Board of Directors & Executive Committee

Executive Director: Joan Gignac

Hello, my name is Joan Gignac. I joined the AHSABC team as the Executive Director in February, 2008. I am an Aboriginal Early Childhood Educator and have been working in BC for the past 18 years, having moved to BC from my home in Northern Ontario just after graduating from College. I first became involved with Head Start in 1997 when I worked with the Vancouver AHS site. From 1999 to 2008, I helped to open and develop the Head Start program for Chemainus First Nation and was the Manager of this program for almost 9 years.

Since 1997, I have been involved in Head Start locally, provincially and nationally. And what I have grown to believe is that Head Start really does provide children and families with a head start. It is my belief that Aboriginal Head Start programs provide both the children and parents with a supportive environment that inspires the lifelong journey of living and learning. Head Start was there for me when I needed to feel more closely connected with others, and now I want to give back to them.