Management

Rhonda

Dr. Rhonda Nelson

Executive Director

Dr. Rhonda Nelson became the Executive Director of the Starbright Children’s Development Centre in November of 2013. Originally from Saskatchewan, Rhonda has experience in spanning positions as a teacher, consultant, and Assistant Superintendent within the K-12 education system, as a Director of Education of a custody facility for youth, as a consultant and then manager within the Department of Education, as a sessional lecturer for the University of Regina, and as a private consultant for government departments. She holds a B.Ed and a B.A. from the University of Saskatchewan, and a M.Ed and PhD from the University of Regina. Having worked with not-for-profit agencies within her past roles, as well as within her doctoral research, Rhonda has a deep appreciation for the passion and commitment to making a difference that is so evident within the personnel of Starbright.
Terri

Terri Nakayama

Human Resources Manager

Terri Nakayama has been employed with Starbright Children’s Development Centre since April of 2005. As a member of the Chartered Professionals in Human Resources of BC & Yukon, Terri is the Human Resources Manager for Starbright. Terri has had several different positions while working with Starbright which provides her with an in-depth understanding of the various departments that make up the diverse professional workforce of the agency. As the mom of a son with diverse talents who was a client of Starbright, Terri understands both worlds – that of the family seeking services and that of the professionals providing it.
Meet The Team

Program Support

 

Diana B 2

Diana Becker

Services and Outcomes Coordinator

As a dedicated Services and Outcomes Coordinator, Diana Becker expertly manages data and ensures a seamless first interaction for clients once a referral is received. Since joining Starbright in 2017, she has been committed to enhancing service delivery and optimizing client outcomes. With a passion for detail and a focus on effective communication, Diana plays a vital role in connecting families with support.
Nikki

Nikki Valgardson

Reception Coordinator

Nikki Valgardson serves as the Reception Coordinator, where she excels in administration and communication through both email and phone. With a strong focus on customer service, she is dedicated to creating a welcoming environment for all. Joining the team in June 2024, Nikki brings a fresh perspective and a commitment to ensuring efficient and friendly interactions with clients and staff alike.
j4

Jessie Farrell

Executive Assistant and Communications Coordinator

Jessie Farrell is the Executive Assistant and Communications Coordinator, specializing in social media management, website oversight, graphic design and document formatting. She joined Starbright in 2022 as the Reception Coordinator and transitioned to her current role in June 2024. With a creative eye and keen organizational skills, Jessie is committed to enhancing communication and ensuring smooth operational processes within the agency.
Rebecca S

Rebecca Smith

Administration Coordinator

As the Administration Coordinator, Rebecca Smith skillfully coordinates with contractors and tenants while overseeing building maintenance and renovations. She joined Starbright in 1997 as an Inclusive Childcare Educator, bringing valuable insights to her administration role, which she transitioned into in 2018. With years of experience and a passion for fostering a well-maintained environment, Rebecca is dedicated to ensuring smooth operations and positive interactions within the community.
2

Betty Teigen

Family Engagement Coordinator

With over 40 years of dedicated service at Starbright, Betty Teigen is a passionate Family Engagement Coordinator committed to enriching the lives of our families. Previously, she excelled as the Infant Development Consultant Team Leader, where her expertise and leadership made a lasting impact. In her current role, Betty works to help families access vital resources, ensuring they have the support they need for their children's growth and development. Her warm, approachable demeaner and extensive experience make her an invaluable asset to our team and the families we serve.
Back To Top

Counselling Services

Behaviour Support 

 

Heather P

Heather Pattison

Clinical Counsellor

Heather is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors in good standing since 2001. Heather brings vast experience in children and family counselling, and uses various approaches and interventions to tailor a treatment plan to meet each child’s social, emotional and behavioural goals. In 2018, Heather achieved the designation as a Registered Play Therapist with the British Columbia Play Therapy Association. She is also a past volunteer member of the Ethics Committee with BCACC as she has a strong interest in upholding the highest standards of clinical practice in her field, as well as assuring the rights and protections of counselling clients in BC.
Sarah

Sarah Dosch

Board Certified Behaviour Analyst

Sarah is a Board-Certified Behaviour Analyst. She holds a Masters of Arts in Special Education with a concentration in Applied Behaviour Analysis. Prior to joining the team at Starbright, Sarah worked in a variety of settings including early intervention clinics, homes, daycares, schools, and supportive living. Sarah has experience working with children, youth, and adults. Sarah has extensive training and experience providing problem behaviour support to families and using feeding interventions to address food selectivity and refusal.
Back To Top

Infant Development Program

Karin

Karin Hesketh

IDP Consultant (Team Leader)

Karin has supported families in their unique parenting journeys as an infant development consultant at Starbright since 2009. She has a Masters degree in Pedagogy from The University of Leiden, the Netherlands. Karin lived and worked in several different countries before calling Canada her home, including the Netherlands, United States, Luxembourg and Indonesia.
Anke P

Anke Purnell

IDP Consultant

Anke Purnell has worked at the Children’s Development Center since 2007 as an Infant Development Consultant. Anke has training in Early Childhood Education and has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Applied Linguistics. She worked as a preschool teacher for over 13 years and managed a preschool program for 5 years. Anke had the opportunity to work for a preschool in Australia that served the needs of children with hearing loss. Anke enjoys working with children and families and finds the work very rewarding.
Karen Ha

Karen Hartley

IDP Consultant

Karen Hartley has worked at Starbright Children’s Development Center since August 2008 and with children and families for the past 42 years. Her post-secondary education is in Psychology, B of A Program, Early Childhood Education, American Sign Language and she is an Infant Massage Instructor. Karen’s work experience includes 10 years as a Child Development Program Director, 2 years as a College Instructor for the Early Childhood Development Program and the last 33 years as an Early Intervention Infant Development Consultant. She spent 18 of those years specializing in working with deaf/hard of hearing children and adults in Edmonton, Alberta and continues to be part of the Early Hearing Program team at Starbright. Karen’s passion continues to be working with children and families, and seeing the world through a child’s eye every day.
Karina

Karina Frisque

IDP Consultant

Karina Frisque has been with Starbright Children's Development Centre since 2007. She has a Master of Education degree from UBC Okanagan and has specialized training focused on supporting children in developing their daily living skills, communication, and social skills. Karina brings to the role of Infant Development Consultant a background as a Behaviour Consultant with significant knowledge of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Karina has a passion for working with young children and their families.
Shani

Shani Fehr

IDP Consultant

Shani Fehr has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. She has been in the childcare industry for 10 years, working with birth to school age. She has her Early Childhood Education and Care Diploma and has been specializing in Infant/Toddler care for the last 4 years. Shani is passionate about her work with young children and connecting with their families.
 
Back To Top

Occupational Therapy

2

Suzanne Lauzon

Occupational Therapist (Team Leader)

Suzanne Lauzon graduated from the University of Western Ontario and has specialized in the field of pediatrics for most of her career. Prior to joining the team at Starbright in 2001, Suzanne worked in residential care, hospital settings (including Alberta and British Columbia Children’s Hospitals) and schools (as both an educator and an OT) throughout Canada. Suzanne is certified in the SIPT (Sensory Integration and Praxis Test) and is on the RASP list. She also has a diploma in Special Care Counselling and is certified in DIR Floor time intervention.
2

Cindy Granek

Occupational Therapist

Cindy Granek graduated from the University of Western Ontario and has worked with babies and toddlers for about 40 years. With her extensive experience she has worked with a wide spectrum of conditions including neurological, sensory, feeding, autism, attentional, fine and gross motor, and prematurity challenges. Cindy worked at a private OT clinic prior to joining Starbright. Previous to Kelowna, she was an in-home therapist in Toronto for the majority of her career. Her focus is a client-centered approach encouraging parent/caregiver advocacy and competency. Cindy is certified in Medek therapy, sensory integration, NDT, direct handling and has completed many feeding, movement, and fine-motor courses. Cindy's experience includes working in acute and chronic care pediatric facilities.
2

Jaclyn Despins

Occupational Therapist

Jaclyn Despins graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Winnipeg where she gained foundational knowledge in exercise science, biomechanics and physical health. She then pursued a Master of Occupational Therapy at the University of Manitoba where she gained skills in helping individuals overcome barriers related to activities of daily living. Jaclyn previously worked in the Manitoba school division where she supported a wide range of children with motor skills development, sensory processing challenges, and adaptive strategies for learning. Jaclyn has a passion for supporting children and their families in reaching their full potential and enhancing their quality of life.
Diana K

Diana Kriel

Occupational Therapist

Diana Kriel graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Occupational Therapy from the University Stellenbosch (South Africa) in 1982 and obtained Canadian Occupational Therapy Certification in 1994 and her American Board certification in May 2002. She has 26 years of pediatric experience in evaluating and treating children with a variety of neurological and developmental disabilities such as Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, Asperger syndrome, sensory processing disorders, and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. Diana's international experience has provided flexibility as a therapist, has Starbright's family-centered practice, and has provided therapy in a variety of settings such as preschools, homes, daycares, and clinical settings.
Catherine B

Catherine Brandon

Occupational Therapist

Catherine Brandon joined Starbright’s OT Department in September 2013. She completed her Occupational Therapy training at Queen’s University (Kingston, ON) in 2008. Catherine brings experience as a pediatric OT working in community settings, including communities in the North West Territories, Nunavut and Ontario.
Andrea

Andrea Deen

Occupational Therapist

Andrea Deen graduated from the Occupational Therapy program at the University of Alberta and has spent her career specializing in pediatrics. She has worked primarily in early intervention, (birth to kindergarten age range). Andrea has been fortunate to have worked in different settings and in several different departments with varying areas of focus.
2

Katie Johnston

Occupational Therapist (Maternity Leave)

Katie Johnston joined the Starbright occupational therapy team in 2015. Katie graduated with a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy at the University of Alberta in Calgary. She has gained pediatric experience in settings that include child development centres, schools, and adaptive programming in outdoor wilderness activities and summer camps.
Back To Top

Physical Therapy

Carol Peter

Physical Therapist

(Team Leader)

Carol Peter received her Bachelor of Physiotherapy degree from the University of Manitoba. She moved to Kelowna in 1990 and has been working with the children and families at Starbright since 1991.

Tracey White

Physical Therapist

Tracey White graduated in 1988 with a Bachelor in Health Sciences in Physiotherapy from McMaster University. Prior to joining Starbright in 1998, she worked in pediatrics in Ontario with both preschool and school age children in a range of settings. She is a certified infant massage instructor and American Hippotherapy Association Level 2 therapist. She works in Starbright's Early Intervention Program and supports the Hippotherapy and Therapeutic Riding Programs (HATRC) which is grant-dependent.

Lanna Brydges

Physical Therapist

Since convocating from the University of Saskatchewan in 1990 with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy, Lanna Brydges has worked in hospital units, home care, and private clinics in Saskatchewan, Alberta and Germany. Her pediatric experience includes the NICU, as well as hospital and outpatient pediatrics. Lanna has worked at Starbright since 2007. Lanna is an American Hippotherapy Association Level 2 therapist and works in the Early Intervention Program with the HATRC Program which is grant-dependent.

Jessica Kay

Physical Therapist

Jessica Kay obtained a Bachelor of Arts with an Honors' Specialization in Kinesiology from Western University in 2015 before graduating with a Master of Science in Physical Therapy from Queen's University in 2017. She has worked in settings in Ontario including private clinics, inpatient hospital units, and pediatrics in schools. She has knowledge and experience working with children of all ages, including those with cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and other physical challenges. Jessica works in the Early Intervention Program at Starbright.

Back To Top

Speech Language Pathology

Kathleen O

Kathleen O'Connell

Speech-Language Pathologist (Team Leader)

Kathleen O'Connell joined the Starbright team in September 2014. She is a registered Speech Language Pathologist with 25 years experience working with preschool-school age children and their families. She has a Masters degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Alberta. Her professional interests include working with Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing children and language/learning challenges.

Diane Gretzinger

Speech-Language Pathologist

Diane Gretzinger has been part of the Starbright Speech Language services since 1996. She has a Bachelor degree in Speech Language Pathology from the University of Alberta. Her 45 years of experience has predominantly been working with the preschool population. Diane’s professional interests have included creating parent training workshops for speech and language stimulation techniques, working with clients with autism, those with hearing loss, and children requiring augmentative communication systems.

Jennifer Browning

Speech-Language Pathologist

Jennifer graduated from McGill University with a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology in 2013. She has extensive experience working with preschool children and their families in a clinical setting. She is fluent in French and enjoys working with families who may be from differing linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Her professional interests include working with children with autism, children with motor-speech disorders (ex: Apraxia), coaching/parent training, and she has recently developed an interest in child feeding.

Nicole Reck

Speech-Language Pathologist

Nicole Reck recently completed a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of British Columbia. She was born and raised in Kelowna. Nicole is a registrant of the College of Speech Hearing Professionals of British Columbia, and a member of Speech-Language and Audiology Canada. Through past professional experiences and practicum work, she has developed a passion for working with the preschool population. Her professional interests include Augmentative and Alternative Communication and working with children with complex communication differences.

Irene Failes

Visual Language Facilitator

Irene Failes has been employed with Starbright since 1989. Prior to joining Starbright, Irene provided ASL interpretation services in Prince George, B.C. at the College of New Caledonia and Prince George Secondary School. In 1989, she began working for Starbright as a Visual Language Interpreter in our preschool program. Later, when the preschool closed, Irene supported Deaf and Hard of Hearing children in their community preschools, daycares and after school programs through Starbright's Inclusive Childcare Program. Since 2008, Irene has also been working with Starbright clients in the Early Hearing Intervention Program. Irene continues to support Deaf and Hard of Hearing children in their preschools and/or daycares as well as supporting parents and caregivers in learning Sign Language through her role in the SLP Department. Irene is dedicated to providing a positive learning environment for these children and their caregivers.

Deni Skutshek

Speech-Language Pathologist

Deni Skutshek is a Speech-Language Pathologist with over 40 years of experience. She has an undergraduate degree from University of Northern Colorado in Deaf Education and a masters in Speech Language Pathology from San Diego State University. Her areas of interest are hearing loss, sign language and incorporating music into intervention.

Lauren Carruthers

Speech-Language Pathologist

Lauren graduated with a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Minnesota Duluth in 2013. Lauren is Hanen certified for both the It Takes Two to Talk and Learning Language and Loving It programs and also holds certification with the American Speech-Language Hearing Association. Lauren has worked with the preschool population in both public and private settings since graduation and has a particular interest in Augmentative and Alternative Communication.

Back To Top

Inclusive Childcare Program

Heather M

Heather Maschek

ICP Consultant

Heather Maschek has been with Starbright Children’s Development Centre since 2010. In addition to having the experience and education as a Certified Education Assistant, she brings to her role with the Inclusive Childcare Program a significant strength from her work as a Starbright Autism Program Consultant. Heather has a breadth of knowledge in behaviour support, facilitating social skills, augmentative and alternative communication, and in working with families and community caregivers. Heather delights in providing support that will empower those parenting, or working with, children to find ways to foster potential.
2

Jackie Shiosaki

ICP Consultant (Team Leader)

Jackie Shiosaki is the Team Leader of the Inclusive Childcare Program. She holds a Diploma in Early Childhood Education with Special Needs and Infant Toddler, and a Degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology. In addition to her years with Starbright, Jackie has worked with children and families in this community for over 20 years in various positions: daycare/preschool teacher, respite provider, inclusive childcare assistant, Thompson Okanagan Autism program, behavioural intervention, School District #23 teaching assistant, and consultant for Special Needs Adoption.
Cheryl

Cheryl Fralick

ICP Consultant

As a diploma graduate of the Early Childhood Education Program with Special Needs and Infant Toddler, Cheryl Fralick has dedicated her career to working with children and their families. She has worked in supervisory roles in group daycare, preschools and lastly an integrated parent participation toddler group where she provided a fun early learning environment for both children and parents. In 2003, Cheryl began working at Starbright as a Behaviour Interventionist for the autism program and was in that position for 2 years. Since then, she has worked as an Inclusive Childcare Program Consultant. She considers her work a privilege and appreciates the continuous learning, growth and challenges that come with working with children and their families.
Daisy

Daisy Sunder

ICP Consultant

Daisy Sunder came to Starbright after completing her Bachelor’s degree in Child and Youth Care from the University of the Fraser Valley. She chose to focus her studies on early intervention and individuals with support needs. Daisy brings 6 years of experience from working in schools, recreation, and childcare settings. She came to Starbright as an Inclusive Childcare Educator in 2022 before transitioning into the Consultant role. Here she continues to celebrate diversity and foster inclusion in the community. She brings a strengths-based and relational approach to the ICP department to meet the needs of diverse children and their families.

Shannon Nacey

ICP Consultant

Shannon has been with Starbright since 2015. She has worked as a Behaviour Interventionist, and more recently as a Senior Program Assistant with the Inclusive Childcare Program. She settled into the Consultant role in 2021. Shannon is originally from North Vancouver where she studied and obtained a Bachelor of Early Childhood Care and Education from Capilano University in 2017. Her experience comes from working in community childcare programs in several capacities such as program planning, family support, and supervisory roles. She has experience working with children from multiple age groups, including infants and toddlers to the school-age population. She is passionate about working with, and advocating for, children and their families to support community connection.

Andra

Andra Aslan

ICP Consultant

Andra graduated from medical school in Romania and specialized in Family Medicine. She moved to North America in 2006 and passed the American Board Exams, but life kept her in Canada. She chose to use her knowledge and experience working in the community and helping the people in need. She worked with people with special needs as a Clinic Coordinator and as a Research Site Director. Andra came to Starbright as a behaviour interventionist and then in 2018 she moved into the role of an ICP Educator. In September of 2021 she took on the role of ICP Consultant. Andra feels fortunate to have the advantage of understanding people with disabilities from a medical point of view and she is constantly amazed by their courage and strength. It gives her tremendous satisfaction to see them succeed - a success that can be achieved by creating the right opportunities from a very young age.

Inclusive Childcare Educators

Our dedicated Inclusive Childcare Program Educators provide extra staffing support to promote and support inclusive practice within community childcare programs:

Cathy Hansen, Jacqueline Beausoleil, Jennifer Schlosser, Kymm Allen, Linda Seinen, Lynne Ramsay, Raika Jahura, Shannon Parent, Shawna Swanson, 

Silvia Rosales, Terri Boles, Valisa Kay, Wynell Powers, Carolina Markoff, Leah Webster, Mindy Hilburn, Alyssa Jensen, Aimee Miller and Sandra Olk

Finance

Lori Hamilton, Finance Controller

Back To Top

Our Volunteer Board Of Directors

President Carol Meise – Manager, Cooper Medical Supplies
1st Vice-President Cathie Polasek - P/T Research Coordinator BA ECE
2nd Vice-President Paul Farina
Treasurer Craig Gronsdahl – CA, CFP, The Fraser Financial Group LLP
Secretary Terri Russell, Faculty Member, Okanagan College

Directors

Jean Lanoue – Manager, Premier Salons
E.R. (Ted) Grimwood – Developer
Blair Forrest – Lawyer, Pushor Mitchell LLP
Madison Wilgosh, CPA – Accountant, BDO Canada LLP
Jason Picklyk – Firefighter, City of Kelowna

Post-humous Gratitude and Recognition

Dr. Clifford B. Henderson (Founding agency Pediatrician, member of the Board of Directors 1966-2020)

Founding Members

Dr. Clifford B. Henderson – Pediatrician
Dorothy Deakin – Speech and Language Pathologist
Dr. Ron Ellis – Internist
Ruth Cresswell – Parent
Benjamin M. Lambert – Commission Agent, Imperial Oil
Lois Berry – Registered Nurse
Ian B. McCuaig – Teacher

Back To Top
Meet The Team