District 6 – Central West Region
Click on a candidate’s name to read their bio.
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. |