Our staff is carefully chosen for their experience and for the unique personal qualities they bring to the Centre. Minimal staff turnover lends to camaraderie amongst staff resembling that of an extended family.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Our Executive Director is Sarah Young RECE, BA, AECEO.C. Sarah is a Certified member of the Association of Early Childhood Educators and a registered member of the College of Early Childhood Educators. Sarah has a strong background in the Early Childhood Education community and has been a part of the Halton Centre for Child Care team since 2002. Sarah is dedicated to the success of HCCC!
” I feel very passionate about the importance of the early years with children. I am so proud to work alongside a committed and knowledgeable team of educators at HCCC. In my spare time, I look forward to the summer months when I am able to camp in our RV with my husband, 10 year old daughter and golden retriever, Charley. “
SUPERVISOR
Ms Vesna is our supervisor and has been working alongside Sarah to prepare HCCC for the expansion to 98 children and the move to the new centre.
“ I have been a RECE since 1998 and have been at HCCC since 2001. When I’m not at work I love to spend time with my family and friends and listening to live music. I’m married with a son and a kitty cat who are my whole life.”
WAITLIST COORDINATOR
Karen works tirelessly putting together the puzzle that we call our waitlist. She is the first introduction to HCCC that many parents experience.
” I am a Registered Early Childhood Educator and have been at HCCC for 15 years. I love to travel and before coming to HCCC I lived in Ireland as a nanny. I have an 11 year old daughter who I love spending my spare time with”.
KITCHEN
Ms. Lisa is our HCCC team chef! She comes to us with experience in catering large and small events and has worked as a personal chef. She prides herself on using healthy, natural ingredients and fresh herbs to bring her dishes to life. Her meals and snacks follow the Canada Food Guide and CCEYA legislation.
“ As a long time caterer, personal chef and mother, it gives me great joy to cook fresh daily for these wonderful children. I shop every day for the freshest, seasonal and organic ingredients to make sure I prepare the healthiest menu possible. When I’m not working I enjoy my twin sons, dogs and running.”
INFANT STAFF
Ms. Claudia, Ms. Elia, Ms. Vanessa and Ms. Milena are our infant team. Together they have have a strong program that nurtures each infant’s self-esteem and development in a gentle and caring atmosphere.
Claudia: “I love spending time with my family (husband and two teenagers) a 13 year-old boy and 19 year-old daughter. My hobbies are: walking in parks, trails or anywhere I can be in contact with nature. I also enjoy watching movies, gardening, and visiting museums. I also enjoy going out to eat, especially Mexican and Italian food”.
Milena: ” I have amassed over 18 years of experience working with children of all ages. My background includes M.A and B.A in teaching, from Poland, and Early Childhood Education. I have been working as a RECE at The Halton Centre for Child Care since 2011. From 2004 I have been a credit course teacher and international language instructor at the Halton Catholic School Board. I have been an active participant and contributor to the Community Intervention Program (CIP) run by ROCK, Erinoak Kids, Halton and Burlington Community Living. At HCCC, as a student placement mentor, I share my knowledge, skills and experience as well as provide opportunities to help students gain the skills required to become a successful Early Childhood Educator.”
TODDLER STAFF
Our Toddler Staff: Ms.Michlen, Ms. Marielly and Ms. Farah guide our Toddlers through daily programs that emphasize sensory play, cognitive and gross motor experiences that harness a child’s enthusiasm and need for exploration.
PRESCHOOL STAFF
Ms. Maryam, Ms. Krystyna and Ms. Yeri make the transition from toddler to preschooler a fun and exciting journey. Together they offer a program rich in sensory exploration and active learning. Our preschoolers are guided through a program day that engages children in teacher directed learning and play experiences that enrich their minds.
Krystyna: ” I am a RECE and have worked at HCCC since 2001. I am also employed by the Halton Catholic District School Board since 1992 as an International Languages Teacher, teaching Polish to children. I enjoy singing in the choir and volunteering at my local church with young children. In 2020, I received an award for my 20 year Volunteer Service in Ontario. I also have been recognized for 25 years of service with the Halton Catholic District School Board.
Maryam: “I am a registered Early Childhood Educator, were teaching children is a joy for me and I am so pleased to be able to work in a classroom full-time! Part of my goal as an educator is to spark curiosity in the minds of youth. During my time in your children’s class, I hope to excite your child about the world of learning and broaden their interests.”
PRE – KINDERGARTEN
Ms. Maina, Ms. Meredith and Ms. Sakshi offer a Pre-K Program which nicely leads into the Ontario School Curriculum. Children are well prepared for entry to the Kindergarten classroom. Our reduced teacher-child ratios allow us to meet the many needs of the young child, beyond simply academic needs.
Meredith: “Hi my name is Meredith and I’ve been working at The Halton Centre for Child Care since 2011. In my spare time, a few things I like to do are spending time with friends, camping, going to concerts and enjoying any of life’s adventures that come my way!”
SUPPLY STAFF
We are fortunate to have a fabulous team of supply staff who cover when our regular staff members are off. Many of our Supply staff join our team after doing their college placements here. Our friendly supply staff quickly get to know each child and family at the Centre, as well as any of our regular staff, so are more like a welcome extension to our full-timers.
Larisa- “ I graduated from Sheridan College with High Honours in 2017 and my deep interest during school was self-regulation and emotional well-being in children. I joined HCCC right after graduation and have been working in various positions and classrooms( from Infants to Prek),including the kitchen. At the moment, I am glad to be a part of the Toddler team and am thrilled and honoured to work with these children because it is the age of amazing discoveries and transformations, and when babies become independent and skillful individuals. My goal as an educator is to help and support the children during this transition to ensure they feel safe, secure and protected. I try to create a positive and welcoming classroom environment where friendly and meaningful relationships can thrive and become the strong base for their future life and relationships. Outside of work, I like reading books, hiking and cooking”.