Serving the Edmonton area since 1982
OUR TEAM
Joyce Backstrom
Co-owner/Co-Director
Co-owner/Co-Director
- BSc in Family Studies, University of Alberta
- Diploma in Nursing
- Mother of 5, grandmother of 18, great grandmother of 1.
- Former president Edmonton Local Council of Women and ELCW’s current annual service project coordinator.
- Joined with partner Carole Kosteriva in 1982 to start SMFDH.
- "This Agency makes every effort to find and support excellent providers who will meet each child’s needs."
Carole Kosteriva
Co-owner/Co-Director
Co-owner/Co-Director
- My training in nursing, social work and adult education has supported my involvement in the child care field.
- Experiences and relationships developed in raising six children (fourteen grandchildren and eight great grandchildren) while associating with a group of women who represent many countries of the world has made Family Child Care a very enjoyable venture.
-"I feel strongly that the support of and for Day Home providers strengthens our communities."
Amy Allaby
Coordinator
I bring a deep passion for music and child development to early childhood education. By age 16, I earned my Grade 8 Music/Theory Diploma from the Royal Conservatory and began teaching music while working as a nanny. I later operated an accredited Reggio Emilia-based dayhome, taught music, and earned my Early Learning and Childcare Diploma from Bow Valley College, along with completing the FLIGHT curriculum course at MacEwan University.
In 2018, I transitioned into a management role at the YMCA, further expanding my skills. Over the past 22 years, I've worked with organizations like Genesis (100 Voices Program), ARQUE, AHS Early Literacy Programs, and Kepler Academy, among others.
Outside of work, I enjoy outdoor activities and family game nights with my husband and three children. I look forward to collaborating with staff, educators, and families to create a nurturing environment for children.
Kirandeep Gill
Assistant Coordinator
I have worked with the Southgate Medallion Family Day Homes since October 2018.
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I graduated from Grant MacEwan in Early Learning and Child Care in 2015.
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I worked as an early childhood educator for 3 years.
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As an consultant, I enjoy working with educators. I love helping educators to provide the best care through best practices in their day home and to keep children safe and healthy.
Lynne Kosteriva
Financial Manager
I originally joined Southgate Family Day Homes as a provider. In 1990, I started working in the office and became a member of the management team in 2012.
I have a Medical Secretary Certificate from Grant MacEwan University, courses in psychology & business and an Accounting Diploma from Grant MacEwan University.
My favorite part of my job is the opportunity to work with great people. I like that there is something new to learn every day.
Megan Dettling
Consultant
I have been working at Southgate Medallion Family Day Homes since July. 2019.
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I graduated from Grant MacEwan’s Early Learning and Child Care Program in 2013.
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I love my role as a consultant, supporting Educators in providing high quality childcare. I believe we should always be growing and learning. I enjoy continuing my Education. I love that as a consultant I get to build relationships with so many Educators who teach me so many beautiful things!
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I have two beautiful children that I love dearly and in my free time I love to draw, paint and do anything crafty.
Stephanie Eke
Consultant
I have been a consultant with the agency since Sept 2021
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My name is Stephanie. I am really excited to join Southgate Medallion Family Day Home Agency as a Consultant. I have a B.A in Education and MGS in Gerontology.
Having worked in the field of childcare as an educator for over 12 years, I have interacted with and supported children and families from diverse backgrounds.
I love exploring the world through the eyes and natural curiosity of children, reading, walking, and watching movies.
Jennie Nguyen
Consultant
I have been working with Southgate Medallion Family Day Homes since 2019.
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I love the natural curiosity of children and that they are always ready to explore their world with joy and enthusiasm.
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My favourite quote about children is “Children are the world’s most valuable resource and its best hope for the future”.
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As a day home consultant, I enjoy interacting with the children during my visits and supporting educators in order to meet the day home standards.
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I am also a proud momma of two lovely boys. My hobbies are travelling, shopping and spending times with my family.
Jalisa Handford
Consultant
I have been working at Southgate Medallion Family Day Homes since December 2024.
I began my career in Early Childhood in 2011, working in a large daycare centre. I have a Bachelor of Education, and my level 3 certification.
My focus turned to raising my family and being a stay-at-home Mom when Covid started. I have been married for over 10 years now and we have four children together, 2 boys and 2 girls.
As a consultant, I enjoy working with and mentoring the members of our team and meeting all the new families!
In my free time, I enjoy baking and watching reality shows
Mariam Hunter
Consultant
A few years ago I was a consultant with Southgate Medallion Family Day Homes, but I took some time off to spend with my children and family.
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I have three children of my own and love to spend time with them, especially outdoors. I love to be creative, organize anything and eat chocolate!
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I am looking forward to getting to know everyone again and becoming reacquainted with those I knew before.
I am excited to be back with Southgate Medallion Family Day Homes.
Lisa Kosteriva
Receptionist/ Administrative Assistant
I joined the agency in January 2017.
I received my Level 1 in child care in 2003 and worked at a daycare. I have since then earned my Level 2 in insurance and worked at an insurance agency for 2 years.
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I’m going to enjoy working with providers and parents and being part of the team here at Southgate Medallion Family Day Homes.”
