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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."

Emma Dajavs

Coordinator

I have been working at Southgate Medallion Family Day Home Agency since September 2019.

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I have over 17 years experience of working in the Early Childhood sector, both in the UK and in Canada.  I have my degree in Early Years from Worcester University.

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In my role as Coordinator I enjoy mentoring day home educators, supporting families and fostering a collaborative teamwork approach within the agency.

Jennie Nguyen

Consultant

I have been working at Southgate Medallion Family Day Home Agency since May 2019

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I have graduated from Early Learning and Child Care Diploma Program in 2014 at Grant MacEwan University. I have been working in the child care field for over 6 years with different age groups in various positions.

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I am enjoying my roles as a Day Home Consultant in mentoring and supporting my day home providers to provide a quality care for children and families. I highly value the providers, the children and the families’ perspectives as well as their skills, talents, traditions and experiences. I am proud to be part of our agency!

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. 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!  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.

Kirandeep Gill

Senior Consultant

I started working with Southgate Medallion Family Day Homes in 2018.

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I graduated in 2015 with Diploma in Early Learning and Child Care from MacEwan University. I have 3 years experience working with children.

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I love spending time with children and watch them grow. I am passionate about supporting the providers in providing quality child care.

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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.

Aleysha Lail

Consultant

I come from an early childhood educator background. I worked at the University Infant Toddler Center for 7 years while also
finishing my degree at the University of Alberta; majoring in Psychology years ago. Currently I am taking the Graduate Certificate in Educational Studies focusing on Early Childhood Education. I am hoping to use this as a steppingstone into my
masters.
I love helping children grow and explore their culture, surroundings, and beliefs.

I am excited to be working at Southgate Medallion Day homes and I am looking forward to getting to know the team, the educators, children, and their
parents/guardians.

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.

Tadelech Midaksa

Consultant

I have worked at the agency since June 2021​

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My Name is Tadelech Midaksa. I have two beautiful children who put a smile on my face. I have worked in childcare for 12 years as early childhood educator. Proud is how I feel when I share with you that I was a recipient of 2018 for Prime Minister's Award for Excellence in Early Childhood Education.

I have experience in coaching and mentoring educators to help encourage children's social- emotional development. I enjoy being outdoors, playing volleyball, meeting new people, and going on walks. 

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Ashley Cadger
Consultant

I have been working in the childcare field for 13 years, over these past years in have been worked with toddler, preschool and out of school aged children in daycare settings. I attended CDI college and graduated in 2014. I value social-emotional literacy in the yearly years and scaffolding the children in problem solving. During my time working daycare I have had the chance to work along side GRIT and ASaP to create inclusive environments for children and families. Another on of my core values is fostering relationships with families, educators and children. I’ve been working close with the FLIGHT Early Learning Framework and implementing into my practice and educating others on pedological documentation and learning the language of the Framework.

This opportunity to work with SMFDH is another step to work within the childcare industry to advocate for quality childcare.

Nancy Peterson

Accounts Receivable

I originally started with Southgate Medallion Day Homes over 26 years ago in administration support.

 

After raising 3 children and working in Property Management and Real Estate,

I am happy to be back working with Southgate Medallion in the accounts receivable department.

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I completed my education here in Edmonton at Grant MacEwan with studies in the social sciences.

I enjoy the new opportunities that working at the agency brings and when I am able to meet and communicate with the parents and providers.

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.”

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