Photo: ABC Head Start Administrative Team, 2021
April MacDonald Killins
Executive Director
April is deeply honoured to steward ABC Head Start’s continued legacy of strengthening families and communities since 1985. She has a Master of Arts in Global Leadership (community development stream) and a background as an artist-educator in pre-school and K-12 classrooms.
April has personally engaged more than a thousand children across seven Alberta school districts, using arts-based teaching methods to help disengaged students access the Alberta curriculum. She also facilitated preschool programs and training for certified teachers before moving into leadership in 2013.
April is certified as an Inclusive Employer (2018) and her approach to leadership is human-centred and collaborative. In 2021, she was featured as one of Edmonton’s “most exceptional community and business leaders” in Edify Magazine’s Top 40 Under 40.
Since 2017, April has enjoyed coordinating the collective genius of ABC’s staff team and forging partnerships that strengthen communities and advance social inclusion.
Senior Management
Kim Brousseau
Program Operations
Kim Brousseau joined the ABC Head Start team as Program Operations Manager in 2021. Kim began her career by earning a Bachelor of Elementary Education from the University of Alberta and has been working with children ever since. During the past 25 years Kim has worked with children in a variety of capacities, including teaching in the classroom, coaching children with disabilities, and supporting children with disabilities find respite staff to help them access the community. Before having her daughter 8 years ago, Kim spent close to 10 years managing a Head Start Program in Edmonton, and eventually working as the director for their Early Learning division. Those years with Head Start stayed close to her heart, and she is thrilled to have an opportunity to share those skills and passions with ABC Head Start!
Jaime Cordoba
Stakeholder Relations
Jaime is our Fund Development and Stakeholder Relations Manager, he is a fundraiser and relationships builder with over 10 years of professional fundraising experience with well known charities such as The Canadian Red Cross and The Salvation Army.
Born in Colombia in a lovely town named Popayan founded in 1537 and is well known for its colonial architecture, Jaime moved to Canada in 2009 and made Edmonton home since 2010. He joined the Red Cross at the age of 14 and worked around the world in many humanitarian missions, from search and rescue to shelter, water and sanitation in disaster zones.
Jaime went to Business School and got a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Master’s Degree in Top Management. His work life has been mostly between financial institutions and the non-profit sector. Now he enjoys a happy life with his wife, daughter and his two lovely pugs.
Jennifer Hawryluk
Human Resources
Jennifer Hawryluk started with the agency in 2019 as the Early Learning Childcare Director where she successfully earned her Childcare Assistant Certificate, got acquainted with Flight Curriculum and supported the Centre to become an accredited childcare facility. Jennifer’s natural passion for people and experience in Human Resources soon found her back in an HR role with ABC Head Start in 2020. Prior to working for ABC Head Start, Jennifer had 13 years experience working in the Human Resource field in medical and food industry companies. Jennifer completed her Diploma in Medical Administration and Disability Management Certificate. She is currently working toward her Human Resource designation. Jennifer’s focus is on helping people be successful in a career they are passionate about.
Monica Jaramillo
Business Operations
Monica is a CPA Candidate who completed her Business Administration studies in Argentina and Canada and has over two decades of experience in the financial, administrative and systems fields serving financial institutions and trust organizations. She is an analytical thinker who offers a unique blend of leadership, vision, and knowledge.
Her contribution for many years at schools as a member of their parent councils and treasurer contributed to her learning of the intricate financial and administrative processes in the education sector. In 2019 her background and passion for helping the non-profit sector brought her to ABC Head Start. Monica’s mission is to create the administrative foundation that successfully supports the work of ABC’s team.
Laura Walker
Finance
Laura Walker, U of A alum (B.Comm) and a designated professional accountant (CGA) discovered her love of the Not-For-Profit world accidentally when, after the birth of her second child and the desire to spend more time with her children, she accepted a role as a part-time secretary for St. Clare Catholic Church. She immersed herself in this role and became fascinated by the idea of an organization existing solely for the purpose of helping others.
Over the years she worked, in some capacity, for several other charities and soon realized she wanted a place of employment where she was not simply on the sidelines but could be an integral part in shaping and growing an organization. In August of 2015 she was hired as the Finance Manager for ABC Head Start Society. In addition to diligently streamlining procedures, creating clean and accurate financial records, and providing relevant financial reporting to stakeholders, Laura has played an intrinsic role in substantial agency changes. She is truly excited about the future of a strong and diverse ABC Head Start family.
Extended Leadership Team
Betsy Rodriguez (Program Supervisor - Mill Woods Campus)
Jessica Wolski (Program Supervisor - Centre for Community Inclusion)
Priscilla Vohr (Program Supervisor - Centre for Community Inclusion)
Sonia Smart-Lyons (Program Supervisor)
Hoang (Jessica) Do (Early Learning and Care Supervisor)
Teri-Lyn Grandmaison (HR Coordinator)
Lyn MacDonald (Payroll and Finance Coordinator)
Graciela Morales (Research & Evaluation Coordinator)
Prasanna Nandyala (IT Coordinator/Privacy Officer)