The Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Dana Bernhardt as Executive Director at Emmanuel at Brighton Child Care Centre. Dana will start her role as Executive Director on April 6, 2020.
Dana is a visionary and people-focused leader with the ability to provide strategic oversight, leadership, and support. Dana currently serves as Director of Operations, Child Care at the YMCAs of Cambridge & Kitchener-Waterloo where she has developed strategic work plans, provided coaching to supervisors, and developed strong partnerships with employees and community members.
Dana has previously held supervisory roles at the Region of Waterloo where, in part, she coordinated and implemented Raising the Bar. Dana has also worked as Supervisor at Moppet Parent Participating Preschool and spent nearly ten years as an educator at Waterloo Infant Toddler Daycare Association and Owl Child Care Services.
A dedicated lifelong learner, Dana has been a RECE since 1998, holds an Honours Bachelor of Applied Science Degree in Early Childhood Studies from Guelph-Humber, and completed her Master of Education at Wilfrid Laurier University in 2019.
The Board is confident that Dana’s leadership, commitment to employee engagement and wealth of experience will support the Centre’s work in fulfilling the strategic plan and that she will be a valuable addition to the team.
The entire Board would also like to extend our gratitude to Kelly Birch-Baker for her leadership and contributions in fulfilling aspects of the ED role as part of the interim leadership plan. Her work in supporting employees, children and parents has been so greatly appreciated. We know that her passion and commitment will continue to support the Centre in meaningful ways in her continued role as Director of Operations, and we look forward to seeing her continued impact as the strategic plan is brought to life.
Eve Nadler
Board Chair, Emmanuel at Brighton Childcare Centre