Our Board

Dana was born and raised in Yellowknife and has a strong connection to the North and its communities. She holds a background in environmental sciences and biology and currently works as a biologist with the Government of Canada. Dana brings valuable governance and leadership experience to the Board, having 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. Her professional work reflects a commitment to environmental stewardship, safety, and responsible development in northern regions.

Driven by her love for her hometown and a deep appreciation for northern families, Dana joined the Board to help support accessible, high-quality childcare and contribute to the continued strength and growth of the community.

Katie is a proud born and raised Yellowknifer. Together with her husband, Jacob, they welcomed their daughter Millie in 2024.  Watching the way the Daycare has become a fun, safe, and nurturing space for her daughter inspired her to join the Board to contribute back to the organization that gives so much to her family.

Professionally, Katie holds a role at the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly where she provides procedural advice. Katie is committed to using her expertise in legislative matters, organizational support, and governance towards the responsible leadership and oversight of the affairs of the YKDA.

In her spare time, she teaches spin classes and can be found participating in clubs and community events around Yellowknife!

Andrea is a born-and-raised Yellowknifer and currently works as a Senior Communications Advisor with the territorial government. With a professional background in graphic design and photography, she brings strong visual communication and strategic messaging skills to her work. Andrea spent a decade teaching dance classes locally to both children and adults, fostering creativity, confidence, and community connection through the arts. Her experience working with families and youth has strengthened her appreciation for accessible, high-quality community programming.

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 and contribute to a strong, engaged community.

Wesley is born and raised in Yellowknife; currently raising his twins now in the same city. You're likely to see Wes around town with the kids at the field house for SunDogs soccer, or the Aquatic Centre for the public swim.

He is a Manager at the local accounting firm, Avery Cooper. He has ten years of financial experience, six of those years with the GNWT and four years in public practice at Avery Cooper. His education includes a Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Commerce, and completion of the CPA Professional Education Program after which he received his accounting designation. 

Harji was born and raised in Yellowknife. His family loves the north and spends their time camping, canoeing, cycling, fishing, and skiing as much as possible.  Since returning back to the north, Harji has volunteered as a coach for the soccer clubs and has coached at the North American Indigenous Games, Arctic Winter Games and Canada Summer Games for Team NWT. 

Harji holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Victoria, a Masters Degree from Dalhousie University and a Graduate Diploma from Western University. He has a background in policy and governance from his professional career in various capacities in the territory. 

Ultimately his goal is to support families and staff to ensure YKDA remains a strong community where our children have opportunities to thrive together!!

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 seen firsthand the care and dedication of the daycare staff and the positive impact of quality early childhood education.

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. Passionate about community-building, Christine is committed to supporting families, staff, and leadership to ensure the daycare experience remains exceptional for everyone involved.

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 his younger sister, Naomi, later joined as an infant. Both children have grown and thrived through the daycare’s programs, an experience that has given Zack a deep appreciation for the organization’s role in supporting young families.

Professionally, Zack is a physician serving patients across the Northwest Territories. His work has given him a strong understanding of community health and wellbeing, particularly in northern and remote settings. Zack respects the leadership and direction YKDA has taken in recent years and is committed to supporting thoughtful, child-centered decision-making that serves the best interests of children, families, staff, and the broader community.