BOOKMATES - Key Persons


Danielle Barchyn

Job Titles:
  • Secretary of the Board

Dr. Beverley Zakaluk

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Board
  • Honourary Life Member
  • Professor

Gabriel Valentini

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Board

Jennifer Pawluk

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Board

Karen Houdayer

Job Titles:
  • Professional Development Manager for the Manitoba Child Care Association

Krista Forte

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Board

Marilyn MacKinnon - Chairman

Job Titles:
  • Chairman of the Board

Monica Dinney

Job Titles:
  • Executive Director
Monica has an extensive background working with a variety of non-profit organizations in Winnipeg. Her experience includes program development and management, donor relations, fundraising, community granting, event planning, and working with Boards and volunteers. She obtained the internationally recognized Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) credential in 2006 and holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Winnipeg. Monica is an active community volunteer, and has served on various Boards and committees. She is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and is a past Chair of National Philanthropy Day in Manitoba. An avid reader with a love of languages, Monica is dedicated to the values and principles of literacy, education and lifelong learning opportunities.

Nancy Tovell

Job Titles:
  • Program Coordinator
Nancy has a wide range of experience in facilitating workshops with a focus on sharing strategies, tools and resources to support those working with families and young children. She graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) degree and spent several years travelling five continents and collecting a million special memories. Included in these memories are working with early childhood education programs in London, England and creating other spontaneous "language sharing and literacy" sessions from Egypt to South Africa. She enjoys volunteering at her daughters' schools and their many extracurricular activities.

Rhea dela Cruz

Job Titles:
  • Office and Program Administrative Assistant
Rhea holds a degree in Business Management, and has years of experience in office administration including payroll, accounts, database management and publishing programs. Previously she worked for an international private pre-school, supporting teachers and administrators.

Teri-Lyn Skakum

Job Titles:
  • Program Trainer
Teri has spent over 25 years developing and delivering programming for children and families in schools, museums, and community organizations. For the past eleven years her work has focussed on community programs and promoting positive experiences for skill development through literacy, numeracy, physical activity, outdoor play, social interaction and more for families with children under 6 years of age. She graduated from the University of Winnipeg with a Bachelor of Education, majoring in English with a focus on Children's Literature. Teri loves reading and sharing stories, especially when music and props are incorporated! In her free time she loves playing tabletop games with her family and enjoys solving escape room puzzles.

Zaid Mohammed

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Board