I have always known that I wanted to work with children. People seemed to find it strange that I loved children so much, since I grew up as an only child. I think, however, that this is how my passion for working with children developed. As a child, I wanted to be around other children. I could, by being in a home daycare, and as I got older, I enjoyed helping to take care of the other children. I was called the little mother. When I began thinking about what I wanted to do for a career, I knew that, no matter what I chose, it would have something to do with children. In high school, I decided to be a social worker. I wanted to make a difference in children’s lives. It was during my co-op placement at Grenoble Public School that I discovered that I did not need to be a social worker to make a difference. In this grade two/three split class, I discovered that I could accomplish this by teaching children, expanding their minds, and helping them learn and explore. My placement was only supposed to last for one semester but I continued to work there for the whole school year. During this time, I received the Peel Board Achievement award for my work at the school. This was a particularly great honour, given that the award is usually given to staff members rather than volunteers. This experience helped me decide to develop a career in teaching.

I enrolled at Sheridan College in their Early Childhood Education Program. Two years later, I graduated with honours and my ECE diploma. From there, I continued at Sheridan for another two years to earn my Bachelors in Early Childhood Education. After completing my degree, I began working for the Peel Board of Education at the Beryl Ford Public School. As a supply ECE and TA, I worked in many different kindergarten classrooms, one-on-one with children with special needs, as well as in a Developmentally Disabled Classroom. When I was not supplying, I volunteered in a kindergarten class. I did this for four years and learned a tremendous amount from my supporting teacher. She taught me about the teacher I wanted to be; she was a true inspiration. After my journey with the Peel Board came to an end, I knew that I wanted to continue working with children. That is when I found Kidz Kare and became part of this family. The transition from teaching kindergarten to toddlers was a big change, but I loved the new challenge, and my adventure is continuing.

I also have a passion for reading. This did not come easily for me. I struggled with reading all through elementary school, not actually learning how to read until I was in grade six. I was in many programs to help develop my reading. The work and support paid off; today, I take a book with me everywhere I go. I try to incorporate my love for books into my classroom and my programing.

My favourite quote is “Tell me, and I forget. Teach me, and I remember. Involve me, and I learn.” By Benjamin Franklin. To me this is the true meaning of how we should teach children.