Executive Director: Wendy Knowlton

Miss Wendy has a degree in Sociology and a diploma in Addictions Counseling and has been working in the field for over 6 years. 

You can find Miss Wendy advocating for Family Matters all over Annapolis Valley.  You will see Wendy at Family Matters; Supporting Staff, Bookkeeping, Supporting Participants, Looking for Funding and Ensuring Family Matters remains Sustainable

Other Specialties:
Doula
Creative and Professional Writing
Community Development

Outreach Co-ordinator: Denise Naugler

Miss Denise has a diploma in Early Childhood Education and has been working in the field for over 23 years.  You can find Miss Denise at many Family Matters Programs, including: Kindergarten Kids with Miss Billie Jo, Outreach Playgroups, Evening Playgroup, Adult Craft Club

With her passion for books and reading, Miss Denise can be found reading to the grade primary classes around the Annapolis County, and also coordinating the Scholastic Book Order.

Family Matters is the Hub of Roots of Empathy® in the Annapolis Valley Regional School Board district, with Miss Denise as the KPP (Key Point Person) as well as facilitating 2 Roots of Empathy® programs.

Other Specialties:
Tumblebugs/Train the trainer
You Make the Difference Leader
Jump Jiggle Jive Facilitator
Car Seat Technician

Early Learning Co-ordinator: Billie Jo Weir

Miss Billie Jo has a diploma in Early Childhood Education with over 11 years of experience in the field.  You can find her at many Family Matters Programs including, Mother Goose, Kindergarten Kids with Miss Denise, Children’s Book Club, Children’s Craft Club, Active Living Club, Evening Playgroup in Lawrencetown, Cornwallis Playgroup, Special Events

Miss Billie Jo also enjoys facilitating Roots of Empathy® in Bridgetown Elementary School, along with reading to the grade primary class.

Other Specialties:
Breast Pump Loan Program Coordinator
Jump Jiggle Jive Facilitator
Tumblebugs Trained
Learning Language and Loving It® Facilitator
You Make the Difference™ Leader

Children's Programmer : Shelly Bent

Shelly joined the team in October 2006. She has been an Early Childhood Educator for over 8 years and completed Human Services at Middleton Community College.

Shelly got her Early Childhood Education equivalency through working for Middleton and District Daycare for 7 1/2 years and through attending various workshops and training. Shelly leads the two Curious Kids Programs in Annapolis and Middleton. Shelly is also a trained Doula and certified for Snap, Buckle, Drive.

Transportation Co-ordinator: Melanie Taylor

As the Transportation Coordinator, Melanie provides transportation to and from our Parent Time programs for participants who would not be able to attend the programs otherwise. She also assists Shelly in providing quality children's programming in Curious Kids & other programs. Melanie joined Family Matters as a staff member in September 2008, but was involved for many years previously as a parent and board member.

Janice Fancey

Miss Janice has a diploma in Early Childhood Education with over 20 years of experience in the field.

You can find her facilitating the adult programs at Family Matters Programs including, Parent Time, Kindergarten Kids with adults, Adult Book Club. Miss Janice also enjoys facilitating Roots of Empathy®.

Other Specialties:
Gymnastics Instructor
Kids Have Stressed Too Trained
Mothers Mental Health Trained

Kerri MacAulay

Family Matters is pleased to welcome Kerri MacAulay to our team. Kerri is covering Shelly Bent’s maternity leave. She has her Early Childhood Education diploma and has years of experience working in the field. She chose the field because children are her passion. Miss Kerri will offer the children a heartfelt smile and a chance to play with lots of creative toys!