Our Team
Berry Family Child Care Society takes the recruitment, screening, and interview process of our staff very seriously. We believe thoughtful consideration for employment, support and retention of staff ensures the continued success of our early year’s program. Our founding members work alongside staff with positivity and enthusiasm which has earned them a great deal of respect within the childcare industry. They meet regularly to reflect with staff members about their ongoing performance, discuss areas for improvement and plan individual professional development goals to enhance their skills and knowledge. Diversity in staff is recognized and valued. Each staff member brings unique gifts which are honoured and shared with the children and families we serve. At Berry Family Child Care Society, we believe an environment that attracts and retains dedicated and qualified staff leads to exceptional care for children. Retention of staff is crucial for providing structural stability for our programs and families and is essential in maintaining connected relationships with children.
Cathi
Cathi is a founding member of the Berry Family Child Care Society. She is compassionate, honest, highly motivated and patient with a history of innovation and dedication.
She has been working on the North shore with children and families for over 20 years, both in administrative and teaching roles.
She received her Early Childhood Teaching degree in 1992 from Christchurch Teachers College in New Zealand, as well as her Early Childhood Education Degree with, Infant, Toddler and Special Needs Certification from Capilano University in 1993.
Cathi continuously reflects on her practices and is always expanding her knowledge and skills.
She is passionate about nature, our connection to the land, environmental sustainability, as well as Indigenous teachings.
She is responsible for overseeing all programming and mentoring the staff at Berry Family Child Care Society.
Cathi is a visionary in the child care industry and is the Heart and Soul of the Berry Family. She has a work ethic that is unmatched. Her unwavering commitment to quality childcare is the legacy that we at Berry Family Child Care Society strive to create for our community each and every day.
Cathi lives with her husband, two sons and their three dogs. When she is not trail running or hiking you can find her in her garden or a hockey arena.
Rebecca
Rebecca is a founding member of the Berry Family Child Care Society. She is focused, organized, highly motivated, creative, and passionate with a history of success.
For the past 25 years, she has been self-employed as an Interior Designer and Construction Project Manager. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in budgeting, project implementation, scheduling, licensing and inspections.
She is passionate about supporting parents so that they can find balance both professionally and personally. She is an outside the box thinker and community cultivator. She is a fierce advocate for all children with unique gifts.
Rebecca supports the wonderful team of educators at Berry Family Child Care society, Liaison’s between Vancouver Coastal Health, the District of North Vancouver and the North Vancouver School District.
The Berry Family children enrich her life in incredible ways and words can not express how extremely lucky she feels to be by Cathi’s side.
Rebecca lives with her husband and two sons and loves to spend time in the kitchen cooking for her family or hiking with their Australian Labradoodle Cedar.
Antonia
Olá, tudo bem? (Hi there)
My name is Antonia Cecília Oliveira, and I am an Educator on the Berry Family Team.
I was born in the northeast of Brazil, Paraíba, but I moved to São Paulo when I still was a
little child, one of the largest and most important Brazilian cities and I lived there for almost
my entire life.
I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Pedagogy, and I also studied Psychology, and today I am
looking to further improve my background by studying Early Childhood Care and Education
at Capilano University.
I have worked in the education field for over 6 years, and I have worked with different age
groups, from Preschool to Middle School, also I have been working with children with
disabilities and cognitive difficulties.
I always dreamed of working in education, due to the influence I had from my grandmother
who was a teacher, and since then, everything related to reading, studying, and discovering
new cultures has become my passion, which is why I love traveling with my husband and
discovery new places and new experiences, and during one of our trips to London and
Portugal, I decided that I would like to live in a place where I could be more in touch with
nature and still be able to continue studying something that I love so much and Canada it was
my choice.
Toby
Hey there my name is Toby Clark! I have been living in North Vancouver for over a decade & now aim on giving back to the community. I have been involved in Pedalheads and Rec Centre Camps over the years and love being surrounded and part of childrens energy. In my off work hours I am attending school for Photography and love to help people and companies capture that special moment. I am very excited to be apart of this team and to be a part of the family!
Julia
Julia has been living and working on the North Shore for the past 15 years. She immigrated to Canada when she fell in love with our beautiful city.
Julia graduated from Capilano University in 2017 with an Early Childhood Education, Special Needs and Infant Toddler degree. Since then, she has had the opportunity to work in a variety of childcare settings.
Julia has a family of her own with two children, age four and ten. Being a mom herself, she recognizes the value of a loving, quality childcare environment. This is what she saw in the Berry Family centres, and why she was so keen to join our team. Julia looks at all children as full of potential and creativity with a love of learning together.
She approaches each day as a new adventure. She thoughtfully prepares rich early learning experiences that honour the unique growth of all children holistically.
She uses everyday moments to inquire and wonder and encourage children to explore their interests.
She has a big heart and warm smile that sets each child at ease when they arrive at the centre. Julia loves to explore the outdoors while going camping, hiking or walking with her dog.