Wayne is the Owner & CEO of Willowbrae Academy. Wayne has had an illustrious career spanning several fields including technology, consulting, training, and education. He is a successful teacher and trainer in several industries and was a senior management consultant for many years with several fortune 500 companies. He has extensive experience with several quality assurance models including; ISO9001, SEI Capability Maturity Model and Total Quality Management. Wayne's background in business development, marketing, training and management, have made him a successful leader and visionary. On top of everything else his commitment to giving back to the community has had him involved with several charities including; Habitat for Humanity (former national board member), Shriners (Master Mason), and senior roles in national/world curling championships. He is also involved in martial arts and is active member of MacKenzie Taekwon-Do. His desire to help working parents find appropriate, quality child care is another step in both his business life and his extensive community involvement.

Shawn is a Co-owner and the President of Willowbrae Academy. Shawn’s career started in food service, where he delivered pizza during the afternoon and baked doughnuts at night. He continued to work hard and advanced in various companies taking on new roles and gaining more experience in operations and development. Shawn has owned many different companies in western Canada, with his journey finally leading him to Willowbrae. He has held management and senior executive roles in some of Canada’s highest-profile Franchise companies and is a well-respected professional across the nation. Shawn is focused on development, real estate and franchising and is a highly motivated and experienced team member. Outside of the office, Shawn is interested in soccer, travelling, and spending time with his two children and wife. His family is active in Hockey, Girl Guides and swimming and regularly attends various swim meets and tournaments around the province of BC. Shawn is proud to be a part of Willowbrae and sees it continue to be the leading childcare provider in Canada.

Barb oversees all financial related matters for our organization, directing financing strategies, analysis, and budget management. She is responsible for all aspects of financial operations ensuring a strong governance and sound financial practices. Barb combines her education and experience in management, accounting and finance to excel in her leadership roles. Barb’s educational background includes a Diploma of Business Technology in Accounting at the New Brunswick Community College, Bachelor of Commerce Degree, Accounting Major at Saint Mary’s University, followed by her CPA designation. Barb has had the opportunity to work in diverse industries throughout her career to further strengthen her business acumen. Barb loves her family time and enjoys being active. Her favourites are biking, running and playing golf.

As Director of Quality Assurance & Education Jenn oversees the development of curriculum and quality at Willowbrae Academy. She ensures compliance with all of Willowbrae's standards of quality assurance and improvement. Over the past decade Jenn has experience as an Early Childhood Educator, Resource Coordinator and Director roles. She is a graduate of Mount Saint Vincent University with a Bachelor of Applied Arts Child and Youth Study program. Jenn joined the Willowbrae team in 2011 and helped to build the foundation for quality education in a safe and nurturing environment. She understands each level of the academy and is collaborating with other Willowbrae Directors, managers, staff and parents to ensure Willowbrae Academy continues to provide the highest quality care possible. When not at work Jenn can be found travelling, hiking, kayaking or playing soccer.

As Director of Research and Special Projects, Patti performs research on new opportunities and other due diligence activities as well as providing data and input into various special projects. Highlights of her education and career include a BSc in Psychology from Dalhousie University, a BEd in Elementary/Special Education from Acadia University and further education from the University of New Bruswick. She has been teaching for 24 years and is a licensed teacher in several different provinces. Patti has taught in both private and public schools; as well as worked as a teacher in several childcare centers. Her list of accomplishments is amazing; English Second Language (ESL) Teacher, Community College ECE Instructor, Parks & Recreation Special Needs Co-ordinator and many more. Patti's volunteer work includes the Canadian Cancer Society, coaching baseball and soccer and working on numerous Parent/School Committees. Her tremendous scope makes her the perfect fit to lead our research and special projects.

Born in a small town in Ontario and having traveled extensively throughout Canada, the US and Europe, Susan chose Vancouver, BC as her home. Susan graduated from Western University and then she spent many years as an entrepreneur building a successful restaurant business. After selling her businesses, Susan consulted for several start-up companies with a focus on operations, management and marketing. Susan discovered the child care business after the birth of her daughter. She quickly found a role as Franchise Development Director and led the opening of eleven child care centres. Susan joined the Willowbrae Academy team in 2013 and has successfully led the opening of many new franchises. Susan’s expertise in the child care licensing process, construction, project management, start-up, operations and marketing has proved invaluable to the Willowbrae Academy team. Outside business, you can find Susan at her daughter’s soccer games, hosting play dates and enjoying the Vancouver beaches.

Born and raised in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Pegah has a passion for helping others in any way she can. Before attending Saint Mary’s University - where she received her Bachelor of Science and Major in Psychology - Pegah took a year to volunteer at an orphanage in Honduras, Central America, where she cared for over 180 children of all ages, and taught English at the public school. After graduating from University, Pegah ventured into the real estate world, and was a licensed Realtor® for over six years, up until accepting her position at Willowbrae Academy Corporate. Pegah epitomizes care, commitment, loyalty, hard-work and creative service in every aspect of her personal and professional life. Outside business, you can find Pegah spending time with her family and friends, enjoying the outdoors, or volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House – a place very dear to her heart.

On July 13, 1988, Hal & Joanne shot the first episode of BodyBreak and began a journey that would elevate them to one of the most famous fitness couples in Canada. Today the BodyBreak team continues to spread the "Keep Fit and Have Fun" message through various corporate partnerships and speaking appearances. In 2013, Hal & Joanne met CEO Wayne Cochrane and the Willowbrae® journey began. They are excited to be actively working with Willowbrae® developing a fitness program to help kids Keep Fit and Have Fun and also educate parents on the importance of exercise and good health for their children.

Rob has over 28 years of experience in the commercial construction field, specializing in space layouts, planning and overall design concepts. Certified in Building Technology, Rob is a self-motivator and an independent worker with a keen eye for detail. He has always helped children especially as an avid volunteer. For over a decade Rob has been involved in coaching, managing and coordinating children in soccer, hockey and golf. Each new project poses its' own set of challenges but Rob is always ready to meet these head on. He strives to make each project unique, working within the required parameters based on building size, building shape and code requirements. Functionality and ease of use for both children and workers tops the list for each project. Result: a lot of smiling faces at each Willowbrae Academy® location!