Meet the Team
Childhood Connections Okanagan Family & Child Care Society
Tim Ropchan
Executive Director
About Me: I come from a background of over 10 years of supervisory/management experience in a variety of sectors. I previously worked in Australia for several years under a national program to support individuals with complex, acquired brain injuries and disabilities. I have a strong passion for health and wellness and to create sustainable, quality programs that serve the needs of our community.
Fun Fact: I am a competitive OCR athlete and ultra-runner. I can also juggle FIRE!
Family Resource Program (FRP) and
Childcare Resource & Referral (CCRR) Team
Nicole Hoodicoff
Family Support Services Manager
About Me: I have worked with Childhood Connections for 6 years in various programs such as Child Care Resource & Referral and Family Resource Program. My previous roles in the community included Supportive Childcare, Behavioural Interventionist and Early Childhood Educator.
Fun Fact: I am famous for my impeccable air guitar impressions to any Bon Jovi songs!
Christine Reis
Family Resource Consultant
About Me: I completed my education 1993. Since then I have spent my career learning more and supporting families in building healthy relationships and skills. I began working for Childhood Connections in 2021.
Fun Fact: I love ABBA and MAMA MIA!!!!!
Cindy Polachic
Lead CCRR Consultant
About Me: I have been a CCRR employee for 29 years!
Fun Fact: I have a Wayne Gretzky collection dating back to the early 80’s.
Sarah Young
CCRR Consultant
About Me: I started in the ECE field in 2011. I worked for several years in various childcare settings before opening my own licensed day-home in 2016. After moving to Kelowna I joined the childhood connections team in October 2022 and am excited to continue connecting with families and childcare providers.
Fun Fact: I love baking!
Drop-in Child Care Team
Karli Sanderson
Drop-in Child Care Manager
About Me: I have over 15 years of customer service and management experience in both hospitality and insurance industries. I switched gears and opened my RLNR day home in 2019, a year after my son was born and became a caring, enthusiastic childcare provider. I started as the Childcare Services Manager in early 2023 and I am continuously expanding my knowledge to ensure that I can provide the highest quality childcare and be the best manager my team has ever had!
Fun Fact: I paid off my student loans by working in the oil fields of Fort McMurry running heavy machinery such as Rock Truck, Packer and Bull Dozer.
Amreet Grewal
Childcare Programs Lead Educator
About Me: Completed Bachelor of Education degree from U of A
Fun Fact: Enjoys going for hikes
Nicolette Krumes
Drop-In Childcare Education Assistant
About Me: I want to have my own preschool one day!
Fun Fact: I am 5’6 but I can jump 6’5 😉 = high vertical
Danica Guinto
Drop-in Child Care Educator Assistant
About Me: Currently studying to obtain my full ECE certificate.
Fun Fact: I love volleyball. I can play volleyball everyday 😊