I have been an Early Educator in a preschool setting for over 20 years.  I joined the Saskatoon Preschool Foundation to help make a difference in the lives of children who otherwise may not be able to attend a preschool in their community.  I witness daily the benefits of providing children a preschool experience for both enhancing their academic foundations and establishing a sense of belonging to their community.  I have been honored to work within a dedicated group of board members who collectively strive to provide tuition subsidies to those families who value early childhood education.

I lived a short time in East Lansing, Michigan and Kingston, Ontario.   My family returned to Saskatoon 15 years ago and my husband and I have been blessed to raise our two daughters in a city that values families and provides an abundance of opportunities!

Since joining the SPF Board in 2016, I have found it very interesting and rewarding to be part of a small but active working group of individuals who share my passion for early childhood education and the important role it plays in a child’s life.  I have been employed by and volunteered with several non-profit organizations in Saskatoon.  As a retired early childhood educator, my career focused on supporting young children with different abilities and their families. It is rewarding to continue to be involved in supporting vulnerable children and families in our community.

I was born and raised in Saskatoon by parents who demonstrated volunteerism, philanthropy, and supporting disadvantaged people in our community.  My husband and I have spent most of our lives in Saskatoon, working and raising our son and daughter, who both live out of province now.  We enjoy spending time at our local cabin, as well as travelling.

I joined the Saskatoon Preschool Foundation (SPF) in 2016 and I am so honoured to work with such an amazing group of volunteers. I first obtained my Sociology degree in 2005 and worked in the field of Correctional Services before returning to university to pursue my CPA in 2011. It was from my experience in Corrections, that I saw first-hand the important role education plays in an individual’s life.

I was born in the Northwest Territories and spent my childhood moving to different mining locations in Canada, Australia and Chile before my family settled in Saskatoon. I met my husband in Saskatoon and we are now the proud parents of two little girls. We are so grateful that our eldest daughter is currently enrolled in a preschool program and will receive so many benefits from this early learning. I appreciate being part of an organization that provides this important experience for children whose families could not otherwise afford it. 

I have been associated with the Saskatoon Preschool Foundation for over 20 years.  As a special needs consultant, I realized the value of early learning to the success of children in the early years of school. This understanding was heightened throughout my career as an educator, as I began to learn about the research that supports the benefits of early learning throughout a lifetime.  It has been enriching to work as a team with other board members and with preschool teachers in Saskatoon and the surrounding area.

I have my whole life in Saskatchewan and most of it in Saskatoon.  I have three sons and six grandchildren spread out across Western Canada and I’m blessed by the opportunities that have been provided to me and my family having landed in this part of the world.  I’ve learned so much from my experiences as an SPF board member.  I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to be of service.

I joined the SPF board because I could see the importance and value of providing education to preschoolers. I loved the goal of the SPF to fund preschoolers who, otherwise, may not be able to attend. The SPF is a group of exceptional people who have the same goal and it’s been an incredible experience working with them all. My job is centered around preschoolers everyday as I have had my own day home for the past 12 years. Previously, I was a teacher and have seen the benefit of an early education and how it affects confidence and self-value. 

I am from a town northeast of Prince Albert but moved to the city 20 years ago to take my Bachelor of Education. This is where I met my husband and we now have three children. Saskatoon is big enough to offer amazing opportunities but has a small city feeling where the community comes together to help and support those who need it.