Our Staff
We have a very low staff turnover at Needham Preschool and Daycare. We are proud of our competitive staff salaries and offer medical benefits, with a generous vacation and sick leave package. All staff have their Early Childhood Certification Credentials. Consequently, our program quality is that much higher than our competitors. Our staff has a cleared medical examination and Child Abuse Registry.
At Needham Preschool we are able to guarantee Quality childcare by employing appropriately qualified educated and/or trained experienced facilitators. Each facilitator is chosen for their ability to meet the high standards that Needham Preschool expects of its employees. Emphasis is placed on the person’s ability to love, care and respect each child. Each facilitator has current first aid and CPR training, and is continually advancing their education by attending various childcare oriented workshops. Our substitute teachers are expected to meet these standards as well.
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Janessa Williams - Executive Director
"I believe that every child should have a comfortable, supportive, happy place to grow and learn and here at Needham Preschool, we do just that."
Home is where my heart is.....always was and always will be. From the first day I stepped foot inside the walls of Needham Preschool and Daycare I felt that I was home. The atmosphere of the program, coupled with the support and respect of the teaching team, makes coming to work everyday, a wonderful, fun experience. I have always put my whole heart and soul in my job as an Early Childhood Educator and I take much pride in the work I do day in and day out. Children have a way of making my days a whole lot brighter and keep me on a continuous path of learning.
I started my career in 2004 when I graduated from Mount Saint Vincent University with a degree in Child and Youth Studies. I have been working in the field of Early Childhood Education ever since. From the time I could print, I was setting up classrooms, for my stuffed animals or dolls and being the "teacher". When I was a little older, I used my real life cousins as students! They didn't like this game as much I did, but they were good sports and played along with me! I knew then I had a passion and this passion is still at the heart of all that I do.
I believe that every child should have a comfortable, supportive, happy place to grow and learn and here at Needham Preschool, we do just that. The children have smiles on their faces and in turn makes me feel as though I have done a good job. I truly believe, as Early Childhood Educators, we have the most important job and personally I feel the most rewarding one too.
Amanda Reyes- Program Facilitator
“ Working at Needham has provided me with the opportunity to develop amazing relationships with parents, fellow educators and most importantly the children.”
Since I can remember I have always had a passion for working with children. When I was little, you could always find me playing school with my friends, stuffed animals and older sister. In primary I told my teacher, " I am going to be a teacher because it's the easiest job in the world " Little did I know it's not easy but it's the most rewarding and important job to have.
In the fall of 2012 I graduated from MSVU with my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Child and Youth studies. Also, in the fall of 2012 I stared my journey to obtain my second degree in Primary Education. In 2014 I took a break from my second degree to travel and work. In the winter of 2018 I finished my Bachelor of Education Degree at MSVU.
In 2013 I was looking for a summer job working with children. I came across an add on Job bank for a student position at Needham Preschool and Daycare and I applied right away. Thankfully I was given the job and I fell in love with the program, centre and staff. When a job opening was posted in November 2015 for an educator’s position at Needham I applied immediately and consider myself so lucky to be able work here.
When I finished my second Degree in April of 2018, I returned to Needham in a new Roll as the program facilitator. Though at times I miss having my own classroom, this roll allows me to work in every classroom and it is so rewarding.
When you walk into Needham preschool and daycare you have this amazing sense of feeling like you are at home. Working at Needham has provided me with the opportunity to develop amazing relationships with parents, fellow educators and most importantly the children. I am committed to providing a learning environment where children can explore through play and child lead activities through an emergent based curriculum. I feel by providing these opportunities, children are able to better develop into life long learners.
When I am not at work, I can be found spending time with my son Mateo, my husband and kitty cat Tippy. I enjoy reading and love spending hours at my cottage combing for sea glass. Also, in my spare time I love to explore and create though a lot of DIY projects. Art has always been a passion of mine and I love to share this passion with my children by creating experiences where children can create their own master pieces.
I look forward to continuing my early childhood career at Needham preschool and daycare and cannot wait for the day when my own son can come and be apart of the Needham family.
Carol Feener- Explorers Educator
As a mother of three, my love for children came early in my life as our home became the neighborhood play house. My first child was born twenty-five years ago. As you all know children do not come with instructions, so we learn as we go because each child is different in their thoughts and personality. Having three children with three different views on life, I had a lot of learning to do. I always did crafts and made sure there were games to play to ensure that the children’s minds were challenged and stimulated.
When my children were a little older, they went to day care to promote their social development and to make new friends. When I would go to pick the children up at the end of the day, I would find myself sitting and playing with them and their friends. I soon realized that I wanted to work with children in an Early Learning environment. I began my childhood career at Chocolate Lake Recreation Centre where I taught a school readiness program called “Kiddie Kappers ABC, 123". I also began teaching a Babysitting Course for teenagers in the community.
I became a part of Needham Preschool’s Staffing team in August of 1998. I took a two year break from Needham Preschool to help raise my first grandson. I was away from March 2006 to March 2008. I loved being home with my grandson, but missed the professional child care realm. I returned back to Needham Preschool in March of 2008 and I feel like I never left. Needham Preschool is truly my new “home away from home”. We have a positive work environment that is safe and comfortable. We offer a high quality program that is friendly and fun for every child, parent and staff member. I completed my Early Childhood Education Equivalency in 2001 to better my skills as a preschool educator. I continue my professional training on a yearly basis by participating in workshops that surround the Early Learning and Child Care Field.
I really love my job and have dedicated my life to working, learning and growing with children. Before I Go, I must share one of my most memorable stories with you; it was my birthday and one of the children said’ “how old are you,” I said “I’m old.” The child proceeded to say that” you’re not as old as my Dad,” I said “why is that,” he said” you’re small and my Dad is big so he must be older.” This is one of the many reasons why I love being a teacher.
Julie Seok- Explorers Educator
My name is Julie Seok. I am a responsible and warmhearted teacher who has plenty of years of experience in the teaching field in Korea. I worked for many years as an Early Childhood Educator during which time I obtained various work skills. I immigrated to Canada 6 years ago. I have been working in the early childhood field in Canada for 6 years. I have two adult children, my daughter is a student at Dalhousie University studying science and my son is also a student at NSCC studying computer game developing. I have always believed and encouraged them to make their own dreams come true.
I love meeting new people and learning about new cultures and adapting to different environments. I enjoy interacting with people from all walks of life. Working with different people and in different situations in Canada has prepared me to meet challenges with the ability to adapt to new cultures and disciplines.
Lastly, I want to introduce my puppy. Her name is Komi, Komi means small dog. She came here from South Korea when she was a four months and now she is two and a half. She even knows some tricks. Poodles are regarded as one of the most intelligent breeds in the world and pick up tricks very fast. Our family loves her so much.
Susan Petrie- Inventors Educator
I started my career in childcare nearly 15 years ago, shortly after my daughter began attending daycare. I had never planned to be a childhood educator. I graduated from MSVU with a bachelor in business administration in 2000, a major in marketing and a minor in psychology. An opportunity presented itself, and I soon found out my passion would be in childcare. I went on to earn my level 1 classification, and school age classification pending.
I have ran my own home daycare for 2 years, and have had 13 years experience in a daycare facility working with children in all age programs. Outside of daycare, my passions are my family and creating a healthy lifestyle. I enjoy running, weight training, mountain biking and above all family fun adventures. We stay busy creating family memories.
I am excited to be apart of the Needham Preschool family. After many years in the field...I can finally say i feel at home
♥️Susan
Molly Cormier- Inventors Educator
Working with children is something I have wanted to do from a young age. Growing up with many family members working in the field of child care and child education I feel is what inspired me to choose this career path. In 2016 I continued my educational journey at MSVU and enrolled in their Child and Youth Studies program. I enjoyed my four years in this program immensely as it allowed me to experience many different work environments within the ECE field and allowed me to gain experience working with several different age groups ranging from toddler age to school age children. Gaining this experience during my degree really solidified that working with children is a passion of mine and something I want to do for the long term. In the spring of 2020 I graduated with my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Child and Youth studies.
I started working at Needham Preschool and Daycare in the fall of 2020. I was looking for a teaching position in early childcare and a friend of mine noticed a job position had opened up and gave me a glowing recommendation of the centre. I immediately applied and I was lucky enough to get the job. The staff and children at needham are truly amazing and I feel very lucky that I am able to come here everyday, have so much fun and call it my job. Needham really does feel like a home away from home and I am so grateful to be part of this amazing team.
Terry Hay- Inventors Support
My name is Terry Hay and I have been lucky to be associated with Needham Preschool and Daycare for over 15 years. I am the proud parent of a Needham alumni, with our son having graduated from the preschool program and then continuing in the school age program for 5 years. In addition, our family has been providing cleaning services for the center for 15 years. When the opportunity arose to join the school age program team in a permanent part time support role, I jumped at the chance ! I look forward to each and every day to my time with the school age children. Their wisdom never ceases to amaze me! I think Bob Dylan said it best:
May your hands always be busy
May your feet always be swift
May you have a strong foundation
When the winds of changes shift
May your heart always be joyful
May your song always be sung
And may you stay forever young- Bob Dylan
Dave Murray- Preschool Cook
My name is Dave Murray. I am a father of a beautiful chocolate lab, Jack. I have been cooking for approximately 20 years with the last 15 being in childcare. I have enjoyed every minute that I have been part of this team. I have always wanted children and now I have 55 of them who get to enjoy what I cook. It brings me great pleasure to have the children enjoy the food I prepare for them and to be considered the best “cooker.” Their words, not mine! I look forward to being part of this team for as long as I can.
Traecy Roberts- Explorers Educator
Hi, my name is Traecy. I was born and raised in Freeport, Grand Bahama, The Bahamas. I lived there until my family relocated to London, Ontario, Canada in 2005. I attended George Brown College and graduated with my Early Childhood Education Diploma in 2013. I moved here to Halifax in July of 2013 and began working full time.
I have two cats, one female named Penelope Jane "P.J." and one male named Lex Luther. I also write poetry on occasion and have been for as long as I can remember. I have always enjoyed working with children whether it was babysitting or volunteering and working at day camps or summer programs. This was always my passion, and working at Needham has sparked that passion so much more. I am excited to see where the next few years will lead me.
Faith canning- Adventurers Educator
I knew at a young age that I would eventually enjoy a career that involved children in some capacity. I went to my teenage babysitting jobs with a bag full of supplies and thoroughly enjoyed working with every child I spent time with. When applying for colleges I made the decision to work with high risk youth since my Mom had been in the foster system, and I with her until I was four and she was nineteen. When I began college in 2005 I was studying in the Human Services field with a focus on Child and Youth. After my first
year of secondary school I made the decision to switch to a private college and change my focus to Early Childhood. It was an easy decision to make as I have a soft heart and I believed that could be a shortfall in my work with high risk youth. Since beginning my professional career as an Early Childhood Educator in 2008 I have realized this is my calling. Everyday is an adventure and I love working with the children. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family on the lake, swimming, skating, boating and
knee boarding, biking, reading. I am beyond happy to have the opportunity to be a part of the Needham family as a preschool teacher in the Adventurers classroom!
Jessica Hurdis- Navigators Educator
"For any child, life remains a sea full of rich experiences just waiting to be explored" --Nathan Guendelman
I have always had a passion working with children. I began my career as an Early Childhood Educator in 2002. I have been in the field for 14 years. I am now excited to expand my knowledge and experience to the children and families of Needham Preschool and Daycare.
I immediately felt a connection to the center and the unique sense of community that exists among the parents and staff. I'm thankful for the opportunity to work in a nurturing, loving environment where children can learn and experience new challenges that will help build their confidence while they play.
I am committed to providing your children with a loving and developmentally sound foundation for a lifetime of learning. I have a passion and dedication to an emergent/play based curriculum. Having two children of my own (Austin and Addison) I know how important this time is in their lives.
"Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood" --Fred Rogers
I look forward to continued success and new discoveries with an amazing team of teachers at Needham.
Alisha Chung- Support Staff/ Sub
I started my career in Early Childhood Education after graduating from college in 2004. I found my “home away from home” at Needham in 2012 when I became a full-time educator. Of course, life happens, and my husband and I were transferred to Montreal for a few years. When we moved home, I returned to Needham as a substitute teacher. I am deeply inspired by all my co-workers, the community and the childcare field itself. I believe that strong relationships are essential foundations for optimal learning and I am so fortunate to be able to connect with every child in the program. With love, patience and a sprinkle of humor, the children’s day can be inspiring, enriching and educational. The environment really becomes their second home. When I am not at Needham, I am an artist and run my own online business. In my spare time, I love collecting treasures from the shore, creative projects and exploring. I strive to bring a smile and laughter wherever I go and hope the children have the best day when they’re in my care.
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