About Us
The Kings County Family Resource Centre strengthens the lives of families and inspires growth by providing quality programs and resources in a respectful, supportive learning environment. The Centre has been in operation since 1989 and is a non-profit, charitable organization located in Kentville, Nova Scotia.
Through the commitment and dedication of our staff and volunteer Board of Directors, the Centre has grown from offering 3 programs in 1989 to now delivering over 25 programs.
The continued support of the Department of Community Services and the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development has made it possible to provide a wide range of diverse, fun and interesting programs to children and parents in our community.
Our Centre is staffed by 14 employees who are dedicated and committed to making a difference in the community. On a personal and professional level, families always come first!
Our Mission Statement
Kings County Family Resource Centre provides community-based programs and services that promote healthy family development through acceptance, communication, and education in a supportive and respectful environment.
Our Vision
That all families have the opportunity and the resources to reach their full potential.
Our Core Values
The core values which guide the Centre in its operation are:
Respect - We value differences and treat others and ourselves in a considerate, dignified manner. We accept everyone for who they are.
Compassion - As families experience the ups and downs associated with life. The KCFRC offers support in a non-judgmental and empathetic way.
Commitment - We are dedicated and devoted to providing diverse programs and services. By building strong relationships in the community, we make a difference in the lives of families.
Teamwork - We work cooperatively and collaboratively through active participation and diversity to achieve a common goal.
Integrity - We are honest, loyal and dependable regardless of the circumstances.
Accountability - We take responsibility for our words and actions. We take ownership of the outcomes.
Inclusivity - We strive to provide equal and fair access to opportunities and resources for everyone.
Our Goals
- Increase the visibility and profile of the Centre by:
- Relocating to a more visible and purpose-designed facility
- Increasing our presence in local, regional and provincial forums.
- Joining committees and being a strong presence in the provincial association of resource centres.
- Promoting Centre staff and programs using media including social media.
- Encouraging our partners and stakeholders to promote our programs and services.
- Remove barriers to using Centre programs and services by:
- Relocating to a more visible and always available facility.
- Offering programs in the evenings and on weekends for working families.
- Partnering with those serving working families.
- Expanding satellite programs.
- Providing transport to and from programs or partnering with. a transport provider.
- Making it easier for those with school-age children to participate in our programs.
- Developing and delivering targeted programs for fathers and couples.
A Message from the Executive Director
A Message from the Executive Director
Dear Families of Kings County,
As Executive Director of the Kings County Family Resource Centre, it is both an honor and a privilege to serve this vibrant and diverse community. Strong families are the foundation of a thriving community, and we are inspired by the resilience, warmth and spirit of those we serve.
Over the past couple years, we have witnessed incredible acts of kindness, collaboration, and perseverance. Whether it’s through community events, free educational programs, or support services, our mission remains clear: to provide a welcoming space where families feel supported, empowered, and connected.
We recognize the unique challenges that many families face, and we are committed to listening, learning, and responding with compassion and action. Our team works tirelessly to provide increased access to resources, to strengthen partnerships, and to create safe, inclusive spaces where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.
As we look ahead, we remain committed to listening to your needs, adapting our services, and working together to build a stronger, more inclusive Kings County where every family thrives and has the opportunity to reach their full potential. Your voice matters, and your presence makes a difference.
Thank you for your trust in allowing us to be part of your journey.
With warmth and gratitude,
Meet Our Staff
Donna Hatt
Executive Director
Born and raised as a Valley girl, my affiliation with the Centre started as a Board Director. Since March 1, 2021, I have been the Executive Director and I'm loving my role.
With over 35 years in the education field, from nursery school to community college level, from teaching grades 5 and 6 in a private school in Great Exuma, Bahamas, to facilitating my own program called “Ms. D’s School-Readiness Program”, my teaching experiences are broad.
Family, yoga, baking, travelling and the ocean bring me the greatest joy. In my leisure time, I am happiest in my kitchen and on the beach.
Tina Murphy
Assistant to the Executive Director & KCFRC Administrative Assistant
My name is Tina Murphy. I started at the Centre in January 2005.
My role has changed over the years from Child Care Information and Support Coordinator to Parent Facilitator, to Assistant to the Executive Director since March 2011.
My passion is helping others.
I enjoy making jewelry, cards, walking the beach and getting lost in a good book. I have a husband, 3 boys, 1 stepdaughter, and 5 grandchildren, one is with me in spirit.
After spending 5 years as a teacher in Northern Manitoba on a Reserve called Pukatawagan, I moved back home to join the community of Port George on the Bay of Fundy. Home is where the heart is.
Michael Cameron
Programs & Operations Manager /
Project Coordinator
My name is Michael Cameron. I am the Programs & Operations Manager/Project Coordinator at KCFRC. My previous roles at the Centre included Vice-Chairperson of the KCFRC Board of Directors and Parenting Journey Home Visitor Consultant.
I am a life-long learner, and I am a certified life coach practitioner. My goal is to help families thrive and to be resilient.
In my spare time, you will find me volunteering on numerous committees, enjoying movies, music, concerts, plays, travelling and tennis. Laughing is a must, as is great food and having a latte with friends!
One of my favourite quotations is from Rudyard Kipling, “If you can meet with triumph and disaster and treat those two impostors just the same.”
Abe Espinosa
Program Educator
Hi! I’m Abe, a proud Filipina and a certified teacher in Nova Scotia with over a decade of teaching experience in the Philippines.
I first connected with KCFRC in 2024 as a volunteer, and it didn’t take long before it felt like home to me. I’m grateful to now be part of the team, supporting kids and families through program facilitation and childcare.
When I’m not at KCFRC, you’ll usually find me with a good cup of coffee in hand, creating art, or enjoying long walks on local trails. I love bringing a little creativity and fun into everyday life, and I’m always learning something new from the experiences I’m part of each day.
Angela Hebb
Program Facilitator
My name is Angela Hebb. I am a mother of 5 and grandmother of 3 and live on a little mini farm with horses, cows, dogs and cats. We enjoy our farm animals and wagon rides.
For 12 years, I have been a program facilitator of multiple programs but my childcare background dates back thirty-plus years.
My involvement with the Centre started 17 years ago as a participant with 2 of my children. I became a Board member until a position became available at the Centre in childcare.
I love to watch families grow and thrive. I enjoy having my own family gatherings.
Michelle Parrish
Program Facilitator
Hello, my name is Michelle Parrish and I’m a Program Facilitator.
I’ve been working with children and families for over 25 years and have a passion for helping others. I’m one of the oldest in a family of 15 so I have been surrounded by children for most of my life. I’m a very proud Nannie to 3 boys and 3 girls; they’re my pride and joy and our biggest blessings
In my free time, I love spending time with my husband, grandchildren, family, and of course, my dogs.
Being out in nature with the ones I love, my camera and pooches is my happy place and it’s how I spend a lot of my free time.
I love to garden, hike and do anything that requires me to be outside.
Stephanie Ruggles
Parent/Program Facilitator
My name is Stephanie Ruggles, but everyone calls me “Teacher Stephanie”. I am the mother of two adult boys and love my role as an Auntie.
I have been with the Centre for 20 years. I am a Parent Facilitator, who also facilitates Parent-Child Interactive programs. I’m always trying to create new and exciting programs that meet the needs of our families in the community.
Besides offering programs, I enjoy coming up with ideas and organizing fundraisers. If you are looking to find out what’s going on in the community, I’m your gal!
In my spare time, I enjoy Bingo, ticket auctions, horse pulling and camping. I love decorating my home for seasons and holidays.
Tiffany Hebb
Childcare Facilitator
My name is Tiffany Hebb. For 6 years, I’ve been working in Childcare for KCFRC families.
Initially, I started in the Nursery with babies and toddlers and currently, in the multi-aged Childcare Room with children aged 6 months to 5 years old.
I completed a Nursing Program at NSCC in Amherst in 2016.
My beautiful little boy, Sullivan, is 3.5 years old and keeps me on my toes.
In my spare time, I enjoy life on the lake, walks in the woods, crafting and snuggles with my little man.
KCFRC Board of Directors
The Board of Directors of the Kings County Family Resource Centre is the governing body of our not-for-profit organization. As a governing body, it focuses on the organization’s mission, strategies and goals.
It is comprised of a group of dedicated, caring professionals who are responsible for overseeing the organization’s activities. With a diverse background of experience, expertise, interest, and energy, the Board promotes community-based programs and services that support the Centre’s “Strengthening Families” mandate.
The Board, together with the Executive Director, set the future of the Centre by developing and maintaining policies along with creating a strategic plan. It operates with a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 11 elected members. Currently, with 7 valued Board Directors, we would welcome new recruits.
We meet monthly or 10 times per year as per the Centre’s by-laws and sit on different committees or participate in special projects or events.
The success of KCFRC depends on a Board that is fully invested in seeing our mission accomplished.
