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.
ERIKA FIDDER
TINY TOES DAYCARE DIRECTOR
Erika Fidder is the Director of our Tiny Toes Daycare and a long-time educator at the Boys & Girls Club of Fort McMurray.Erika began her work at the Boys and Girls Club when she was 18 years old and starting her schooling for a Bachelor of Education. Once graduating she realised she loved the childcare field and wished to stay and make it her career. She has worked in nearly every role available at the Boys and Girls Club and now greatly enjoys her work with the children and educators in the Tiny Toys Daycare. Erika is a lifelong resident of Fort McMurray and is passionate about providing quality and individualized care for the children in her community.
GRACE SMITH
ZAP DIRECTOR
Grace was born and raised in the Philippines and has a degree in Social Work. She migrated to Canada in 2005, moved in Fort McMurray in 2009. She has been employed with the Boys and Girls Club since 2009 and truly feel as though its her second home. She feels very proud and lucky to be a part of such an amazing group of educators and colleagues. Throughout her life she has dedicated a lot of her time to taking care of children enjoying every minute of it. She enjoys every aspect of working with them and over the years realized they can teach us as much as we teach them. She’s dedicated to the social and emotional development of each child and makes it her goal to make sure each child receives the best care and love they deserve.
CAITLIN CLARKE
YOUTH PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Originally hailing from beautiful Manitoulin Island in Ontario, Caitlin travelled to Peterborough to attend Trent University where she acquired her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology. Her passion for working with children and youth led her to spending the last six years pursuing a career path in Child and Youth Program Development. Caitlin moved to Fort McMurray in 2018 to assume the position of Youth Coordinator for the FMBGC Limitless Youth Program. Caitlin believes that access to inclusive programming for all youth is vital for a successful future. Her goal is to develop programs where youth can experience new opportunities, build positive relationships, gain confidence, and learn new skills.
AMANDA DECOSTE
FUND DEVELOPMENT, COMMUNICATIONS & EVENTS
Amanda is an original East Coaster, relocating to Fort McMurray in 2004. She joined our team of FMBGC in 2019 as our Fund Development, Communications & Events Coordinator. 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 events@fmbgc.ca if you’d like to support the club in any way.
JOAN OFSTIE
OPERATIONS MANAGER
Originally from Saskatchewan, Joan and her husband, Gordon have made Fort McMurray their home for the past 9 years. Joan received her Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education in 1981, from Great Bend, Kansas. Upon returning to Saskatchewan, Joan and Gordon farmed for 23 years. While farming, they raised 4 children: Stephanie, Robert, Richard and Kristina. Over the years Joan has worked in a variety of positions. These include her admin assistant at the Town Office in Outlook, Sk, a book keeper at a veterinarian office and an admin of a regional park.
Joan began working at Boys & Girls Club of Fort McMurray in 2015 and has been able to utilize her education and work experience in her role as the operations manager.