BC Council for Families

Announced recently from the Federation of Community Social Services of BC: the recipients of the 2009 Award for Excellence are Carol Matusicky and Dana Brynelson of Vancouver BC.  Carol and Dana were recognized for their exceptional contributions in the field of child and family services at a special ceremony at the Federation’s general meeting on November 4, 2009.
 
For 25 years until she retired in 2007, Carol was the Executive Director of the BC Council for Families. A champion of early childhood development, Carol is the 2007 recipient of United Way’s prestigious Dr. Margaret Corbett Early Childhood Development Award in recognition of many years co-ordination of several early childhood development programs within BC. Now in “retirement”, Carol’s advocacy work continues relentlessly! She is a Fellow of the prestigious National Council for Early Childhood Development, serves on the Burnaby Board of Trade’s Social Development committee as well as the Board of Directors for Burnaby Family Life. In addition, Carol is the volunteer co-chair and passionate founding member of Board Voice, working with other non-profit Board members to raise awareness about the value of the sector.
 
Dana has worked in the BC public sector for over 35 years, and has dedicated her work and life to the children and families of BC as the Provincial Advisor to the Infant Development Programs of BC. As provincial advisor Dana’s work has always been about being an advocate for infants and children with special needs, and their families. Thanks to Dana’s commitment and hard work the Infant Development Program in BC has been cited as one of the best in the world.  She has done this through the manner in which she works together with families, communities and the staff working across the province in the various Infant Programs. Dana is the recipient of many awards for her work in the area of disability and family support. Her contribution to the field of Early Intervention has been recognized with a Doctorate of Laws, Honoris Causa from UBC.

Our congratulations go out to both Carol and Dana for this recognition of the value of their contributions to family life in BC!