MEET THE TEAM
Christa O'Connor, RECE, Executive Director
She has over 25 years experience working in Non-Profit Childcares. She has worked with children in many capacities during her career, ranging from Camp Counselor, Camp Director, English Teacher in Taiwan, RECE, Assistant Supervisor, Supervisor, and Executive Director in the childcare sector. Christa is also on the Board of Directors for the Ontario Coalition for Better Childcare.
"When I'm not at work I spend my time with my son, Finn."
Faye Wilson, Sir Adam Beck Site Supervisor
Faye has been with CBCC since 2017. She has over 20 years of experience working with children.
Alice Selig, RECE, Baden Site Supervisor
She is the newest member to join CBCC, she comes to us with over 12 years' experience working in many different avenues of childcare. She graduated with Honours from Mohawk College and certified in Infant Mental Health. Her favourite part of childcare is creating relationships with all the families. She believes we as educators are here to support you and your family in any way possible. It's our job to ensure your child is cared for and supported on all levels, but most importantly has fun!! A messy Child is a happy child. She is a mother of one and spends her free time with her family and dog getting outdoors or trying new restaurants.
"Children are our future, teach them well and let them lead the way"-W.H.
Aimee Weber, CA, CYW, Extended Day Supervisor
Aimee has been working with children for over 8 years and has been with CBCC since 2017.
She has lived in Wilmot Township all her life, and loves spending time with friends and family out in the community!
Karen Wilkie, Office Manager
Karen has a Bachelor of Business Economics
As the Office Manager at CBCC I wear many hats and love it. I'm new to the childcare field but I bring 20 years experience as an Office Manager in many different industries. I live in St. Jacobs with my husband Darren. I have 2 grown children. When I'm not working I like travel and be outdoors.
Sylvia, Cook
Hi I'm Sylvia
I'm a wife and a mom of 3 great kids. I love to travel, decorate and entertain family and friends by wining and dinning them.
I have been in the food industry for over 20 years. I have accomplished in creating nutritional meals from scratch for a wide range of clients including children in day care, youth in custody, senior residents, café customers, catering and more.
I am very exited that my new journey is with Creative beginnings childcare to cook nutritional ,international cuisine for all your children, and be a part of a great team that provides love and care for all the little people.
Brenda Ashford, Cook
Brenda is a Red Seal Pastry Chef. She has been in the field for 19 years!
Variety is the spice of life which is why I love baking and enjoy cooking!"
Tammy Myers, RECE, Toddler Educator
Tammy has been working with children for over 9 years!
“My passion is working with children. I love my family and friends, my nieces and nephews mean the world to me. I love trying new experiences and I’m adventurous.”
Heidi Dietrich, RECE, Preschool Educator
Heidi has been working with children for over 16 years!
Yiming Ma, RECE, Toddler Educator
Yiming has been working with children for over 3 years.
“Hello everyone, I’m Yiming. I was born in China and I lived there for 23years of my life. I have a degree in educational technology and also a diploma in early childhood education. I graduated from Conestoga College in 2018 and joined CBCC the same year. Looking forward to getting to know you and your child.”
Madison Jenken, RECE, Preschool Educator
Madison has been working with children for 5 years.
“Hello, My name is Madison Jenken (The children refer to me as Madi). I previously worked for the school board as an ECE in the kindergarten classrooms. I love the outdoor environment and you will often see our class soaking up all the sunshine we can get. Outside of working at CBCC you'd find I'm either golfing, camping or working in my garden.”
Krista Schmidt, RECE, Preschool Educator
Krista has been working with children for almost 25 years! She has also been with CBCC since 2004.
“It is an honour to work hand in hand with young children and observing them learn, grow, and thrive. I enjoy spending time outdoors with my family backcountry camping.”
Rebecca Vanderburgh, RECE, Preschool Educator
Rebecca has been working with children for over 9 years.
“I went to art school before becoming an early childhood educator. I love to create, and make my own puppets for puppet shows and learning for my preschoolers.”
Jane O'Keefe, RECE, Kindergarten Educator
Jane has been working with children for over 4 years.
“Working with children is a strong passion of mine, building strong relationships with the children, and families is very important to me. Being able to see children grow and learn every day is a big part of why I love my job.”
Nancy Sanchez, RECE, Preschool Teacher
Nancy has been working with children for over 30 years!
“Working with children has always been my passion. I have 4 kids of my own and when I’m not spending my days at CBCC, I enjoy watching movies and spending time at my trailer in Bayfield.”
Maria Encina, RCEE, Toddler Teacher
Maria has been working with children for almost 30 years!
I have 4 boys and a have been married to my husband almost 23 years this October. Besides my passion for working with children, I love to travel, meeting new people, entertaining, reading, volleyball, attempting to play soccer (a total fail) and watching movies. I have worked in many fields that relate to children including K-W Habilitation Services, Lutherwood, a couple childcare’s in the area of K-W and was a nanny in Cyprus for a while. It’s been a delight and privilege to work for CBCC and hope to strive to add to its ongoing success!
Caitlin Soares, Recreation and Leisure, Youth Educator
Caitlin has worked with children for 4 years!
“I work in the infant room and youth after school. My background is in Recreation and Leisure Services. I am currently enrolled in the Child Development Practitioner program at Conestoga College part-time. I am completing an apprenticeship, and I will receive my ECE diploma in 2022! I enjoy working with children and outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family/friends and especially my two nieces who I adore!”
Shannon Heggie, RECE
Shannon has worked with children for almost 10 years
“I first started as an educator in the kindergarten extended day program with CBCC and now I am in the infant room, and I absolutely love it! I also have a huge soft spot for animals, especially my family dogs (Scotch, Thor and Knox)!”
Mary Teutsch, RECE, Bachelor of Applied Science in Child Studies, Infant Educator
Mary has worked with children for over 30 years!
“I live with my husband and dog Marley on a farm just outside of Baden. I am the proud grandmother of 5 soon to be 6 grandchildren. In my spare time I enjoy gardening, reading, music and travel. The best thing about working with children is seeing the light in a child's eyes when they have mastered something new.”
Crystal Artymowicz , RECE; Preschool Educator
Crystal has worked with children for over 13 years!
“I am thankful to have the opportunity to spend my days teaching in the preschool #1 classroom at our Baden Public School location. I am highly motivated by the children’s zest for knowledge and enjoy discovering and learning along side them. I am grateful to be able to provide the children with a classroom environment that focuses on a strong sense of belonging and well-being because I truly believe that forming strong relationships is the key to instilling confidence and determination in all children.”
Amy Mueller, RECE; Toddler Educator
Amy has over 30 years of experience working with children!
“I live in New Hamburg with my husband Mark and our daughter Kylie. We have 4 cats and 2 gerbils. We enjoy glamping in our trailer in the summer. I also enjoy reading and listening to country music.”
Wendy Gibbons, RECE; Child and Youth; Preschool Educator
Wendy has almost 20 years of experience working with children!
“I have had the privilege of being a part of CBCC since 2005 I have had many positions assisting children and families for as long as I can remember! I have worked in a variety of childcare settings, which included children with a range of abilities and disabilities. I completed both the Child and Youth Worker and the Early Childhood Education Programs with experiences from prenatal to age 18.
“I am committed to providing your family with a loving and developmentally sound foundation for a lifetime of learning while building on the interests and skills of each unique child. I enjoy science and nature. I look for opportunities to share that wonder where your child can grow and thrive while exploring the world around them. I am a married mother of three children who shares in the challenges that parenting presents. I don’t teach or babysit- I educate children through play opportunities by engagement, expression, well-being, and a sense of belonging.”
Tiffany Schultz, RECE; Preschool Educator
Tiffany has over 8 years of experience working with children!
“Outside of work I enjoy spending time with friends and family, baking and travelling!”
Katelyn Rose, RECE, Infant Educator
Katelyn has over 15 years working with childcare.
My favourite part about working with children is watching them make new discoveries and being a part of those new experiences. I have recently taken on the role as the Pedigogical Leader for SAB. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I am part of a local Girl Gude unit and love being able to volunteer within the community.
Casey Langenegger, RECE,
In 2018 I was nominated for the Professional ECE award in Waterloo Region and was the grateful recipient of this award. I am also the mother of two beautiful children Matteo and Noelle. I attended Wilfrid Laurier University where I earned my Bachelor of Arts then went off to Conestoga College shortly after which is where I graduated from the ECE Apprenticeship Program in 2016. In my years at Creative Beginnings I have been apart of the Youth Program, Summer Camp, Enhanced Staffing and the Preschool Program.
Ashley Vandermey, RECE, Extended Day Educator
I love learning along side children and see what they can teach me. I enjoy bringing new and exciting opportunities for children to learn, experience and grow from.
Lisa Browning, RECE, Preschool Educator
I’m Lisa, I graduated Conestoga in 2016. I have worked with all age groups but preschool and schools age have always been my favourite! When I’m not at work I love going on nature walks with my family and our dog Charlie!
Dawna MaKinnon, RECE Preschool Educator
I have worked in the childcare for over 30 years. I am a mother of 4 grown children and a grandmother of 4 children. I enjoy reading working on crafts for work and checking out thrift stores for hidden treasures for my classroom. Looking for to meeting all our new children and their families as they join our room
Lindsay Bell, Extended Day and Preschool Support Educators
Information coming soon!
Scott Gibbons, Extended Day Educator
Information coming soon
Brett Vanermay, Extended Day Educator
Hi! My name is Brett, and I have been a Child and Youth Worker for 15 years. I am so excited to be part of the amazing team at Creative Beginnings! Outside of work my favorite things to do are playing guitar, listening to music and spending time with my wonderful wife, 2 sons and 2 dogs.