Marya McVicar

Background

About Marya McVicar

I have worked with hundreds of children and their families over the last 25 years. I have a Master’s of Education in Early Childhood Education and Special Needs (UBC) and a Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Inclusion (University of Calgary). As the Director of Programs and Practice at Metis Family Services, I oversee the programs of Child and Family Development and the childcare projects/programs we operate. I build community connections, partner with governments and other stakeholders to build culturally-safe, trauma-informed Metis/Indigenous daycares, and lead the Child and Family Development team to support children and their families in a good way. Since I joined Metis Family Services, I have successfully added two programs funded by MCFD. I manage budgets totaling $2 million for three programs and one childcare centre, soon to be joined by a second in September 2025. In May, 2024, I joined the Board of Directors of the BC Association of Child Development and Intervention (BCACDI). In addition to my education, I have extensive training and experience working with children who have experienced trauma and supporting children with challenging behaviour through my work with the PACE Program and Family Services of Greater Vancouver. My practice is attachment-based and trauma-informed. I continue to learn about Metis and Indigenous history, culture and experiences.