Q: Tell me about yourself! Where and what did you study? What do you like to do for fun?
A: I studied at Nipissing University, graduating with a BA in English with the ultimate goal of becoming a high-school teacher. Due to loss in my family, I left after I obtained my BA and did not enter the early education field until 10 years later. I have been operating a licensed home child care for the past 10 years, meeting and becoming a part of many families’ lives. For many years I operated 24/7 but as our family expanded a few years ago, I have cut down my work to a more regular schedule while still supporting the amazing families I have in my care with additional hours when needed. I have 4 children—ages 15, 5, and two 1-year-old twins. Between business life and my children’s extracurriculars it can be hard to carve out time for myself but when I can I enjoy painting, the outdoors (such as nature hikes), baking, and educational opportunities to keep my mind sharp — always keep learning from those around you.
Q: You have a licensed home-based daycare. Can you speak more on this? How did this work start for you?
A: Prior to opening my licensed home childcare, I was employed as the Director of Operations for a Toronto-based patient entertainment company that serviced hospitals across Canada. This position took me away from home regularly and was not supportive of my ultimate goal of family expansion. In this position I gained an abundance of knowledge working alongside some incredible minds. As our family life began to change and my husband gained a new position in his own work, it became clear to us within our childcare search that there was a gap in care for those who worked outside of the regular 9-5 schedule. It had been suggested to me by one of our own childcare providers that I should look at working in the field myself. After long deliberation, I made the decision to resign from my job and explore the childcare field with the goal of helping other families that worked irregular hours because they lacked access to quality childcare. As I was entering a field that was new to me, I decided to inquire with the licensing agency in my area. Within a week I met the supervisor and began my journey.
Q: Has raising your children impacted your work? If so, how?
A: My children, especially my oldest, have entirely shaped my work life. If it were not for him in my life, I believe I would have never have attempted working in childcare. When my second child was born quite a few years later, it gave me a renewed focus and intention for how I wanted to proceed with my business as I started to see my own self-worth. Our twins were the blessing we needed a few years later—They keep me going, have been the most incredible gift to my life, and have shaped me and my life more then they will ever know.
Q: What does family mean to you?
A: Family is everything. When you have family support (be it biological or inherited family through deep connections) you can conquer anything. People have asked me how I keep going and do my work and the answer will always be that family provides me with support and motivation.
Q: What do you find rewarding about working in childcare?
A: Childcare is one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever been a part of. Not only can I be present and available for my children but I am entrusted by countless families to care and support their family. Caring for children ranging from 0-12 years old has many challenges but also the most rewarding outcomes. Helping families navigate those early years with raw emotions is very impactful. Being there for children’s firsts and teaching them new skills is always an exciting experience — from putting on their shoes to crawling for the first time. The best feeling, however, is when you run into these children years later and they still get excited to see you, giving the biggest hugs, and reminiscing about all the fun times they had in daycare.
Q: Has your BA degree in English impacted your work in childcare?
A: My BA in English has given me the discipline to always keep going back to my work and continually reflect on how to improve, just as if I were proofreading an essay. It provided me a good foundation to build on — especially having placements in the field during my studies.
Q: What advice or guidance would you give to someone considering a career in Early Learning & Child Care?
A: This career is one of the most rewarding, selfless and difficult careers you can choose. My advice is always to educate yourself with the laws that exist in the childcare space and access as many resources you can find. Ask questions along the way to anyone and everyone. Have a backbone, but know when to be sympathetic and ensure you have good policies in place that protect yourself as well as all families in your childcare.
Q: How has your Métis background impacted your life and how you think of yourself? Does it impact your work?
A: Exploring traditional Métis arts has given me the confidence to implement them into our childcare environment. Métis culture is connected to nature and the earth, and this is reflected in the programming we implement daily.
Q: You like to paint in your spare time. Tell me about the importance of art in your life!
A: Art brings a sense of calm to my inner self. It allows me to take a moment for myself in the world of chaos that is my amazing life.
Q: How have you overcome adversity? What advice would you offer to Métis children and youth currently battling through adversity?
A: There is nothing in life that is insurmountable if you surround yourself with support and look for guidance and approach it headstrong with an unwillingness to fail. I have always strived to be the best in all avenues I have taken in life putting in the work and learning/reading as much as I can in order to be the best I can be. Always take things one step at a time and make a framework of the task that can ensure success.
Please note that some of the above answers have been edited for brevity and readability.
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