Who We Are
Our team believes that positive change can be achieved by the teaching of social-emotional life skills.
Board of Directors
Our dedicated board of directors all share this philosophy and the stated mission and vision, and are working to ensure its implementation. Our team and facilitators shares these core values and educational philosophy.
Tal Rotchild, Director
Tal is an entrepreneur and mother of three children. Along with her husband she runs 3 successful startup companies. She believe in integrating and involving children in daily life activities as much as possible, as this gives the children a full education and teaches them teamwork, cooperation, and leadership. She hopes to share the key concepts and tools that make up healthy families.
Elad Milman, Director
Elad holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology. He is also an Educational Assistant Certificate, and a Registered Massage Therapist. In schools Elad saw how the over-use of technology influences the ability of children to socialize and the effects on self esteem. He reviewed scientific studies about the effects of technology on youth and how negative effects can be mitigated. Elad believes healthy relationships are the key to creating a better society, and it starts in the family.
Georgia Afendoulis, Director
Georgia has been working with kids in after school programs for the past 6 years. She holds a certificate as an Early Childhood Educator Assistant. Georgia feel it’s important in this era to bring families together in nature and do family activities. She believes empowering children is key because they will be the leaders of tomorrow. Being a Director is a way for her to be a part of the future and to help guide families with opportunities to learn and make positive changes in their lives.
Stephanie LeClair, Director
Stephanie is a proud to be Metis and to lead the charity in its vision to support families in British Columbia. Stephanie is a Registered Massage Therapist and currently working on completing her Bachelor of Health Sciences degree. She have observed the challenges that our society faces regarding social and emotional well-being. ,As a director she hopes to bring more educational tools to children and families.
Our Team
Sharel Cooper, IT Manager & Educational Content Coordinator
I grew up home schooled and in an environment that valued a diverse education that included not only academic, but also hands-on and social-emotional skills. The value of these skills seems to only increase the more I observe, and I am passionate about children’s education and the importance of sharing these skills starting at a young age. I have witnessed firsthand the consequences of a lack in these skills, and am now thoroughly convinced that healthy relationships and strong families made up of individuals possessing a wholesome education, are the foundation of a strong community and society. In my role, I hope to bring these values, and the passion for education, to the families that make up our communities.
Gloria Bucil, Project Leader & Office Manager
I believe in keeping the spark of energy, curiosity and openness as a light to guide our lives. Families are the first social group we belong to that help nurture this light, and they are integral in developing children so they can lead happy, creative, and fulfilling lives that support themselves as well as the environment around them.
I have over 8 years of experience working with children and youth, including facilitating programs that guide children in developing social and emotional life skills. My background also includes providing employment counseling for over 10 years, using innovative methods to help people of all ages and walks of life find work connected to their passion. I believe in the power and magic of the written word, and am committed to creating impactful books and materials that support and inspire children, youth, adults and families.
Florian Hohenbichler, Instructor
As the oldest of nine, I have been taking care of children for most of my life. I enjoy helping them develop that spark to learn, grow and create - particularly in the area of outdoor education. I believe children really thrive in a natural setting, learning about the beauty and intelligence of the natural world.
For the past 5 years, I have been running afterschool programs in woodwork, nature craft and outdoor education in schools and community organizations across the South Okanagan. I recently obtained my Red Seal in Carpentry and I have completed my Aboriginal Early Childhood Education.
Anita Bains, Instructor
I enjoy working with people of all ages, backgrounds and walks of life. Sharing smiles, realizations, achievements, laughter and friendship is the reason why I’m so passionate about education. I see my role as an educator as helping to develop that natural spark of curiosity that lies within everyone. I enjoy bringing my classroom to life with puppets, art, music, movement, humour, community and human connection.
After graduating from Simon Fraser University with a Bachelor of Communication, I taught English as a Second Language for 10 years, both in Canada and abroad. I’ve taught children’s programs in magic, art, creativity, nutrition, and dance. I am an Aboriginal Early Childhood Educator and am excited about working with children in a natural setting, exploring the beauty and intelligence of the natural world.
Yam Cooper, Program Coordinator
Yam is an inspiring children’s educator and multi-talented artist and musician. He has over 10 years of experience working and volunteering with children in a variety of educational settings including public schools, private schools, homeschooling groups, and educational non-profits, and has written and illustrated a children’s book on accepting those who are different, anti-bullying, and friendship.
Orit Cooper, Instructor
I have a BA in Behavioral Sciences and a certification to guide parenting courses through the Adler Institute. I was a social worker in the public school system for 13 years in an innovative program that supported youth with social-emotional and family issues. Working in coordination with judges, psychiatrists, counselors and teachers in the community, I created a comprehensive network of support for youth and youth at-risk. Believing in an integrative approach, I work passionately to help families address mental, emotional, and social needs. I believe that stronger families are at the core of stable communities.
Creating a Better Future Education Society’s philosophy centers around the promotion and support of strong families. We believe that an education that can prepare our children to be leaders should consist of not only academic competencies, but also a wide range of social-emotional and life skills. Developing creativity, teamwork and friendship building skills, as well as resilience and independence, are all essential parts of our wholesome education philosophy.