Cheryl Fraehlich, Acting Chair

I hold an Interdisciplinary PhD (Social Work, Family Social Sciences, and Sociology) and have taught at the University of Manitoba for many years.  I recently retired from my position as a Research Associate at RESOLVE (Research and Education for Solutions to Violence and Abuse), a tri-prairie community-based research network. I am the mother of an adult son.

Noreen Agrey, Treasurer

I have 35 years of experience in the non-profit world, working in program development, delivery, and as the Executive Director of the Saskatchewan Prevention Institute.  I have seen how powerful knowledge-sharing and evidence-based programs can be in improving the lives of children and families.

Jamie Koshyk, Secretary

I hold a Master of Science degree in Family Social Sciences and taught for many years in the Early Childhood Education program at Red River College.  Currently, I conduct research related to early learning and childcare, particularly the Science of Early Child Development initiative.  I am also the mother of three children and grandmother of two.

Karen Duncan, Member

I am an Associate Professor in Community Health Sciences at the University of Manitoba. I hold a PhD in family resource management, and my research focuses on family economic well-being. My current research includes family financial health, family expenditures on children, and the economic costs of family caregiving to older adults.

John Hoffman, Member

I am a semi-retired communications professional who specialized in parenting and fathering. A longtime regular writer for Today’s Parent magazine, I also developed parent education booklets and web content for the Psychology Foundation of Canada, Dad Central Canada, Pearson Canada and The MEHRIT Centre where I currently work part-time as Communications Officer.

Lianni Nair, Member

I hold a Juris Doctor and worked as a Crown Attorney with Manitoba Prosecution Service for 11 years. During this time, I handled a number of criminal matters involving child victims. I am currently with the Civil Legal Services Branch of Manitoba Justice.

 Jan Sanderson, Member

I had a 27-year career with the Government of Manitoba, including positions as CEO of Healthy Child Manitoba; Deputy Minister of Healthy Living, Youth and Seniors; and Deputy Minister of Children and Youth Opportunities. Subsequently, I became Research Chair, School of Health Sciences and Community Services at Red River College, where I led a team of researchers dedicated to ensuring that research is accessible and meaningful to those most impacted by it. Since retiring, I remain co-chair of the Winnipeg Poverty Reduction Council, active with the United Way of Winnipeg, and a member of the Stewardship Committee for the Boldness Project.