Our Board

Berry Family Child Care Society is a highly effective organization that is passionate about enriching the lives of children and families in North Vancouver. Our organizational structure is built on a foundation of the Berry Family Child Care Society’s core values, which are:

1) Communities are vital to the creation of a healthy children, families and society

2) Healthy families support the positive development of their children and the community at large

3) Children are worthy of the best possible care as they learn and develop within their community environment.

We are led by our founding members Cathi Wetsch and Rebecca Ashton, who are mature, highly skilled, and experienced professionals with a history of innovation, dedication, and success.  They are directly involved with each childcare centre and provide individualized mentorship to staff.  They ensure a personal connection with every child and family that attends our centres.  This commitment creates a sense of comfort and safety for our children and their families.

As a Board of Directors we are extremely passionate and invested in our desire to work with North Vancouver communities to create a childcare model that is of the highest quality.  We are proud to be collaborating with the North Vancouver School District in establishing a legacy of exceptional childcare centres within our schools.  Along with our founding member Cathi Wetsch, we as a Board of Directors feel being a part of this legacy is far more appealing and rewarding than any achievements that could be made as private sector business owners. As a non-profit society, we are not invested in childcare for financial gain, our profit lies in the positive attributes that are made and established in the lives of children, families, and the community.  We have outstanding skills and an unmatched work ethic.  We view all of our centres as true gifts that will support the families and schools in North Vancouver for generations to come.  We are honoured to be a part of so many children’s journeys.

OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Rebecca Lawson (Primary School Teacher / Special Needs)

Rosemary Westie (Financial Advisor)

Rosemary has worked in the financial services industry for over 38 years. She is a very warm and caring person who builds incredibly strong relationships with her clients, in fact through the years they have become more like family or special friends. As she has worked with her clients for several decades, her business has become multi-generational, in that Rosemary continues to work with her clients, their adult children, and their grandchildren. It speaks to the trust, dedication, and loyalty Rosemary shares with her clients, and everyone else in her life.

Rosemary is also a passionate supporter of the Save Your Skin Foundation, which was started by her sister Kathy Barnard – a melanoma survivor who was given 6 months to live back in 2003. It began with a few friends volunteering and working tirelessly to bring awareness to this terrible disease. Now, Save Your Skin Foundation (SYSF) is a national patient-led not-for-profit group dedicated to the fight against non-melanoma skin cancers, melanoma and ocular melanoma through nationwide education, advocacy, and awareness initiatives. Save Your Skin Foundation is committed to playing an active role in reducing the incidence of skin cancer in Canada, and to providing compassionate support for all Canadians living with skin cancers.

Rosemary is incredibly proud of her sister and the reach the Save Your Skin Foundation has right across the country.

When Rosemary isn’t working, you will find her in the beautiful trails of North Vancouver, running with friends. She has participated in many great running events around the world, the most profound being an 85k run across the beaches of Normandy France, on the 75th anniversary of D-Day.

With her daughter all grown-up, and with a strong team at work, Rosemary now finds herself with more time to start working within the community, so we are very pleased that she is bringing her knowledge, and work ethic to the Berry Family.

Dave Eletier

Dave is a dedicated banking professional with a rich career at BMO Financial Group, where he has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence and client service. Beyond his professional endeavors, Dave is deeply involved in his community, actively participating in various fundraising initiatives and local events. An avid cyclist and spin instructor, he channels his passion for fitness into organizing and leading charity rides, fostering both community spirit and support for meaningful causes.

Family plays a central role in Dave’s life. As a devoted husband, father, brother, and son, he cherishes quality time with his loved ones, often engaging in outdoor activities that promote health and togetherness. Dave’s multifaceted interests also include participating in endurance events like the Race Across America (RAAM) and the Canadian Ski Marathon (CSM), as well as holding certifications such as Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and an MBA. His diverse pursuits reflect a balanced dedication to personal growth, family, and community engagement.