Krystal Kwakernaat
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.
Taryn Nicholson
Educator
An experience educator, Taryn Nicholson holds a bachelors degree in education and has taught in primary grades and preschool since 2009, including operating a home daycare for children ages 1-7. She joined the staff at Power Glen Early Learning in 2018. She is passionate about helping children grow emotionally and socially. Taryn also creates and sells educational resources and curriculum for preschool and primary grades. Outside of the classroom Taryn is a mom to three children.
Gillian Biancaniello
Registrar/RECE
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
Kirsten graduated from the Early Childhood Education program at Niagara College in 2015 and has been with out centre since 2017. Kirsten has experience working with all age groups; she loves to work with each age group but the toddler age group has stolen her heart! She loves watching each child grow with every milestone! She loves spending her free time around her family and Kirsten can always be found attending a training, creating new activities for our rooms and and sharpening her RECE skills.
Karlee Carpino
RECE
As an early childhood educator Karlee has always known her purpose lies in nurturing young minds. Since graduating with honours from the Niagara College ECE program in 2013, she has gained experience working with all age groups throughout her education. However she found that her heart truly belongs in the preschool setting. Karlee has been employed at Power Glen since 2015 and she finds true joy coming to work and implementing play based learning that builds on the childrens interests. She is passionate about empowering little minds, fostering friendships, and inspiring a love for learning. She loves watching children discover, create and thrive in the classroom. As a proud parent herself, she has witnessed firsthand Power Glens exceptional care as her daughters Preslee and Everly have flourished here. When she's not in the classroom, she loves going to concerts and spending time with friends and family.
Shelby Barrow
RECE
Shelby graduated with honours from the Early Childhood Education program at Niagara College in 2019. She completed her final school placement with Power Glen Early Learning and seamlessly transitioned to working as an RECE with us. 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.
Ashlee Parker
RECE
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.
Hadjra (Ms.Yasmine)
Supply RECE
Hadjra is one of our supply teachers. She loves working with children and whenever she comes in for us all the kids are happy to see her!
Alexis Tremblay
RECE
Alexis was born and raised in St.Catharines and actually attended Power Glen when she was in elementary school. Currently she lives in Thorold with her boyfriend and cat, Hamilton. She began her education journey in 2017 where she attended Niagara College for Early Childhood Education. in 2020 she decided to further her education and obtained her Bachelors degree at Brock University. Since she recently graduated in 2023, she is just starting out her career and is experiencing her first job in the field here at Power Glen Early Learning. Currently she is working with the toddlers, but is excited for all that this opportunity has to offer.
Mia Biancaniello
Supply
Mia is one of our supply teachers! She is currently attending Brock university majoring in Child Health. She adores working with children and brings a fun atmosphere to the centre when she is here!
MaryAnn
Cook
MaryAnn is our cook here at the centre! She plans and prepares our snacks and lunches throughout the week. Prior to working here she was a school bus driver, so she loves being around children! Outside of work you can find her puttering in her garden, hanging out with her dog or traveling with her husband!
Shelby Barrow
RECE
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.