Celebrating Our Board of Directors: Welcoming Jennifer and Maria to ABC Head Start Society
At ABC Head Start Society, our Board of Directors plays an integral role in guiding our mission of empowering children and families through early learning and development programs. These dedicated volunteers bring their expertise, passion, and commitment to help us achieve our vision: ensuring all children have equal access to a full and successful life. These individuals bring diverse professional and personal backgrounds to the table, working collaboratively to ensure the success and sustainability of our programs. Their efforts extend beyond governance and strategy—they are champions of our mission to raise families out of poverty and help children harness their superpowers to conquer hardships and live their best lives. Today, we’re excited to shine a light on their contributions while warmly welcoming two remarkable new members to the team: Jennifer Baeta and Maria Bans-Russo.
Meet Our New Board Members: Jennifer and Maria
We’re thrilled to welcome Jennifer Baeta and Maria Bans-Russo to the ABC Head Start Society Board of Directors. Both bring unique perspectives and invaluable experience that will enrich our work and strengthen our organization.
Jennifer Baeta: A Champion for Early Childhood Education
Jennifer’s passion for early childhood education stems from her belief in the transformative power of the early years in shaping a child’s development. She was inspired to pursue a career in education after witnessing the positive impact that supportive and nurturing classroom environments can have on young children, particularly those from lower-income communities and families new to Canada. With years of experience as an educator and leader, Jennifer has dedicated her career to advocating for young learners and supporting teachers. Her deep commitment to holistic development and social-emotional learning aligns seamlessly with ABC Head Start’s mission.
Reflecting on what drew her to join ABC Head Start, Jennifer shared:
"The Reggio Emilia philosophy, with its focus on child-led learning and creativity, has naturally drawn me to ABC Head Start, where these values are central to fostering growth and development in young children. I am excited to contribute to an organization that makes such a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families."
Jennifer also highlighted the importance of social-emotional learning as a cornerstone of early education:
"Social-emotional learning helps children develop empathy, self-regulation, and problem-solving skills—critical tools for success not only in school but throughout life. By creating nurturing and supportive environments, we can help children build the confidence and resilience they need to navigate the world."
Her dedication to fostering growth in children and supporting educators reflects her compassionate approach, inspired by her own Grade 3 teacher, Mrs. Heller, who made every student feel valued and understood. Jennifer’s thoughtful leadership and unwavering commitment will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the children and families served by ABC Head Start.
Maria Bans-Russo: A Visionary with a Global Perspective
Maria’s journey to ABC Head Start began as a parent seeking the best possible environment for her neurodivergent child. Her personal experience with the program’s compassionate and inclusive approach inspired her to become a donor and, eventually, a member of the Board. With a professional background in finance and extensive experience living and working in different countries, Maria brings a global perspective and a wealth of knowledge to ABC Head Start.
Maria’s connection to ABC Head Start was meaningful as she shared:
"Being a parent in the neurodivergent world, I realized that ABC Head Start is a space where you can openly be yourself, ask questions without judgment, and feel validated. The commitment of the staff to children and their families is unparalleled. I knew this was where my child needed to be, and I wanted to support the organization in any way I could."
Her experiences have shaped her vision for building inclusive, cross-cultural programs that meet families where they are and create opportunities for all children to thrive. Maria emphasized:
"Being from a diverse background myself, and having had the opportunity to be exposed to different cultures has impacted my vision and my understanding towards others. It's imperative to continue striving for a cross-cultural program, to reach all communities and ensure all children have equal opportunities. Setting up a child for success is only possible with collaborative work, openness, when we are able to meet in the middle, and move forward together.”
Maria’s financial expertise and dedication to efficiency will help ABC Head Start navigate funding challenges and ensure the delivery of high-quality services to the families who need them most. Her unique perspective as both a parent and professional adds tremendous value to the Board.
Fun Facts About Jennifer and Maria
To help you get to know our new Board members better, we asked them a few fun questions:
1. What’s a favorite book from your childhood that you’ve shared with your kids?
Jennifer: The Little Critters series. It’s been such a joy to see my own children connect with the stories I loved as a child. We often have great conversations about the lessons from the books and the connections we can make to our own lives. It's a wonderful feeling to share those stories and see how they resonate with the next generation.
Maria: The Swallow and the Tomcat: A Love Story by Jorge Amado.
2. Who was your favorite teacher growing up?
Jennifer: Mrs. Heller, my Grade 3 teacher. She made every student feel valued and was so caring and compassionate. I’ve always believed in the saying, “People will not remember what you said, but they will always remember how you made them feel,” and it truly applies to Mrs. Heller. Her ability to make each student feel seen and supported is what made her stand out, and I carry those lessons with me in my own teaching journey.
Maria: My elementary teacher, Ms. Julia Maria. She was kind, engaging and sincere. I still remember her playing with my hairband with her pointer stick, sitting at her desk and the smell of her hand cream, very grateful to have had her as my teacher for 4 years.
3. When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Jennifer: From a very young age, I knew I wanted to be a teacher, and my passion for education has only grown since then. However, this career has come with its fair share of challenges, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. Over time, I’ve channeled this passion into a leadership role, where I now focus on supporting and advocating for teachers in the schools I lead. Being an advocate for teachers is one of my proudest accomplishments, as I deeply believe in the importance of supporting educators so they can, in turn, support their students.
Maria: I had my dreams, like all children do, but the one that my parents always remind me of was my dream of becoming a photographer in conflict zones around the world. I believe that was the only time I was told to go reflect, and to come back with a different idea.
Now in all seriousness, my absolute dream since I was a child was to be a mother, for which I am grateful to have achieved with my 3 beautiful and perfect troublemakers.
Looking Ahead: Building Brighter Futures Together
As Jennifer and Maria join our Board of Directors, we are reminded of the incredible power of collaboration and community. Their unique perspectives, skills, and dedication will help ABC Head Start Society continue its journey of empowering children and families. Together, we will expand our reach, strengthen our programs, and build a brighter future for every child in our care.
We are grateful for the commitment of all our Board members, past and present, who have shaped the legacy of ABC Head Start Society. With your support, we will continue to make a difference—one child, one family, and one community at a time.
Welcome, Jennifer and Maria! We are excited to have you on this journey with us.