Margaret Hajdinjak

I am currently the Director of Programs and Services at Our Kids Count, where I have worked since 2001. I’ve had the privilege of watching our programs grow to meet the evolving needs of the community. Our involvement in the childcare sector expanded when we became a Licensing Agency for Home Childcare through the City of Thunder Bay, leading to the development of a new daycare centre and several home childcare programs. Supporting access to high-quality childcare remains a key priority for us.

For more than 40 years, I have worked in Early Childhood Education, beginning as an RECE at Confederation College and later coordinating Family Resource Programs (now EarlyON Centres). I taught Early Childhood programs at the college, both virtually and in person, before retiring and joining Our Kids Count full-time. 

I also volunteer as a Patient Family Advisor at our local hospital, focusing on mental health policy—a role I’ve held for more than 15 years. This work is deeply meaningful to me, especially following the loss of my eldest son, Steven, to suicide in 2005.  My lifelong passion has been supporting families and children, recognizing their strengths, and providing mentorship. I serve as a mentor, instructor, and trainer for the Roots of Empathy program in our community.  I am a grandmother to a joyful 9-year-old, Jax, and mother to my son Adam, of whom I am immensely proud. I also enjoy spending time with my large extended family of nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.