Provincial Child Care Council

Tuesday brings extensive experience in child care policy and public advocacy. She currently serves as a National Representative with the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) and leads CUPE BC’s Seamless Childcare Now campaign. Tuesday’s work has connected her with early childhood educators, families, school districts, community groups, and child care advocates. She is deeply committed to building a just, accessible child care system that reflects the needs of families, honours the professionalism of educators and creates a system that truly works for British Columbians.

Appointment Date: 01/10/2025

Kirsten Bevelander is the Director of Child Care Strategy for the Association of Neighbourhood Houses of British Columbia (ANHBC). With more than 30 years of experience in early learning and child care, she has worked as a family child care operator and in volunteer, front-line, management, and senior leadership roles supporting children, families, educators, organizations, and communities. Her work has included direct practice, post-secondary instruction, curriculum development, professional learning design and delivery, advocacy, and systems-level leadership to strengthen early learning and child care across British Columbia.

For 14 years, Kirsten served with the BC Aboriginal Child Care Society, including as Co-Manager of the Aboriginal Child Care Resource and Referral Program, where she worked alongside Indigenous communities, educators, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and partners throughout British Columbia to support Indigenous early learning and child care. Earlier in her career, she worked as an Aboriginal Supported Child Development Consultant with the BC Centre for Ability and held leadership and educator roles with the YWCA Metro Vancouver and UBC Child Care Services. Kirsten holds a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and is committed to advancing equitable, relationship-based systems that strengthen early learning and child care for children, families, educators, and communities.

Appointment Date: 31/03/2023

Julia is a faculty member and past coordinator of the Early Childhood Care and Education program at Capilano University.  She has worked with non-profit, private and Indigenous organizations as an early childhood educator, educator mentor and in the advocacy for and building of early childhood care and education facilities.  Previously, Ms. Black was the coordinator of a Children First and Success by 6 community mobilization project in the Sea to Sky Corridor. Her current work with future early childhood educators reflects her commitment to leadership and advocacy, the ethics of care and supporting relationships among educators and children and families within early childhood contexts. Ms. Black holds a Master of Business Administration from Athabasca University. She is currently studying Educational Neuroscience, focusing on adversity, trauma and the brain at Butler University, and pursuing a Doctor of Education at Western University in Educational Leadership.

Appointment Date: 31/03/2023

Manik Dhir is an entrepreneur, educator and community leader with extensive experience across the childcare, education, commercial real estate, governance and economic development sectors.

He serves as a Professor in the Hall School of Business and Entrepreneurship at Okanagan College, where he teaches entrepreneurship, management, marketing and business strategy. In this capacity, he also teaches entrepreneurship and business strategy internationally, bringing a global perspective to his teaching, research and student mentorship. He is also the Chief Executive Officer of Stepping Stones Early Learning Centre, a multi-site child care organization dedicated to high-quality early learning, family engagement and community impact.

A respected governance leader, Manik has served on numerous boards and advisory bodies, including the YMCA of Southern Interior BC, the KGH Foundation, the Rotary Centre for the Arts, the TELUS Interior and Northern BC Community Board and the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. His board experience spans strategic planning, organizational transformation, community investment and interest holder engagement across the non-profit, education, healthcare and business sectors. Most recently, he was appointed by the Mayor of Kelowna to serve on the City of Kelowna’s Economic Prosperity Task Force, helping develop recommendations to strengthen economic growth, workforce development, business competitiveness and long-term regional prosperity.

Manik's contributions to business, education and community development have earned him recognition as one of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce’s Top 40 Under 40 and as a finalist for the City of Kelowna’s Citizen of the Year award. As a member of the Provincial Child Care Council, Manik brings a unique perspective that bridges child care, business, education and public service. He is committed to advancing policies that strengthen British Columbia’s child care system, support educators and providers, expand access for families and help ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive.

Appointment Date: 24/05/2026

Andrea Duncan is Vice President of Community Social Services (Component 3) with the British Columbia General Employees Union. She represents approximately 17,000 front line workers across the province. These workers include Early Childhood Educators, Early Childhood Assistants, School Age Educators, Child Care Resource and Referral workers, Supported Development and other allied professionals. She has a certificate in Early Childhood Education and Special Needs Education and has a wide understanding of the issues facing workers and families.

Appointment Date: 01/10/2025

Wéytk (Hello in Shuswap)

For this important Child Care Council member role, I will show a strong commitment and take the work seriously. I believe as a community support service provider one should partner whenever possible to better help our communities. With this in mind, I have been involved with Canadian Tire Jumpstart as Chapter Chair, a Merritt Country Run board member, the Community Futures BC board, the Community Futures Nicola Valley board, the Youth Suicide Prevention committee, the Child & Youth committee, the Nicola Valley Food Bank board and am a former High Bar First Nation Chief.

My background includes extensive training and experience in working with not for profit, government agencies, operation management, financial management, human resources, social and life skill support, facilitation and behavioural Intervention support. I have worked with Merritt Youth and Family Resources Society (MYFRS) for over 15 years as the executive director and behavioural interventionist. While with MYFRS I Became a Nonviolent Crisis Intervention® certificated Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) trainer. With this I am able to help front line workers understand comprehensive crisis prevention and intervention planning to defuse challenging and disruptive behavior before an incident escalates to a crisis situation. All agencies and individuals can benefit from this training. I am formally trained as a Brain Gym Instructor, to provide skills in whole body learning and development. Brain Gym is available all over the world. I believe CPI and Brain Gym training would be a benefit for child care centers with more children showing developmental needs beyond the norm.

I have lived and worked in Merritt BC for over 25 years. I grew up in the village of Clinton, BC and completed my schooling in Kamloops, BC. I continued my education with Thompson River University small business management, Royal Road University cultural communication master’s program, Douglas College (New Westminster) Autism Outreach Program and the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT, Merritt) Early Childhood Educator program. As a Shuswap (Secwépemc) First Nation person I appreciate and practice the cultural values and beliefs I was taught by my elders and mentors. I believe we can never stop learning and experience new opportunities that can come to us if we open the door to let them in. I look forward to sharing my knowledge and learning together for this council and its important role for the children.

Kukstsémc (Thank you in Shuswap)

Appointment Date: 24/05/2026

Derek holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Philosophy from the University of Alberta and a Master of Business Administration from Queen’s University. His professional journey has always centered on building strong communities and advancing social equity.

Derek currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of the YMCA YWCA of Vancouver Island. He is deeply committed to creating accessible, high-quality child care and believes that strong public systems are essential for supporting families, children and educators. With decades of experience in policy, advocacy and organizational leadership, he brings a collaborative approach to building sustainable solutions that strengthen communities.

Appointment Date: 01/12/2025

Dr. Daljit Gill-Badesha is a distinguished advocate and visionary business leader with over 25 years of experience driving impactful local and provincial initiatives. Her extensive experience spans across services for all ages, from children to seniors, with a steadfast commitment to fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders and community leaders. This strategic leadership approach has resulted in transformative policies, programs, and strategies.

For nearly two decades, Daljit has been a cornerstone in the early childhood sector in Surrey and beyond, driving the development of innovative programs, service expansion, and policy improvements. She has collaborated with key stakeholders such as UBC-HELP and community stakeholders and influenced provincial and federal policies and funding that have set new standards in the field. Collaborating with South Asian community leaders and elders, she developed and disseminated multilingual toolkits, parenting resources, and live radio/TV shows, reaching tens of thousands of South Asians in BC and beyond, and emphasizing the critical importance of child development, parenting, and community resources.

Daljit’s governance acumen is further evidenced by her six-year tenure on the Provincial Child Care Council, and she is pleased to return as Chair of the Council. Furthermore, she was key in expanding childcare and afterschool services in the City of Surrey and establishing the first-ever Surrey Community Child Care Task Force. Her leadership, positioned at the nexus of multi-stakeholder collaboration, relational praxis, and democratic participation informed her doctoral thesis on power dynamics in supporting newcomer early childhood partnerships. Daljit also provides leadership on provincial anti-racism initiatives, in university classrooms, and as a consultant to businesses and nonprofits, exemplifying leadership excellence in all the spaces she serves. 

Appointment Date: 24/05/2024

Sheila has dedicated her career to early childhood education and leadership in the sector. She earned a Master of Arts in Integrated Studies with a Cultural Stream from Athabasca University, holds a Bachelor of Arts in Child Psychology and a Bachelor of Physical Education from the University of Manitoba. 

Since 2010, Sheila has been a Professor in Early Childhood Education and Care at Vancouver Island University, where she previously served as Program Chair for over a decade. With over 30 years of experience in early childhood education, including teaching, research and leadership, she is deeply committed to advancing quality care and education for young children. Sheila believes that early childhood educators play a vital role in shaping confident, independent learners and is passionate about working collaboratively to strengthen programs and support families.

Appointment Date: 01/10/2025

Kari-Ann is passionate about lifting up Indigenous children and ensuring they feel supported and cared for in every setting, from child care programs to schools. She graduated from the University of Victoria with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and completed her Education Assistant training at Camosun College.

Kari-Ann currently serves as Director of Early Childhood Supports at the Victoria Native Friendship Centre, and her previous roles include Manager and Consultant for Aboriginal Supported Child Development. Raised to be a strong Indigenous woman, Kari-Ann was taught her language, songs and dances and continues to pass these teachings on to her daughter. She values respect for elders, cultural traditions and the importance of listening and learning from one another. Kari-Ann’s deep commitment to Indigenous ways of life and advocacy for children drives her work every day.

Appointment Date: 01/10/2025

Crystal has devoted her career to education and leadership in early learning and child care. She earned a Bachelor of Education from Queen’s University, a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from the University of Western Ontario and a Master of Arts in Leadership and Administration from Gonzaga University. She also holds an Early Childhood Educator Assistant Certificate.

Crystal currently serves as Director of Instruction for Early Learning and Child Care with the Rocky Mountain School District. Her previous roles include District Vice Principal of Early Learning, Vice Principal at Selkirk Secondary School and leadership positions focused on curriculum implementation and student success. Crystal’s passion has always been creating equitable, inclusive environments where every child and family feel valued and supported. She believes that early learning plays a critical role in building strong communities and that educators have a responsibility to foster belonging and empower children to thrive.

Appointment Date: 01/10/2025

Emily Mlieczko is the Executive Director for the Early Childhood Educators of BC (ECEBC), where she leads the association to support advancement of the ECE profession.

Before starting in this position, Emily worked in rural BC in a variety of early years programs in both 100 Mile House and Prince Rupert.  After many rich experiences, including exposure to advocacy for the families she served, Emily decided to focus her attentions on the need to be a strong voice for the ECE sector. Her education, passion, understanding and commitment to make things better for children, families and educators continue to guide her in work today.

Appointment Date: 01/10/2025

Londa lives in Creston, British Columbia, and is passionate about creating opportunities for families and children through community development and accessible child care. She graduated from Concordia University with a Master of Arts in Creative Arts Therapy and completed her Bachelor of Science in Psychology at the University of Toronto.

Londa currently serves as Director of Programs at Kootenay Employment Services. She also serves on the Board of Directors for Columbia Outdoor School and Blue Lake Camp, supporting youth leadership and outdoor education programs. With a strong background in program development and community engagement, Londa believes that accessible child care and employment services are essential for thriving communities. She is committed to working collaboratively to create programs that support families, empower individuals and build a stronger future for children.

Appointment Date: 01/12/2025

Cindy Page lives and works on the unceded territories of the lək̓ʷəŋən Peoples, also known as the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations. She has been an Early Childhood Education Care Instructor for over 20 years and was a former Program Chair at Northern Lights College. She is a board member of the Community Care and Assisted Living Appeal Tribunal and the Early Childhood Educators of BC (ECEBC). She is certified as an Early Childhood Educator in British Columbia and has worked as a licensing officer, a Child Care Resource and Referral consultant and in direct care including licensed family and small group child care. She was a recipient of ECEBC’s Gayle Davies Award, has a diploma in Child and Youth Care and a Masters of Learning and Technology.

Appointment Date: 31/03/2023

Danielle Sayers-Jimeno is a qualified Early Childhood Educator and Child and Youth Care professional who has been supporting children and families for over 30 years. She presently works as the Director of Early Years, within the Ministry of Education, at Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) and has previous experience in a variety of settings, including organizational roles leading staff teams, as well as experience working with children who have neuro-diverse backgrounds and children and their families who have complex trauma histories. Ms. Jimeno has a Bachelor's of Child and Youth Care, from the University of Victoria, in the specialty stream of the Early Years, as well as a diploma in Early Childhood Education with her Infant Toddler and Special Needs certification. Ms. Jimeno is Métis and has recently applied for her Métis Citizenship through MNBC.

Appointment Date: 31/03/2023

Kelsey Stuckert, J.D., is a Senior Advisor in Legal and Intergovernmental Policy with the District of North Vancouver, where she provides strategic legal and policy advice on municipal governance, Indigenous relations and legislative implementation. She brings experience in municipal, administrative and Aboriginal law, with a focus on advancing practical, community-centered solutions within complex public-sector environments. Kelsey is committed to collaborative policy development that supports strong families and equitable access to services.

Appointment Date: 01/10/2025

Tyler Summers is Principle at The Summers Life Creative Inc, a creative agency with a focus on learning spaces and education. Mr. Summers is also an Early Childhood Care and Education Instructor for Vancouver Community College and a Freelance Educator Consultant. Active in his community, he is Chair of the Vancouver Community College ECCE Program Advisory Committee. Previously Mr. Summers was Chair of School Age Child Care Association of British Columbia and a Co-Chair of Vancouver Middle School Matters Steering Committee. He holds an Early Childhood Care and Education Diploma.

Appointment Date: 10/02/2021

Eric Swanson is a veteran of public interest non-profits, with 15 years of experience in policy, operations, and public engagement. From 2007 to 2014, his work focused on climate mitigation and coastal protection. He then served as Executive Director of Generation Squeeze, a UBC-based non-profit, from 2014 to 2021, where he helped develop and advance comprehensive policy frameworks for family and housing affordability at the local, provincial, and federal levels. Today, Eric is Principal at Third Space Planning, an award-winning consultancy that helps communities navigate the intersections of child care, housing, and climate change.

Eric has extensive experience in child care policy, built up from work with clients including the Coalition of Child Care Advocates of BC, the Early Childhood Educators of BC, and Child Care Now. This experience includes original research and the development of recommendations aimed at strengthening and accelerating the implementation of universal $10 a Day child care – across key areas such as educator compensation, operational funding models, non-standard hours and flexibly scheduled child care, capital expansion, facility design, and environmental health. Through Third Space Planning, Eric also has exposure to child care capital project management and BC’s associated New Spaces Fund and process. 

He has served on the Advisory Committee for Child Care Now’s national Educators Matter project, which examines workforce policies for quality early learning and child care, and is currently Co-Chair of the Board of Directors at Fernwood Neighbourhood House, a multi-service organization and large $10 a Day child care provider in Victoria. Eric’s passion for child care is deeply personal: as a parent of two young daughters in $10 a Day care, he is committed to ensuring all families can access the life-changing benefits of quality, affordable child care.

Appointment Date: 01/10/2025

Rob Zandee is a seasoned leader with extensive experience in governance, education and labour relations. Currently serving as the Board Chair for School District 53 (Okanagan Similkameen) since 2014, Robert has demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to the community. His role as Chair of the Finance and Facilities Committee from 2010 to 2014 further underscores his expertise in financial oversight and strategic planning.

In addition to his experience in the education sector, Rob has been the Board Chair of the Okanagan Labour Relations Council (OLRC) since 2019, where he has played a pivotal governance role in enhancing labour relations solutions for member organizations. His involvement with the British Columbia Public Schools Employer’s Association (BCPSEA) as a Trustee Representative since 2011 and current Board and Finance Committee member highlights his dedication to improving the working and learning environments in public education.

Rob's professional experience includes a long tenure as CEO of Gerard’s Equipment from 1996 to 2024, where he successfully led a single-location agricultural business with annual sales exceeding $4 million. His earlier role as a Lease Administrator at GMAC Canada provided him with a solid foundation in financial management.

Rob holds a BA in Economics from the University of British Columbia and earned his ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors in 2023.

Rob’s lived experiences and community involvement have shaped his approach to leadership, emphasizing collaboration, transparency and a commitment to excellence. His diverse background and proven track record in various sectors position him as a valuable asset to any board, where he can leverage his skills to drive positive change and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

Appointment Date: 24/05/2026