Earlier this month at our Annual General Meeting, the CCBC welcomed four new board members. We are so excited to have Jillian Dobson, Rick Duchalski, Emma Rodgers, and Newton Vanriel on board (pun intended)!

Get to know our new board members:

Jillian Dobson has over 18 years of experience as a real estate broker and has followed her writing dream to become a children’s author. She’s been an active volunteer with CANSCAIP for 10 years and is a member of IBBY. She’s lived in Alberta and Quebec and now lives in Ontario.

Rick Duchalski is a children’s author, storyteller, communications professional, and the founder of Mad Dreidel Press, an independent publisher of picture books. Through school visits, library programs, synagogue events, and community storytelling, he works to connect young readers with stories that are funny, imaginative, and culturally grounded. He is a member of CANSCAIP, SCBWI, and the Writers’ Union of Canada.

Emma Rodgers has spent 20 years working in publishing, most of those at Second Story Press where she is now Co-Publisher. She is grateful that her work allows her to collaborate with people who put a feminist, social justice agenda first as they create great Canadian books.

Newton Vanriel has over 30 years experience in fundraising, volunteerism, and community leadership. He is a consultant, public motivational speaker and author of two children's books that follow the adventures of the Soul Sistas.

We also want to thank the following exiting board members for their service: Ayden Athwal, Holly Bodger, Sarabeth Holden, Karen Millard, Anne Remmel, and Urve Tamberg.

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