Please join the Board and staff in welcoming Mandy Paisley as the new Executive Director of Caring Families Society. You will find, as we have, that Mandy brings with her an inspiring combination of experience, heart, and intelligence. In the short time we have known her, she has proven to be a compassionate listener, an eager learner, and a strong supporter of the work Caring Families has done since its beginning. We are honoured to welcome her as part of our family team.
A message from Mandy:
I would like to sincerely thank everyone for the warm and open welcome I’ve received at Caring Families Society. My name is Mandy Paisley, and I feel truly honoured to step into the role of Executive Director, building on the important work and legacy Dan has left behind.
I’d love to share a little about myself, so you know the heart and experience I bring. I was raised in Scotland and moved to Canada 17 years ago with my family. I have three wonderful grown children, my eldest daughter married last year, my son lives in Abbotsford, and my youngest is here in Victoria studying at UVIC. My partner Les and I are building a home in the Kootenays, and he’ll be joining me on the island once that’s complete. Since moving here from the Lower Mainland, I often find myself thinking I should have made the move sooner—the island truly feeds my soul.
My career has always been grounded in the nonprofit world and a passion for supporting children and families. I trained in Scotland in early years and child development, and went on to support childcare providers through legislation, investigations, training, and registration. I had the privilege of developing and delivering workshops and Higher National Standard courses on topics such as child development, child protection, trauma-informed practice, curriculum development, play-based learning, and the fundamentals of running a childcare business.
Since coming to Canada, I’ve been fortunate to work alongside some incredible organizations—leading Strong Start programs, managing child and middle years services with the YMCA, and serving as Executive Director for organizations focused on childcare inclusion and food security.
I also bring experience in human resources across nonprofit, for-profit, and unionized environments, along with a solid understanding of BC labour standards. In my most recent role as Executive Director, I worked closely with MCFD partners while supporting programs for children, youth, and families.
While I bring experience and knowledge, I come into this role with a genuine desire to listen and learn. Over the coming months, my focus is on building relationships, getting to know the team, the caregivers, and the community, and understanding what matters most to you. I’m really looking forward to connecting, learning, and celebrating the incredible work you do.
Thank you to the board for trusting me with this opportunity, and to all of you for your kindness and openness during this time of transition. I’m grateful to be here. Please don’t hesitate to reach out—my door is always open.
