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 previously taught at our Smithville, Dunnville and Vineland locations and is working on her Casa Montessori diploma. For the past few years Alia has been the Assistant Director and helps to 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 Two 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 Montessori Diploma – Toddler Teacher, Extended Care (am)

Becca has a diploma in Early Childhood Education from Algonquin College as well as a Toddler Montessori diploma. 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.

RECE – Toddler Teacher, Extended Care (pm)

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.

Toddler Teacher, Extended Care (pm)

This is Briar’s first year being employed by Your Preschools Inc. although she is no stranger to the way that it operates as she did her Grade 11 co-op with us! She is fresh out of high school and looking forward to gaining more experience working full time with toddlers. She is currently working on obtaining her infant/toddler Montessori diploma. She has a great deal of experience with children from working at a summer camp for the past four summers, as well as babysitting and nannying, to doing two high school co-ops at local preschools. She currently resides with her parents and three younger sisters on a chicken farm in West Lincoln. When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with her boyfriend, family and friends, going for a run, playing soccer or finding something to clean/organize.

Recreation and Leisure Diploma, Casa Montessori Diploma - Casa One Teacher

This is Roxanne’s third 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 then DCP, she has noticed the many benefits in this style of learning and has decided to further her own education and obtain her Casa Montessori diploma. Roxanne is also currently enrolled at Algonquin College and is working on her ECE 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 Two 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.

Extended Care (pm), Supply Teacher

Monique is currently finishing her final year in the Early Childhood Education (ECE) program and brings years of international experience working with children from infancy through grade 1. Her background is rooted in the Reggio Emilia approach, with some elements of Montessori, and she is excited to be expanding her knowledge of Montessori practices at Your Preschools Inc. In 2023 she moved back to Canada with her husband and they enjoy playing sports together and going on hikes with their dog, Daisy.

Extended Care (pm)

Kara joined our team this year working as a floater and has worked in child care for almost 4 years. She previously worked in an elementary school in British Columbia for the 2022/2023 school year, as well as a local elementary school for the 2023/2024 school year. She enjoys spending time with her dogs Miller and Zeus as well as her fiancé, Brandon whom she is marrying this October. Kara enjoys taking pictures of the sunset, going on walks, and quadding .

RECE, Casa Montessori Diploma – Site Supervisor, 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 and then her Casa Montessori diploma! 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.

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. Jamie also worked at our Dunnville location and took on more hours and gained more in class experience. When we opened our Grassie location in 2022, Jamie became a full-time member of the team and has been there ever since. She is currently working towards her diploma in Early Childhood Education along with her Montessori certification! Jamie, Jay and the three kids live on a very small farm raising cattle and chickens.

ERSN, Casa Montessori Diploma - Teacher

Colleen lives in Smithville with her husband and two children, Mika and Tyson. When Colleen is not at school you will find her cheering on her daughter at rowing or her son at hockey. Colleen has a diploma in 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 completed her ECE diploma while working as support staff for SCP and then went on to obtain her Casa Montessori diploma. 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 Grassie this year.

Teacher

Brooke recently joined our preschool family when her son, Weston, began attending in 2022. Brooke then helped with lunch coverage and supply staff, which has led to her becoming a team member at the Grassie location. She has always had a passion in caring for others when working in other childcare facilities and during her many years as a PSW. She is looking forward to her career in the Montessori environment and further expanding her education.

Float Staff, Supply Teacher

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 - Casa One Teacher, Extended Care (pm)

Dana received a diploma in Early Childhood Education from Mohawk College.  For the past 12 years she worked in Hamilton at a childcare facility, where she provided care for a variety of age groups ranging from infant to school age.  Before having her second daughter, Dana spent a year in a Program Leader role supporting colleagues, families and doing administrative work.  Dana loves to learn and although she is new to the Montessori curriculum, she is very excited to explore a new way of teaching.  When not at school you can find her with her 2 daughters and husband Brent.  When her children finally rest Dana is pursuing her other passions; writing, painting and reading. 

RECE – Casa Two Teacher, Extended Care (am)

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!

Toddler & Casa Montessori Diplomas – Casa Two Teacher, Extended Care (am & pm)

Micaela (“Miss Mic”) attended our Smithville school when we opened in 2006! This is Micaela's third year as an educator and she previously taught at our Dunnville location before deciding to take a position closer to home. 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

Float Staff, Supply Teacher

RECE, Supply Teacher

Larissa has been working with SCP since 2023. 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 Montessori Diploma - Site Supervisor and 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.

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.

BSW - 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.

BSW - Teacher

Leanne has her Bachelors of Social work that she received in British Columbia. Leanne met her husband in B.C. and together they have two girls ages one and three. After a recent move to the countryside, Leanne and her family are enjoying goats, chickens, and gardening at their home. Leanne understands how vulnerable it can be to send kids to preschool and feels so privileged to care for and nurture her students!