Jennifer BaileyJennifer began her career in childcare working with School Age children in a summer program and has not looked back since. For more than 15 years, Jennifer has dedicated her time to School Age Childcare in the Sudbury area. Working with organizations both locally and provincially, Jennifer has continued to strive to enrich the lives of the young people in her programs and push the limits of existing programs to better School Age Childcare. It is her goal to continue to move beyond what is required, to exceed the set standard to ensure success for all School Age children. Marie-Josée BeauchesneElle travaille dans le domaine depuis 11 ans dont 9 ans en tant qu’éducatrice au parascolaire et deux ans au poste de directrice du même centre. Maintenant elle travaille en administration et en gestion dans un nouveau centre éducatif. Ce qui est important c’est de donner aux enfants l’amour et le respect, sans distinction de nationalité, de religion, de situation familière ou financière. Aimer un enfant c’est beau…mais être aimé par un enfant est un cadeau!

John BinksJohn is the Community Mission’s Specialist for Northeastern Ontario. His career spans 30 years in the field of disability where it was important to build and manage the relationships necessary to connect and successfully partner with various ministries, agencies and stakeholders. Additionally, John is responsible and accountable for volunteer recruitment and development in the major centres in northeastern Ontario for the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario in this region. John is trained in the skill of presentation and excels as a public speaker as a means of conveying information to stakeholders.

Presenters Dr. Jan BuleyJan has been an elementary educator for sixteen years. She holds degrees from Nipissing University, Mount Saint Vincent University, Columbia University and New York University and has taught in many varied teacher education programs in Canada and the U.S. Jan’s research agenda revolves around school reform issues, critical literacies, drama in education, home / school/ community partnerships and arts equity. Jan is offering courses in drama and literacy at the English School of Education, Laurentian University. Lana BoyukLana was first certified in the Sivananda style of yoga, and then pursued Kundalini yoga and Chakras and Yoga. Lana is certified by renowned chakra-guru and evolutionary psychologist Anodea Judith, to teach on Psychology of the Chakras. Lana's unique teaching style draws on over 2000 hours of teaching & training over 12 years. Her integrated approach to teaching enables her students to fully explore and tap into their own personal power of self-transformation. Lana facilitates numerous workshops, and classes.

Pam BrownFor the past 11 and a half years, Pam Brown has been the local Program Advisor for Child Care with the Ministry of Children and Youth Services. Prior to her current role, she spent over a decade working as a Child and Youth Worker in both day care and residential group care environments. Pam's ongoing commitment and passion is to have young people attain success both socially and emotionally.■ Pam is also part of the Expert Panel.

Désirée ChartrandDésirée is a public health nurse with the Nutrition and Physical Action Team at the Sudbury & District Health Unit. The bulk of her work involves delivering programs to youth, older adults, and the community at large, to help people get active.

Marilyn ClariniMarilyn is the Early Literacy Consultant for Child Care Resources and has been working in the field of early childhood education in a variety of positions for over 20 years. In her present role, she provides various workshops in the community to support early language, literacy and numeracy development for preschool children. She is also an advocate in promoting quality programming in child care settings.

Kim CurtisKim is the workplace dietician for the Health Unit. Before that she was a clinical outpatient dietician for the hospital in the areas of diabetes, and other health issues. During the five years she has been with the Health Unit she has also worked with the Family Health Team and the Healthy Babies Healthy Children program.

Fanny EshkakoganFanny was born in Lima, Peru. Having completed her bachelor’s degree in psychology at the University of San Martin de Porres, she immigrated to Canada in 1986. Fanny’s interest in social issues led her to become involved in the community of Sudbury in a variety of ways. Presently she is working full time for Jubilee Heritage Family Resources as an Educator Assistant. Her diverse background gives her the ability to speak knowledgeably about employment issues including the unique challenges immigrant women with an education face.

Carole FontaineCarole est à Sudbury depuis 1999, en service de garde depuis 1996. Diplômé depuis 2002. Toujours active dans le domaine de la petite enfance soit au niveau atelier et dans les forums.

Presenters

Christine ForsythChair of the Transitional Council for the College of ECE, Christine has worked in the area of professional self-regulation for the past 15 years. She was an Executive Committee member of the College of Nurses of Ontario for 5 years and was Chair of the Transitional Council of the new Ontario College of Social Workers in 1999-2000. Christine teaches at the University of Toronto and at Osgoode Hall Law School, York University. Over a 35-year career, she has worked in public policy, regulation and strategic leadership in the public, not for profit and private sectors in Canada and internationally. Christine lives in Toronto.■ Christine is also part of the Expert Panel.

Gisèle GuénardAvec plus de 30 ans de service aux domaines de santé, éducation, santé publique et de direction exécutive réussie, Gisèle Guénard, gagnante de prix “2008 YWCA Women of Distinction Award” et auteure distribuée à l’échelle internationale, est conférencière et Présidente de VisionarEase Inc., et livre la Direction de Changement Positif et Consultation. Son CV inclut le service comme Infirmière Autorisée, Professeur, Directrice Général d'hôpital, Directrice sur le Conseil d'administration de Réseau Local d'Intégration de Service de Santé du Nord-est, et présentatrice motivante à des groupes et conférences variés. Son approche inspirante et style de direction a contribué à nombreux changements positifs en Ontario. Gisèle est connue pour ses habiletés de motivation, chef de file, formation d’équipe, et son énergie contagieuse. On lui crédite comme la force derrière la création d'une des premières Équipes de Santé Familiale (Family Health Team) en Ontario.

Liz HamiltonLiz, along with Sandie Manitowabi, has assisted with the birth of the Anishnabek Biinojiigkuk Chitch Chi Nen Mok child care centre. She has accepted the responsibility of helping a vision come to life; the dream of an Aboriginal daycare that came with the help of many First Nation Committee members and strong inter-agency support.

Jennifer HodginsJennifer is a public health nurse on the Family Health Team at the Sudbury & District Health Unit specializing in prenatal and early parenting education. She has had several years of experience working in both the Healthy Babies Healthy Children Program and Family Health Promotion. The family health program is directed at children, youth, parents, caregivers and people in their reproductive years that are making choices about future family life. The program is intended to protect and promote the health of families, prevent disease and assist in the attainment of an optimal level of health.

Tanis KanervaTanis graduated from the Child and Youth Worker program at Cambrian in 1995, and then went on to be a nanny for 3 years in Toronto. She moved to Midland and had a home daycare so she could be with her own two children for the next 6 years. Tanis has been with Teddy Bear Day Care since moving back to Sudbury (she is in her 4th year) and is currently enrolled in the Early Childhood Educator Program at Cambrian.

Michael KellyMichael Kelly is a faculty member with Cambrian College. He holds a BA from Laurentian University and an MA from the University of Toronto. In 2007 he received the President's Award for Excellence - Outstanding Service by an Individual from the Cambrian College of Applied Arts and Technology. Professor Kelly’s specialties as a faculty member at Cambrian College focus on training in Human Relations and Project Management. Professor Kelly’s teaching philosophy builds on the notion that the greatest gift one person can give to another is to pay attention to their existence. His personal mission is to be a great gift giver.

Presenters

Maxine KingMaxine has taught Early Childhood Education in the community college system for the last twenty years. She weaves her background in ECE with her experience as a Play Therapist with her knowledge from her Masters degree in Leadership and Training into her teaching. Prior to teaching at Cambrian College, Maxine taught in Southwestern Ontario and has facilitated workshops in British Columbia, Panama and England.

Monique Lanthier Originaire de Verner, Monique travaille dans le domaine de l’enfance depuis 1986. Elle occupe le poste de conseillère pour la garde en milieu familiale. A géré un service de garde pendant de nombreuses années. A enseigné dans le cadre du programme Garde éducative à l’enfance et a offert de nombreux ateliers pour les éducatrices et responsable de garde.

Nicole LavoieAvec plus de 17 années d’expérience en garde éducative à l’enfance, Nicole a excellée dans son travail comme éducatrice dans tous les groupes d’âges. Nicole travaille au Centre pivot du Triangle Magique depuis 1994. Dans ses années au Centre, elle a été un atout au succès de les pouponnières avec sa gammes d’idées et son dévouement. Nicole est maintenant chef d’équipe au Coin Magique du Centre pivot du Triangle Magique.

Susanne LefflerSusanne is a trained Educator and has been working with children of all ages during and after completing her education in 1999. Before coming to Canada, she worked in a Forest Kindergarten in Germany for 14 months. In 2007, Susanne joined the Jubilee Heritage Family Resources team and enjoys working with her group. Betsy LittleBetsy is an educator with over 25 years experience in a variety of settings. As the Early Literacy Consultant for Best Start Nickel Belt she develops resources, programs and workshops to promote effective early literacy, numeracy and language development in children from birth to six years of age. In addition, she provides early literacy support to families, caregivers, childcare settings, and community agencies working with young children.

Steve MacDonaldSteve graduated with his Honours Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Laurentian University in 2003. He most recently joined OHCOW as an Ergonomist in 2006. Steve is recognized as a certified kinesiologist through the Ontario Kinesiology Association and he is a full member of the Association of Canadian Ergonomists (ACE). He has worked with joint health and safety committees and injured workers on a variety of issues in many industries.

Steve MacDonaldSteve est titulaire d’un baccalauréat en sciences avec spécialisation en kinésiologie qu’il a obtenu de l’Université Laurentienne en 2003. Il s’est joint tout récemment à l’équipe des Centres de santé des travailleurs (ses) de l’Ontario (OHCOW) en qualité d’ergonome. Steve est un kinésiologiste agréé de la Ontario Kinesiology Association et un membre à part entière de l’Association canadienne d’ergonomie (ACE). Il a travaillé avec des comités mixtes de santé et de sécurité et des travailleurs accidentés sur divers dossiers dans de nombreuses industries.

Lois MahonLois was the driving force in the development of Child Care Resources and has been the Executive Director since 1992. Prior to this, Lois was the Child Care Community Developer for the Sudbury Manitoulin District and as an Early Childhood Education Faculty member with Cambrian and Georgian Colleges. Lois has been actively involved in the Sudbury community for many years. She is a member of many boards, advisory committees, and local children’s services planning tables.

Sandie Manitowabi Sandie is the Aboriginal Supervisor at Jubilee Heritage Family Resources. Previously, she was with N’Swakamok Native Friendship Centre as a Family Support Worker for 10 years. She shares her teachings and expertise in the areas of native parenting, child development, community services and programming. She is a role model and leader in our child care community. Sandie graduated from Cambrian College Early Childhood Education Binoojiiyag Kinoomaadwin in 1994.

Presenters Kelly Massaro-JoblinKelly is the provincial president of the AECEO. She is a Certified Early Childhood Educator and the president of the provincial board of the AECEO. She has been in the field for over 25 years and is the Executive Director of two child care centres in Thunder Bay. Kelly also sits on the local Child Care Advisory group and Best Start Network for her region. She believes that all children should have access to quality care and education.■ Kelly is also part of the Expert Panel.

Dr. Chris MazzuchinDr. Chris Mazzuchin was raised here in Sudbury and has been in clinical practice for about nine years, together as a physiotherapist and as a naturopathic physician. He has both a full-time medical/physiotherapy practice, teaches at Laurentian University and is also on faculty at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. Dr. Mazzuchin has recently published two books. One for children called ‘Sigmund & Me: A workbook of feelings’ and the other, for more of a mature audience called ‘Ssshhh Listen! Natural Cures: A workshop for the soul’. He is developing a life skills course, personal growth program and corporate wellness lecture series with a team of counselors and psychologists.

Donna MeseDonna has been a professor of Early Childhood Education at Cambrian College for 26 years where she also coordinates the ECE program. She has been invited to present at a number of venues including community day care centers, Child Care Resources, the NAEYC and school boards. Winner of the Bernadine Yackman Community Award, Donna has demonstrated a strong commitment to volunteerism in her community

Brenda MillerBrenda holds a B.A. in Psychology, and in E.C.E. She has spent twenty years working with children and their families.

Winnie PitawanakwatWinnie is a Yupik Eskimo, born in Alaska. She grew up in Yupik tradition with all ceremonies intact throughout her young life. Winnie has worked with Better Beginnings, Better Futures, Shkagamik-kwe Health Centre, Child and Family Centre, as well as natives in penitentiaries and halfway homes. She also facilitates the teachings of drumming to children and youth in the community and hosts “spirit naming” ceremonies.

Melissa Pitfield Melissa is the Director of Child Care and Camping Services at the YMCA. In this position she oversees ten Child Care locations and two residential camps. Melissa has worked in the Child Care field for over 15 years.

Julie RobidouxJulie est conseillère pédagogique pour la maternelle et le jardin au CSCNO depuis 3 ans. Avec 19 ans d'expérience comme enseignante dans une école élémentaire, elle adore les touts p'tits et croit fortement dans la réussite de tous les élèves. Elle possède un baccalauréat en éducation avec deux spécialités: l'éducation et l'enfance en difficulté.

Tracy SaarikoskiTracy is the Co-President of Ontario Coalition for Better Child Care. She has a passion for early learning and child care advocacy. During her spare time she is the Executive Director of a non-profit licensed child care agency in Greater Sudbury.■ Tracy is also part of the Expert Panel.

Presenters Meena SinghMeena is a Childcare Educator currently working with toddlers, preschoolers and school age children. She is also a private counselor (trauma), Traditional East Indian Singer and a Mind Body Wellness Practioner (yoga, isometric movements and other forms of physical training along with daily stress management).

Kate SmithKate is a public health nurse on the Family Health Team at the Sudbury & District Health Unit specializing in prenatal and early parenting education. She has had several years of experience working in both the Healthy Babies Healthy Children Program and Family Health Promotion.

Louis TanguayComme fondateur et directeur du Centre de PNL de Sudbury au cours de la dernière décennie, Louis a perfectionné sa connaissance de la programmation Neuro-Linguistique. Il enseigne les techniques de PNL en tant qu'outil d'amélioration personnelle et professionnelle. Enseignant et coordonnateur des activités culturelles et du leadership pendant de nombreuses années, il continue à participer à une foule d'activités socio-culturelles.

Elaine VaillancourtElaine is the Administration Supervisor of Child Care at YMCA Sudbury. Before moving into Administration, Elaine worked with SACC programs. Elaine has worked in the Child Care field for over 15 years.

Laura WhalenLaura is the Best Start Program Co-ordinator with the City of Greater Sudbury. In this position, she works very closely with children service providers including child care centres, elementary schools, family resource programs and specialized services. Laura’s employment history includes working in each of these environments and her educational background includes a diploma in Early Childhood Education and a degree in Psychology and Sociology. Laura lives in Sudbury with her two children who are 15 and 11 years old. She describes them as “wonderfully typical”, the “reason for her grey hair” and her “best teachers”.