Executive Director: Wendy Knowlton

Co-ordinates: Book Club, Writing Club, and Kindergarten Kids for Caregivers

Wendy grew up in Annapolis County, and is very pleased to be working with families in her home area. She has a background in non-profit and community development work.

You will see Wendy out representing the Centre at community meetings and presentations.

Outreach Co-ordinator: Denise Naugler

Co-ordinates: Kindergarten Kids, Circle of Friends Playgroup, Parent Time. Key Person for Roots of Empathy.

Denise has been an Early Childhood Educator for over 17 years and took her training at Kingstec Community College. Before coming to Family Matters, she worked at Middleton & District Day Care.

An active member in her home community of Lawrencetown, Denise says the hardest job that she has is being a mother of two very active boys! Her great love of children and sense of community make her a valuable and integral part of the Family Matters team

Early Learning Co-ordinator: Billie Jo Weir

Co-ordinates: Book Club for Kids, Writing Club for Kids, Mother Goose, Parent Time

In January of 2006, Family Matters welcommed Billie Jo, who had been an Early Childhood Educator for over 7 years, taking her training at The Institute For Early Childhood Education and Developmental Services in Truro, Nova Scotia. Billie Jo has worked at Jack and Jill Nursery School, has done in-home childcare and has worked with the Salvation Army running Christmas Daddies.

She also enjoyed summer employment for many years at summer camp. As Early Learning Coordinator, Billie Jo can be seen at many of Family Matters literacy based programs like The Key to the Kingdom: Mother Goose ®, Writing Club for Children, and Book Club for Children. She is also the lead for Parent Time in Annapolis Royal and Middleton. Billie Jo is trained as a facilitator with Roots of Empathy.

Children's Programmer : Shelly Bent

Co-ordinates: Kindergarten Kids, Curious Kids, Circle of Friends Playgroup in Bridgetown, the Lending Library

Shelly joined the team in October 2006. She has been an Early Childhood Educator for over 8 years and completed Human Services at Middleton Community College.

Shelly got her Early Childhood Education equivalency through working for Middleton and District Daycare for 7 1/2 years and through attending various workshops and training. Shelly leads the two Curious Kids Programs in Annapolis and Middleton. Shelly is also a trained Doula and certified for Snap, Buckle, Drive.

Transportation Co-ordinator: Melanie Taylor

Co-ordinates: Transportation and Children's Programming

As the Transportation Coordinator, Melanie provides transportation to and from our Parent Time programs for participants who would not be able to attend the programs otherwise. She also assists Shelly in providing quality children's programming in Curious Kids & other programs. Melanie joined Family Matters as a staff member in September 2008, but was involved for many years previously as a parent and board member.

Book Keeper : Janice Fancey

Janice is the book keeper at Family Matters. She keeps us on track with the budget. Also, as an Early Childhood Educator, Janice helps with children’s programming during the busy times. Her positive attitude and laughter helps to keep Family Matters a positive place to be!