Meet the Team

Aiman

I am an educational assistant in junior preschool at SMCC. I graduated from an Early Childhood Program and I’m passionate about my job and working with the children. All my stress goes away when I see the beautiful smiles on kids’ faces. I am so glad that I am a part of SMCC. When I’m not at the daycare, I enjoy going for long drives and exploring nature.

Amy

I’m Amy, a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE). I completed my Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality Management before pursuing my passion for early learning through the Early Childhood Education program at Algonquin College. I have been working in childcare since 2023 and joined SMCC in September 2025 as a
Senior Preschool Educator. I focus on building genuine relationships with children so they feel comfortable, understood, and ready to explore their environment with
confidence. I believe that every child blooms in their own time with love, patience and guidance. As John F. Kennedy said, “Children are the world’s most valuable resource and its best hope for the future.”

Arshdeep

My name is Arshdeep. I am an educator assistant in junior preschool at SMCC. I graduated from Early Childhood Program. I love to work with the children so I choose this profession as a passion. All my stress goes away when I see beautiful smiles on kids faces. I am so glad that I am a part of SMCC. Apart from that I do like long drives and explore the nature.

Ashwaq Farid

My name is Ashwaq, but everyone calls me Ash! I am an Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) and currently working toward my bachelor’s degree in early childhood studies. I am also a mom of two boys! I love working with children, watching them grow, learn,
and explore the world around them. I enjoy creating a fun, safe, and caring environment where every child feels happy, comfortable, and supported.

Carol

I was born in the UK and emigrated into Canada in 1988 with my husband and two young sons.
I have worked in childcare for a little over 36 years 33 of them running my own home daycare.
I joined the SMCC team in 2025 where i worked in the j preschool for the first few months then moved into the toddlers classroom where I currently work today, I just love watching these little people with their inquisitive minds and helping them learn how to do things along the way it is such a blessing and a joy. When I am not at work I like to relax with my husband of 49 years at our trailer reading, doing jigsaw puzzles. And spending time with our sons and granddaughters.

Cathy

I enjoy being part of the SMCC family and bring over 20 years experience working with children – a very rewarding experience.  Currently you will find me in the junior preschool room, usually being as silly as the kids. I graduated from Carleton University, but grew up in a small Northern Ontario town and originally from Newfoundland. When not with the kids, my happy place is camping with a good book and watching the sunrise while having a cup of tea.

Guandelyn

I was born in the Philippines and spent 18 years working as an elementary school teacher before moving to Canada in 2023. My passion for working with children led me to complete the Early Childhood Education program at Algonquin College in August 2025. I am grateful to SMCC for welcoming me into the team and for trusting me with the role of RECE in the Kindergarten room.

Ishrat

I am a registered Early Childhood Educator and I have been with SMCC since 2018, working in the senior preschool program. I have been working in childcare for many years and I am truly fortunate and blessed to be teaching at an amazing childcare centre like SMCC that embodies a nurturing and loving environment. I like working with children and I love to learn new things so this is genuinely an enjoyable learning experience for me. I enjoy getting to know each child individually and finding ways to create a meaningful connection with them.

Kareem

I am an educational assistant at SMCC. I have a Bachelor’s degree of Education from India and I am currently enrolled to become a registered early childhood educator. I love watching kids learn and have fun while doing it. I find inspiration everyday through working with the kids and knowing that I am a part of their first educational experience. I am passionate about childcare and feel that it is a gift to help children to explore the world around them. I try to build lasting relationships with the SMCC families and to contribute to their children’s growth and development.

Linda

I have been with SMCC since 2010 and have experience working in every room at the centre; my favourite being preschool! I have been a registered Early Childhood Educator since 1990 and have worked in childcare centres in B.C. and Nova Scotia, ran a home daycare when living in Montreal and worked with special needs children in rural Quebec. I love working with the children and coming into work every day. I love many things about my job: watching the children’s eyes light up when they learn something new, singing with them, doing art, setting up fun dramatic centres or having 10 little friends run to greet me every morning! I am part of the Kanata/Stittsville community, have a husband of  37 years and have three adult children. My oldest daughter has made me a happy grandmother! I enjoy baking, reading and going antique shopping with my husband!

Mabel

I am a registered Early Childhood Education in the toddler room and have been with SMCC since 2021. Working with children has always been a big passion of mine. The favourite parts of my day are the children’s smiles and excitement they have when they first come to the daycare; it really makes my day. My goal is to ensure all of the children and their families feel welcome in the toddler room. I want to support every child’s needs and learning styles as well as celebrating their uniqueness. I am very excited to be part of this amazing childcare team! In my free time, I enjoy exploring nature, going on walks, playing with my cats and reading!

Maria

I joined SMCC in 2018 and I work in the Senior Preschool room. I call it my happy place, providing love and care to the precious little ones. I absolutely adore children and look forward to a career in early childhood education. A little bit about me, I was born in Portugal (a few moons ago :-), I am one of seven children (my parents favourite 🙂 and my family came to Canada in 1969. I am a single mom to an amazing son and an Aunty (the favourite 🙂 to 16 wonderful nieces and nephews. Outside of work, I enjoy nature walks, movies and spending time with family and friends.

Nadean, General Manager

I have been part of the SMCC team since 2014 and our team is like a second family. I spend my days at the Centre as the General Manager and supervisor working in the office to help keep things running smoothly. I am a registered Early Childhood Educator with elementary school teaching experience. I studied at Mount Allison university in New Brunswick. I enjoy offering support to the SMCC families, staff and children! In my spare time I enjoy being with family and friends, going on nature hikes with my dogs, Do It Yourself projects and writing.

Nahid

I have been with SMCC for a few years and very much enjoy working here. I think we have a great work environment and that the people are very nice and caring. Everybody is very professional too. In my spare time, I love to read, cook for my family and spend a lot of time with my kids.

Ofelia

As a recent Early Childhood Education graduate from Algonquin College in Fall 2025, I am excited to join SMCC team as Registered Early Educator in the Junior Preschool
program. I genuinely love working with children and consider it a privilege to be part of their early learning. My passion is to help create a positive, nurturing environment where I can watch them reach their milestones. Fun facts about me: I like watching movies, singing karaoke, and hanging out with
family and friends.

Pouran

I have been part of the SMCC since day one (Dec. 2003). I have been in different positions and since the centre became a non-for-profit organization, I have continued to work in the office as a Senior Childcare Adviser; but I provide support in all areas of the daycare, wherever I am needed. I came from a different background (Electrical Engineering) to this field and since then my heart has always been with the daycare children, staff and the families. The SMCC staff are very close and supportive of one another, and I am proud to be part of this team. It continues to be a pleasure and privilege to watch the amazing children grow and develop over the years. I am a proud Iranian Canadian, mother of 3 grownup children and 2 grandchildren; and I love to read, watch movies and documentaries, cook, and spend time with my family, my beautiful and precious granddaughters, and friends.

Yi-Chun Hsieh (Vina)

I graduated from the Early Childhood Education program at Algonquin College and am currently a Registered Early Childhood Educator in the Junior Preschool room.
One of the best parts of my day is walking into the classroom and hearing the children cheerfully say, “Good morning, Vina!” Watching the children discover something new, learn new skills, and grow a little more each day makes this job so rewarding. I’m originally from Taiwan and have a background in healthcare, where I worked as a cardiac sonographer before becoming a RECE. I’m also a mom of two. Outside of work, I enjoy travelling and camping with my family, as well as knitting whenever I have some free time.