GRAND AVENUE CHILDREN'S CENTRE

 

 

Director: Cheryl Read

I have been working at Grand Ave Children's Centre since 1991. I was a full time team leader of the infant room for 17 years and then became a part of the management team. I love all the children and families that I get to work with each and every day. Grand Ave has such a wonderful family oriented feeling to it that it makes building relationships easy. I also enjoy watching all the inter-generational relationships that the children build with our seniors at Grand Wood Park Retirement Home. It shows that you can make a difference with just a smile or a few words.

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Educator team:

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Deanna S.

I graduated from Fanshawe College ECE program in April 2008 and started working at Grand Ave in Sept 2008. I chose this career because I love working with children. Each day is different and you never know what is going to happen! I come from a big family, so I’ve been around children my whole life. I  have several nieces and nephews and am a proud step mom of 3 children and also 2 children of my own.

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Mary S.

My name is Mary and I have been a registered ECE since 2011. My education background is I graduated from Western University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Family studies and I received my diploma for Early Childhood Education in 2010 from Fanshawe College. My teaching philosophy is let children be children and embrace their imagination to the fullest. What I like most about working at Grand Ave is that it’s a small centre that I am able to get to know every child in the centre as well as their families, and being a smaller daycare gives a home feel to the children. My current role at the centre is RECE in the infant room.

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​ Meaghan Marchand

 Hello everyone, my name is Meaghan Marchand. I am an RECE here at Grand Avenue Children’s Centre and have been loving my work here. I had graduated from Fanshawe Colleges ECE program in 2020 and also have a diploma from Fanshawe’s Theatre tech program in 2016. I try my best to create a personal and professional relationship with each family that I work with. As well as strive for open-ended and child lead play in my programming. I really do love working with children and cannot wait to watch and help them grow into the best people they can be. 

 

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 Corinne Wright- 

I was Born and Raised in London, Living not far from Grand Ave for many years. These streets and this community are very familiar to me. I am passionate about children, animals and nature. I graduated in 2018 from the Early Childhood Educator Program at Fanshawe College, eventually finding my way to the Grand Ave Children's Centre in December 2021.

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 Judith Allan- 

Hi, my name is Judith. I graduated ECE at Fanshawe college in 2019. My love of children drew me to this career path 31 years ago, then I tried some other career options and ultimately returned to this career that I love. I love to see the wonder in a child's eyes as they are learning. There is no greater feeling than helping a child to reach their potential. I joined the amazing team at GACC in May 2022 and found my career home.

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 Christa Vanderbolt-

I Graduated from Conestoga College ECE Program. I started work at Grand Avenue Children's Centre in November 2005. I left Grand Avenue Children Centre after I had my youngest and moved to Ingersoll. I stayed home to raise my two boys and I came back to Grand Avenue Children's Centre in April 2022. I love working at Grand Avenue Children's Centre as it has a family feel. I get to know all the families and children in the center.

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 Alisa Khadyka- Parental Leave

My name is Alisa. I graduated from Kyiv National Linguistic University with Master's degree- interpretation and Teaching (English and German Languages). I was working as an English an German teacher at school from 2011 until February 2022. I moved to Canada in March 2022 and got the certificate "Pathways into a child care and Early years career training program" in November 2022.

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 Amy Wylie- 

I'm Wylie and you can find me busy in the Kitchen. I first started at Grand Ave Children Centre in 2018 to cover a maternity leave and was welcomed back in 2023 to become a permanent part of the team. I've spent many wonderful years in childcare, both in the classroom and in the kitchen, and the opportunity to combine my love for both made Grand Ave an easy choice. It feels like I never left!

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 Alma Jumadurdyyeva

 I am from a sunny country, Turkmenistan. I have a bachelor's degree in teaching (Russian and literature). I graduated from SAFU (Severel Artic Federal University). Additionally, I receive a certificate from the ESL for Child Care Workers program. I worked in Russia and Norway for nearly two years. I come from a large family. My mom and all of my aunts are teachers, and I am carrying on their legacy with a big love and enthusiasm. It is my pleasure working at Grand Ave Children's Centre. I began my employment at Grand Ave Children's Centre as a volunteer, and I currently assist with all groups of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. I enjoy working with kids because they are so joyful, creative, and enthusiastic, and it's incredible to watch how they grow as they acquire new skills and mature.

 Haifang Sheng(Helen)

 I am a mother of two and have a strong love for children. Previously, I lived in Singapore and worked as a Senior Application Engineer, but I always hoped to work in early childhood education. After moving to Canada with my family in 2012, I was finally able to pursue my dream. I graduated from Fanshawe College ECE program in 2019 and started working at Grand Ave in 2024. "The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery." Children’s smiles will bring you so much joy!

​ Sanchia Steinwall​​

 I graduated from ECE program at Seneca College Toronto in 2024 . I moved to LOndon as soon as I graduated and began working here at Grand Ave as an RECE. Havinga passion for performing arts. I first worked as a drama theatre educator where I found myself enjoying working with children bringing out their creativity through the arts.this was the stepping stone that led me to the field of ECE.

 Harikala Chhetri (Hari)

 I moved to Canada from Nepal in February 2022 as a student and graduated with a diploma from Fanshawe College ECE program. Since January 2024 ,I've been working as a RECE at GACC. 

Growing up surrounded by children,I developed a natuaral love for working with them. Whether it was playing,teaching or simply spending time together, these early experiences inspired me to pursue a career in ECE. I believe every child deserves a safe,nuturing and inclusive environment to explore ,grow and thrive.

At Grand Avenue, I focus on fostering curiosity,creativity,independence in the children I work with I work with and healthy communication with families. It's truly rewarding to support their learning journey and help shape their development. In my spare time,I enjoy staying connected with my family,hiking,dancing and exploring new places.