Board of Directors
As a not-for-profit corporation, Thistleoaks is overseen by a Board of up to nine volunteer Directors, made up of parents and community stakeholders. The Board's mandate is to responsibly govern the Centre by establishing the policies, budgets, and direction for the Executive and School Directors, who oversee and run the day-to-day management of Thistleoaks.
Any matters pertaining to the daily operation of the centre should be brought to the School Director first. For other matters, the Board can be reached at board@thistleoaks.ca.
Executive
As a mom with a son enrolled at Thistleoaks, I am excited to join the Board of Directors. Our time here has shown that Thistleoaks is a special community that welcomes everyone and truly has the best interests of children, staff, and families at heart.
I am a lawyer practicing in insurance defence. I graduated with a degree in English Literature from Queen's University and a Law degree from Western University. In my free time, I like to bake desserts and listen to podcasts.
I hope to use my time as a board member to promote access to quality, affordable childcare.
Gillian Mays
Chair
Joined Thistleoaks: 2021
Lindsay Sornberger
Treasurer
Joined Thistleoaks: 2020
As an Oakville native and previous Kerr Street resident, our family fell in love with Thistleoaks during our very first visit. Both my kids have attended Thistleoaks since 2017. Our entire family has had an extremely positive experience with the teachers, administrative staff and students. We have created lifelong friendships and a very special bond with Thistleoaks.
I am a Business Systems Analyst with a Commerce Degree from the University of Guelph. I am looking forward to contributing to help Thistleoaks continue to be a great place for children, staff and parents. Thistleoaks has been a huge part of the Kerr Community for over 30 years, I am committed to serve as a Board member to ensure Thistleoaks continues to be a leader in the child care industry.
I will never forget dropping my daughter off on her very first day knowing she was in the absolute best hands. That feeling continued each and every day and became very evident at pick up when she never wanted to leave. Thistleoaks is truly a special place and I am very excited for this opportunity to be a part of it.
Megan Paton
Vice-Chair
Joined Thistleoaks: 2022
I’m a communications professional with over 15 years of progressive experience in both the arts and entertainment and non-profit industries.
Over the course of my career, I have led the communications and PR for a variety of projects, including books for high-profile authors (such as Mike Holmes), award-winning TV series (including Vikings and Outlander), and the national non-profit, Futurpreneur.
Most recently, I’ve worked as the Communications Manager for HIEC, a Ontario-based not-for-profit and industry-education council with a focus on partnership, mentorship and workforce development. The organization delivers interactive and informative career development programming, facilitates meaningful experiential learning opportunities, hosts inspiring community events, and manages multiple online communities with a focus on workforce development. My role focuses primarily on managing proposal writing and negotiation, leading communications and marketing, and participating in strategic planning as part of the organization’s executive team.
As a non-profit professional and mother of a child currently in daycare, I’m excited about the opportunity to support a community organization with a focus on early childhood education and development.
Directors
Sheri Watson
Joined Thistleoaks: 2021
My family first joined Thistleoaks in 2019 when we moved to Oakville and our son began attending the Centre. From the beginning, we were impressed with the excellent quality of care he received and the special community of staff and educators there.
I am now proud to serve this community as a member of the Board, and to share my skills and experience in not-for-profit management to support Thistleoaks as a leader in quality childcare in Halton. With a degree in Intercultural Conflict Management, I have worked in the international development sector for more than 12 years and currently oversee a diversified portfolio of education grants in sub-Saharan Africa for a large Canadian charitable organization.
Katie Rauscher
Joined Thistleoaks: 2021
I became a proud member of the Thisleoaks family in 2021 first as a parent, and shortly after as a Board Member. After meeting the staff and seeing the centre, we knew this was the place for our family.
Between my previous volunteer experience, coupled with my Urban Planning background, I hope to bring a unique perspective to the Board. I look forward to ensuring that Thisleoaks remains a leading child care centre in Halton.
Cathy Lipton
Joined Thistleoaks:2020
I am excited and honoured to be joining a talented group of board members who care about and share the same vision for Thistleoaks and to ensure it continues to be a leader in quality childcare in the Region of Halton.
I achieved an honours degree in both Child Studies and Early Childhood Education and have more than 30 years experience in the childcare field as an educator, supervisor and educational assistant for the Halton School Board. Most recently for the past 10 years I worked as a Quality First Consultant. Thistleoaks was one of the centres which fell under my portfolio. During my time working with the team at Thistleoaks I was always impressed with both the leadership teams and educators commitment to quality childcare.
I bring a great deal experience and knowledge in the industry as well as first-hand perspective of the child care community to this board.
From my perspective, it is crucial to meet the needs of the children and their families as well as to advocate for the educators in order to achieve the best quality of child care. I am happily married with 2 grown children and have called Oakville my home for the past 30 years.
Jennifer Kulyk
Joined Thistleoaks: 2023
Liz Da Ponte
Joined Thistleoaks: 2023