RECE, Casa Montessori Diploma – Director of all sites

Melanie had a vision to start a high quality program in Smithville in 2006. She had been intrigued by the Montessori method since taking the Early Childhood Education program at Mohawk College. Melanie began her career working in a daycare and preschool and then moved to work at two Montessori schools before opening her own. Melanie and her husband knew the struggle of working to pay for Montessori education for their daughter and this is the reason she has remained committed to offering affordable Montessori education. Melanie lives with her husband, Mike, and daughters Micaela and Madelyn in Grassie. When not at one of the schools, you can find Melanie going for walks and spending time with family and friends.

RECE- Assistant Director

Alia has worn many different hats at our schools over the past 16 years. She started as a parent of an SCP student during our first year, sent her other two girls, and then became our French teacher. Alia stepped into the role of Support Staff and then decided to obtain her ECE diploma through Mohawk College. She is working on her Casa Montessori diploma. Alia taught in Vineland last year as well as stepping into a new role of Assistant Director. This year she will step out of the classroom to help support all sites, staff, and our students in an administrative capacity. Alia lives in Fenwick with her husband, Josh, and three daughters: McKayla, Braelyn and Emerson. She loves spending time outdoors, reading, and traveling.

RECE, Casa Montessori Diploma – Site Supervisor, Casa 2 Teacher

Sharon joined our team in 2020. She has her ECE diploma from Niagara College and her Casa Montessori Diploma. After taking a break while her children were babies, Sharon came to work at our Smithville site. Last year she was part of the first team at the new Dunnville site full time. Sharon lives in Dunnville with her husband, Steve, and three kids: Seraphina, Serena and Silas. When Sharon isn’t at work, she is very busy cheering for her favourite hockey team, the Boston Bruins, watching superhero movies and playing with her two dogs and two kitties.

RECE – Toddler Teacher, Extended Care (am)

Becca has a diploma in Early Childhood Education from Algonquin College. She has worked in many child care and school environments over the years with children of all ages. Becca has taken on many roles in these environments including kindergarten educator, educational assistant, infant/toddler childcare provider and school-age program supervisor. She has learned many essential skills in these roles that have allowed her to excel in her career as an educator. Becca has a passion for incorporating creative movement in the classroom using her extensive experience as a dance teacher. She is always looking for new ways to bring unique learning experiences into the classroom. Becca resides in her hometown of Dunnville with her two dogs. When she isn’t working you can find Becca spending time with her family and friends, swimming, gardening and going for walks.

Toddler Teacher

This is Emily’s second year as part of the DCP Toddler Team, but she is no stranger to childcare with over 10 years of experience in Montessori schools, and after school programs. She lives outside of Fisherville, with her son, Lennon, and a dachshund named Ruby. Emily absolutely loves the Montessori way of learning, especially the fact that the independence the students learn in a Montessori classroom will build confidence in our future generations. Miss Emily loves to sing, and incorporate music in the classroom! When Miss Emily isn’t at the school, she loves to spend time with Lennon, introducing him to new Montessori materials.

RECE – Toddler Teacher

This is Kelsey’s first year with Your Preschool Inc. working with the toddlers at the Dunnville site; she has a diploma in Early Childhood Education and is registered with the college of ECE’s. Kelsey has worked with children for many years from working with infants up to supervising school-age programs. She lives in Dunnville with her dog Willow. When she is not working, she enjoys hanging out with family and friends, playing sports, and enjoying the summer months on the water.

OTA/PTA Diploma – Extended Care (pm)

Kelsi lives in Dunnville with her husband Andrew and two children, Amelia and Joshua. Amelia attended DCP last year and Kelsi absolutely loves the Montessori method. Kelsi has hands-on experience and background education as a PSW and OTA/ PTA ( Occupational Therapy Assistant and Physiotherapy Assistant ) diploma from Niagara College. Kelsi also enjoys helping at her church in the nursery. When Kelsi isn’t working she enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching her kids play sports and taking her two dogs to the dog park.

ECE – Classroom Support

Kendal Law is a recent graduate from the Early Childhood Education program at Niagara College. She has hands on experience and background education in working with exceptional needs children within the classroom. Kendal lives in Attercliff Station in Dunnville with her daughter, Ireland, her rabbit, and 5 dogs. In her spare time Kendal enjoys volunteering, playing with her Great Danes and Bullmastiff, and doing crafts with her daughter.

Toddler & Casa Montessori Diplomas – Casa 1 Teacher

Micaela (“Miss Mic”) attended our Smithville school when we opened in 2006! Micaela is a new member to the team and will be teaching in the Casa room at the Dunnville location. She has completed her Infant/Toddler Montessori diploma as well as her Casa Montessori diploma and is currently working towards completing her ECE diploma . Micaela has previously achieved her Veterinary Technician diploma before switching to a new career path. She appreciates the importance of children having an early education to build on, and is looking forward to helping them develop their skills. She currently lives in Grassie with her parents, sister and cat. When Micaela isn’t working, she enjoys playing softball, spending time with her long term boyfriend, friends and family as well as catching up on schoolwork.iption goes

Recreation and Leisure Diploma – Casa Montessori Diploma - Casa 2 Teacher

This is Roxanne’s second year as part of the DCP team, but she has been familiar with our preschool for many years. She resides in Dunnville with her husband Ray and their 3 children: Emmett, Gavin and Ava. Roxanne has a Recreation and Leisure Services Diploma from Mohawk; focusing on therapeutic recreation. After working for several years with individuals who have exceptional needs, Roxanne took a break to be home with her children. As her children attended SCP and now DCP, she has noticed the many benefits in this style of learning and has decided to further her own education. Presently, she is working on obtaining her Casa Montessori diploma. When not in school, you can find Roxanne hanging out with family and friends. She also spends a lot of time taking her kids swimming, skating and camping.

BEd, Casa Montessori Diploma – Casa 2 Teacher

Tracy first came to the school as a parent. Her family moved from Alberta where she taught elementary school for several years before taking time off to be home with their four children. Upon arriving in Ontario she saw a sign for Smithville Christian Preschool. She was first drawn to the program by the fact that it was a Christian program. After touring the school with her husband, they agreed that the Montessori method would be a great match for their children. Tracy was so interested with the program that she furthered her own education by earning her Montessori Diploma. After teaching for several years at our Smithville location, she is thrilled to be a part of our new school in Dunnville. Tracy and her husband Jim live in Smithville along with their four children: Holly, Ian, Isaac and Shelby. She enjoys spending time with her family, board games, attending Bible study and watching her kids play hockey.

Teacher Casa Two

Leah started with Your Preschools as supply in 2023 and is now a full time teacher in DCP Casa one. Although one of your newer staff, Leah comes with many years of experience working with children in a co-op preschool, nannying and coaching youth in all-star cheerleading. Leah also holds a PSW certificate from Niagara College. Leah has a passion for Montessori learning as it is designed for students of diverse needs and abilities and is filled with both freedom and structure. In her free time, Leah spends it with her two boys baking, or travelling to somewhere on their bucket list. Leah also enjoys visiting her parents, going to the gym, and taking care of her gardens.

RECE – Site Supervisor - Teacher

Tamara has a diploma in Early Childhood Education from Niagara College. She has worked in many different child care centers with children of all ages as well as for the District School board of Niagara for many years as an RECE in Kindergarten classrooms. Tamara also has experience with working with children with exceptional needs. She has also planned the Kindergarten program for Bible Day Camp for the past 6 years at her church, which she just loves! Tamara is passionate about working with children, providing support, encouragement and learning opportunities to help with children’s development. She’s excited about being a part of Your Preschool Inc, and working with staff and children. Tamara lives in Beamsville with her husband and two boys. In her spare time she loves spending time with family, friends and going for walks.

Teacher

Jamie first joined our preschool family in 2017 when her oldest daughter Alexandra started attending classes. Soon after Reggie, then Edith also became a part of the preschool program. Alexandra and now Reggie both attend St. Martin’s in Smithville while Edith is in her last year of preschool. Jamie ran a successful home daycare for 6 years, and then two years ago Jamie started working within the preschool covering lunch breaks and supplying in Smithville when needed and this past year Jamie worked primarily in Dunnville taking on more hours and gaining more in class experience. Jamie is very excited to be joining the program this year full time in Grassie and is currently enrolled for her Montessori certification! Jamie, Jay and the three kids live on a very small farm raising cattle and chickens.

RECE – Teacher

Maegan first experienced the benefit of early childhood education when her son began attending preschool in 2014. She witnessed first hand the care and dedication of the staff and the many benefits the program offered. In 2017 she also sent her daughter to SCP. Maegan was a lunchtime supervisor at her children’s school, she drove a school bus and volunteered in the classroom and then decided to obtain her ECE diploma through Mohawk College. Her and her husband have four children and live on a hobby farm with horses. Outside of the classroom, most of her time is spent on the farm or taking her children to various activities like basketball, gymnastics, and baseball.

Supply Staff

Amber joined the Grassie team in September of 2023 and works in a variety of roles in the classroom.

RECE, Casa Montessori Diploma – Site Supervisor and Casa One Teacher

Joanne has been with SCP for more than 10 years. Before coming to SCP Joanne graduated from Loyalist College and had worked in a variety of childcare settings. Some of these include large childcare centres, Community Living agencies and school aged programs. During her time at SCP, Joanne completed her Montessori diploma as well. Joanne has education and experience working with children with speech and language concerns, special needs and autism spectrum disorder. Joanne is currently enrolled in the Resource Consultant Program at Mohawk College. Joanne lives with her husband, Sean and two daughters, Megan and Madison. When not at the school you can find Joanne spending time with family and friends, cheering on her favourite teams, hiking trails or paddle boarding lakes and harbours.

RECE, Child and Youth Care – Casa Two Teacher

Jessica was born and raised in Smithville but currently resides in Beamsville. She has an advanced diploma in Child and Youth Care from Niagara College, as well as a diploma in Early Childhood Education from Niagara College. Jess has worked in many different child care settings including preschools, summer camps and before and after care programs. She also completed a student exchange in 2018, having the opportunity to live in France for three months and learn the French language. When Jess is not working, she enjoys reading, crafting and spending time with friends and family.

RECE, Casa Montessori Diploma – Support Staff

Kerie has a diploma in Early Childhood Education and has worked in many child care environments over the years, with children of all ages. She’s run half day, full day and before and after school programs, as well as provided one to one support to children with special needs. She’s been an Instructor Therapist providing Behaviour Intervention to children with autism and run a home day care. Kerie lives in Beamsville with her husband, Cory, and 3 daughters, Ava, Karson and Reese. Her daughters are in many activities and keep her busy! Kerie and her family love to spend time outdoors, biking, swimming, hiking, camping and snowmobiling. Kerie also loves to read, do yoga and spend time with her family and friends.

RECE, Casa One Teacher

Larissa has been working with SCP since January. Before working at YPI, she worked at preschool in St. Catharines and was looking to gain more experience and was especially interested in the Montessori curriculum found at Smithville Christian Preschool. Larissa graduated from Georgian College in 2022 and before that she attended Heritage Bible College. Larissa has worked with children most of her life in camps, nannying jobs, and swimming lessons. Larissa lives in St Catharines with her husband Jared. When Larissa is not at the school you could find her spending time with family and friends, baking in the kitchen, tending to her plants, or singing.

RECE – Casa 1 Teacher

Karen completed her Early Childhood Education diploma at Niagara College and has been in the field for more than 20 years. She started her career working for the Region of Halton before changing careers to be closer to her home in Smithville where she lives with her husband, daughter, and cat. Karen spent many years as the Site Supervisor at West Lincoln EarlyON where she led and developed programs for children 0-6 and was a resource for parents to understand the importance of early childhood development. Karen is currently completing the Montessori Diploma program and is eager to add this knowledge to her expertise. When not at school, you can find her camping, kayaking and spending time with friends and family! Karen welcomed her first grandson in the summer and looks forward to watching him grow and learn!

RECE, ERSN – Site Supervisor & Teacher

Colleen lives in Smithville with her husband and two children. Mika is in grade 10 and Tyson is in grade 5. When Colleen is not at school you will find her cheering on her daughter at rowing or her son at hockey. Colleen graduated from Educational Resource and Special Needs. After graduation she was hired for a supply position for elementary and secondary schools in the Niagara Region. A few years later, Colleen took a leave to be home with her family. During her leave from teaching she provided respite/ support services to families. Teaching has always been Colleen’s passion. Colleen recently completed her ECE diploma while working as support staff for SCP. She loves the impact teachers can have on children, especially at the preschool level. Colleen says it is a great responsibility and she cannot imagine devoting her life to something else, especially since she loves being around children and watching them grow. She is excited to be a part of the children’s growth at VCP!

HBA Recreation & Leisure – Teacher

Crystal first came to know SCP as a parent and saw first hand the benefits of the Montessori method. She has her HBA diploma in Recreation and Leisure and has always believed that the best way to learn is through play and hands-on activities. Crystal has a lot of experience with children and has learned a lot running the children’s ministry at her church, working with the DSBN as a noon hour supervisor and volunteering at her children’s school. She is excited by what she has already learned and will continue to learn with the children and staff at “Your Preschools”. Crystal lives in Smithville with her husband and 2 boys. When not at school, you can find her cheering on her children at the hockey rink or soccer field, going for walks, reading and spending time with friends and family.

RECE – Teacher

Miss Jen has her diploma in Early Childhood Education from Sheridan College. She has worked with children of all ages in child care settings as well as running part-time, and before/after school care from home. She has experience with children with vision loss and special needs as her brother had a degenerative brain disease. Jen joined our team in 2021 as supply staff and lunch coverage. She will continue to supply and also provide support to individual children in Smithville as needed this school year. Jen lives in St. Ann’s with her husband and four children. When not at school, she is busy with children in swimming lessons and hockey. Jen also enjoys shopping, sports and going on walks.

Teacher

Leslie has a degree in Social Work from Redeemer University and has spent time working with children in a variety of settings such as group homes, school, church and home. She has enjoyed being a part of the VCP team since March 2023. She is married to Mike and they have 4 children.

Nancy Anderson, BA in Child Studies & Child Psychology

Nancy has a Bachelors degree in Child Studies and Child Psychology from Brock University and studied and worked in the ECE program at Loyalist College. Moving with her husband Dale’s job, she has worked in a Children’s Services in a variety of areas such as Burlington, Trenton, Belleville and Collingwood and now makes Smithville her home. Nancy grew up in a musical family and learned from an early age how music cultivates confidence, self-esteem and develops many learning skills. Nancy’s most rewarding experiences have been working with children with special needs, supporting families in their life journey and sharing the joy of music. Nancy and Dale enjoy spending time with their amazing daughters, Kelsey and Sydney and their husbands, and the dogs, especially when their adventures are in the great outdoors.