Krystal Kwakernaat, RECE
Director
Krystal graduated with honors from the Early Childhood Education program at Niagara College. Krystal has spent time with each age group from infants to school age. Krystal helped to move Power Glen Early Learning from a half day program into a full day program in 2014 when her own children were attending the program; She joined on to the staff as the Assistant Director. Krystal has held the role of Director since 2020. She enjoys spending time with her 2 teenage children. Krystal remains current in the field of Early Childhood Education by actively attending various workshops, seminars and meetings. Although much of her time is now spent in the office you will find Krystal actively in the classroom with the children as that is where her heart is. Krystal believes children learn their best through quality interactions and play.
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Gillian Biancaniello, RECE
Registrar
Gillian is a graduate of Niagara College's Early Childhood Education program and also holds a specialized diploma in Educational Resources and Special Needs. She has worked with many age groups with a focus on disability and special needs. Her focus is to assist the program to fully support each child while understanding the diversity of each child’s emotional, mental, physical, communication and social development. Gillian started in the Registrar position in 2007. She took on the task of transitioning the program from a part time nursery school to the current full time childcare program in 2014. Gillian trusts so deeply in the program that all of her 5 children have attended throughout the years.
Kirsten Merrick, RECE
Educator
Kirsten graduated from the Early Childhood Education program at Niagara College and is a Registered Early Childhood Educator. Kirsten has experience working with all age groups; but loves to work with the toddler age. She has a love of animals and really enjoys spending time with her cat! Kirsten can always be found attending a training of some sort and sharpening her RECE skills.
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Ashlee Parker, RECE
Educator
Ashlee graduated from the Early Childhood Education program at Fanshaw College and is a Registered Early Childhood Educator bringing experience with all age groups. Ashlee enjoys working with both toddlers and preschoolers.
Karlee Carpino, RECE
Educator
Karlee graduated from the Early Childhood Education program at Niagara College in 2013 with honours, She is a Registered Early Childhood Educator and has experience working with all age groups from infants to school aged children but her heart belongs in a preschool setting. Karlee knew from a young age that she wanted to work with children and she truly feels fulfilled when she can teach them concepts through positive play, interactions and involvement.
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Shelby Barrow, RECE
Educator
Shelby graduated with honours from the Early Childhood Education program at Niagara College. Shelby has experience working with all age groups. It's a tie for her favourite age group between preschoolers and toddlers, she just can't get enough of both! She loves to see how children grow and develop through play. In her free time Shelby loves to travel the world and experience new cultures.
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Taryn Nicholson, BA of CSE
Educator
Taryn holds a Bachelor of Christian School Education. Taryn previously taught in the primary grades at a local elementary school, mostly teaching Grade 2. After her second child was born, she made the decision to be home and operate a small home daycare for children aged 1-7. Taryn also creates and sells teaching curriculum and resources for preschools and primary grades.
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