Home 9 District 6 – Central West Region

District 6 – Central West Region

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Jasmine Brar
Candidate’s Biographical Summary
Candidate’s Full Name: Jasmine Brar
Present Position: Program Director
Place of Employment:

 

Plasp Child Care Services

Mississauga

Area of Practice: Program Director before and After school program for School Age Children and School Age Kindergarten.
Self-Identification (if any):  
Education (ECE program/other relevant post-secondary qualifications)
Program Educational Institution Year of Graduation Degree, Diploma
Early Childhood Educator Humber College May 2019 Diploma with Honours
Candidate Statement
Firstly, I believe that I would be a great Candidate is because, I strongly would focus on creating educational resources to better strengthen and provide knowledge to future Early Childhood Educators by assisting in creating a fundamental to better strengthen programs. Also, provide fair legislation policies and procedures, and create a fundamental to recognize the importance of Early learning.

Jody Campbell
Candidate’s Biographical Summary
Candidate’s Full Name: Jody Campbell
Present Position: Teacher
Place of Employment:

 

Peel District School Board

Mississauga

Area of Practice:

 

I currently work with the Peel District School Board.  Before becoming a teacher, I worked as a Registered Designated Early Childhood Educator (RDECE), in Kindergarten Classrooms.  I also worked as a Program Facilitator with Ontario Early Years (EarlyON) before working with the Peel District School Board.
Self-Identification (if any): I am a Black woman.
Education (ECE program/other relevant post-secondary qualifications)
Program Educational Institution Year of Graduation Degree, Diploma
Early Childhood Education George Brown College 2000 Diploma
English York University 2003 Bachelor of Arts – Degree
Bachelor of Education Tyndale University 2013 Degree
Other Community Involvement
Position Association/Organization Dates
Anti-Racism Advisory Committee (ARAC) member Peel Police Current
Candidate Statement
I am a teacher working with the Peel District School Board.  I have been teaching in Peel for 13 years as a Teacher and as a Registered Designated Early Childhood Educator.  Before working with the Peel Board, I worked as a Program Facilitator with the Ontario Early Years (EarlyON).   In my career I have worked with families in both affluent and impoverished neighbourhoods. My experiences working in these areas have shown me that not only is the demographic of the families in these schools different, but the quality service provided to these families varies greatly.  I have seen educators being more accountable to their students learning in schools located in affluent & wealthy neighborhoods, and schools in the poorer neighbourhoods having a more relaxed approach to the success and support of students and families.  As educators we have a responsibility to show an equal amount of compassion and respect to the different cultures and communities who we serve.  We need to be more diverse in their teaching methods in order to reach all cultures.  As an elected Council Member I am looking forward to working together to ensure all the families’ voices who we support are being heard.

Monica Dunne
Candidate’s Biographical Summary
Candidate’s Full Name: Monica Dunne
Present Position: Owner
Place of Employment:

 

Dunnechildcare

Oakville

Area of Practice:

 

Home Childcare- based in arts & Science. I have now closed unfortunately but look forward to opening again in the future. My school was a joy to create and was based on government standards.
Self-Identification (if any):  
Education (ECE program/other relevant post-secondary qualifications)
Program Educational Institution Year of Graduation Degree, Diploma
E.C.E. Sheridan College 2014 High Honours Yes
Participation in Early Childhood Education Organizations (e.g., associations, interest groups related to Early Childhood Education)
Position Association/Organization Dates
Mentor Program Sheridan College 2020-present
Mentoring unofficially with Mohawk College    
Other Community Involvement
Position Association/Organization Dates
Improv Oakville Improv 2012-present
O.I. Radio Oakville Improv 2020-present
Currently taking classes to teach improv to school age children Oakville Improv  
Candidate Statement
After setting up my own home daycare, I gained an understanding of the challenges and regulations surrounding our business as well as an appreciation of the challenges we face as E.C.E.’s. My hope is that I can continue to help with the excellent work the college does representing the hard working E.C.E.’S who are members. I use improv concepts to nurture spontaneity and creativity, combine art with science, math – it’s all based on patterns, I use easy concepts that are readily recognized. I also like the concept of being ok with getting it “wrong,” there’s nothing wrong with getting it wrong; you took a chance while others never get that far. Lastly, I’m big on praise vis encouragement. When we use encouragement, we look at the big picture-colour, concepts, story,..it’s the effort that’s being looked at and not the work as a whole. Thanks for your time! Monica Dunne

Angela Girgis
Candidate’s Biographical Summary
Candidate’s Full Name: Angela Girgis
Present Position: CEO
Place of Employment:

 

Angelic Treasures Christian Daycare

Mississauga

Area of Practice: Best Start, Training
Self-Identification (if any):  
Education (ECE program/other relevant post-secondary qualifications)
Program Educational Institution Year of Graduation Degree, Diploma
Early Childhood Education Sheridan College 1996 Early Childhood Education
Leadership Harvard 2021 Certificate
Participation in Early Childhood Education Organizations (e.g., associations, interest groups related to Early Childhood Education)
Position Association/Organization Dates
Member PAG –Peel Advisory Board 8 years
Other Community Involvement
Position Association/Organization Dates
Participant Santa for Seniors 2019-2021
Participant Holiday Helpers 2022
Participant Food Bank 2019 on going
Candidate Statement
The governing body of Early Childhood Educators has been instrumental in providing RECE recognition for the work that is done day to day with children ages 0-12.  I have seen the importance of the organization from inception and I would like to participate in the continuing growth of the organization by providing my experience in the field and as the CEO of a Childcare Franchise.  I would bring front line issues to the table for discussions and support other members in determining the direction of the College for years to come. I am passionate working in the field for many years prior to expanding growth of 6 centres.  Now with CWELCC in place, there is more support that is needed in centres as they struggle to hire qualified staff.  I would like to be able to contribute from my teaching experience of ECE courses at Sheridan College and come up with solutions for the colleges in screening candidates for this profession. I am dedicated to this profession and would do my best to support the team for the term assigned.

Yalin Gorica
Candidate’s Biographical Summary
Candidate’s Full Name: Yalin Gorica
Present Position: Professor
Place of Employment:

 

Sheridan Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning

Oakville

Area of Practice:

 

Teaching the pre-service training of early childhood education diploma program and honours bachelor’s early childhood leadership degree program.
Self-Identification (if any): As a RECE who is an immigrant and a person of colour, and who has dedicated over 20 years in the field of education and early childhood education, I hope to bring my knowledge and skills to contribute to the College Council.
Education (ECE program/other relevant post-secondary qualifications)
Program Educational Institution Year of Graduation Degree, Diploma
Early Childhood Education Algonquin College 2000 Diploma
Organizational Studies in Education University of Ottawa 2005 Master in Education Degree
Higher Education Leadership University of Calgary 2015 Doctor of Education Degree
Participation in Early Childhood Education Organizations (e.g., associations, interest groups related to Early Childhood Education)
Position Association/Organization Dates
Elected Council Member College of Early Childhood Educators 2020
Committee Member Peel Children and Youth Initiative Research and Evaluation Committee 2011-2014
Committee Member Peel Success by Six Research and Data Steering Committee 2010-2011
Other Community Involvement
Position Association/Organization Dates
Committee Member Special Education Advisory Committee at Halton District School Board 2020-2022
School Council Member Forest Trail Public School 2007-2009
Member Association for Bright Children of Ontario 2020
Candidate statement
Currently serving as an elected Council member representing the District 6: Central West Region, I would like to run again in the Council election 2023.

As a RECE who has dedicated over 20 years in the field of early childhood education as an educator and a researcher, I have witnessed many changes that have greatly impacted the ECE profession including the recent COVID pandemic and the new federal Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care initiatives. Being an elected Council member since 2020, I have had the honour and privilege to work with other dedicated Council members and the College to make decisions on matters that will ultimately strengthen the ECE profession in support of public interest such as making a commitment to anti-racism and protecting children from sexual abuse. The experience I gained by serving on both the Registration Appeals Committee and the Discipline and Fitness to Practise Committee has been invaluable to my teaching practice to ensure that the professional code and standards are well taught to my students, so the future ECEs are prepared and adaptable to the rapid changes brought upon us.

However, there are still many challenges that current and future ECEs are facing while practicing or entering to practice. I hope to use my knowledge and skills as well as my experience gained during my first term on Council, to continue the work that will lead us forward to a diverse but inclusive ECE profession to better serve children and families in Ontario.

Anisha Grossett
Candidate’s Biographical Summary
Candidate’s Full Name: Anisha Grossett
Present Position: CEO/Founder
Place of Employment:

 

Anisha Angella Books & Consulting (AAB&C)

Mississauga

Area of Practice: – Training
Self-Identification (if any): – Black

– Woman

Education (ECE program/other relevant post-secondary qualifications)
Program Educational Institution Year of Graduation Degree, Diploma
Early Childhood Education Humber College 2011 Diploma
Early Childhood Education Guelph Humber University 2015 Degree
Participation in Early Childhood Education Organizations (e.g., associations, interest groups related to Early Childhood Education)
Position Association/Organization Dates
  Anisha Angella Books & Consulting  
Candidate Statement
Meet Anisha Angella, a seasoned Early Childhood Education (ECE) Specialist with over 14+ years of industry experience. With a degree in Early Childhood Education Studies, Anisha has held many roles over the years — her extensive ECE knowledge allows her to be versatile. She has led childcare programs, taught college programs, spoken at over 65 events, and worked as a senior manager overseeing 45+ childcare locations. She is also the CEO and Founder of Anisha Angella Books and Consulting — a powerhouse for all things childcare consulting, coaching, and training. Anisha is an ECE expert who wants to help other educators and ECE leaders succeed. She is a true advocate for the ECE community and is on a mission to support ECE professionals in as many ways as possible.

Sabeeha Hussain
Candidate’s Biographical Summary
Candidate’s Full Name: Sabeeha Hussain
Present Position: Elementary Teacher
Place of Employment:

 

Peel District School Board

Brampton

Area of Practice:  
Self-Identification (if any): I am an indo-caribbean sis gender muslim female. I am an able bodied woman who speaks English. Growing up as a brown Muslim female from a low income family and being racialized throughout my life has had many challenges, especially within the educational system. I have seen first hand the hurt and harm that the system has caused so many racialized people like myself. I think back and wonder what if we had resources and teachers that looked like us and were there to lift us up instead of put us down, how I would feel and if growing up would be as difficult as it was. I am proud of who I am and want all students from every walk of life to feel the same way and not get let down because the educational system makes them feel unwanted. I want to be able to inspire and uplift those voices that aren’t always at the forefront. I want to make sure they know that they matter as well. I want to be able to support the focus of change to “fixing the injustice; not the students”. Unlearning and reframing our minds for the better. Making the learning meaningful to them and staying away from the multicultural ways of teaching and pushing through to more of a culturally responsive way of teaching.
Education (ECE program/other relevant post-secondary qualifications)
Program Educational Institution Year of Graduation Degree, Diploma
Early Childhood Education Seneca College 2011 Diploma
Sociology York University 2014 Degree
Bachelors of Education York University 2017 Degree
Participation in Early Childhood Education Organizations (e.g., associations, interest groups related to Early Childhood Education)
Position Association/Organization Dates
RECE Zoe’s Tender Years CCC 2011-2015
RECE / Site Supervisor Among Friends CC 2015-2019
Teacher PDSB 2019-current
Other Community Involvement
Position Association/Organization Dates
Director of education Black Lives for Change 2020-current
Candidate Statement
I feel as though all my experience and passion of knowledge allows me to become a great candidate. Using my work experience and experience within the field to help educate and provide ways to better our understanding of what it means to be an ECE is something I always envisioned for myself. Integrating that with an anti-black racism and anti oppressive approach will not only help to eliminate the injustice but to provide students and educators with that voice and sense of belonging within our community.

Vanessa Iafrate
Candidate’s Biographical Summary
Candidate’s Full Name: Vanessa Iafrate
Present Position: Faculty (Part-time)
Place of Employment:

 

Conestoga College

Kitchener

Area of Practice: Post-secondary education (teacher training)
Self-Identification (if any):  
Education (ECE program/other relevant post-secondary qualifications)
Program Educational Institution Year of Graduation Degree, Diploma
Early Childhood Education Conestoga College 2011 Diploma
Education (Teaching and Leadership) Wilfred Laurier University 2019 Master’s Degree
Sexuality, Marriage and Family Studies University of Waterloo 2010 Bachelor’s Degree
Participation in Early Childhood Education Organizations (e.g., associations, interest groups related to Early Childhood Education)
Position Association/Organization Dates
District Status of Women Officer OSSTF D18 Executive 2019-2021
Other Community Involvement
Position Association/Organization Dates
League Convenor Guelph Minor Baseball Association 2021-Present
Candidate Statement
My interest for expanding the profession’s recognition had naturally been growing already, as my experience in child care centres and full-day Kindergarten grew. One of the only positives I can find from having lived though a health pandemic, is that I think the public was forced to reckon with and finally realized (in a stressful and roundabout way!) how ESSENTIAL ECEs and high quality early years care are to the economy and overall well-being of the folks living in Ontario. It is my goal to continue to research early years’ pedagogy and child development, to keep us on the cutting edge of best practices, and to continue to the build the relationships and connections necessary to elevate us to the highest standards that we can maintain as professionals.

Kristine Parsons
Candidate’s Biographical Summary
Candidate’s Full Name: Kristine Parsons
Present Position: Director of Operations
Place of Employment:

 

RisingOaks Early Learning

Kitchener

Area of Practice: Centre based multi-site not for profit child care
Self-Identification (if any):  
Education (ECE program/other relevant post-secondary qualifications)
Program Educational Institution Year of Graduation Degree, Diploma
Early Childhood Education Conestoga College 1990 ECE Diploma
Human Resources Management Conestoga College 2008 Certificate Program
Participation in Early Childhood Education Organizations (e.g., associations, interest groups related to Early Childhood Education)
Position Association/Organization Dates
Chair College of Early Childhood Educators Current
Vice-Chair College of Early Childhood Educators 2019/2020
Committee Member Early Years Coalition Waterloo Region Current
Other Community Involvement
Position Association/Organization Dates
Community Pedagogist The Pedagogist Network of Ontario 2019-2020
Committee Member Waterloo Region Children and Youth Planning Table Current
Committee Member Child Care Network -Waterloo Region Current
Candidate Statement
I was elected to the Council of the College of Early Childhood Educators in 2017, and re-elected for a second term in 2020. I have served as chair of the Discipline and Fitness to Practice committees with responsibility to conduct discipline hearings, to deliberate and make decisions relating to the practice of RECEs.  I also sat as a member of the Registration Appeals Committee, Finance/Audit Committee and the Executive Committee.

I am proud to serve as Chair of the College of Early Childhood Educators, having been appointed by my peers in 2021 and 2022.  I take my role in serving and protecting the public interest very seriously. Being a member of a professional regulatory body is a privilege, and should be treated as such.

As a senior member of Council, my experience and organizational history will serve the Council well in this next term. As the Federal Government continues its implementation of a national, universal child care program, it will be essential that this Council has members that have the time and commitment to support CECE staff in ensuring the profession has a voice at the planning table where decisions are made that impact the public interest and the profession. In my work outside of the College, I have been instrumental in bringing the conversation of anti-racism to my organization. My ability to lead this vital conversation and promote an environment where anti-racism is evident in not only our guiding principles, but also our actions, will serve as an asset.

Ronda Roy
Candidate’s Biographical Summary
Candidate’s Full Name: Ronda Roy
Present Position: Resource Consultant
Place of Employment:

 

County of Wellington

Guelph

Area of Practice: Special Needs Resourcing/CMSM
Self-Identification (if any):  
Education (ECE program/other relevant post-secondary qualifications)
Program Educational Institution Year of Graduation Degree, Diploma
ECE Conestoga College 1996 Early Childhood Education
ECRC Conestoga College 2006 Early Childhood Resource Consultation
Master of Education Wilfred Laurier 2022 Master of Education
Participation in Early Childhood Education Organizations (e.g., associations, interest groups related to Early Childhood Education)
Position Association/Organization Dates
Central West Rep Early Childhood Resource Teacher Network of Ontario Approximately 2008-2009 one year term
Candidate Statement
I am putting my name forward for the 2023 College of ECE Council, Central West region (6). I currently work for the County of Wellington as a Resource Consultant. I am also a professor at Conestoga College in the early childhood resource consulting program. I have worked in licensed center based and home child care. I owned and operated a licensed child care program. I was an EarlyOn program supervisor before I started working in a municipal setting 17 years ago as an inclusion coordinator/resource consultant. I completed my ECE training and RC certification at Conestoga College in 1996 and 2006. I have two undergraduate degrees in religious education and social development. I recently completed my Master of Education at Laurier. My experiences have allowed me to develop sound skills in advocacy, research and collaboration. I am currently doing research on a framework of service delivery in ELCC, in relation to the promised CWELCC inclusion strategy, that recognizes and respects the role of ECEs and RCs. I see this as an opportunity to play an important role in the regulation of my chosen profession. I am interested in expanding my knowledge of governance and using my skills to support the establishment of professional standards. I have a particular interest in ethics and professional standards. What excites me about the position is having the opportunity to connect and collaborate with RECEs across the province. As an RC and an ECE, I feel that I can bring a unique perspective.

Nighat Saleem
Candidate’s Biographical Summary
Candidate’s Full Name: Nighat Saleem
Present Position: Designate Early Childhood Educator
Place of Employment:

 

Peel District School Board

Brampton

Area of Practice: I have been working in Kindergarten of Peel School Board for the last 12 years.
Self-Identification (if any): I declared myself a person of colour as I came to Canada in 2005 from Pakistan.
Education (ECE program/other relevant post-secondary qualifications)
Program Educational Institution Year of Graduation Degree, Diploma
Degree of Early Childhood Education Guelph Humber 2020 Graduation
Early Childhood Education Sheridan College Brampton 2009 Diploma
Education Punjab University Lahore Pakistan 1997 Masters
Participation in Early Childhood Education Organizations (e.g., associations, interest groups related to Early Childhood Education)
Position Association/Organization Dates
Mentor Teach for Canada 2015
Mentor Peel Educators Group 2016-Present
Health and Safety Inspector Peel District School Board 2014-present
Other Community Involvement
Position Association/Organization Dates
Union Steward OPSEU2100 2016-present
Council Member Muslim Employees Association of Peel 2020-Present
Council Member Peel’s Parents  2014-present
Candidate Statement
My name is Nighat Saleem. As I mentioned earlier, the journey of my education started on the other side of the world. I got a chance to live in different countries, this variety of experiences changed my way of thinking. I believe, there is always a space of improvement in any system if we can make sure that all groups of the community are participating actively. That is a reason for becoming a STUDENT of Council members. I have a strong determination to fulfill long commitments. I have the courage to face differences of opinion and accept better suggestions in the interest of the organisation. Learning about new skills is my strength and loyalty to my institution is my weakness. I look forward to learning with and from you all. Thank you.

Simmerjote (Simi) Singh
Candidate’s Biographical Summary
Candidate’s Full Name: Simmerjote (Simi) Singh
Present Position: Kindergarten Teacher
Place of Employment:

 

Peel District School Board

Mississauga

Area of Practice: I teach at Humber and Sheridan College in the diploma program and teach kindergarten full time
Self-Identification (if any): I am a South Asian female.
Education (ECE program/other relevant post-secondary qualifications)
Program Educational Institution Year of Graduation Degree, Diploma
Early Childhood Education Humber College 2003 Diploma
Bachelor of Fine Arts York University 2015 Degree
Bachelor of Education Niagara University 2020 Degree
Participation in Early Childhood Education Organizations (e.g., associations, interest groups related to Early Childhood Education)
Position Association/Organization Dates
ECE Faculty Sheridan College 2016-current
ECE Faculty Humber College Sept 2022 -current
Early Childhood Educator Peel District School Board 2012-current
Candidate Statement
I have been working as an ECE since I graduated in 2003. I have worked in a variety of ECE settings which include an ECE and OCT with Peel District School board since 2012 until now. I have been working as a part-time professor at Sheridan and Humber college since 2016, where I have taught a variety of courses, which include field placement. I am currently completing my master’s in educational leadership and continue to participate in professional development in early years education to stay current and continue on the path of a lifelong learner. I feel I am qualified to be a member of the council because I work with ECE’s daily and I understand their needs and struggles more than most. I am able to relate and I have strong connections with ECE both in college,  school board, and daycare settings. Understanding the needs of the members is vital in order to assist them to the best of one’s ability. I have worked in the ECE field for many years and am able to understand and address issues that come up when working in this field. As a council member, I will advocate and represent those whom I represent in making informed decisions. As a current ECE, I will bring unique educational and work experience to the role, which will make me an ideal candidate for this position.

Shahpara Syed
Candidate’s Biographical Summary
Candidate’s Full Name: Shahpara Syed
Present Position:  
Place of Employment:  
Area of Practice:  
Self-Identification (if any):  
Education (ECE program/other relevant post-secondary qualifications)
Program Educational Institution Year of Graduation Degree, Diploma
early childhood education Sheridan college 2005 Diploma in ECE
ECE supervision and administration Sheridan college 2010 Post-graduate certificate
Candidate Statement
I would like to protect the public interest by establishing entry to practice requirements, ethical and professional standards, and processes for addressing professional misconduct and incapacity.

Carla Ward
Candidate’s Biographical Summary
Candidate’s Full Name: Carla Ward
Present Position: Self-Employed/ Owner/ Founder
Place of Employment:

 

Carla Ward- Early Learning Foundations

Mississauga

Area of Practice: Tutoring, ECE Training, ECE Podcaster.
Self-Identification (if any):  
Education (ECE program/other relevant post-secondary qualifications)
Program Educational Institution Year of Graduation Degree, Diploma
Early Childhood Education Sheridan College 2005 Diploma
Participation in Early Childhood Education Organizations (e.g., associations, interest groups related to Early Childhood Education)
Position Association/Organization Dates
Newsletter Editor (Voluntary)- Board of Directors Association of Preschool Educators September 2006-June 2007
Secretary (Voluntary) – Board of Directors Association of Preschool Educators July 2007-June 2008
South Western Ontario Representative (Voluntary)-Board of Directors Association of Preschool Educators July 2008-June 2009
Candidate Statement
Early Childhood Education deserves to be one of the most respected fields in the world. After all, early childhood educators are the ones working and teaching future doctors, lawyers and all the other professions. I was an ECE before the college existed, and there is an element of pride and respect that comes with having a governing body behind you.

My mission in my career is to make Early Childhood Education one of the most respected careers in the world, and to do that, I truly believe in the college and what they stand for. We hold the public’s best interest in mind and act accordingly. I’m running for council because I want to be part of something bigger and to use my 17+ years of being an Early Childhood Educator in many different positions to contribute my thoughts and ideas to continue the College’s mission of regulating the profession. The most important reason for doing so is to protect children and their families. Children are our future, and they deserve consistent care from professionals.