May is a special month at NSCR. It is a time to recognize both Child Care Month and Caregiver Month, two important reminders of the people in our communities who show up every day with compassion, patience, and care.
To celebrate, we are highlighting two incredible members of the NSCR team whose work helps strengthen connections across the North Shore: Patricia Asbun from our Child Care Resource & Referral (CCRR) program and Vic Gailiunas from our Caregiver Support Program.
Although they work in different areas, Patty and Vic share something in common: a deep belief in the power of community care.
Patty: Supporting Children, Families & Educators
Patty has been with NSCR for many years, supporting families, educators, and children through the CCRR program, Mother Goose programs, workshops, mentoring, and community engagement initiatives.
She was inspired to work in child care by her belief in the importance of creating supportive environments.
“I have always been passionate about creating supportive environments where children, families, and caregivers feel valued and connected.”
That belief shines through in everything she does. Whether she is mentoring educators, facilitating programs like Mother Goose and Intergenerational Mother Goose, or supporting families, Patty’s focus is always on connection.
“What I enjoy most is building meaningful relationships with families, educators, and children. I love seeing educators grow in confidence, families feel supported, and children thrive through connection, play, stories, and songs.”
One of the moments that has stayed with her most is witnessing the impact of intergenerational programming, where children, caregivers, and older adults build meaningful bonds together.
Over the years, she has seen the child care community become more collaborative, inclusive, and relationship-focused, something she is proud to be part of.
✨ Fun fact: Patty speaks multiple languages, including English and Spanish fluently, conversational French and Italian, and enjoys music, storytelling, travel, and creating community through cultural experiences.
Vic: Creating Space for Caregivers
Vic joined NSCR in 2021, and his path into the organization was anything but traditional.
Coming from a family of healthcare professionals, he spent much of his early career in a different field before deciding to transition into community support work. After returning to university to study Social Work, Vic completed his practicum at NSCR, right as the previous Caregiver Support Program Coordinator was preparing to leave.
Today, Vic oversees multiple caregiver and wellness support groups, facilitates workshops, coordinates events, and helps caregivers feel supported and less alone in their journeys.
At the heart of his work is something simple but powerful: listening.
“Caregivers are often looking for people who will just listen to them and empathize.”
He also emphasizes the importance of shared experience and connection.
“Being with others who truly ‘get it’ creates a certain comfort level.”
As someone who is also supporting a family member with Alzheimer’s disease, Vic understands firsthand the importance of community support.
He has witnessed many meaningful moments through his work, from caregivers opening up about grief and burnout to participants finding hope and connection after difficult experiences.
His advice to new caregivers is simple:
“Find your community and seek out help in any way you feel comfortable.”
✨ Fun fact: Vic is a singer-songwriter and guitarist who performs, records, and tours with his band. He has been a musician since age 10 and also enjoys pickleball and competing in a long-running hockey pool.
The Power of Care
Whether supporting children, families, educators, or caregivers, Patty and Vic both remind us that community care starts with connection, empathy, and showing up for one another.
This month, we celebrate all caregivers and child care professionals for the incredible care they bring to our communities every day.
