Since 1997 KidSafe’s stakeholder’s, including our staff, board of directors, donors, and program partners have contributed to KidSafe’s success. Everyone involved with the organization is committed to the idea that each child has the right to live in a safe environment with the supports they deserve to succeed.
Gerhard Maynard, Executive Director
Gerhard is the Executive Director of the KidSafe Project Society. With a background in organizational development, programming, strategic planning, and people management, he has held positions such as the Regional Manager for Learning Through the Arts in Western Canada at The Royal Conservatory of Music and most recently the Director of Programming at Arts Umbrella in Vancouver.
A respected leader in the community, he has also held numerous advisory and steering committee positions for organizations such as The Actors Fund of Canada, The Dancer Transition Resource Centre, The University of Regina Theatre Department, and is currently the Chair of the Board of Made in BC. Gerhard holds a Masters in Leadership from Royal Roads University, a Bachelor in Fine Arts (Theatre Performance) from the University of Regina and a Certificate in the Performing Arts from the Canadian College of Performing Arts.
“All children have the amazing potential to be the creative problem solvers, innovators, and architects of our society. KidSafe recognizes that some children face significant barriers to reaching that potential. All children come into the world full of wonder, excitement, and a genuine desire to find their place in the world. At KidSafe we provide children facing significant barriers a full day’s nutrition, a safe haven, engaging programming, and people in their lives that can support them in reaching that potential”.
Kristi Rintoul, Manager of Programming and Development
Kristi is KidSafe's Manager of Programming and Development, and has been working with the organization since 2007. With degrees in Communication and Child and Youth care, Kristi brings a wealth of front line experience and practical knowledge. She has training in counselling and developmental psychology, and experience in project management, community development, fundraising and presenting. Kristi has also spent extensive time in program development, implementation and evaluation but her true passion lies in working directly with children and families.
Kristi’s previous work experience includes street outreach in Vancouver’s east side, work in residential treatment homes for youth, programming for at-risk children and as a day camp counsellor. She works from a strengths based perspective and believes every child can shine with the right supports and encouragement.
“KidSafe is a wonderful place to be, it is full of laughter, excitement, growth, learning and friends. It is a place where the children who come can be children and not worry about the fears and instabilities they may face at home. We work hard to ensure KidSafe participants don’t feel like they’re any different from other children and that they are celebrated and cared about every day. KidSafe children continually impress and amaze me; it’s a pleasure to be able to spend time with them.”
Jennifer Allen, Administrative Coordinator
Jennifer Allen is KidSafe's Administrative Coordinator. Jennifer studied Arts, Business and Accounting at Simon Fraser University, earning a Bachelor with a major in Philosophy and a minor in Psychology.
Jennifer became fascinated with finding the root causes of problems in our communities, and set out to become involved in prevention strategies and positive societal change. She has worked with non-profit organizations since 1997, focusing in the areas of office systems and procedures, database management, writing and promotions, and finance and accounting.
"I grew up in the Vancouver area, and am now also living with my own young family in KidSafe's neighbourhood. It is clear to me that providing children safe, encouraging, enriching, environments and support systems is a critical component of building and maintaining the kind of healthy, dynamic community that I want to live in, now and for the future. KidSafe is a key part of that."
Julianna Vittorio, Administrative Assistant
Julianna Vittorio is the Administrative Assistant for KidSafe. Julianna studied workplace skills preparation at Capilano University, and holds a certificate from the Access to Work Program. With over 3 years experience working with non-profit organizations in the areas of arts administration, research, administration, and marketing, she has worked as the Program and Administrative Assistant for the British Columbia chapter of Learning Through the Arts. She is also an independent contractor and has provided administrative support to organizations such as Arts Umbrella, the Sarah McLachlan School of Music, and Made in BC - Dance on Tour.
In her spare time, she also volunteers for other organizations and festivals, such as the Harmony Arts Festival in West Vancouver, and with KidSafe as a Donor Relations/Office Volunteer.
"KidSafe gives vulnerable children and youth not only access to essentials such as a full day's nutrition, recreation, developmental programming and life changing opportunities, but also a safe place to come when schools are closed where they can learn important life skills so that they are able to fully contribute to their community while being surrounded by engaging, caring adults. It is essential that we continously celebrate the milestones that children and youth acheive. All children have the amazing potential to be anything they desire. I am so grateful to be a part of an organization that is helping to make a difference in the lives of the children and youth that live in Vancouver's inner city."
Reach us at: info@kidsafe.ca
