Our Staff

Anisa Ali

Coordinator at Centennial School

With over 10 years of experience as a registered early childhood educator, I have had the joy of working with children of all ages. My journey in this field has been deeply fulfilling, driven by a passion for fostering strong relationships with children, families, and colleagues alike.

Outside of my professional life, I find solace and happiness in cooking for my loved ones and spending quality time with my family. I am also actively involved in volunteering within my community and advocate for quality and accessible childcare as part of a professional network. Sharing my knowledge and experiences with new graduates is something I eagerly embrace, as I believe in the importance of nurturing the next generation of educators.

Fahmida Afreen

Program Coordinator at James Street

I consider myself a dedicated and passionate Registered Early Childhood Educator. I have devoted over a decade to nurturing and supporting children and families.

My current role is a testament to my unwavering commitment to children's development, grounded in a profound passion for early childhood education. With a background in Early Learning and Community Development, I also have a comprehensive understanding of child development principles and effective teaching practices. My academic journey, including a master's degree in Statistics, has enriched my education approach with analytical insights and evidence-based strategies.

Above all, I am dedicated to fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment in early learning and community development. Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, watching movies, and reading in my leisure time.

Favour Nkanta

Toddler Room - Early Childhood Educator

I have been working with toddler programs for four years, where I focus on impacting toddlers through active play and supporting their daily developmental progress. My passion lies in engaging with toddlers in ways that stimulate their cognitive growth and enhance their understanding of simple communication.

I employ various teaching methods, such as reading with different voice tones, making expressive facial gestures, singing, and even imitating bird sounds. This approach helps toddlers develop awareness and a deeper understanding of their environment, fostering their overall cognitive development. Through my experience, I have found immense satisfaction in witnessing the positive impact these activities have on toddlers' growth, making my work both fulfilling and meaningful.

Sui Hnem Mawi

Toddler Room - Early Childhood Educator

I am a Registered Early Childhood Educator who has been working with children for seven years. I understand that every child is unique and develops differently and can support their individual needs and developmental skills.

Honesty and hard work are two major words to describe me. I believe and understand that each child is unique and develops differently, and I can support their needs. I am cheerful and can positively interact with children, parents, and coworkers. I enjoy shopping, traveling, and family time.

Ratna Thota

Infant room - Early Childhood Educator

I am an Early Childhood Educator with more than 14 years of experience in nurturing infants. I am dedicated to providing a secure and caring atmosphere for the children under my care. What brings me the greatest joy as an educator is the opportunity to guide children as they develop their individual identities. Outside of work, I cherish moments spent with my family and my three beloved dogs.

Margaux Cook

Toddler room - Early Childhood Educator

I am a Registered Early Childhood Educator, having graduated from the ECE program at Algonquin College. I have been working in the field for the last 2 ½ years, first at the early learning centre at Ottawa University before moving to the Centretown Parents’ Cooperative Daycare.

I thoroughly enjoy working with the toddler group; each day it’s a pleasure to go to work to observe and to guide these youngsters as they grow and develop new skills. I find that the document "How Does Learning Happen?" (Ministry of Education, 2014) is a wonderful source of knowledge and support to aid us as we assist the children in all aspects of their developmental journey. In my free time I enjoy cooking, walking my dog Penny, and spending time with my family and friends.

Thay Thay

Toddler room - Early Childhood Educator

My name is Thay, and I am a passionate Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) dedicated to nurturing the growth and development of young children. With three years of experience in the field, I have found immense joy and fulfillment in my role, cherishing every moment spent with the children under my care.

Outside of work, I have a keen interest in traveling and exploring nature. These experiences enrich my understanding of the world and inspire me to bring new perspectives and discoveries into my work with children.

Lidia Waclawski

Preschool Room - Early Childhood Educator

I am a dedicated and experienced Registered Early Childhood Educator, having devoted 25 years to nurturing young minds at Centretown Parents' Daycare.

Alongside my professional expertise, I have formal training in classical piano, which I often incorporate into my teaching to enhance children's sensory and cognitive development. My musical sessions are a favorite among the children, providing them with a joyful and interactive way to explore sounds, rhythms, and melodies. My commitment to early childhood education and my love for working with children have made me an integral part of the Centretown Parents' Daycare community.

Camelia Eid

School Age - Early Childhood Educator

I am a professional quadrilingual Educator and Curriculum Specialist for teaching languages with more than twenty years of experience, providing educational programs across the world to various students by collaborating with various school-based teams.

I also enjoy my career as Youth Director. I am responsible, creative, patient, enthusiastic, compassionate, and open-minded. I have a passion for teaching and love working with children and their families, nurturing the children's development and growth for a bright future.

I have a diligent understanding of early childhood development, experience in implementing how learning happens in an effective program, and long-term experience working, respecting, and valuing diversity within a multicultural environment. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, listening to music and cooking Mediterranean food.

Wendy Dixon

Educational Assistant

With a deep passion for nurturing and educating children, I am proud to be part of the Centennial team. My journey in childcare and education spans many years, beginning as a dedicated stay-at-home mom to my three wonderful children. During this time, I extended my care to other families in my community, providing a safe and enriching environment for their kids.

Now, I work full-time as an Educational Assistant at Centennial and coordinate the after-school program. I am committed to fostering a positive, inclusive, and stimulating environment where every child can thrive. Through my work, I strive to make a meaningful impact on the lives of the children and families I serve.

Sahra Saleh-Ali

School Age - Early Childhood Educator

I am a passionate and dedicated early childhood educator with a heart full of warmth and a mind brimming with creativity. I believe I have a keen eye for identifying each child's unique needs and abilities, and coming up with various ways to nurture and aid their mental and emotional developmental needs.

My goal is to guide children to embark on a journey of discovery, curiosity, and joy, laying the foundation for a lifetime of learning. I have been in childcare for over 4 years now, and I look forward to many more years to come.

Fabio Bordini

Cook

I have the pleasure of working in the kitchen at Centretown Parents' daycare. I've been working as a cook for over 13 years, 3 of them at daycares. I've always had a passion for cooking and nutrition, especially when it comes to creating healthy, delicious meals for children.

At Centretown, I ensure that every meal is not only nutritious but also enjoyable for the little ones. I love seeing their faces light up when they try something new or when they enjoy their favorite dishes. My goal is to provide a variety of meals that support their growth and development while making mealtime a fun and positive experience.

Outside of work, I enjoy experimenting with new recipes and spending time with my family. I'm thrilled to be part of this team that values the health and happiness of every child we care for.

Wayne Harubin

Maintenance

I have worked at the centre in various capacities for over forty years – from Program Coordinator at our Centennial location to building maintenance and upkeep. In my spare time I enjoy many outdoor activities such as skiing, cycling, and hiking.