About Our Chapter

NCL, Inc., Canyon Chapter is a group of mothers and daughters who have come together in a commitment to community service, leadership development and cultural experiences.
Members shall reside in the Canyon area. This area includes but is not limited to the Southern Orange County communities of Rancho Santa Margarita, Coto de Caza, Dove Canyon, Ladera Ranch, Trabuco Canyon and Rancho Mission Viejo. Like all NCL, Inc. Chapters, Canyon aims to foster the mother-daughter relationship by serving its communities together.

Connect with us. Follow our chapter on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/nclinccanyon/

Join Our Chapter

Interested in joining our chapter? Membership opportunities are dependent on chapter openings.

Please complete the Membership Inquiry Form so we can contact you directly. If you know a current chapter member, feel free to reach out to them as well to learn about getting started.

Membership Inquiry Form

For any questions regarding Membership, requests for transfers or assistance with connecting as a Sustainer, email us.

Interested in joining our chapter? Membership opportunities are dependent on chapter openings. 

We ask that all interested parties fill out our MEMBERSHIP INQUIRY FORM.

 

OUR 2026 MEMBERSHIP DRIVE KICKS OFF JANUARY 15, 2026!
NCL is a six-year program that begins when your daughter is in 7th grade. If you have a daughter currently in 6th grade and live in the South Orange County Canyon area or your daughter attends school in the area, we encourage you to contact one of our members to learn more about NCL, our Chapter, and the application process. 

If you do not know a member or have specific questions regarding Membership, requests for transfers, or assistance with connecting as a Sustainer, email us at membershipcanyon@nclonline.org

Information sessions for prospective new members are scheduled for:

• Tuesday, February 10th  11:00AM

• Thursday, February 19th 7:00PM

It is mandatory that prospective members attend one information session. Please RSVP HERE!  The location address will be emailed to you the day before the meeting.

Applications will be available beginning January 15 and are due by March 1, 2026. Applicants will be notified on April 1, 2026, if they are selected for membership. 

 

 

Community Service

We understand and serve communities in partnership with local and national nonprofits. Each NCL, Inc. chapter promotes social awareness by considering the local community’s needs and selecting appropriate non-profit organizations to support through different volunteer activities.

We work with the following philanthropies:

• American Heart Association
• Beyond Blindness
• Boys and Girls Club of RSM
• CASA Orange County
• Creative Kids Playhouse
• Family Assistance Ministries
• Jessie Rees Foundation – NEGU
• Laura’s House
• Mission Hospital Regional Medical Center
• OC Harbors, Beaches & Parks
• Operation Gratitude
• Operation Help A Hero
• Park Terrace (Kisco Senior Living)
• Petal Pushers
• Pretend City Children’s Museum
• RAD Camp
• San Francisco Solano Food Bank
• Shea Ceter
• Special Olympics Southern California, Orange County
• The Teen Project
• Working Wardrobes

Leadership Development

We build capable, courageous leaders through opportunities to learn, reflect and develop. Our leaders become successful in their education, career and communities by learning the necessary skills during their NCL experience.

Examples of skills developed include:

• Confidence
• Consensus building
• Team building
• Conflict resolution
• Event planning
• Parliamentary procedure

Our Chapter Board of Directors:

President:                                                                                 President Elect:

Jennifer Miramontes                                                                 Cynda Ontiveros

 

Secretary:                                                                                Treasurer:

Carrie Romero                                                                          Pennie Walley

 

Parliamentarian:                                                                      Vice President Communications:

Robin Dudnick                                                                          Cheri Quigley

 

Vice President Membership:                                                   Vice President Philanthropy:

Monica Leontas                                                                        Maria Raine

 

Vice President New Members:

Emily Madsen

 

Mothers and daughters have the opportunity to take on leadership roles throughout their time in NCL. Ticktockers are encouraged to run for a grade level office at least once in their six years, with most holding an office two or three times. Ticktocker officers are trained and mentored by Patroness Board Members, and guided throughout the year by grade level advisors. They prepare agendas, run meetings, and provide reports on a monthly basis.

During their years in NCL, our Patronesses have opportunities to hold one of 12 Board positions, with training provided by NCL, Inc. Patronesses hold a chapter job each of their six years. The jobs vary in terms of commitment and hours required, but all are vital to a thriving, successful chapter. 

Cultural Experiences

We preserve National Charity League traditions and core values, while appreciating the growth that comes from connecting with different communities and cultures. We continually strive to build stronger ties with our communities and the individuals within them. It is through this understanding that we grow and develop broader worldviews that will shape and support our lives.

• Traditions – We celebrate the richness of our history through traditions that honor the past while serving the future.
• Values – We embrace values that make us strong as an organization of mother-daughter leaders.
• Community Connections – We build connections through experiences that impact our communities.
• Etiquette – We encourage and mentor kind, respectful and gracious social conduct.

What Makes The Canyon Chapter Unique

One of the hallmarks of our chapter is our annual Thankful to Serve Day. Once a year in November, we gather together for a chapter-wide day of service. For the past three years, we have partnered with NEGU – The Jessie Rees Foundation. Our members meet at NEGU headquarters, where they are reminded of Jessie’s mission to bring joy to children who are battling cancer. They then move through a series of stations that include stuffing Jessie’s famous “Joy Jars,” making blankets, decorating posters, and writing notes of encouragement. Being a chapter-wide event, our members get to know people outside of their class while focusing on our mission of serving the community through Mother-Daughter engagement. It is a heartfelt event that never fails to be a highlight of each NCL year. 

Senior Recognition, a long-standing Canyon Chapter tradition, formally recognizes a Senior Ticktocker’s six years of philanthropic contributions to her community through National Charity League. Traditionally, this special evening occurs in the spring of senior year at an elegant location in Orange County. Each graduating Ticktocker is formally recognized for her dedication to the ideals of NCL and her unwavering support of her community and our chapter’s philanthropy partners. It is a beautiful evening celebrated with family, friends and NCL peers; a touching tribute to these special young women and the relationship fostered between mother and daughter.

 

Our chapter was a recipient of the Blue Rose Chapter Award for both the 2019-20 and 2020-21. The Blue Rose Award is the highest designation for a Chapter’s impact on philanthropy partners and community.