Who We Are

We started out in 1971 as the Nelson Family Day Care Society, a collection of child care homes for children with diverse abilities. We have stretched and grown, and now operate multiple programs with over 50 full and part-time staff and four worksites in Nelson.

Kootenay Kids Society is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors who meet monthly to review operational issues, and provide direction and guidance to the Executive Director. The Executive Director oversees the Society’s day-to-day operation and ensures parents receive high quality services, sound management of the society’s resources, and a healthy workplace for staff.

We are a non-profit organization with charitable status. We are governed by bylaws and hold an annual general meeting (AGM) to present its financial statements, discuss past activities, and elect directors. The most recent AGM was held on the 20th November 2025.

What We Do

Kootenay Kids Society remains true to its roots, and we continue to support and strengthen families. Funded largely by government contracts, we deliver a wide range of programs and services including licensed child care, Aboriginal family programs, and resources for child care providers, physiotherapy and occupational therapy for young children, a wide range of parent education programs, and opportunities for families to meet socially and connect with each other.

WhY We Do It

Kootenay Kids Society honours Indigenous culture by recognizing that children hold a sacred place. And as adults, we have a sacred responsibility to care for them.

MEET OUR BOARD

Marta Abel – Chair

As a parent of a young child and an enthusiastic user of Kootenay Kids programs, I know firsthand how valuable this community is for families in the Kootenays. This region is an incredible place to raise a family, and Kootenay Kids helps build the village we all need. With a background in HR and organizational development, I’m excited to bring my skills and experience to the board to support the society’s mission. I’m thrilled to be part of Kootenay Kids and to contribute to strengthening this amazing community for parents, caregivers, and children alike..

Maggie Keczan – Vice Chair

I am the vice chair of the Kootenay Kids board. The Kootenays are a special place to raise a family, and the vibrant, caring community is truly unique. I am a parent whose family has been positively impacted by programming offered through the Kootenay Kids Society. My background in marketing and communications will support the work of this amazing board and organization. I am passionate about community connections and excited to contribute.  I currently work as the Director of Communications & Public Engagement for Selkirk College. Personally, I resonate with the idea of respectful and wholistic learning and guiding children in love, care and respect. I am honoured to serve as vice-chair of the Kootenay Kids board.

Grant Davidson – Director

I was raised in Nelson and have deep roots in the Kootenays, which makes it especially meaningful for me to serve on the board of Kootenay Kids. As a father to two amazing children, I have a strong appreciation for the importance of accessible, supportive programs for kids and families in our community. I am a Chartered Professional Accountant and finance leader with experience as a CFO, supporting organizations through growth, budgeting, and strategic decision-making, and I look forward to bringing this perspective to support Kootenay Kids’ long-term sustainability. In 2026, I will be opening my own accounting firm focused on supporting owner-managed businesses and nonprofits, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to give back to the community that raised me.  

Katie Harris – Director

Katie has always been driven by community. Coming to the board with fifteen years experience in government and a Masters in Public Administration, she is excited to have the chance to contribute locally. After failing to find childcare, Katie and her family deeply benefited from the resources centered around Kootenay Kids and appreciate what a lynchpin it is in our community. Balancing her role with Interior Health, Katie and her family love spending as much time as possible outside, in the garden, up in the mountains or out on or by the lake, and feel tremendous gratitude and privilege for living here. At home in Nelson, you can find her hosting dinners, out on the trails, or poking around in the garden or kitchen with her little one. Katie is also a certified wedding celebrant, published photographer and travel writer, and the other half of the Road Chose Me. She hopes that her policy and evaluation background will be an asset to the work on the board and looks forward to growing with the organization.

.

Jen Howton – Treasurer

I am a fairly new mom who moved to the Kootenays while pregnant which was exciting but also a lot to process! Many of the Kootenay Kids programs helped me embrace these big changes happening in my life and I am so grateful to be able to serve on the board now. I come to the position with experience in business administration, consulting and communications with an MBA from UBC Sauder. I currently work as the communications lead on the Indigenous Reconciliation Strategy team at TELUS when I am not chasing my little one or my two fur babies around. I am looking forward to supporting Kootenay Kids and the amazing community it serves through this position.

Holli Norberg – Director

Holli Norberg (she/her, mixed european settler and Secwépemc ancestry).
As a mom who has accessed Kootenay Kids programs with my child, I carry a deep appreciation for the sense of belonging and support this organization offers local families. My work as a Nurse / Nursing instructor is grounded in strong communication, relationship-building, and a commitment to equitable, community-centered care. I am passionate about creating spaces where children feel supported to grow, explore, and thrive, knowing that when we center and uplift children, our whole community benefits. I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this work as a member of the Board of Directors. 

​

Kirsten Postnikoff – Director

After moving to the Kootenays in 2017, I was warmly welcomed by the Kootenay Kids Society when I became pregnant with my first child. As I was living away from my natural support network, the organization provided my family and me with invaluable guidance and support during our early parenting years. The skills and knowledge I gained from various educators and support staff have helped shape the kind of parent I strive to be—one who is gentle, loving, and a safe, dependable leader.  The strong sense of community fostered by this organization has shown me its true value, and I am eager to give back by serving on the Board of Directors. I bring a solid background in mental health and general healthcare, along with experience working in collaborative, team-based environments.

Robin Rowley – Director

I am a new member of the Kootenays community. When planning my move in the summer of 2021, I started looking for childcare for my son and was immediately struck by the breadth and depth of the Kootenay Kids Society resources. After learning more about the organization, I knew I wanted to help in any way 

I could. Outside of my primary role as a parent, I have 15 years’ experience leading marketing and communications at a range of companies from tech start ups and travel giants to ecommerce enterprises and global apparel brands.

Alison Salo – Secretary

I am an instructor in the Early Childhood Care and Education program at Selkirk College and have been an early childhood educator in the West Kootenays for many years. As a parent, I accessed family and community early years programs. As an early childhood educator, I utilized the workshops and resources available through the Child Care Resource and Referral program and have also been a Kootenay Kids Society employee. I am a Kootenay Kids Society board member because I have a personal and professional understanding of the importance of supporting children, families and the early years professionals in our community. I believe in the important work that is carried out by all Kootenay Kids Society staff and am happy to have the opportunity to support as a member of the board.

By leaning on each other, and respectfully learning from one another, we can all benefit. It takes community to raise children and nurture families. Please let Kootenay Kids Society be part of your community.