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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 20 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.

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I am a mum to three wonderful girls and an amazing son.

Kirandeep Gill

Senior Consultant

 I have worked with the agency 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 in providing the best care through best practices in their day home and keep children safe and healthy.

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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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.

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.

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.

 

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, they teach me so many beautiful things!  

 

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.

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 the agency since 2019.

I love the natural curiosity of children and that they are always ready to explore their world with joy and enthusiasm.

 

My favourite quote about children is “Children are the world’s most valuable resource and its best hope for the future”.

 

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.

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.

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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