About Kanaka PAC

Chairperson

Katie Cowieson

Katie Cowieson has served as President of the Parent Advisory Council for the past two years and is an active and engaged member of the school and local community. With experience serving on community boards and in volunteer leadership roles, Katie brings a strong commitment to organization, collaboration, and creating meaningful opportunities for students and families. Katie is passionate about making the PAC a welcoming and connected part of the school community. She is committed to working collaboratively with parents, students, staff, and the wider community to support the school’s priorities and ensure PAC resources and initiatives have a positive impact on students. As PAC President, Katie is dedicated to continuing to strengthen parent engagement, support staff and student needs, and build a positive school community where families feel welcomed, heard, and involved.

Vice Chair

Aisha Pollard Douglas

Aisha serves as Vice Chair of the Kanaka Creek Elementary PAC. A mom of three and a School District 42 employee, she brings years of PAC experience, from representing parents at DPAC to organizing fundraisers and school events. As Vice Chair, she supports the Chair, helps coordinate PAC initiatives, and steps in to lead meetings when needed. Aisha enjoys giving back and working alongside families to make Kanaka Creek a welcoming, supportive community for all students.

Seceretary

Candace Walsh

Candace Walsh serves as the Secretary of the Parent Advisory Council (PAC) and is dedicated to supporting strong communication and collaboration within the school community. She enjoys helping keep families informed, supporting PAC initiatives, and contributing to events and activities that enrich students’ experiences. Candace is passionate about fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment where students, staff, and families can thrive together.

Secretary & Hot Lunch Coordinator

Marianna Afanasyvev

Marianna is a mom of two Kanaka Creek students and a communications professional who builds online communities. As PAC Secretary, she records meeting minutes, maintains PAC records, and helps keep families informed. She enjoys brainstorming ideas and planning school events, seeing her involvement as a way to give back and show her children what leadership looks like. For Marianna, community is at the heart of being human—and PAC is a wonderful expression of that.

Monika Choudhary

Treasurer

Monika brings a background in technology and a commitment to serving her school community to her role as PAC Treasurer. She manages PAC funds thoughtfully and transparently, helping ensure that every dollar supports students and school initiatives. She also uses her technology experience to manage the PAC website and make information easier for families to find. Monika enjoys working with other parents and volunteers to bring ideas to life for the school community.

Treasurer-2

Gayathri Arukapalli

Gayathri Arukapalli serves as Treasurer with a keen eye for financial stewardship and accountability. She works diligently to ensure resources are managed wisely and directed toward meaningful impact. Gayathri's thoughtful approach to fiscal responsibility demonstrates her deep commitment to building trust and supporting the organization's mission.

Hot Lunch Coordinator

Jessica Lahaie

Jessica Lahaie is a self-described “neurospicy mom with neurospicy kids” who loves books, faeries, all things fantasy, and spending time outdoors with her family—with the occasional family video game session! Part of the Kanaka Creek community for four years, she values being involved in her children’s school. As Hot Lunch Coordinator, Jessica helps organize lunch days, coordinate with food providers and volunteers, and ensure meals reach students smoothly, bringing warmth and care to the program.

DPAC Representative, Hot Lunch Coordinator & Fundraising Coordinator

Brigitte Krugar

Brigitte is a proud mom to a Grade 1 student at Kanaka Creek Elementary. As Hot Lunch Coordinator, she helps organize lunch days, coordinate with food providers and volunteers, and ensure meals reach students smoothly. She also serves as our DPAC Representative, connecting our school PAC with the district parent council and sharing updates and parent perspectives. Brigitte enjoys supporting events and programs that bring families together and make school a great experience for our kids.

DPAC Representative

Paige Licas

Paige Licas serves as DPAC Representative, committed to fostering strong connections within our school community. She brings enthusiasm and advocacy to every initiative, working to ensure that families have a voice in shaping positive change. Paige's collaborative spirit and dedication make her an invaluable bridge between parents and school programs.

Member-at-Large

Faiza Karim

Faiza is a valued PAC Member-at-Large who supports a variety of school initiatives throughout the year. She coordinates Popcorn Days, helps organize Grade 7 activities, and contributes to many other events that enrich our school community. We appreciate her dedication and enthusiasm in supporting our students and families.

Fundraising Coordinator

Neha Arora

As a Fundraiser Coordinator, She helps plan, organize, and coordinate school fundraising initiatives from start to finish. This includes working with volunteers, coordinating with vendors and families, managing communications, tracking orders and payments, and ensuring fundraising activities run smoothly. My goal is to make fundraising simple, organized, and enjoyable for families, while helping the school community raise funds that directly support students and school programs.

Members At Large

Candace Halliday

Members at Large are an important part of the PAC team, bringing their ideas, perspectives, and support to help strengthen the school community. They participate in PAC discussions, help with events and initiatives, and support projects throughout the school year. They provide a flexible way for parents and guardians to get involved, contribute their skills, and help make a positive difference for students and families.

Members At Large

Caylie Valley

Members at Large are an important part of the PAC team, bringing their ideas, perspectives, and support to help strengthen the school community. They participate in PAC discussions, help with events and initiatives, and support projects throughout the school year. They provide a flexible way for parents and guardians to get involved, contribute their skills, and help make a positive difference for students and families.

Members At Large

Melissa Tomsons

Members at Large are an important part of the PAC team, bringing their ideas, perspectives, and support to help strengthen the school community. They participate in PAC discussions, help with events and initiatives, and support projects throughout the school year. They provide a flexible way for parents and guardians to get involved, contribute their skills, and help make a positive difference for students and families.

Member At Large

Meagan Oslie

Members at Large are an important part of the PAC team, bringing their ideas, perspectives, and support to help strengthen the school community. They participate in PAC discussions, help with events and initiatives, and support projects throughout the school year. They provide a flexible way for parents and guardians to get involved, contribute their skills, and help make a positive difference for students and families.

Member At Large

Jessica Lahaie

Members at Large are an important part of the PAC team, bringing their ideas, perspectives, and support to help strengthen the school community. They participate in PAC discussions, help with events and initiatives, and support projects throughout the school year. They provide a flexible way for parents and guardians to get involved, contribute their skills, and help make a positive difference for students and families.