Kids and music

Our team

The Improv Care team includes only dedicated and skilled professionals who hold degrees or diplomas in Education, Early Childhood Education or Child and Youth Care. They bring a wide array of experience and expertise to the education and care of children.

All Improv Care staff members undergo an extensive interviewing, screening and orientation process and are carefully chosen for their special abilities, skills, personalities and interests. 

All members of the Improv Care team:
• Hold a university degree or college diploma
• Have expertise working with infants, children, adolescents and their families
• Have thorough professional background and police checks
• Are covered by professional liability insurance
• Have the ongoing support of our Service Directors 24 hours, 7 days a week
• Have up-to-date First Aid and CPR training
• Have Ontario Health and Safety Awareness (OHSA) certificate

Improv Care’s professional caregivers are supported 24 hours a day and work directly with production managers, production coordinators, event planners and individual families to arrange education and group care contracts and assist with activity or education planning.

Vice-President

Dahla MacKenna, ECE
Dahla Erin MacKenna, 51 years of age, died on August 13, 2023.
Read obituary

Service Director, Arts & Entertainment

Alix Cooper
Over the years, Alix has worked alongside mentor Dahla MacKenna and production teams to provide high quality childcare and education to children working in the arts and entertainment industry. Having worked both on set and in supervisor positions, she understands and considers the needs of all to ensure a successful partnership through the careful matching of productions’ needs with childcare professionals and the execution of a systematic approach. She works closely with the Improv Care team to create and maintain a curated roster of childcare professionals with a wide range of educational backgrounds. Alix holds a Bachelor of Education from York University, a Bachelor of Science from St. Francis Xavier University, and teaching certifications for Ontario, the United Kingdom and California. Alix is well respected in the industry as a competent, confident, and reliable advocate for children in the film and television industry.

Event Director

Pilar Hansen, Event Planner
Pilar has over 20 years experience working in the events and hotel industry. She has a diverse background having studied hospitality in Germany and directed world-class events in South America, Whistler, Vancouver and Toronto. Pilar recently completed a one-year contract as manager, Games Family Service for the Toronto 2015 Pan/ParaPan American Games Organizing Committee. She has a talent for engaging others, building relationships and ensuring everyone around her is happy. She provides peace-of-mind ensuring that all event details are thoughtful and seamless. And, most importantly, the children have a great time and enjoy unforgettable moments. Pilar has a natural desire to deliver experiences that exceed expectations. 

President 

Bill Carty, BA, CYW, MBA
Bill has worked in the not-for-profit children’s treatment services as well as the for-profit since 1972. He has taught in the child and youth care programs at Humber and Sheridan Colleges. He provides consultation and training to social service agencies staff members. 

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