CANSCAIP (Canadian Society of Children’s Authors, Illustrators and Performers) is pleased to announce the appointment of Helena Aalto as Administrative Director. Helena will manage the operation of the CANSCAIP office, coordinate activities including the Packaging Your Imagination and Prairie Horizons conferences, and develop fund raising to increase professional services to Members and Friends. In tandem with her role as CANSCAIP’s Administrative Director, Helena will continue in her part-time role as National Coordinator for The Word On The Street Canada.

Helena comes to CANSCAIP with extensive experience in the Canadian book industry, and a lifelong love of children’s books. She has worked with The Word On The Street Canada, ABC Life Literacy Canada, Editors’ Association of Canada, IBBY Canada and Canadian Children’s Book Centre. Earlier in her career, she held senior communications and marketing roles at Chapters and Coles Bookstores.