Meet Our Team

We have a passionate, experienced team of 11 full-time staff members dedicated to helping kids and families thrive. Through education, support and fun, we empower families to build confidence, develop social-emotional skills and grow stronger together.

  • Claire Ashton

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

    Claire joined Bee Me Kidz as Executive Director in October 2024, bringing a wealth of experience and a passion for community impact. With a Master of Social Work from Wilfrid Laurier University and a Master’s in Sociology from Concordia University, Claire has dedicated her career to making a difference. She’s previously served as Director of Network Engagement at the Greater Saint John Community Foundation and as Program Director and Founder of Stone Soup at the Saint John Learning Exchange.

    Claire’s journey has taken her from teaching English and working with non-profits in Montreal to health education in Ghana, West Africa. As a mom to four children—an 18-year-old bonus daughter, 8-year-old twins, and a 6-year-old—she understands the importance of family connection.

    Claire is passionate about the critical role Bee Me Kidz plays in the lives of families. She’s dedicated to not only sustaining the program but growing it to reach even more families in New Brunswick and beyond.

  • Saige Williston

    CENTRE LEAD, SUSSEX

    Saige has been with Bee Me Kidz for seven years, starting as a Centre Lead at the East location before opening the Sussex program in 2023. She also supports central office administration.

    With over a decade of experience in youth and mental health-focused non-profits, Saige is passionate about Bee Me Kidz’s preventative approach to mental wellness. As a mom to two young daughters, she loves that the program equips kids and families with tools to navigate life’s challenges.

    Saige believes that teaching social-emotional skills to kids—and including their families—creates lasting, meaningful change.

  • Kerri Brooks

    CENTRE LEAD, SAINT JOHN EAST

    With over a decade of experience at Bee Me Kidz, Kerri Brooks has been a cornerstone of the program. Starting part-time on Saturdays, she’s now in her 9th year full-time, leading the Glen Falls School Centre. Kerri holds a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Social Science, and a Bachelor of Education, and she spent seven years as a casual teacher in the Anglophone South School District.

    As a mom to two young children, ages 5 and 7, Kerri understands the challenges families face. She loves the open-door feel of Bee Me Kidz, where families can come as they are, with no commitment, and find a welcoming space for everyone.

    Kerri is especially passionate about how Bee Me Kidz involves the entire family unit, offering something for everyone on Saturdays.

  • Sarah Johnston

    CENTRE LEAD, SAINT JOHN NORTH CENTRE

    Sarah’s journey with Bee Me Kidz began four years ago, and she’s been making an impact ever since. Starting as a part-time staff member, Sarah quickly transitioned to full-time, taking on roles at multiple centres before becoming the Centre Lead at the North Centre.

    With a background in pharmacy, Sarah made a career shift to work with children, serving as a Kindergarten Support Worker and a casual Educational Assistant before joining Bee Me Kidz. As a mom to two daughters, ages 9 and 10, Sarah is passionate about creating a safe, welcoming space where families can connect and grow.

    For Sarah, Bee Me Kidz is all about teaching social-emotional learning skills and fostering a sense of belonging for everyone.

  • Mandy Ridgley

    CENTRE LEAD, MILLTOWN

    Mandy joined Bee Me Kidz in 2021 as the Milltown Centre Lead, bringing a wealth of experience and a heart for community. With a background as a Behavioral Interventionist and Kindergarten Teacher, Mandy has spent years supporting children and families.

    As a mom to two grown sons, Mandy has always been deeply involved in her community, from running an in-home daycare to serving on school support committees. For Mandy, Bee Me Kidz is more than a program—it’s a community.

    Every Saturday, Mandy leaves with her heart full, inspired by the laughter, learning, and connections she sees. She loves how Bee Me Kidz brings families together in a meaningful way, creating a space where everyone can grow.

  • Abigail Cameron

    CENTRE LEAD, FREDERICTON

    Now in her second year as Centre Lead at Cuffman Street Elementary, Abigail is passionate about creating a safe, supportive space for families. With a Bachelor’s degree in Human Rights and Criminology, Abigail has spent years working with youth as a soccer coach, swim instructor, and afterschool care provider.

    Abigail loves how Bee Me Kidz helps kids build social-emotional skills while fostering a welcoming environment for families to grow and connect. For her, it’s all about making sure every family feels cared for and supported.

  • Elisha Brown

    CENTRE LEAD SUPPORT, SUSSEX

    Elisha brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for mental health to her role as Centre Lead Support at Sussex Corner. With a Bachelor of Education and a Bachelor of Psychology, Elisha is in her second year with Bee Me Kidz, teaching in-school programs at Sussex Corner Elementary.

  • Lori Bordage

    CENTRE LEAD SUPPORT, SAINT JOHN NORTH

    With over 20 years of experience in education, Lori is a dedicated member of the Bee Me Kidz team. Now in her third year, Lori serves as Centre Lead Support at the North Centre and teaches in-school programs at Centennial and Forest Hills Schools.

    Before joining Bee Me Kidz, Lori spent 22 years as an Educational Assistant, with 20 of those years at Saint Rose Elementary School. She also taught martial arts to elementary-aged children for eight years, bringing a unique perspective on discipline and confidence.

    As a mom to three grown sons, Lori loves seeing the real difference Bee Me Kidz makes in the lives of students and families. She’s passionate about providing tools for building strong, positive relationships that foster connection, growth, and confidence.

  • Kaylee Lowney

    CENTRE LEAD SUPPORT, MILLTOWN

    Kaylee has been part of the Bee Me Kidz family since 2016, starting part-time and now serving full-time as Centre Lead Support at Milltown. She also teaches in-school programs at St. Stephen Elementary School.

    With over 15 years of experience in childcare, Kaylee’s background includes roles as an Early Childhood Educator, a Behaviour Interventionist, and a Forest School Practitioner. She’s passionate about creating inclusive, safe spaces where children and families can thrive.

    Kaylee loves normalizing conversations about feelings and helping children build social-emotional skills in a supportive environment.

  • Lauren Erb

    CENTRE LEAD SUPPORT, FREDERICTON

    Lauren joined Bee Me Kidz in 2024 as Centre Lead Support at Cuffman Street Elementary. With a Bachelor of Arts in French and Psychology, Lauren brings a passion for social-emotional learning to her role.

    As a soccer coach and former French monitor, Lauren is dedicated to helping others grow. She believes that teaching SEL skills is important for everyone, no matter their age, and loves how Bee Me Kidz inspires both kids and adults to be their best selves.

  • Mark Thomas

    PARENT GROUP LEADER, SAINT JOHN NORTH

    Mark is in his second year with Bee Me Kidz, where he teaches at Sussex Elementary during the week and serves as Parent Lead at Centennial School on Saturdays. With a BA in Human Geography and experience as an educator with the BGC of Greater Saint John, Mark is passionate about making a difference.

    Mark loves seeing the impact Bee Me Kidz has on families, from the skills kids learn to the sense of pride families feel when they show up in their Bee Me Kidz gear. For Mark, it’s all about creating a space where families feel supported and connected.

  • Nicole

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