Our Leadership Team

Our Leadership Team is a passionate group of professionals dedicated to advancing our mission of empowering children and families.

With diverse expertise in early childhood education, family support, community engagement, and non-profit management, our leadership team works collaboratively to create and sustain programs that make a meaningful impact. Guided by our values of inclusion, respect, and innovation, our leadership team is committed to fostering a nurturing and supportive environment for every child and family we serve. Their vision and dedication ensure that ABC Head Start Society continues to grow and evolve, providing the highest quality services to those who need them most.

Photo: ABC Head Start Leadership Team, 2024

  • Erin’s purpose is to empower others to realize their ambitions and unlock their potential. She thrives on creating meaningful connections founded on shared values, resulting in collective success. This passion drew her to ABC Head Start Society, in an interim role and she will steward the organization in April’s absence.

    Erin has over 20 years of experience in marketing, communications, fund development and strategy and has held senior and executive-level roles in the financial services, non-profit, charitable and economic development sectors.

    Most recently, she was the Vice President, Marketing & Community Relations for Edmonton Unlimited where she was responsible for positioning Edmonton’s municipal economic development agency locally to innovators and partners, and globally to innovative markets and investors. Prior to that, she was the Vice President of Fund Development at the YMCA of Northern Alberta, overseeing the fundraising efforts of nearly 2,000 staff and volunteers. These efforts supported community programming in Northern Alberta and Bogota, Colombia.

    Erin holds an undergraduate degree in business and a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from Royal Roads University, with a focus on leadership, communication, and culture. She also has a Graduate Certificate in Values-Based Leadership and a Graduate Certificate in Professional Communication Management from Royal Roads University.

  • April is deeply honoured to steward ABC Head Start’s continued legacy of strengthening families and communities since 1985. She has a Master of Arts in Global Leadership (community development stream) and a background as an artist-educator in pre-school and K-12 classrooms.

    April has personally engaged more than a thousand children across seven Alberta school districts, using arts-based teaching methods to help disengaged students access the Alberta curriculum. She also facilitated preschool programs and training for certified teachers before moving into leadership in 2013.

    April is certified as an Inclusive Employer (2018) and her approach to leadership is human-centred and collaborative. In 2021, she was featured as one of Edmonton’s “most exceptional community and business leaders” in Edify Magazine’s Top 40 Under 40.

    Since 2017, April has enjoyed coordinating the collective genius of ABC’s staff team and forging partnerships that strengthen communities and advance social inclusion.

Senior Management

  • Kim Brousseau joined the ABC Head Start team as Program Operations Manager in 2021. Kim began her career by earning a Bachelor of Elementary Education from the University of Alberta and has been working with children ever since. During the past 25 years Kim has worked with children in a variety of capacities, including teaching in the classroom, coaching children with disabilities, and supporting children with disabilities find respite staff to help them access the community. Before having her daughter 8 years ago, Kim spent close to 10 years managing a Head Start Program in Edmonton, and eventually working as the director for their Early Learning division. Those years with Head Start stayed close to her heart, and she is thrilled to have an opportunity to share those skills and passions with ABC Head Start!

  • Jennifer Hawryluk started with the agency in 2019 as the Early Learning Childcare Director where she successfully earned her Childcare Assistant Certificate, got acquainted with Flight Curriculum and supported the Centre to become an accredited childcare facility.  Jennifer’s natural passion for people and experience in Human Resources soon found her back in an HR role with ABC Head Start in 2020. Prior to working for ABC Head Start, Jennifer had 13 years experience working in the Human Resource field in medical and food industry companies.  Jennifer completed her Diploma in Medical Administration and Disability Management Certificate.  She is currently working toward her Human Resource designation. Jennifer’s focus is on helping people be successful in a career they are passionate about.

  • Monica is a CPA Candidate who completed her Business Administration studies in Argentina and Canada and has over two decades of experience in the financial, administrative and systems fields serving financial institutions and trust organizations. She is an analytical thinker who offers a unique blend of leadership, vision, and knowledge.

    Her contribution for many years at schools as a member of their parent councils and treasurer contributed to her learning of the intricate financial and administrative processes in the education sector. In 2019 her background and passion for helping the non-profit sector brought her to ABC Head Start. Monica’s mission is to create the administrative foundation that successfully supports the work of ABC’s team.

  • Laura Walker, U of A alum (B.Comm) and a designated professional accountant (CGA) discovered her love of the Not-For-Profit world accidentally when, after the birth of her second child and the desire to spend more time with her children, she accepted a role as a part-time secretary for St. Clare Catholic Church. She immersed herself in this role and became fascinated by the idea of an organization existing solely for the purpose of helping others.

    Over the years she worked, in some capacity, for several other charities and soon realized she wanted a place of employment where she was not simply on the sidelines but could be an integral part in shaping and growing an organization.

    In August of 2015 she was hired as the Finance Manager for ABC Head Start Society. In addition to diligently streamlining procedures, creating clean and accurate financial records, and providing relevant financial reporting to stakeholders, Laura has played an intrinsic role in substantial agency changes. She is truly excited about the future of a strong and diverse ABC Head Start family.

  • Megan is a go-getter who believes that every day is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact. As a charismatic communicator and organized strategist, she wakes up each morning fueled by coffee and a passion for connecting with others to drive positive change in the community.

    As the new Manager of Partnerships & Engagement at ABC Head Start Society, Megan is looking forward to building meaningful relationships. With over a decade of experience in marketing, communications, and fundraising, she has a proven track record of leading successful initiatives. From orchestrating public events to executing innovative marketing campaigns and launching awareness initiatives in both the private and public sectors, her efforts have always been focused on creating a lasting impact.

    Her knack for storytelling allows her to highlight the transformative experiences of families served by ABC Head Start, making fundraising efforts resonate with diverse audiences. She excels at cultivating connections with individual donors, corporate sponsors, and community organizations, ensuring that every initiative aligns with the organization’s mission.

    With a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and a Diploma in Professional Writing from MacEwan University, Megan combines her skills in both traditional and digital marketing, as well as communications and public relations, to enhance visibility and engagement. She’s not just about achieving goals; she’s about building a collaborative environment where every team member thrives.

    When she’s not at work, you’ll find Megan with her young family, exploring the community and sharing inspiring stories that spark enthusiasm and connection. She’s excited to embark on this journey with ABC Head Start Society, working together to create a brighter future for families in need.

Extended Leadership Team

Betsy Rodriguez (Program Supervisor for Mill Woods Town Centre)

Jessica Wolski (Program Supervisor for West Edmonton)

Sonia Smart-Lyons (Curriculum Lead and Program Supervisor for Millbourne Market Mall)

Hoang (Jessica) Do (Early Learning and Care Supervisor)

Teri-Lyn Grandmaison (HR Coordinator)

Lyn MacDonald (Payroll and Finance Coordinator)

Graciela Morales (Research & Evaluation Coordinator)

Prasanna Nandyala (IT Coordinator & Privacy Officer)