THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The North Okanagan Child Care Society is governed by a voluntary Board of Directors.

The role of the Board is to oversee the Society’s business stability by providing guidance and direction, standards of conduct, ensuring stakeholders’ needs are met, and overseeing fiscal health and sustainability. The Board has governed the Society during some of our biggest moments. Changes such as purchasing our own home, rebranding to better represent our service and philosophy (our registered charity name is North Okanagan Child Care Society), unprecedented growth and expansion, and a worldwide pandemic. The Society is extremely grateful for the efforts of our past, present, and future board members; their hard work and commitment is integral to the Society’s success.

Current Chairs

Sharon Kratsch (chair) & Mike Walroth (vice-chair)

Secretary

Teagan Seutter

Treasurer

Jackie Little

Members at Large

Allison Jaquish, Jayla Kennedy, Jordan Badke, Katharine Halvorson, Robyn Danielson, Sarah Smith & Taylor Gottfred

Past chairs

Ashley Ortman, Autumn Storey, Carolyn Hedley, Jacob Kuiken, Ken Smith, Marie Hill, Rebecca Lindskoog & Rob Miles

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Hollie Henderson is one of Maven Lane’s longest-standing employees. She has worked in all aspects of child care, and through the development of the Society as it matured from a modest-sized centre to the multi‐million dollar organization it is today. Hollie’s ability to manage this volume of growth comes from her steadfast priorities; quality of care and appreciation of educators. Her deep caring has driven her to create beautiful environments on a charity budget. Over the years she has dedicated much time and effort in developing a desirable culture that has established Maven Lane as the employer of choice in our field. Her loyal and dedicated team support her vision through the many evolutions of service provision and remarkable success. Hollie’s fearless and innovative thinking are testament to her leadership skills.

THE ADMINISTRATION TEAM

The Admin Team embraces the business administration and program support duties. Each position within the admin team plays an integral role in ensuring the smooth running of services. The business of child care and education reaches far beyond quality care and programming. As a registered charity and not-for-profit society, employer of choice, and licensed facility caring for the vulnerable citizens of the community, the level of compliance is notable. In between creating dance parties in the hallway, and filing annual reports, the team are dedicated to ensuring a positive, professional and inclusive culture. They serve in the always-busy space between business management and program services. Duties include, but are not limited to establishing best practices, policies and procedures, communications, health and safety, human resource administration, legal administration, society reporting, fiscal reporting, fundraising, transportation services, maintenance and facilities upkeep, and community involvement. Additionally, our admin team all have qualifications and training in child care, and are ready to jump into program whenever support is needed.

THE TEAM OF EDUCATORS

It takes far more than the love of children to be an early childhood educator. For anyone who has spent more than 10 minutes in a program, you will witness our educators demonstrating all of these skills;

patience, creativity, flexibility, compassion, multi-tasking, dedication, championing diversity, challenging stereotyping, working as part of a team, being a friend, using interpersonal communication skills—at adult and child level, supporting parents, health and safety inspector, curriculum developing, being a personal assistant to each child, emotional regulators, behaviour specialists, best friends, scientists, program administrator, meal services, and cleaner. This is not a job for the faint-hearted!

When we consider the importance of the early years, when children are at their most inquisitive and their most vulnerable, it is imperative that those charged with their care are able to ignore the noise, read the emotional reactions for the deeper need, put aside their own bias and beliefs, and bring their best self to each and every child they interact with. Each child must feel a strong sense of self, know they belong, understand that they are valued and integral members of our community in order to thrive in our care. It is our educators who make that happen.

With over 100 educators practicing their art in Maven Lane programs, we have a huge responsibility in ensuring their needs are met, in order that they may bring their most caring, positive, creative, enthusiastic version to the children. Their work should be celebrated each and every day for the truly monumental role they play in children’s lives. You may not see their work in daily changes in the world, but be assured, they are making the world of difference on a daily basis.

THE TRANSPORTATION TEAM

We have a team of drivers that are absolutely committed to ensuring your children are safe during school runs or field trips. All our drivers meet the necessary requirements to drive the vehicles and make your child’s safety a top priority. We also strive to have our drivers qualified in child care so they are able to support children while in their care. They get just as excited about field trips and holidays as the children do! Just because safety is first, doesn’t mean we can’t have a little fun!

THE FACILITIES TEAM

With an old school building and various off‐site locations, our maintenance team are always kept busy. The team is responsible for the safety of all aspects of our facilities—ensuring all regulatory commitments are met. They are tasked with making our rooms functional and beautiful backdrops for the educators to develop into learning and caring environments. They also ensure our playgrounds are maintained and meet licensing standards. There is never a time when the to-do list is complete…. and there is never a time when an unexpected task needs to be handled. This essential team keeps us running safe and smoothly!