Our team
Get to know the individuals who work together to support families in Peel.
PHONE: 905-452-0332 x308
Paula joined the Family Education Centre (FEC) team in January 2016, however prior to that she led and worked on several projects with FEC including coordinating the Family Futures program, the Parent Educator training program, and online resource design and development. She continues to develop programs and resources (virtual/classroom/eLearning) through partnerships and as needed throughout the community.
Paula has worked for over 25 years specializing in instruction design, curriculum, and program development as well as program management in the corporate sector for companies such as Scotiabank, Desta Communications and JALC English Services.
What word do others use to describe you? Loyal
What is your favourite moment while working with FEC? When a participant shares a lived experience of using a skill or strategy with a positive outcome, especially an improved relationship or interaction between child/youth and parent.
What is your favourite parenting resource? The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Families by Stephen R. Covey
What’s one piece of parenting advice that is your “go to”? Pick those “teachable moments” carefully because not every mistake or problem needs my interference. Providing guidance at the right moment is far more effective in helping children develop the life skill of problem solving than solving everything for them.
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Christine began working with the Family Education Centre in 2023. Over the span of her career, she has worked in many different organizations and has worn many different hats including a Community Program Developer, Youth Employment Counsellor, HR professional at a large insurance company and is finally back working in her favourite place, the non-profit sector. She spent eight years at Roots of Empathy in Toronto as a Parent Volunteer with her two children, worked as a Volunteer Instructor at various Toronto District School Board schools and then as a Mentor supporting new volunteers across Ontario, She is now a Parent Educator/Facilitator at Family Education Centre working as a Community Family Leader delivering programs to various organizations across the Peel region.
What word do others use to describe you? Supportive
What is your favourite moment while working with FEC? When I contacted one of our agency managers and told her we were bringing back one of our programs post-COVID, she was thrilled and shared that several parents had been asking about when it would be returning. This was extremely motivating and keeps me working hard to bring our programs to as many parents as possible.
What’s your favourite parenting resource? Daring Greatly by Brené Brown.
What’s one piece of parenting advice that is your “go to”? For me, parenting has been about getting to know myself and becoming more aware of my triggers and reactions. When I make a mistake with my family, I apologize, and we work through it together. My kids need to see that adults are not perfect and can own up to things they have done wrong and be able to move forward understanding each other on a deeper level.
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Nadine’s introduction to Family Education Centre (FEC) was as a volunteer at the Rama Gaming House in Mississauga in 2023. As she learned more about FEC and began meeting other volunteers and staff members, Nadine’s interest steered her on a path to become a Parent Educator and a new member of the FEC staff in July 2024.
Nadine brings extensive experience as an Office Manager and Program Coordinator to her role as the Parent Support and Information Coordinator at Family Education Centre.
What word do others use to describe you? Kind
What is your favourite moment while working with FEC?My favourite moment so far would have to be the culmination of our Parent Educator training with our in person final presentation. It was such a wonderful supportive family atmosphere that made a lasting impression on me.
What’s your favourite parenting resource? My favourite parenting resource is Top Card as I feel that identifying a child’s personality makes it easier to communicate, understand and is a wonderful tool in parenting.
What’s one piece of parenting advice that is your “go to”? In my experience, parenting is ever changing depending on the age of the child, personality, situations etc. What works with one child doesn’t necessarily work with another so parenting needs to be customized and flexible.
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Our current Board Of Directors:
Alyson Beben
BOARD CHAIR
Committee:
Data and Research
Amanda Guillarte
VICE CHAIR
Committee:
Data and Research
Ken Macken
TREASURER
Committee:
Finance and Audit
Amanda Mohamed
SECRETARY
Committee:
Data and Research
Frank Di Cosola
DIRECTOR
Committee:
Governance and Human Resources
Patricia Melville
DIRECTOR
Committee:
Marketing
Our Board Committees
The purpose of the Governance and Planning Committee is to enhance FEC’s organizational capacity to perform its mission by assisting the Board with governance and strategic planning for FEC as a whole, and other planning required for Board and Board Committee functions.
The Data and Research committee works to gain a comprehensive picture in the results of our programs through data analysis, gain a sense of parenting trends and report back recommendations to improve internal programming processes.
The Finance & Audit Committee oversees the development of the budget; ensures accurate tracking, monitoring, an independent audit and accountability for funds; ensures adequate financial controls; and reviews major grants and associated terms. The Committee reviews all financial statements and reports on financial activity to the Board.
The Marketing Committee works to effectively promote FEC and expand community awareness in a manner that reflects its mission and values. The committee plans, facilitates and evaluates the promotion of FEC throughout the Region of Peel, while consistently looking for new ways to expand its reach. The Committee works with the messaging as identified by the Program Committee to effectively communicate our programs and services to the Community.