Okanagan Foster Parents Association

Providing support to Foster Parents
of the Okanagan, Similkameen, and Shuswap

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Foster Parent Coordinators

Foster Parent Coordinators support Foster Parents who have Family Care Agreements with the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) in the Okanagan, Similkameen, and Shuswap

Your Foster Parent Coordinator Provides:
• training and support
• newsletters & email notices
• information on MCFD policy
• a library of resource materials
OFPA web site


We also provide help if you are:
• experiencing difficult foster care situations or
• going through the complaints / investigation process

Your Foster Parent Coordinator works with your local Foster Parents Association to make sure you have lots of opportunities to meet other Foster Parents.

We help MCFD with recruitment and act as liaison between them and their Foster Parents.



Shuswap - Judy Flintoff

Phone: 250 253-4499
Email: Shuswapsupport

Judy supports Foster Parents who contract with MCFD, Salmon Arm office. This includes Foster Parents who live in and around the communities of Salmon Arm, Sorrento, Sicamous, and Enderby.

During the course of raising their biological children, Judy and her husband were Foster Parents to two boys, one of which has remained a permanent family member, and now has a successful trade and family of his own. Judy loves the experience of working directly with Foster Parents who are endeavoring to build value into the lives of British Columbia’s Foster Children.


North Okanagan - Noelle Typusiak

#301 -3402 27th Ave, (The People Place)
Vernon B.C. V1T 1S1
Phone: 250-558-0939
Email: NOKsupport

Noelle supports Foster Parents who contract with MCFD, Vernon office. This includes Foster Parents in and around the communities of Armstrong, Cherryville, Coldstream, Falkland, Lavington, Lumby, and Vernon.

Noelle has been the Foster Parent Coordinator for the North Okanagan since 2001. She has 18 years experience as a Foster Parent and as a board member for BCFFPA at the local, regional, and provincial level. Her work experience includes experience as a Psychiatric Nurse, Special Education Assistant, and Child Care Worker.

Central Okanagan - Joan Kirkbride

Phone: 250-868-9285
Fax: (250) 868-9218
Email: COKsupport

Joan provides support services to Foster Parents who contract with MCFD in Kelowna and area. This includes Foster Parents who live in and around the communities of Kelowna, Lake Country, Peachland, and West Kelowna.

Joan has worked as the Foster Parent Coordinator since1993. Joan loves working with Foster Parents and has a well established relationship with caregivers and MCFD, as well as experience working with parent groups, managing programs, developing training and providing support. She has previous work experience as a teacher (B.Ed. degree) and Early Childhood Services Coordinator.

South Okanagan - Betty Bogyo

Phone: 250-488-0561
Fax: 250-490-0710
Email: SOKsupport

Caregivers who contract with MCFD offices in Penticton, Osoyoos or Princeton access support services from Betty. This includes Foster Parents who live in and around the communities of Kaleden, Keremeos, Naramata, Okanagan Falls, Oliver, Osoyoos, Penticton, Princeton, Summerland, and Tulameen.

Betty brings 15 years experience as a Foster Parent to her position as Coordinator, which she has held since 2002. Betty has a Psychology degree and experience as a Licensed Practical Nurse. She has especially valuable experience with cultural diversity, including First Nations.