BRIGHT FUTURES STAFF

             Sitting L to R:  Meghan, Carrie                                                   Standing L to R:  Karen, Premal, Jan

Jana McKee spent more than 6 years travelling through 6 continents and 32 countries.   Her most memorable travel experience was seeing the ruins of the Berlin Wall exactly 1 year after it was taken down.  At one time, Jana was able to speak 4 languages.  Jana and her family lived in New Zealand for 6 years where her partner and 2 sons were born.  Jana is a grad of Maples Collegiate and the University of Manitoba.  Her training and work experience are mainly in community development and education.  Jana is the program coordinator for the A Bright Futures Elwick Site.

Meghan Cook is the Program Coordinator for the Lord Selkirk Park site of our program.  She fell into working with kids and communities 7 years ago, after a failed attempt at becoming an anthropologist, and has never looked back.  Meghan has lived in Winnipeg for 4 years.  During the entire 4 years she has been hunting high and low for the perfect egg salad sandwich (sadly, the hunt continues). Meghan loves art, city architecture and will drop everything to watch a funny movie.  She lists laughing and learning new things (especially from kids!) as the most important.   Even though it often makes her unpopular, Meghan wishes she needed glasses because she thinks they are awesom, but makes up for her 20/20 vision by wearing sunglasses as often as she can.

Carrie Okemaw is 25 years old and, recently, has graduated from the University of Manitoba.  Carrie's parents are from the Mantosipi Cree Nation and Berens River First Nation.  She loves travelling to Pow Wows, attending traditional ceremonies, beading and sewing outfits.  Carrie understands the basics of the Cree and Ojibway languages.  She proudly lives an alcohol and drug-free lifestyle.   Carrie is a Student Parent Support Worker for the Elwick area site.

Premal Modha is the first member of his family to be born in Winnipeg.  He is a graduate from Maples Collegiate and the University of Winnipeg.  While studying Prem worked for the Maples Youth Acitivity Centre (MYAC) and learned many things about the people and culture of the community in which he lived and worked. He has played guitar for 12 years and self taught himself drums 10 years ago.  Prem is a Student Parent Support Worker for the Elwick are site.

Laura Kathler spent the first year after graduating from high scholo participating in Canada World Youth.  This program included working with children and families on the west coast of Africa.  Laura has spent many years involved in both YMCA & YWCA day camps and Camp Stephens.  While working with Adventure Education Manitoba Laura discovered her life's true passion:  working with and for youth.  She couldn't be happier to have begun work with Bright Futures as a Student Parent Support Worker at the Lord Selkirk Park site.

David Thompson is the only man in his family to have studied at college and university.  Having a Developmental Service Worker certificate from Red River College and a Educational Assistant Diploma from the University of Winnipeg David continues to set his sights high.  David dreams of taking his work with youth to the next level; becoming a high school teacher.  David is excited to have begun working on behalf of youth in the Lord Selkirk Park area as a Student Parent Support Worker.

Karen Guenther loves the Arts spending much of her spare time exploring art galleries, attending theatrical and music performances, and designing her garden.  Karen is the first person in her family to be born in Canada.  She has been a teacher for 30 years.  Karen remains excited about learning something new each day (especially if it's something she learns from her students).  Karen has been a school administrator in Seven Oaks School Division since 1993 (Jefferson Jr. High, Maples Collegiate, West Kildonan Collegiate).  She is the Program Manager responsible for the Elwick Area and Lord Selkirk Park A Bright Future Program sites.