General Information
The Family Resource Centre provides FREE programs and services to all parents and caregivers of children prenatal to age 5 in Saskatoon.
Play Spaces
We Have:
A drop-in play and learn space
Programming space
Early years health Visiting Professionals
Staff trained in early childhood development
Space for networking and workshops
We Offer:
Parent and child play-together programs
Parent and child music and literacy programs
Parent education programs
Programs and information sessions facilitated by health care professionals
Information about other parenting supports and child development programs in the community
All programs are FREE unless otherwise stated.
Our Team
Oluwole Falode
Centre Coordinator
Oluwole Falode is a globally recognized expert in early childhood education and instructional design, with over 14 years of experience in teaching, training, supervising early childhood educator candidates, and conducting educational research. He brings a deep understanding of children's developmental and learning processes, integrating developmental theories, instructional design models, and adult learning principles to create responsive programmes for both children and caregivers.
Oluwole has made significant contributions to academia, having served as a faculty member at universities and polytechnics. He has authored over sixty peer-reviewed articles focusing on children’s play, developmental growth, learning improvement, and interactive instruction. His research has garnered more than 1,000 scholarly citations, reflecting his influence in the field of education.
With professional experience across several countries, Oluwole brings a rich, global perspective to early learning practice. His international background culminated in his current role as Coordinator at the Saskatoon Early Years Family Resource Centre.
He holds bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in education. Oluwole is excited to be part of our centre and looks forward to connecting with staff and families in meaningful ways.
Areej Manzoor
Program Facilitator
Areej holds a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Saskatchewan and a Bachelor’s degree with a major in Science Education. She is certified as an Early Childhood Educator (ECE) Level 1 and has completed several credit units toward ECE Levels 2 and 3, with only 12 credit units remaining for Level 2. She is optimistic to receive her ECE Level 2 certification.
Areej began her career as an Educational Assistant and was soon promoted to the roles of teacher and program leader. With several years of experience in child care, she is excited to be part of the YMCA. She brings a strong passion for early learning and is committed to creating a positive, enriching environment for children and families.
Her goal is to support each family member in their individual growth while contributing to the collective success of the community. Areej believes in the power of teamwork, creativity, and communication to achieve goals and ensure that every moment is both fun and educational.
“Let’s be on this journey together and make the most of our time as a YMCA family!”
Elham Shahbazi
Program Facilitator
Elham is a dedicated educator with a strong background in science and a deep commitment to environmental stewardship. For ten years, she worked as a science teacher in Iran, where she inspired her students to think critically, ask questions, and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them. Her teaching focused not only on scientific principles but also on fostering a sense of responsibility toward the environment.
Recognizing how important the early years are in shaping a child’s future, Elham decided to extend her teaching journey to early childhood education. She completed the Early Childhood Education (ECE) Level 1 program at Sask Polytech and plans to continue her studies through Levels 2 and 3 to strengthen her skills and knowledge in supporting children’s development.
Elham also holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Sustainability from the University of Saskatchewan. She is especially excited to use this expertise to create engaging and meaningful activities for children, weaving together science, nature, and play. Her goal is to encourage curiosity, a love for learning, and respect for the natural world, while also building foundational skills through hands-on exploration.
Outside of her professional life, Elham is a proud mom of two boys. She enjoys spending time with her family outdoors, especially biking together along the river. Her love of nature and family time inspires her approach to teaching, as she values experiences that help children grow, explore, and connect with the world around them. Elham is thrilled to join our Centre and looks forward to building strong, positive relationships with families while helping children thrive in their learning and development.
Shahrina Mithela
Part Time Program Facilitator
Shahrina moved from British Columbia earlier in 2025 and brings five years of experience as an Early Childhood Educator in a licensed daycare. She first joined the Saskatoon Early Years Family Resource Centre (West) as a volunteer and was recently hired as a term contract Program Facilitator.
Now living in Saskatoon with her husband and their 4-year-old son, Shahrina loves the centre and is passionate about working with young children. She enjoys the unique perspective children bring, describing her role as “co-learning” alongside them. Looking ahead, she hopes to upgrade her knowledge and pursue opportunities to work with children with special needs.
Naturally creative, Shahrina enjoys making crafts with recyclable items. Her favourite season is winter, and she loves the snowy weather. She is excited to support families, share her creativity, and feels privileged to be part of the centre, working hand in hand with the community.
Munazza Jahan
Part Time Program Facilitator
Munazza started at our centre as a volunteer and was recently hired as a part-time program facilitator. She is currently in her first year pursuing a Bachelor’s of Arts and Science program in Health Studies. Munazza enjoyed her part as a volunteer as each day her day was filled with new experiences/adventures and knowing that she was part of a great service to the community, brought her instant gratification. She believes the Saskatoon Family Centre is an exceptional service centre to families and children by as it promotes play, delivering program and offering resources to enhance their lives. She looks forward to fulfilling her role, learning from several opportunities and seeing those smiling faces on children faces!
Andrea Gelsinger
Program Designer (West)
Andy has worked in the early childhood education space for over a decade in many capacities; as a one-to-one EA for children with exceptionalities, as an ECE, as well as a certified classroom teacher Pre-K – Grade 12. Andy graduated from the University of Saskatchewan in 2019, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Education, specializing in early childhood education (Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 4). Immediately following university, Andy began working with the Saskatchewan Health Authority – Regional KidsFirst as a Community Developer, and then as a Family Outreach Coordinator with Targeted KidsFirst Saskatoon, marking the start of Andy’s work with the Saskatoon Early Years Family Resource Centres. Andy has been working in her dream job, as a SEYFRC Program Designer since October 2023. She is particularly interested in play-based learning, as well as increasing access to health and education services for Saskatoon families.
Andy lives in Saskatoon with her husband, teenage daughter, her dog, and two cats. In her spare time she likes to read, embroider, and crochet/knit.