Governance
Leanne Fletcher, Executive Director
Leanne joined Point Pleasant in December of 2000. She began her journey as an Educator in the Toddler room at Ogilvie. She eventually became the Inclusion Coordinator for several years before moving in to the position of Assistant Director. Leanne completed the Early Childhood Administration course at MSVU in 2013-14. She is now the Executive Director of Point Pleasant Child Care Centre, a role that allows her to continue to proudly support ECE’s in their practice and to fulfill her dedication to providing inclusive, quality care for children and their families.
Board of Directors:
Sam Veres, Chairperson
Sam Veres is an Associate Professor in the Division of Engineering at St Mary’s, and also holds an adjunct appointment in the school of Biomedical Engineering at Dalhousie. In additional to teaching undergraduate engineering courses, he also supervises Masters and PhD Students undertaking Biomechanics and biomaterial-based research projects. At home, he loves engaging in his favorite activities with son Vaughn: cooking, baking, gardening, and reading.
Mairead Barry, Parent Representative
Mairead is a PPCCC parent and is part of Halifax Public Libraries senior leadership team. She believes that people are at the heart of all that we do and when we support each individual our community will thrive. Mairead has committed her career to helping university students at St Fx and Dalhousie University to reach their potential and now works with the public library system to identify and respond to community needs, ideas, and hopes. Fun facts—amateur baker/mother of one spunky 3 year old/indie rock listener/bread lover/traveler.
Bronwyn Burke, Parent Representative
Bronwyn is a Partner at PwC (Consulting) and Certified Executive Coach. She has a long-standing interest in early childhood development and education more generally, and is excited to be participating on the Board of Directors. Bronwyn is a full-time single parent to her sons Jack (LMST) and Charlie (PPCCC), and loves spending time at home in the kitchen, outdoors, and exploring all things science.
Marla Douglas, Parent Representative
Marla has spent most of her working life at SMU and is so happy that her son is here on campus with her! She is the Assistant Registrar, Student Finances and is passionate about the role financial literacy can play on a student’s overall success and engagement. Marla has a Masters of Business Administration from Saint Mary’s University. The Point Pleasant Child Care Centre has been such a positive experience for her whole family that she looks forward to contributing in any way possible.
Brandt Krause, Parent Representative
Brandt is a proud parent of two PPCCC attendees. He is relatively new to Halifax, having grown up in Saskatchewan before spending time in Calgary and the United Arab Emirates. Brandt is a Chartered Public Accountant with almost 20 years of professional finance experience across various industries. He enjoys music, cooking and time outdoors, especially with his family.
Kieu MacLellan, Parent Representative
Kieu MacLellan graduated from Saint Mary’s University with a Bachelor of Commerce and a major in Finance. Starting her career in the Tourism and Hospitality industry as the Promotions and Event Manager at The Palace and Halifax Alehouse. Kieu then joined the Food and Beverage team at Casino Nova Scotia opening Governor’s Grill. In 2005, Kieu began her Event Management career with the Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia – TIANS – where she spent twelve years managing one of the largest tourism industry conferences and a variety of industry programs and partnerships. Currently Kieu is an Account Manager at VERB Interactive, a digital marketing agency focussed on the Tourism and Hospitality sector.
Katie McGarrigle, Parent Representative
Katie currently lives in Halifax with her husband Matt and daughter Rory. She is the Stewardship Officer at Saint Mary's University. Her connection to Saint Mary's and being a parent of a child at the centre lead to her involvement with the PPCCC board. She has previously volunteered her time coaching youth basketball with various organizations in the HRM, after playing varsity basketball at her alma mater Cape Breton University. As a parent of PPCCC, she feels like it is her obligation to give back to an organization that is giving her family so much.
Jana Miller, Parent Representative
Jana is a parent at Point Pleasant Child Care Centre and is serving her first term on the Board. She previously worked at a digital marketing agency for 11 years where she held a number of positions, including Art Director. Jana earned a bachelor of Arts from Acadia University and attended Sheridan College post graduate studies in web design.
Tina Murphy Hannem, Staff Representative
Tina joined PPCCC in 2007 and has worked at every site and with each age group. She serves on the auction committee and was facility supervisor during her time at the Infant site. Tina is valued for her ability to organize and is extremely resourceful. She has a passion for collecting sea glass and transforming the glass into unique art.
Ariane Savi, Parent Representative
Ariane has a diverse background, with more than ten years experience in the creative field. She holds a bachelor degree in Industrial Design and some of her experiences include designing public spaces and consumer goods. While working as an Industrial Design consultant, she is also part of the Local Immigration Partnership Program funded by IRCC which is a project meant to make Halifax a welcoming place for all immigrants. Ariane has lived in five countries and she knows what it is to be a new face in different cultures. Being part of PPCCC board to her means to make sure excellent care for the children in the center continues to be a priority.
Bryan Shaban, Parent Representative
Bryan Shaban is a Senior Underwriter for Travelers Canada, and is a husband and father of 2. Bryan is a graduate of Saint Mary's Universitys Sobey School of Business and has completed a number of risk management courses through the University of Toronto. Previous to his time as an underwriter, Bryan spent time in Sales and Marketing managing Atlantic Canada for a large consumer packaged goods company. When not working, Bryan spends his time with his two young children exploring all the great things the Maritimes has to offer.
Kelly Tomes, Staff Representative
Kelly has been working for PPCCC since 2013. She has worked at all three locations over the years, working with amazing Educators in our three Toddler classrooms. Kelly holds a diploma in Early Childhood Education and graduated from the Continuing Education program at Mount Saint Vincent University in 2019. She served a three-year term as Staff Representative to the Board of Directors and now assumes the role of Assistant Director-Program. Kelly takes great pride in supporting the children and families of PPCCC and is passionate when it comes to mentoring her fellow Early Childhood Educators.
Brendal Townsend, Parent Representative
Brendal is an inspiration for all of those who care about the ocean. Her relentless dedication to ocean conservation and management is rooted in an appreciation for the fragile ecosystem. Before taking on her role as Senior Program Manager at OTN, Brendal spent years developing a passion for marine conservation. She worked as an active dive instructor in Central America, as Lab Manager for Boris Worm Marine Conservation Biology Group, and a Scientific Coordinator for the Transatlantic Ocean System Science and Technology Program. She received her Master of Marine Management degree at Dalhousie University in 2011. She remains active in the scientific and outreach community though keynote presentations, lectures and community programs.