The Local Familial was founded by five moms who had recently arrived in Montreal: Erin Cully, Joanne Griffiths, Erin Cully, Catherine Juneau, Patricia Ribeiro, and Thaylini Luz.
Founders
Board of directors
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| Catherine Juneau Director |
Erin Cully Vice President |
Joanne Griffiths Secretary |
| Catherine holds a doctorate in psychology research and now teaches child development, among other subjects. During the 12 years she lived in France, she gained non-profit experience volunteering with a family organization. Having experienced a separation soon after moving back to the Plateau, where she was born, she created the Local to help other parents avoid the isolation she felt when she found herself separated with two small children and no friends or family left in the area. She contributes her ideas, motivation, and time, and her energy is the engine that keeps the organization running. | Erin is a mom of two young children who holds a doctorate in history and has experience in research, teaching, and union mobilisation. Her propensity for lifelong learning has most recently led her to study law. She is no stranger to wearing many hats, bringing a combination of curiosity, versatility, and dedication to the Local. She helped launch the project because she knows how valuable it is for parents to have a home away from home and be able to meet and bond with other families. She is deeply motivated to cultivate a third place in a society where they are sorely lacking. | Joanne is one of the moms who co-founded the Local, and also serves as Secretary of the Board. Originally from the UK, she moved to Quebec with her family mid-pandemic in 2021, when her baby was just nine months old. Having experienced the search for community and support as a parent of a young child, she is now passionate about the idea of helping others in the same situation. For her, the Local is all about providing a third place that is adapted to the needs of modern families. Joanne has worked in community settings for over 15 years, with groups including families, children, and the elderly. She currently works for a philanthropic social development organization. |
Team
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| Shannon Bouchard Coordinator |
Gabrielle Maya Facilitator |
Alice Wagneur Facilitator |
| After almost a decade in translation, Shannon decided to turn her keen organizational skills, attention to detail and desire to help others towards the non-profit sector. In addition to her new career path, she’s also learning the steps of parenthood little by little as a new step-mom to a five-year-old. She is the hub that implements the board’s vision and utilizes her communications expertise and fluency in both languages to manage the links between the various aspects of the Local. You may also catch her unleashing her cooking, baking, and opera skills at the Local’s potluck and karaoke nights. | As a mom of two teenagers who has worked in childcare for years, Gabrielle is intimately familiar with the ins and outs of managing kids and how she can best support parents. She has worked extensively with people in settings ranging from healthcare to retail, and brings this social facility to her interactions at the Local. Her initiative, dedication, and boundless energy help bring the Local and its projects to life. | Alice has studied teaching and is currently studying in psychology, with a particular interest in child development. It was while working in elementary schools and daycare that she discovered how much she enjoys working with children. She loves playing and engaging with families by developing fun, creative activities that bring them together. She also enjoys learning languages and interacting with people from different cultures. Not only does she speak French and English, but she also has a working knowledge of Russian and Japanese! |
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| Loubaba Faik Educator |
Maximilien Le Nivet Educator |
Teresa Mangione Facilitator |
| Loubaba is an early childhood educator with 6 years of experience in daycares in Montreal. She enjoys helping each child discover their own potential, because, as Einstein said, “everyone is a genius,” it’s just a question of figuring out where they will thrive. Her expertise includes cardboard castles, finger-painting, and telling stories that spark the imagination. | Maximilien has been working in recreation since 2007, in positions ranging from facilitator to director. His clientele has included children of all ages and people with disabilities, among others. He has several recreation and social development certifications, as well as first-aid training. He is a dreamer who loves creating environments where the children in his care feel confident and safe, and where they can reach their full potential. As a stepdad, he tries to create a sense of simplicity and fun, and brings that same energy to the kids who come to the pyjama nights, creating an atmosphere that feels somewhere between daycare and home. | Originally from Italy, Teresa has worked with many families in Italy and Montreal, adapting to each circumstance with sensitivity and attentiveness. She guides families through key developmental stages, such as weaning, teething, potty training, and transitions, in a gentle way that respects each child’s pace. She also creates activities tailored to each child’s needs, while respecting their individuality. She brings a deeply human, intuitive, and personalized approach to the halte-garderies on Wednesday mornings. She loves turning simple everyday moments into meaningful sensory and creative experiences. |
