Board of Directors

Laura MacNevin is an Early Childhood Educator practicing at Hunter River Early Learning Centre. Laura graduated from the Human Services program at Holland College in 2001. After practicing in a variety of roles within the field of Human Services Laura chose to return to school to receive her Early Childhood Care and Education certification. Most recently Laura has taught the first two rounds of the Accelerated level 3 ECCE program at Holland College. Laura is excited about the opportunity to begin her role as a member of the ECDA Board of Directors. Laura lives in Clyde River with her husband, 2 children and dog. When not at work Laura enjoys spending time outdoors and travelling.

Kaylee is a frontline Early Childhood Educator with the Holland College Early Learning Centre. She entered the field in 2015 after graduating from UPEI with a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education degree specializing in elementary years and Indigenous Education. Kaylee then attended Holland College while working in the field obtaining an Early Childhood Certificate.  Kaylee strongly believes in lifelong learning and is always eager to further her resources and knowledge in the field. Kaylee has had the privilege of working with children of all ages. She takes pleasure in seeing the children fulfill their curiosity and creativity while guiding their development throughout. Kaylee is excited and grateful to join the board in 2024 as it will allow her to strengthen connections and advocate for the early childhood field.  Outside of work, she loves spending time with her husband and family enjoying all the outdoor activities PEI has to offer.

Darla has been a proud PEI Early Childhood Educator for over 30 years. She has worked with all age groups, as a center director and is now the proud co-owner of Mighty Oaks Academy. She has seen the PEI ECE sector change in so many ways since starting in the field and is excited to see what the future holds for Island Educators and families. Darla lives in Covehead with her husband, two children and dog. When not working Darla enjoys spending time with her family and travelling

Mandy has been a member of the PEI Early Childhood Education sector for over 25 years. Mandy has been a front line ECE with Milestones EYC for the past 18 years. Her passion for working with infants and their families is what drives her work and her desire to continue learning and growing, while her passion to be a voice for the PEI early years sector is what inspired Mandy to be a member of the ECDA Board of Directors.

Jennifer Arsenault is an Early Childhood Educator, learning and growing at Bright Futures Child Development Centre. She entered the field in 2010 and has since obtained her Diploma in Early Childhood Education and her Bachelors of Early Childhood Education (Honours) with a Micro-certificate in Special Needs in ECE. With a deep commitment to supporting quality early childhood education, Jenn is passionate about creating inclusive and nurturing environments for children, families and educators to thrive, grow, and belong. Her commitment to providing quality early years education is what inspired her to join the board of directors; to create connections, advocate, and support the incredible progress and future progress of the early childhood sector on PEI. Jenn lives in Charlottetown with her 2 daughters, partner and their dog. When she is not working she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and the outdoors.

Hanane Abdelqaoui is a dedicated Early Childhood Educator and Director, currently leading Académie d’Exploration Rustico in Rustico. She also teaches at Collège de l’Île, and is a board director at the ECDA. sharing her expertise with future educators. Hanane is passionate about creating inclusive, supportive learning environments that celebrate diversity and foster strong community partnerships.

Gordie MacKeeman has worked in the early years sector for over 15 years in roles ranging from Inclusion Support Worker to Educator and Director. A graduate of Holland College’s accelerated Early Childhood Education program, he currently serves as Director at Chances Family Center. Gordie is dedicated to building strong relationships with children, families, and educators, and is committed to creating supportive, collaborative learning environments. In addition to his work in early childhood education, Gordie is a multi–award-winning international touring musician and the creator of Folk for Little Folk Volume 1, a children’s folk album that received both a Canadian Folk Music Award and a John Lennon Songwriting Award.