Executive Director: Wendy Knowlton

Miss Wendy was born and raised in Annapolis County.  After completing a Bachelor of Arts at Mount Saint Vincent University, she worked in hotels and casinos across the country. 

Wendy returned to school to take a Human Services Diploma specializing in Addictions Counselling at the Nova Scotia Community College.  She has worked in community development in Annapolis County since then. 

Wendy has a wonderful partner and beautiful daughter along with several four legged family members.

Outreach Co-ordinator: Denise Naugler

Miss Denise has a diploma in Early Childhood Education and has been working in the field for most of her career. You can find Miss Denise at many Family Matters Programs, including Kindergarten Kids, Outreach Playgroups, and Adult Craft Club. 

With her passion for books and reading, Miss Denise can be found reading to the grade primary classes around the Annapolis County, and also coordinating the Scholastic Book Order.  Family Matters is the Hub of Roots of Empathy® in the Annapolis Valley Regional School Board district, with Miss Denise as the KPP (Key Point Person) as well as facilitating 2 Roots of Empathy® programs. 

In addition, she is a Tumblebugs Train the Trainer, You Make the Difference leader, Jump Jiggle Jive facilitator and a car seat technician.

Early Learning Co-ordinator: Billie Jo Weir

Miss Billie Jo has a diploma in Early Childhood Education with over 11 years of experience in the field.  You can find her at many Family Matters Programs including, Mother Goose, Kindergarten Kids with Miss Denise, Children’s Book Club, Children’s Craft Club, Active Living Club, Evening Playgroup in Lawrencetown, Cornwallis Playgroup, and Special Events. 

She is the breast pump loan program coordinator and the Learning Language and Loving It® Facilitator.  She is also a facilitator for Roots of Empathy® Jump Jiggle Jive, Tumblebugs and You Make the  Difference.™

Children's Programmer : Shelly Bent

Miss Shelly joined the team in October 2006.  She has been an Early Childhood Educator for over 13 years.  After completing Human Services at the NSCC in Middleton, she continued on to receive her Early Childhood Education equivalency. 

Miss Shelly takes the lead on many children’s programs at Family Matters, including Curious Kids, Kindergarten Kids Siblings and the Lawrencetown playgroup. 

She assists Miss Billie Jo with Mother Goose, Children’s Craft Club, Book Club and Active Living Club.  Miss Shelly is also a trained doula and a car seat technician.

Transportation Co-ordinator: Melanie Taylor

Miss Melanie was born and raised in Middleton N.S. She has a wonderful husband and 2 beautiful children.

She attended Family Matters as a participant when her kids were younger.After they started school Melanie joined our family Matters team. By transporting participants who are unable to commute to our programs and working with Shelly in the childcare room.

Melanie has enjoyed learning and watching the children grow and being a part of their lives for the past 5 years.

Janice Fancey

Miss Janice has a diploma in Early Childhood Education with over 20 years of experience in the field.   You can find her facilitating the adult programs at Family Matters Programs including Parent Time, Kindergarten Kids with adults, and Adult Book Club.

She facilitates the parenting programs Kids Have Stress Too and the Incredible Years.  She is trained in the Mothers’ Mental Health Toolkit and Teacher Talk. 

Miss Janice also enjoys facilitating Roots of Empathy®.

Kerri MacAulay

Miss Kerri has a diploma in Early Childhood Education, with over nine years experience in the field. She is passionate about continually upgrading her skills and knowledge as an educator and loves being a mom. 

You can find Miss Kerri travelling the roads supporting care providers and the families they work within our approved Family Home Daycares. 

With her years of experience working within the field and her belief that it takes a community to raise a child, she works to connect families, care providers and our numerous community partners to support building happy, healthy families in Annapolis County and beyond.