Our History

Berry Family Child Care Society has evolved over the past 15 years into a highly respected and sought-after childcare program in North Vancouver.  The foundation of its success is based on the shared core values of founding members Cathi Wetsch and Rebecca Ashton.

Together they believe communities are vital to the creation of a healthy society, healthy families support the positive development of their children and the community at large, and all children are worthy of the best possible care as they learn and develop within their local community.

Cathi and Rebecca’s relationship began in 2008 at Huckleberries, a Multi Age Family Child Care Centre, which Cathi opened in her home to care for Rebecca’s two boys alongside her own boys and other community children.  It was during this time that their friendship flourished, and they discovered a shared motivation to establish an inclusive society where all children belong and where the unique characteristics of nature are honoured and preserved.  Together they cultivated long standing relationships and trusted partnerships within the North Vancouver School District communities, which allowed for the eventual expansion of the “Berry Family” programs to include Sunberries, Elderberries and Mulberries, Before and After School Care Programs.  These centres were embedded within school communities to provide a strong structural framework for the eventual emergence of the Berry Family Child Care Society.  This localized framework, along with Cathi and Rebecca’s hands-on approach to management and mentorship of loyal and highly educated staff, has led to many advantages for the children, families, communities, and environment of North Vancouver.

It was not long until The North Vancouver School District recognized the Berry Family Child Care Society’s exemplary commitment to child care and offered a partnership to open a flagship child care centre within Dorothy Lynas Elementary.

Berry Family Child Care Society continues to respond to families’ requests by offering early dismissal pick up, professional development, winter, spring, and summer camps, as well as increased outdoor adventures which now include remote forest and Indigenous learning experiences at Wolfberries.  They are continually humbled by the trust parents put in them and honoured to be given the opportunity to be a part of so many children’s journeys.