Meet the Team: Board of Directors

Steph Yelland

Chairperson

My name is Steph Yelland. We moved to Melfort in 2015 and I joined the board in 2024. My interest in joining the board stems from wanting to be more involved in my children's care away from home, and to be able to contribute in a meaningful way!

Jen Chyz

Vice-Chairperson

My name is Jen Chyz! I joined the board in September 2022. I joined the board because I wanted to be able to contribute to my children's care and gain an understanding of what happens behind the scenes. I look forward to helping the MDC grow into the future!

Darla Faye

Secretary

My name is Darla Faye and I joined the board in June 2026.

Taneyl Peterson

Communications Lead

My name is Taneyl Peterson and I joined the board in September 2022. It was important for me to get involved with the board because I wanted to be apart of my children's life when I couldn't be with them during the day. I enjoy learning more about the board as a whole and helping out where I can!

Jessica Watt

Policy and Procedure Committee Lead

My name is Jessica Watt. I joined the board in early September 2021. The primary reason I volunteered to serve on the board was to contribute something meaningful and help the daycare implement its new strategic plan. After joining I was able to see the fantastic work that the board has already accomplished with the management team and I hope to be able to assist more going forward.

Tracy Welsh

Treasurer

My name is Tracy Welsh, and I became a board member in September 2025. I joined to play a more active role in our daycare community and to help ensure the long-term success of the MDC in delivering high quality child care.

Brelynn Shantz

Strategic Planning Lead

My name is Brelynn Shantz. I joined the board in September 2025 as a way to stay involved, build connections, and give back. Being part of the board allows me to contribute to decisions that impact our children's learning environment and well-being, while also gaining a better understanding of how the daycare operates.

Hannah Musselman

Fundraiser/Sponsorship Lead

My name is Hannah Musselman - a mom of 3 & a Registered Massage Therapist here in Melfort. I joined the board in June 2026 to get involved in my kids day-to-day and hopefully help provide them with additional fun outside the house as well as get to know the behind the scenes of our wonderful daycare facility.

Naomi Farley

Officer

My name is Naomi Farley. I joined the board in October 2022. I joined the board to be more involved in my daughter's activities and time away from home, and to help keep a fun and safe environment for her and others.

Join the Melfort Daycare Co-operative Board of Directors

Making a difference for children in our community starts with people like you. Whether you're a parent, guardian, or community member, we'd love to have you on our team — no experience necessary!

We're currently urgently seeking new board members. A minimum of 5 board members is required for the board to operate and if the board cannot operate, neither can the daycare. Your involvement isn't just appreciated, it's essential to keeping our doors open for the children and families who depend on us. Training is provided and our team is friendly and supportive.

What's the time commitment?

10 meetings per year (monthly, excluding December & July)
Third Thursday of each month, 7:00–9:30 p.m.
Email & WhatsApp participation between meetings
Roughly 5–10 hours per month
Terms range from 1 to multiple years

Open Roles

🔴 Officer positions available now!

🟡 Positions opening ~ April 2027 (as members resign):

Board Chair
Vice Chair
Secretary
Communications Lead

See full descriptions of all board roles

Note: These roles are each filled by 1-year appointments with the members resigning at the 2027 Annual General Meeting — they can become available sooner to new members joining the board, depending on board needs and individual circumstances. If you're eager to step into a leadership role, now is a great time to get involved.

Not ready for the board? Join a committee instead.

Community members can join a committee without being a board director — or do both!

Each committee has a maximum of 6 members (1 lead + up to 5 additional members).

Strategic Planning Committee — improving daycare experience and operations
Policy & Procedure Committee — ensuring ethical, legal guidance across all sites
Fundraising & Sponsorship Committee — overseeing fundraising and sponsor relationships- committee members currently full

Time commitment varies based on your involvement.

Interested in joining a committee? Reach out to the committee lead directly to ask about capacity or email the board if a lead isn't listed.

Note: MDC staff members cannot be board members, but are welcome to serve as committee members.

Get Involved

I'm interested — contact me | I'm ready to apply

📄 Board Bylaws · New Member Orientation Checklist

📧 melfortdaycareboard@gmail.com