Needham Early Learning Centre

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 ELC, 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 Early Learning Centre 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. As an Early Childhood Educator, working on the floor for the first 8 years of my career, I know how hard and long days can be. As the leader of this organization, my intentions are always to ensure our teaching team is well supported and valued in their unique roles within our programs. Providing support and guidance, is so important and crucial to the succession of leadership within our Programs.

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. As my career progressed and I took on this Leadership role, my advocacy for the early learning and child care sector also grew. I have been a proud member of the Non Profit Directors Association of Early Learning Centres of NS for the past 14 years. During my time with this Association I have worn many hats, such as Secretary and most recent, Co Chair. Advocacy is so important for our field of early learning and child care. It is a public service, crucial to our economy’s infrastructure and one that needs to be embedded in all of our communities’ across our beautiful Province.

I believe that every child should have a comfortable, supportive, happy place to grow and learn and here at Needham ELC, we do just that. Early Learning and Child Care, while only a short period of time in each child’s life, leaves imprints that each child will carry with them throughout their lives. We hope that if your child attended Needham, they will always feel as though it is their “Home Away from Home.”

Amanda Reyes- facility director-devonshire

“ 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/assistant director-devonshire

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.

Young Ran Min (She/Her)- Explorers (Toddler) Educator

OmarAboeleid(He/Him) - Explorers (Toddler) Educator

Mia Kim (She/Her) - Adventurers 1 (Preschool) Educator

Elizabeth Mifsud-Sweeney (she/Her)- Inclusion Support (Adventurers 1)

I am an Early Childhood Educator from Erin, Ontario, but I have lived and worked all across Canada. I have worked in after school programs, with all age groups (infant to teen), HeadStart programs, EarlyON, women's shelters, and Forest Schools. Advocating for children's rights, encouraging creative problem solving through self-directed play, and recognizing children's roles as active learners are background values that I base my practice on. At Needham, I support the program by focusing on inclusion and community building. I do this by connecting with children, their grown ups, and their support teams; facilitating play entry and offering behavioural support. 

I am constantly adding to my toolbox of strategies and resources and I keep a database of children's books for every scenario (ask me to find you a book!). I believe that my education is never complete and I am currently focusing on expanding my language skills, specifically ASL. I know a few words in Mandarin, Japanese, Arabic, and Korean; and I have some conversational French, Spanish, and ASL. 

Outside of work, I hike with my partner and pets, play ukulele, garden, forage, sing, and do polar bear dips!

Katie Higginson (She/Her)- Inclusion Support (Adventurers 1)

Afrika Jones (She/Her)- Adventurers 1 (Preschool) Educator

Chris Roma (He/They)- Adventurers 2 (Preschool) Educator

Julie Seok (She/Her) - adventurers 2(Preschool) 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.

Roxyll Cagang (She/Her) - Inventors1(School Age) Educator

HanSem Cho (She/Her) - Navigators (Part day Preschool) and Inventors 1 (School Age) Educator

Carlee Atwood (She/Her) - Inventors 2(School Age) Educator

Terry Hay (She/Her) - 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 (He/Him) - 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 (She/Her) - Adventurers 1 (Preschool) 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 (She/Her) - Program Facilitator- Devonshire

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 (She/Her) - Navigators (Part Day Preschool) Educator/Assistant Director- Isleville

"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.

Angela Briand (She/Her) -Program Facilitator-Isleville

I am a married mother of two not so little boys.  Watching my children grow into young men and missing those snuggles when they climb into your lap.  Yet standing in awe of the men they have been transformed into in the blink of an eye.

As a young child, my parents were foster parents.  Through that connection, I have always wanted to work with young children and to support the growth and development of the whole child.  Building relationships and being a constant and consistent adult in the lives of children and families.  I graduated from Mount Saint Vincent University with my Child and Youth Degree in 1999 and have continued taking professional development that focuses on leadership, inclusion, and areas that enhance Wonder, Discovery, and Play. I strongly believe that taking time to observe and reflect,  will create genuine opportunities to meet the needs and growth of children, families, and communities.

I am excited to take this next journey with Needham Early Learning Centre.  Sensing a feeling of family as soon as you walk through the doors, I know that I have come home.

Megan lohnes (she/Her)- Centre Substitute Educator

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