Meet The Educators

Hello everyone. My name is Negin. I’m originally from Iran, but for the past 4 years I have lived in Canada. I am a mom of 2. I graduated from Herzing college in Montreal in 2022.

I love being a teacher and this is my passion. Because as a teacher I can be a positive influence in children’s lives. I can help children build self-esteem and believe in themselves. I can draw and paint and like to work activities that involve creativity. I enjoy watching infants grow up and do amazing things. I love working out.

If you need anything please let me know.

Hi, my name is Natalie and I have been working as an ECE for the past 10 years. During that time, I have worked with a variety of age groups from infant to preschool. I love to see the wonder on children’s faces when they discover something new.

When I am not working, I enjoy reading and traveling. I look forward to meeting you and your children here at Young Minds.

Hello, my name is Shadea McCalla, and I am a Float teacher at Young Minds Preschool. At 20 years of age, I have accumulated a year of experience working with a diverse range of age groups across various classrooms.

In my role, I provide support and assistance to each classroom, adapting to the unique needs of different age groups and helping to ensure a smooth and effective learning environment. The opportunity to witness children’s growth, as they become more independent, aware, and enthusiastic about learning, is profoundly rewarding. This passion drives me to further my studies in early childhood education, as I am committed to nurturing and supporting young learners. I am dedicated to making a positive impact on their educational journey and look forward to continuing this fulfilling path.

I’m Jennilyn, a dedicated educator passionate about fostering a love of learning in young minds. With extensive experience working with children from infancy to age 5, I’ve learned the importance of interactive and adaptive learning environments tailored to each child’s unique needs and abilities. My mission is to establish a safe, nurturing space where children can explore, discover, and grow, feeling valued, heard, and seen. Through this approach, I aim to inspire a lifelong passion for learning, empowering children to become creative, confident, and compassionate individuals who positively impact our community.

Hello!

My name is Miss Alyssa & I am an Early Childhood Educator in the Woodlands Preschool classroom, and I am so excited to be a part of your child’s life as their preschool teacher!

I’ve worked as a Registered Early Childhood Educator for the past 3 years! I have always loved to work with young children and be the helping hand to shape their young minds!

Learning through and with the children has always helped me maintain great relationships with my classes & the families involved, while keeping my children engaged and always learning new skills!

I look forward to working with your little one and your family during your time at Young Minds Preschool!

Hi, I’m Dilu!

I’m so happy to be part of Young Minds Preschool. I recently graduated from the Early Childhood Education program with honours, and I’ve been working with children for about three years. Watching children learn, grow, and express themselves is one of my favourite parts of this field, it always reminds me how amazing their curiosity and creativity are. I’m glad to be part of the Reggio Emilia program, as I see myself as a learner alongside the children. I truly believe that children learn best through exploration, wonder, and discovery!

In our room, I love bringing fun, hands-on experiences that spark imagination and build confidence. My goal is to create a warm and welcoming space where every child feels seen, heard, and supported. When I’m not in the classroom, you can find me shopping, spending time with my loved ones, or exploring the outdoors! 🙂

I am Sukhpreet Kaur. I am RECE and working in Young Minds Preschool from March 2025.
I came to Canada as an International student in 2021. I did my two years diploma in early childhood education from Canadore College Mississauga. And now I am an early childhood educator with a deep passion for nurturing young minds and supporting children’s growth during their most formative years. With three years of experience in early learning settings, I specialize in creating a warm, engaging, and inclusive environment where every child feels valued, safe, and inspired to explore. I am dedicated to helping children develop not only foundational academic skills but also social, emotional and problem solving abilities that will guide them throughout their lives.

I’m an early childhood educational enthusiast who has developed a true passion for holistic learning through the emergent curriculum lens. With almost 6 years in the field, starting from assisting kitchen staff to assuming leadership roles in the classroom, I’ve become an educator who values the creation of fun and interactive learning experiences. Whether it be through music, words, art, sensory or physical activity. I believe in creating a space where children feel loved, respected, celebrated and free to express themselves. More importantly, my goal is to nurture their interests and ensure the knowledge the children take with them is fully enriching as they move on to bigger and brighter things.

Hello, my name is Eva Kabouris, I am the assistant supervisor and an Educator in the preschool room. I happily joined Young Minds Preschool September of 2022.

I come from a childcare center where I worked for the last 25 years. I was always eager for change and excited to offer my experience and knowledge to Young Minds Preschool. I’ve always had a passion working with children at a very young age and find it rewarding to watch children succeed in their early years. I enjoy studying and learning each individual child as they present different traits of uniqueness.

Coming from a play based center and now currently working for a Reggio inspired program, I have grown to love and appreciate the Reggio inspired approach to learning as it offers children to construct their knowledge and develop skills through exploration , self-expression and collaborations with their teachers and peers. I’m looking forward to Working with your children closely and ensuring your children are offered the best quality care during their time in the Preschool room.

My name is Julia Bilostegniuk. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Literature and English, and have over nine years of experience in early childhood education. Teaching young children has always been more than a career for me but something I truly love and feel deeply passionate about.

I’m a creative, positive, and caring educator who believes that every child deserves to feel seen, heard, and valued. Working with preschoolers brings me so much joy. I love getting to know their unique personalities, watching their confidence grow, and guiding them as they learn to express themselves and connect with others.

My classroom is a warm and welcoming space where learning happens through play, discovery, and imagination. As Benjamin Franklin once said, “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.

I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself and share a little about who I am. My name is Angelica Pechene and I am thrilled to be a part of your child’s life as their preschool teacher.

I have about over 9 years of experience in the field. I believe that every child is unique and has their own individual strengths and abilities. My goal is to create a nurturing and inclusive environment where each child feels valued and supported.

Communication is important to me, and I am committed to maintaining an open line of communication with parents which has helped create beautiful relationships with families throughout the years.

I enjoy dancing, photography, going on hikes and traveling. My beautiful family consists of my husband, my son and daughter, 2 cats and a dog. I am fluent in Spanish and English, and speak a little German as well.

I am excited to embark on this journey with your child and help them reach their full potential. Thank you for entrusting me with their growth.

Ms. Shelly Ann: A Passion for Early Learning

I consider myself a lifelong learner, and my journey in education has been a wonderfully rewarding one!

My career began as a high school teacher. Over the years, I’ve gained diverse teaching experience from working in both public and private school boards as a supply teacher.

The birth of my second child made me realize with absolute clarity that my true calling was in early childhood education. This personal conviction fueled my belief that the early years are the most crucial time for sparking a lifelong love of learning.

Driven by this new passion, I proudly completed my Early Childhood Studies diploma at Sheridan College, becoming a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) in 2016.

My extensive experience across various age groups allows me to bring a unique and informed perspective to the preschool classroom. I am truly excited to use this knowledge and my unwavering passion to guide, support, and inspire every child at Young Mind Preschool as they embark on their own learning adventures.

Hello! My name is Nicole Garcia.

I’m a passionate Early Childhood Educator who truly loves working with children and watching them grow each day. Before becoming an RECE, I started my journey as a swim instructor and lifeguard, where I discovered how much joy I find in helping children learn new skills and gain confidence.

I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to work with infants for about three years, and now, working with preschoolers has inspired me even more. Each age group brings something special, and I love being part of their discoveries, laughter, and milestones.

I would describe myself as fun, energetic, and always ready to sing and make the day brighter! I’m so happy to be part of the Young Minds Preschool family and to share in your child’s learning journey as they continue to grow and thrive.

Hello, my name is Vasudha Nanda. I am a kindergarten teacher at Young Minds Preschool, Burlington.

I am an Ontario certified teacher with a masters degree in business administration and over 5 years of teaching experience in kindergarten.

As an educator, I love the curiosity, imagination and inquisitiveness of the children which inspires me to grow and learn. I am passionate about children’s development, education and creating a safe environment where they can grow and flourish.
Keeping in mind each child’s uniqueness and strengths, I plan my lessons to stimulate their cognitive, social and emotional development.

I look forward to being a part of your child’s learning journey.

Hi there, my name is Tyler Van Dyke, and I’m one of the Assistant Early Childhood Educators here at Young Minds Preschool since July of 2024.

I’m currently a student attending York University, studying the Children, Childhood and Youth program. My passion for working with youth doesn’t only stem from being able to have fun with the children, but having the privilege to watch and help guide children in their progress of learning. I take pride in making sure that the child is in the best position to be safe, happy, and excited to learn new things on their journey.

I have a background in playing high level basketball and making music, so being in the playground with the children along with singing songs will be fun!

I look forward to creating a bond with your children and helping guide them along their journey here at Young Minds Preschool!

Hi. My name is Samantha, I have a degree in Early Childhood Education from Guelph university and a certificate in Behavioural studies from Humber college. I have been in the field of Early Childhood Education for over 30 years, and with Young Minds for about 25 of those years. My passion is Martial arts, coupled with health and nutrition. I look forward to getting to know all the Young Minds Burlington families and children.

Hi my name is Naomi. I enjoy cooking and run a small business traytreatsbynally and I am an Educator. I hold a National diploma in Mass communication. I have 2 years and still counting in Daycare and 1 year in Autistic home.

I am a very simple and fun person to be with. I am very creative and a good friend to my kids, I love to impact positively. Working with children has brought so much joy and…. I don’t really know the word to use.

In their midst I am a child again because we learn together and grow.

My space with children is very creative and fun, we love a friendly visit, take your popcorn and relax back and watch us explore.

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