The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team. -Phil Jackson
JENNIFER KENNETT
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Jennifer was born and raised in Fort McMurray where she continues to live with her husband, Dan, and 2 daughters Annabell and Emilie. With 4 generations of family currently residing in Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo, Jennifer’s roots run deep within the region.
It is because of these roots that Jennifer has a passion for our community and to improve the lives of those who live here. An advocate within the Social Profit Sector, Jennifer values social development and sustainability, believing that everyone in our region has the opportunity to thrive given the right supports.
Jennifer has a background in Human Resources with Social Profit Management with certificates and diplomas from Keyano College, Mount Royal University and SAIt. In her role as Executive Director, she looks forward to continuing to build key relationships to support some of our community’s youngest members.
In her spare time, Jennifer will be found with her family – often outdoors biking, walking or skiing. She enjoys yoga, fitness & our beautiful Northern Alberta living.
CAITLIN CLARKE
DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS
Originally from Manitoulin Island, Ontario, Caitlin moved to the Wood Buffalo Region in 2018. With a desire for social change, a love of serving youth, and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology, Caitlin joined the BGC team as the Youth Programs Coordinator. Bringing a strong work ethic and a passion for developing people, Caitlin transitioned to the role of Programs Director where she oversees BGC Fort McMurray’s childcare and youth teams. Caitlin thrives on building long-lasting relationships, inspiring a positive work environment, and creating programs where children and youth can be empowered, experience new opportunities, and create connections with their peers and mentors.
GRACE SMITH
CHILDCARE PROGRAMS MANAGER
Born and raised in the Philippines, Grace made her way to Canada in 2005 before moving to the urban centre of Wood Buffalo in 2009. Shortly after she arrived in the region, Grace joined BGC Fort McMurray and has been here ever since. With a degree in Social Work, Grace has dedicated much of her time to early childhood development and recognizes that we learn as much from children as they learn from us. Grace feels very proud to be part of such an amazing group of educators that make up the team at BGC. Through her leadership of childcare programs, Grace supports the social and emotional development of each child and ensures that they all receive the best care and love they deserve.
AMANDA DECOSTE
DIRECTOR OF FUND DEVELOPMENT & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Amanda is an original East Coaster, relocating to Fort McMurray in 2004. She joined the team of FMBGC in 2019 as the Fund Development, Communications & Community Engagement Director. As a foster parent and a mom to Clara, Amanda brings to our team enthusiasm about children, strong work ethic and positivity.
Working at BGC Fort McMurray provides her with the opportunity to meet like-minded community members, creating outstanding partnerships while benefiting the children of Fort McMurray. Amanda is an outgoing individual who loves to connect with people. Reach out to her via email at Amanda.DeCoste@fmbgc.ca if you’d like to support the club in any way.
JOAN OFSTIE
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
After 23 years of farming in Saskatchewan, as well as building a family of 4 beautiful children: Stephanie, Robert, Richard, and Kristina, Joan along with her husband, Gordon, decided to make Fort McMurray their home.
Joan joined the team at BGC in 2015 and her role is to ensure consistent and efficient operations of the club. Joan brings with her an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education, along with a wealth of administrative and business experience. There isn’t one program area that Joan’s role doesn’t weave into, add depth to or directly benefit from her expertise and attention to detail.
HANNA GAMBLIN
YOUTH PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Hanna was born and raised in a small farming community in Alberta. Determined to make a difference in the lives of others, Hanna moved to Edmonton to pursue her education in Child and Youth Care. Having been in the child and youth development field for six years, Hanna’s passion for working with children and youth from diverse backgrounds has developed into a love of watching them overcome the challenges and barriers that they may face. Before joining the BGC team in 2021, Hanna had spent some time in Fort McMurray when she was a teen. Hanna looks forward to working with youth in our community and having the opportunity to learn and grow alongside them, guiding them to discover what makes them unique and special.
CORINNE HOPE
FAMILY LIAISON
Born in the picturesque town of Smithers, British Columbia, Corinne moved to Kamloops, BC, where she obtained a degree in Tourism Management. This love of tourism brought Corinne to spend her summers working in Banff, Alberta, before settling in the Wood Buffalo region in 2009. Currently completing an MBA and raising her son, Corinne has recognized the importance of having a supportive network of parents and educators surrounding our families. This understanding led Corinne to direct her career path to serving and supporting families within our community. Joining the BGC team in 2022 as the Family Liaison, Corinne is looking forward to connecting with all current and future BGC Fort McMurray families.
If you have questions about registering for our programs or about our facility, please reach out to her at corinne.hope@fmbgc.ca