It is hard to believe that PGB has been running now for the past 11 years! While we have grown since our humble beginnings, our growth has always been steady and carefully planned, while never compromising on quality. (Perhaps that should become our new slogan or tag line!)
No matter the number of teachers, nor classrooms, each PGB students remains to have a very personal and rewarding experience. That’s part of our magical charm. Whether it is the coaching calls to home or the detailed letters that we provide all our students, each project is considered as unique and as special as the student presenting.
In keeping with that intent, and the ultimate goal of broadening our reach, we are happy to announce a new addition to our PGB family, Andrea Hecht. Andrea is stepping in as our Director of Growth and Development. She brings with her a wealth of teaching and business experience, combined with her passion for education. We are so lucky to have her as part of our integral team and know that wherever her guidance will take us, it will lead us to enriching the lives of even more students.
Please read her impressive bio for further details….
Andrea is elated to join the Project Give Back team as the Director of Growth and Development. Her teaching career began in 1992 with the York Region District School Board, working in one of the first designated high risk schools. She was on various committees that helped bring in affordable child care, after school programs, as well as a breakfast and snack club for low income families. In addition, she was a Primary Lead Teacher and conducted curriculum workshops for the newly developed All Day Kindergarten Program.
Together with her sister, they began a Reading Enrichment Program and Ministry Licenced Day Nursery in 1999, that grew to four successful locations and taught thousands of children the ABC’s and 123’s. During this time, she also consulted for two Toronto area Day Schools. Her business spirit and motivation to help others, had her branch off and start a company in 2013 that expanded to three GTA clinic locations. In 2015, the business was sold to a beauty corporation with offices in Canada and the US, and she remained on as Founder and Vice-president until late 2017 while the company continued to grow. Her main responsibility included the acquisition of school contracts and partnerships throughout North America.
Her passion for education and helping others, led her to PGB and her friend and mentor, Ellen Schwartz. Working closely with Ellen and the PGB family, Andrea will help bring this wonderful program to more school boards, schools, children and communities.
Andrea is welcoming this new challenge and has the support of her family including two teens at university and her younger son. Andrea graduated from the York University Consecutive Education Program and holds a variety of Specialist Qualifications in her field.
