honest, irreverent, and quick-witted personality. Dayleigh is a Canadian actor/ writer/ director currently residing in Vancouver, BC. His small-town roots and call to adventure bring a refreshing depth of insight, satire, and humour to his work.

Working with the others in the cast, Nelson appreciates the significance of this disability rights story. “Teresa’s story being given voice is important,” Nelson says. “Equally, Lauren Potter’s performance as Teresa is not only powerful but champions proper representation in the medium.”

AUDIO EXCERPT: from Chapter 23, “A Crack in Everything”

“Well, maybe it’s time to surprise them.” Bill’s blue eyes twinkled.

“Yes, it would be a great offer.”

“They would have to agree, because it’s their duty to act in Teresa’s best interest,” Bill said. “And then the agencies would have to take her off the crisis list.”

I loved Bill’s willingness to do the unconventional thing. But this was a huge step—a life-changing commitment. I was nervous.

“It would shock them,” I said.

“It would stop them,” Bill said.

Freeing Teresa, Chapter 23, A Crack in Everything (page 154)

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CYNTHIA POTVIN is Deirdre, the bossy sister who insists she has complete power over Teresa

Acting as Deirdre, one of the story’s chief antagonists, Potvin strove to bring humanity to the role. She describes her approach: “It’s easy to view the darker characters as one dimensional, but I always try to find a small part of their vulnerability. Because ultimately behind anger is usually pain, fear and love.”

Cynthia began her voice career by studying Jazz voice and naturally moved into theatre, film and voice acting. In addition to Freeing Teresa, her recent acting credits include The Good Doctor, Add to Cart, and Strangers in the House.

AUDIOBOOK EXCERPT: from Chapter 33, “The Celebration”

We were stunned. We didn’t understand what Deirdre had just read to us. But then she issued a warning: “If you do not return Teresa, the police will come and escort her. And you just think of how awful it’s going to be for that poor little girl to be dragged back.”

“But Deirdre,” I protested.

“Return her!” she ordered. “I’m giving you your notice. And I’m hanging up now.” 

“Deirdre? Deirdre?” I pleaded.

“The police will come and get her,” she warned.

FREEING TERESA, CHAPTER 33, THE CELEBRATION (PAGE 234)

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ROB COTTINGHAM is Conrad, the abrasive brother who thinks he’s “always right”

“What really drew me to Freeing Teresa,” says Rob Cottingham, “is that it’s ultimately about the freedom and dignity that comes with being seen for who you really are and being able to decide your own future. We should want that for everyone. And between Teresa’s total clarity on what she did and didn’t want that future to look like, and Franke’s fearless determination to make that possible, this story gives me tremendous hope.”

Cottinghman explains how he approached the role: “Playing Conrad meant understanding that he doesn’t think he’s doing the wrong thing; nobody ever thinks they are. But he has that tunnel vision that comes with the absolute conviction that you’re right. Which means he can’t or won’t acknowledge the possibility that other people might have valid perspectives, or recognize the damage he ends up doing. I’ll admit there’s a little of that in me sometimes — I think maybe it comes with oldest-sibling territory. Being Conrad meant pulling at that thread and finding my inner bully, and it’s led to some bracing self-reflection!”

Rob Cottingham is a voice actor, comedian, podcaster and cartoonist. By day (and sometimes night), he’s a speechwriter and communications professional working for great progressive causes!

AUDIOBOOK EXCERPT: from Chapter 20, “A Bulletproof Plan”

“If you read the news articles,” I said, “the investigations into the nursing home industry are—”

“Shocking,” Conrad interrupted. “I agree with you.”

“It is shocking! It’s like, how can we set Teresa up to get bullied and sexually abused?”

“We have to be an active part of her life,” he said. “And if she’s not okay, get her the hell out of there! And in the nursing homes that we went to, like Wheiry Lodge, the people were so bloody old. No one could abuse Teresa. They couldn’t catch her. They’re all in walkers and wheelchairs.”

“Conrad, you think that’s funny. Just last week, there was a news story about a guy who murdered one of the other residents.” 

“Yes, I did see that. We have to be very vigilant. Look, we’re up against the wall. We can’t do anything. We have a plan in place. And we must wait to see what the government can come up with.” 

Freeing Teresa, Chapter 20, A Bullet Proof Plan (page 138)

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PAULA HOFFMANN plays Siobhan, the brainy sister who came up with the plan to put Teresa into “care”

Siobhan, performed by Paula Hoffmann, is the behind-the-scenes organizer. As the master planner who first proposed the plan to put Teresa into a nursing home, Siobhan drew on her inside knowledge about the healthcare system. In Chapter 18, she reveals to Franke’s shock that she owns three nursing homes, and says with annoyance that they serve a purpose. Siobhan is the sister who told Franke of her suspicion that their brother (Conrad) would not fulfill his promise to take Teresa after Dad’s death.

AUDIOBOOK EXCERPT: from Chapter 18, “They Can’t Send Her Back”

“She would be much better off in an apartment or a group home,” I said.

“The problem with the group home or apartment is that if it doesn’t work out, they will send her back. She still belongs to us. They can’t send her back from a nursing home.”

What? It sounded like she wanted to get rid of Teresa permanently. I objected, “Teresa won’t qualify unless—”

“She already has qualified.”

“On what basis?” 

“She’s forty-nine years old and has Down syndrome.”

“You can’t do that! What about Teresa’s human rights?”

Freeing Teresa, CHAPTER 20, THEY CAN’T SEND HER BACK (page 119)

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SIDIKA LARBES is Phoebe, the sister who values family harmony above all else

The Canadian voice and TV actress, Sidika Larbes, acted as older sister, Phoebe. Larbes demonstrated a knack for channelling Phoebe’s voice: she is the perennial cheerleader, oozing with kindness, charm and secret agendas. She smiles sweetly while closing her eyes to anything that might be disturb the family harmony.

A gifted actress, Larbes can perform in multiple languages. Her mother is of Hungarian descent, and her father is Algerian. Born and raised in Vancouver, BC, Canada, she grew up in the West End, a colourful and community-driven neighbourhood.

AUDIOBOOK EXCERPT: from Chapter 31, “Kidnapped?”

Phoebe was trying to calm me down: This whole transition could have been so much better. But the fact of the matter is that now Teresa has moved out.

This was a preposterous assertion. Teresa did not “move out” voluntarily. Her right to decide where she lived was taken away.

But Phoebe believed in the system: We should just leave things as they are. It will work out. Teresa is clever, and cunning, and creative. With our support she will figure out a way through this.

I felt terribly disappointed. Phoebe urged me to reconsider: We should give Teresa a few weeks to adjust to life in her new home, really. We just need to let go. What’s done is done.  

No, I was not going to step back. What was done needed to be undone.

Freeing Teresa, CHAPTER 31, Kidnapped (page 202)

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GEOFF SUGIYAMA is the righteous Cop

The Vancouver voice actor and tea master known for his authoritative, deep voice and way with words, Geoff Sugiyama has narrated over twenty audiobooks. They include The Rise of Wolf 8, Lies My Doctor Told Me, and All of Us Strangers. He has also acted in several video games such as Galaxy Mobile and Eternal Return.

As “The Cop” in Freeing Teresa, Sugiyama brought power, intensity and dismissive authority to the role, which characterized the police actions during the apprehension.

AUDIOBOOK EXCERPT: from Chapter 35, “Apprehension”

The cop continued, “There’s an allegation that Deirdre has told us about. We’re here to act on it. Everything else is secondary. I’m duty-bound. I don’t have an option.”

Bill said, “What if the allegation is—”

“I’m not going to entertain a what-if.”

The cop wouldn’t even let us ask the question: What if the allegation is false? I was getting a very bad feeling about this. The cop continued, “I’m only going to entertain what was said and work on facts and issues. Legally, what do I have to do? What is righteous?” 

Freeing Teresa, CHAPTER 35, Apprehension (page 256)

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LAUREL BAILEY is Candi, the outspoken sister-in-law who is always ready to give you a piece of her mind

The Vancouver actor is known for her work on stage in British Columbia, Canada and in London, UK, where, as the co-artistic director, Bailey, helped found the CanadianPhoenix, a theatre company dedicated to producing new Canadian plays.

As Candi in Freeing Teresa, Bailey brings Candi’s outgoing, biting style to life! Listen, and you’ll know why Candi cheekily called herself the family “out-law.”

AUDIOBOOK SAMPLE: from Chapter 34, “Return Teresa (Or Else)”

A different voice came from the phone, “Dad?”

Dad was still speaking when the voice interjected again, “Dad, can you hear me?”

“Pardon?” Dad asked, his voice softening.

“Dad, it’s Candi here. Can you hear me?” Deirdre had given the phone to my sister-in-law, Conrad’s wife. She must have been listening at Deirdre’s house.

“Yes, Candi?”

“Dad, we’ve worked very, very hard to make sure that Teresa has a safe place to live—”

Dad jumped on that: “She’s got a safe place to live. Here, with me!” And Dad had accepted my offer to take Teresa when the time came.

Candi waited for a second, then said, “Franke has come and upset the entire apple cart. You shouldn’t be mad at Deirdre and Chuck or anybody else. You should be mad at your daughter Franke. She has done nothing to help us.”

Freeing Teresa, CHAPTER 34, Return Teresa (Or Else) (page 239)

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DIVINA SORIANO-LEACOCK is Perla, a support worker caught in the middle of a family battle

A versatile Canadian actor of Philippine descent, Soriano-Leacock crafts a dramatic portrayal of Dad’s support worker. Perla provided Dad and Teresa with years of in-home support and developed a strong relationship with both of them. However, Deirdre was managing Dad’s finances and wrote the cheques. So Perla was beholden to Deirdre and had to follow her instructions regarding the plans for Dad and Teresa’s care.

AUDIOBOOK SAMPLE: from Chapter 29, “Summer Camp”

My ears perked up when she told us that she was there when Teresa was taken.

Bill asked, “Who took Teresa away? Was it Conrad and Deirdre?”

And so, Perla told us her story. “They arranged it so that Teresa thought she was going to her day program. When I brought her downstairs, we saw Conrad’s car, and Teresa asked me, ‘Where is the taxi, Perla?’ And I said, ‘Maybe it will be a special trip for you. They’re picking you up and dropping you off at your program.’ And so, when I said goodbye to her, I just turned my back, because I didn’t want Teresa to see me. . . crying. And before I came up, I just stayed there, for a while there.”

Freeing Teresa, CHAPTER 29, Summer Camp (page 184)

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ROSHNI KASHYAP plays a woman who was unfairly institutionalized in the 1970s

Roshni Kasyap is a voice actor, rapper, and visual artist with Down Syndrome. “Express yourself from the inside and out,” she says, describing her approach to creativity. “Don’t hold it in, no matter how much it hurts. Say what’s in your heart!”

In Freeing Teresa, Kashyap takes on the role of an intellectually disabled woman who was unfairly institutionalized in the 1970s. The woman was interviewed in the 1979 documentary Exploding the Myth, the same film that Teresa was featured in when she was just thirteen years old.

AUDIOBOOK SAMPLE: from Chapter 4, “Exploding the Myth”

The documentary features interviews with former residents.

A young woman with dark, curly hair and glasses pleads for respect: “We’re just like every other person. I’ve never committed a serious crime—to be put away for so many years of my life. Neither killed nor harmed anybody else!”

Freeing Teresa, CHAPTER 4, Exploding the Myth (page 31-32)

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JUSTIN SMALLBRIDGE plays Silver Donald Cameron

A Vancouver voice actor with numerous credits in audiobooks, video games, and corporate communications, Justin Smallbridge plays Silver Donald Cameron. The late Canadian journalist and author interviewed Franke in Halifax in 2013 as part of his Green Interview series (which is now part of the National Archives). The Green Interview focused on Franke’s environmental activism and two of her books, Banned on the Hill: A True Story about Dirty Oil and Government Censorship and Bothered By My Green Conscience.

AUDIOBOOK SAMPLE: from Chapter 11, “My Troublesome Conscience”

I’m struck by the redactions,” Silver Don said. “In many cases, most of the message is blacked out on the basis of the ‘Defence of Canada’ or for ‘Reasons of International Security.’ ”

“I would love to see what’s under those redactions,” I said. “My hunch is that it has nothing to do with the Defence of Canada. It was actually ‘embarrassment to the government’.”

“This has come back to haunt them in a big way with the book and the whole media campaign. I mean, you advertised in The Hill Times!”—the must-read news rag for Canada’s political insiders—“I am sure someone is saying, ‘My God, has that woman ever put the cat among the pigeons on Parliament Hill!’ ” 

“I think a few spoonfuls of Cheerios may have been spat out! But seriously, this is a democracy, and many voices should be allowed to speak. That’s why I fought back so strongly.”

“It’s really an erosion of our political freedom, isn’t it? One of the big things that comes out of this is the willingness of corporations and governments, not just to shade the truth or make the case, but to flat-out lie.”

Freeing Teresa, CHAPTER 11, My Troublesome Conscience (page 83)

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Listen to the Freeing Teresa Audiobook

Freeing Teresa is a true story about disability, sisters, and standing up for the right to be yourself, brought to life by a cast of thirteen actors. The audiobook is live now. Find it on Audible, Apple Books, Spotify, and at the public library. The award-winning memoir is available in all formats on Amazon, Bookstore.org, and most online bookstores.

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