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OUR TEAM

Lianne Backstrom

Director

Kirandeep Gill

Coordinator

I have worked with 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 a consultant and now as Acting Coordinator, 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.

Megan Dettling

Senior Consultant

I joined Southgate Medallion Family Day Homes since July. 2019.

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I graduated from Grant MacEwan’s ELCC 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.

Jordi Strem

Senior Consultant

Hello! My name is Jordi Strem and I’m excited to be on the SGM team!

 

I started out with a Bachelor of Elementary Education, minoring in Educational Psychology. I have worked in the Child Care field for over 10 years, including working as a Program Director for the YMCA. Most recently I worked as a Program Coordinator and Facilitator providing Early Childhood Educators with training about Infant, Early & Youth Mental Health.

 

My favourite part about working with children is watching their curiosity as they explore the world around them! Outside of work I stay busy with my 2 teenagers, 3 cats, and puppy. I love to read and cross-stitch in my “free time.”

Jalisa Handford

Consultant

I joined Southgate Medallion Family Day Homes in December 2024.

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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.

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My focus turned to raising my family as 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.

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As a consultant, I enjoy working with and mentoring the members of our team and meeting all the new families! 

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In my free time, I enjoy baking and watching reality shows.

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.

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 how 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.

Kirsten Smylie

Consultant

My passion for working with children began as a teenager. In 2017, I earned an ELCC diploma from MacEwan University.

 

I have continued supporting children's growth and development as a Childcare Centre Educator, Lead Educator, and Assistant Director. 

 

My journey through the Child Care field has been inspiring! Supporting children in their early years of development, while collaborating with families and educators, has been rewarding.

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In my spare time, I enjoy spending time outdoors, hiking with my husband, and taking time to be creative through different mediums such as art, music, and baking. I am also very much a Disney enthusiast.

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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.”

Mariam Hunter

Senior Consultant

Since joining Southgate Medallion Family Day Homes in September 2003, I have worked as an educator and as a consultant. During that time, I took a few years off to be at home with my three once young children through their elementary years. 

 

I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Family Studies. I love learning about family dynamics, our mental body and brains. My work has given me opportunities to coordinate community-based programs for the YWCA and the Family Centre, and the chance to work with Children with special needs, families in the military, families with new babies, and families with family services involvement.

 

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Nicole Sun

Consultant

I joined Southgate Medallion Family Day Homes in October 2021.

I graduated from Bow Valley College’s ELCC Program in 2017 and worked as an early childhood educator for four years.

I have two lovely young children. I love how children have a natural ability to find joy in simple things and approach life with a sense of playfulness. Their laughter and energy are contagious and endearing.

As a consultant, I enjoy helping educators create safe and nurturing environments where children feel secure and supported. I am passionate about inspiring children’s imagination and creativity through play and developing strong relationships with both children and families.

Lindsey Griffin

Financial Assistant

I joined the SGM agency in November 2024. I completed my Bachelor of Commerce degree in 2018 with a major in accounting. In the last ten years, I have worked in accounts payable,  accounts receivable and financial revenue departments.

 

I have a young daughter and puppy that keep me busy at home and I enjoy my time with my little family. I'm excited to be a part of the SGM team and look forward to the future with the agency.

© 2024 by Southgate Medallion Family Day Homes

Southgate Medallion acknowledges Treaty 6 territory—the ancestral and traditional territory of the Cree, Dene, Blackfoot, Saulteaux, Nakota Sioux, as well as the Métis. We acknowledge the many First Nations, Métis and Inuit whose footsteps have marked these lands for generations. 
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