Sonia Pace was as named Acting Director of the Children's Services division in 2005, assuming responsibility for the management of the Region's service system and direct operation of its child care centres when the Early Years Integration division was formed to administer the Province's Best Start Program in Peel.

Pace status as acting director has now been upgraded to director.

In that role, Pace is responsible for the direct delivery and management of Peel's 12 Learn.Play.Care. Child Care Centres; Special Needs Unit, including an infant therapeutic program and homelessness programs for children living in shelters; mentoring program; parenting support programs, volunteer and student support programs; and emergency management.

"I am pleased to name Sonia Pace as the successful candidate after an internal and external search," said Keith Ward, Peel's commissioner of human services and general manager of Peel Living. "Throughout her career with the Region, Sonia has consistently demonstrated her commitment to high quality client service. She is a respectful and respected manager, an excellent team leader and effective collaborator."

Pace holds a Bachelor of Social Work degree and has more than 25 years of experience in front line, supervisory and management positions, the last 10 years at Peel Region.

"There have been significant changes to the Early Years and Child Care portfolios over the last few years," Pace said. "My goal is to continue to build on our program strengths and employees' commitment to Peel's children and their families as we move towards a more integrated human service delivery model to meet Peel's growing diverse community."