Our Staff

Caring & Qualified

The Schoolhouse Playcare Centre, in accordance with the Child Care and Early Years Act, is staffed by qualified Early Childhood Educators, with additional training in First Aid and CPR. 

Early Childhood Educators who are employed with Schoolhouse Playcare Centre also have to be registered with the College of Early Childhood Educators in order to practice as an Early Childhood Educator. The Early Childhood program is a two year college course in which a diploma is obtained at completion of studies. In the two year program, child development, curriculum planning, and observations are studied for children infant to adolescent. 

The staff/child ratio is complemented by Early Childhood Education students who assist in such areas as: creative art, music, drama, and other learning experiences provided in an early childhood setting. 

On Going Professional Development for Staff

We believe in encouraging and providing ongoing learning and professional development for our educators in our programs. This occurs in many different formats. Educators participate in weekly team meetings where we deconstruct our observations and develop programming for the children. Monthly staff meetings incorporate learning communities which allow us to further study our philosophy and guiding principles. Book studies, presentations, workshops, article reviews, reflective conversations, and more are some of the ways we continue to challenge ourselves as early childhood professionals.

Schoolhouse Playcare Centre

Wanda Collins
Executive Director
RECE, AECEO.C

Leila Nagy
Pedagogical Lead
RECE, AECEO.C

Lina Maclam
Pedagogical Lead
RECE, AECEO,C BA BEd

Don McMahon
Pedagogical Lead
RECE

Brenda Walkoski
Head Educator
RECE, AECEO.C

Terry Scocchia
Food Preparer

Miranda Lange
Early Childhood Educator
RECE

Kendra Tienhaara
Early Childhood Educator
RECE

Katrina Pastor
Educator
RECE

Carmine DSouza
Educator

Rachelle Minthorn
Acting Head Educator
RECE RT

Alesha Spirka
Early Childhood Educator
RECE

Swati Limbachia
Educator
BA BEd, MA, OCT

Swati Sharma
Educator
BEd, MSc

Gagandeep Kaur
Educator
B Phys Honours, BEd, MEd, specializing in environment and sustainability

Steolin Christian
Early Childhood Educator
RECE

Grace Oconer
Early Childhood Educator
RECE

Lindsey Richardson
Head Educator
RECE

Natasha Agostino
Early Childhood Educator
RECE

Megan Ahtila
Early Childhood Educator
RECE

Angelyn Sebla
Educator 

Jessica Chikoski
Early Childhood Educator
RECE

Sashikala Jayarathna
Educator
BSc, BA BED, MEd 

Hailee King
Early Childhood Educator
RECE

Lynette Spicer
Educator

Abby Skok
Early Childhood Educator
RECE

Sophia Taw
Early Childhood Educator
RECE

Olivia Cook
Early Childhood Educator RECE

Harmeek Kaur
Educator
B.EL.Ed, MEd

Kushbu Patel
Educator
BEd, MEd

Jen Tervo
Program Coordinator/Head Educator
RECE, AECEO.C

Gurpreet Kaur
Educator
MEd, BEd, MSc, BSc

Paige Cameron
Educator

Kaylin Kruk 

Early Childhood Educator

RECE

Nilofar Ajri
Educator

Jen Tervo
Program Coordinator/Head Educator
RECE, AECEO.C

Cristy Kuokkanen
Early Childhood Educator Otherwise Approved
SSW

Gurpreet Kaur
Educator
MEd, MSc, BSc

Madhuri Bhalodia
Educator
BA BEd

Bria Filice
Educator

Rylee Gemmel

Educator BA Ed

Jen Tervo
Program Coordinator/Head Educator
RECE, AECEO.C

Prahbleen Kaur
Educator 

Erika McDonald
Educator 

Jen Tervo
Program coordinator / Early Childhood Educator
RECE AECEO.C

Caitlin Brock
Early Childhood Educator
RECE

Krina Lodaliya
Educator

Role of the Reggio Emilia Inspired Educator

The Central act of adults…is to activate, especially indirectily, the meaning-making competencies of children as a basis of learning. They must try to capture the right moments, and then find the right approaches, for bringing together, into a fruitful dialogue, their meanings and interpretations with those of the children. 

  • Loris Malaguzzi

What Parents Say

Schoolhouse Playcare Centre has been a part of our family for 3 years. I can truly say that I have complete peace of mind when I drop my children off. The Educators are competent and compassionate people who take great pride in the little people in their care.
Sheila
I had such fond memories of St. James Schoolhouse Playcare when I attended the program as a child in the 90's. My son is currently in the infant group and the program is even better than I remember. My son is thriving and is excited to go to daycare every morning. His educators are playful, caring and attentive to his needs. He's learned so much already and we feel confident of his safety and well-being every single day.
Georgia Kaustinen
Our daughter began attending Schoolhouse Playcare in September 2025, and we initially had some apprehension, as we were more familiar with home-based daycare settings. We were allowed visits leading up to her start date, which helped aid in the transition. However, our experience has far exceeded our expectations! Since starting, our daughter has made wonderful progress, like learning to follow simple directions and even using baby sign language. Each morning, she recognizes the route to daycare and becomes increasingly excited as we get closer. She happily runs into the educator's arms for a hug and is always greeted with the same warmth and enthusiasm. The level of care she receives truly feels as though she is one of their own children. We cannot say enough positive things about St. James Schoolhouse Playcare. The growth and development we have seen in such a short time has been remarkable, and we look forward to watching her continue to thrive.
Jenna Petrynka
As a parent, finding a daycare that prioritizes both safety, specifically catering to children with allergies, and educational develpment was my top priority; thankfully, St. James Schoolhouse Playcare Centre has exceeded my expectations. From the moment we enrolled, we felt welcomed into a nurturing community where every child is valued and supported. The staff demonstrates the highest level of professionalism, ensuring that safety and well-being remain at the forefront of every program. What sets St. James Schoolhouse Playcare Centre apart is the seamless continuity across its programs and activities that encourage both learning and self-discovery, helping my child build confidence, independence, and essential early development skills. I couldn't be happier with the care and education my child receives at St. James Schoolhouse Playcare Cenre.
Brittany Kennedy
St. James Schoolhouse Playcare Centre has been an exceptional environment for our two boys. From the beginning, we have always felt informed and confident about what is happening in their day. The friendly, caring staff and the daily journals keep us connected and reassured that our children are in great hands. We are truly grateful for the thoughtful programming and dedication of the team. Thanks to Schoolhouse Playcare Centre, our boys have grown and excelled in many ways. Thank you again for everything you do for our family.
The Streys
Enrolling my children in the before and after care program at Schoolhouse Playcare Centre at Westmount Public School has been an incredible experience over the past 5 years. As a parent, I feel completely confident and comforted knowing they are in the care of such amazing , supportive staff every day. The care provided is genuinely high-quality, deeply caring, and strength based. The staff actively fosters an environment that encourages growth and builds their confidence, while ensuring the program activities are always fun, engaging, and packed with learning opportunities. I truly appreciate how the staff support both the students and their families by creating a space where children feel safe, heard, and valued with a true sense of belonging. My children are learning essential social skills and independence, all while having so much fun. We are son incredibly grateful for this program and the wonderful community they have built at Westmount!
The Stein Family
Schoolhouse Playcare Centre

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