Our Board

Dana was born and raised in Yellowknife and has a strong connection to the North and its communities. Growing up in the territory helped shape her appreciation for the land, the people, and the importance of strong, supportive community networks. She holds a background in environmental sciences and biology, and currently works as a biologist with the Government of Canada. Through her work, Dana is committed to environmental stewardship, safety, and responsible development, with a focus on protecting northern ecosystems for future generations.

Dana brings valuable governance and leadership experience to the Board. She previously served on her university’s Graduate Student Association and as Co-Chair of the Occupational Health and Safety Committee at the Gahcho Kué Mine site, where she supported initiatives focused on workplace safety, collaboration, and accountability. Her experience has equipped her with a strong understanding of governance, risk management, and effective organizational leadership.

Driven by her love for her hometown and a deep appreciation for northern families, Dana joined the Board to support accessible, high-quality childcare and contribute to the continued strength and growth of the community. She is passionate about helping create environments where children, families, and educators feel supported and can thrive. Outside of work, Dana enjoys spending time outdoors and staying connected to the northern lifestyle that has always been central to her life.

Katie is a proud, born-and-raised Yellowknifer with a deep connection to her community. In 2024, she and her husband, Jacob, welcomed their daughter, Millie. Experiencing firsthand how the daycare provides a fun, safe, and nurturing environment for her daughter inspired Katie to join the Board and give back to an organization that plays such an important role in her family’s life.

Professionally, Katie works at the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly, where she provides procedural advice and supports the effective functioning of legislative processes. She brings valuable experience in legislative matters, organizational support, and governance, and is committed to contributing to the responsible leadership and oversight of YKDA. Her work has strengthened her attention to detail, collaboration skills, and understanding of effective decision-making within structured organizations.

Katie is passionate about supporting families and contributing to a strong, connected community. She values the role that quality childcare plays in helping children and families thrive, and is proud to support an organization that makes a meaningful difference in Yellowknife. In her spare time, Katie teaches spin classes and enjoys participating in local clubs and community events around Yellowknife, staying active and engaged in the place she calls home.

Andrea is a born-and-raised Yellowknifer with a strong connection to her community. She currently works as a Senior Communications Advisor with the territorial government, where she supports strategic communications and public engagement initiatives. With a professional background in graphic design and photography, Andrea brings a creative and thoughtful approach to her work, along with strong visual communication and storytelling skills. She has a keen eye for detail and a passion for clear, effective messaging that helps connect people and ideas.

Andrea also spent a decade teaching dance classes locally to both children and adults, fostering creativity, confidence, and a sense of community through the arts. Her experience working closely with families and youth has deepened her appreciation for accessible, high-quality programming and the important role it plays in building strong communities.

Passionate about supporting local families, Andrea is committed to using her creative expertise and public sector experience to help advance the mission of YK Daycare. She is dedicated to contributing to a welcoming, inclusive environment where children and families feel supported and connected. Outside of work, Andrea enjoys staying engaged in the community and continues to value opportunities to express creativity and connect with others.

Wesley is a born-and-raised Yellowknifer who is now raising his twins in the same community he has always called home. You’re likely to see Wes around town with his kids—whether at the Fieldhouse for SunDogs soccer or at the Aquatic Centre for public swim—making the most of everything Yellowknife has to offer for young families.

Wesley is a Manager at the local accounting firm, Avery Cooper, and brings over ten years of financial experience to his work. He spent six years with the Government of the Northwest Territories before transitioning into public practice, where he has spent the past four years. His professional background has provided him with strong expertise in financial management, reporting, and organizational accountability.

He holds both a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Commerce, and has completed the CPA Professional Education Program, earning his Chartered Professional Accountant designation. Wesley is committed to applying his financial knowledge and experience to support strong governance and the long-term sustainability of YKDA. Outside of work, Wes enjoys staying active with his family and being involved in the community, and values the opportunity to contribute to organizations that support children and families in Yellowknife.

Christine was born and raised in Yellowknife and is proud to call the community home. She and her husband have had both of their children attend the daycare, with their youngest currently thriving in the toddler classroom. Through her family’s experience, Christine has witnessed firsthand the care, dedication, and passion of the daycare staff, as well as the positive impact of quality early childhood education on children and families alike.

Professionally, Christine serves as Director of Policy, Legislation, Evaluation, and Communications with the Government of the Northwest Territories. She brings extensive experience in public service, strategic leadership, and community-focused policy to her role on the Board. Her professional background equips her with strong skills in governance, organizational planning, and collaborative problem-solving, which she applies to supporting the long-term growth and sustainability of the daycare.

Passionate about community-building and the well-being of northern families, Christine is committed to supporting families, staff, and leadership to ensure the daycare experience remains exceptional for everyone involved. She values the opportunity to contribute to an inclusive, welcoming environment where children can thrive, families feel supported, and educators are empowered to provide high-quality care. Outside of her professional and board work, Christine enjoys engaging with the community, exploring local outdoor activities, and spending time with her family in and around Yellowknife.

Emma is originally from New Brunswick and moved west to complete her medical residency after finishing medical school. During a visit to the Calgary Stampede, she met someone from Fort Simpson who inspired her to move north for what was meant to be one year. Nine years later, she proudly calls Yellowknife home, where she is raising her young family and is deeply connected to the community.

Emma joined the YKDA family in 2022 and currently has two children attending the daycare. She is passionate about both the Yellowknife community and the daycare, and serves on the board as a way of giving back to the place that has supported her family over the years. She values the sense of connection, inclusion, and support that YKDA provides for families, and strives to help strengthen these opportunities for all families in the community.

Professionally, Emma works as an ER physician, which has given her a unique perspective on the challenges and needs of families in northern communities. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling the world with her family and spending time outdoors in Yellowknife, embracing the beauty and adventure that the North has to offer. She is a strong advocate for families and educators, committed to supporting fundraising efforts and ensuring access to high-quality childcare for everyone. Emma also has a love for all things Halloween—and while she embraces life in the North, it’s during the brief northern fall that she occasionally questions that decision, appreciating both the humor and charm of living above 60° latitude.

Harji was born and raised in Yellowknife and has a deep appreciation for life in the North. He and his family enjoy spending as much time outdoors as possible—camping, canoeing, cycling, fishing, and skiing throughout the seasons.

Since returning to Yellowknife, Harji has been an active volunteer in the community, coaching youth soccer and supporting athlete development across the territory. His coaching experience includes working with Team NWT at the North American Indigenous Games, Arctic Winter Games, and Canada Summer Games, reflecting his commitment to youth, sport, and community engagement.

Harji holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Victoria, a Master’s degree from Dalhousie University, and a Graduate Diploma from Western University. He brings a strong background in policy and governance through his professional experience in various roles within the territory. Harji is passionate about supporting families and staff, and is committed to helping ensure that YKDA remains a strong, inclusive community where children have every opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive together.

Zachary moved to Yellowknife in 2018 with his wife, Meg. Shortly after welcoming their son, Simon, to the family, they became part of the Yellowknife Daycare Association community. Simon began at YKDA in the preschool program, and their younger daughter, Naomi, later joined as an infant. Both children have grown and thrived through the daycare’s programs, an experience that has given Zachary a deep appreciation for the organization’s role in supporting young families and fostering a nurturing, engaging environment for children.

Professionally, Zachary is a physician serving patients across the Northwest Territories. His work has provided him with extensive experience in community health, particularly in northern and remote settings, and has strengthened his understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities faced by families in the North. He brings this perspective to his work with YKDA, recognizing the importance of early childhood programs in supporting the health, development, and wellbeing of children and families.

Zachary values the leadership, vision, and dedication that YKDA brings to the community. He is committed to supporting thoughtful, child-centered decision-making that prioritizes the best interests of children, families, staff, and the broader community. Outside of work and family life, Zachary enjoys exploring the North and spending time outdoors with his family, embracing all that Yellowknife has to offer.