Amira moved to Canada from Ethiopia with her husband and two children in 1995. With over 10 years of experience in childcare, she speaks five of the 13 languages at NICCS—Oromo, Haaric, Arabic, English, and Amharic—helping new families feel at home through translation. She loves watching children learn and discovering their interests.

My Childcare Philosophy: "I love children because of their innocence and how they come to us ready to learn anything from what we teach. It's incredibly rewarding to see them grow, developing new skills and discovering their world through play and exploration."
Favorite Learning Activity: Reading and Sensory Play
Hobbies: Reading books and listening to the Quran

Kristina, was born and raised in Brooks. She has worked at NICCS daycare for 16 years and holds an ECE Level 1 certification. She completed the FLIGHT Course from MacEwan University in 2021 and has experience in every classroom. A dedicated volunteer at Brooks High School and Brooks Preschool. She has two daughters, ages 3 and 6, and enjoys camping, fishing, walking, and traveling. Kristina loves childcare for the opportunity to learn creative teaching methods and finds the experience incredibly rewarding.

My Childcare Philosophy: "I love inspiring children to explore, discover, and soar as they embrace new ideas and skills, igniting their curiosity and love for learning."
Favorite Learning Experience: Sensory Play
Hobbies: Going for walks and the beach, sledding and skating

Nasim has been a Child Development Supervisor at NICCS since 2008, with a Bachelor of Education and 29 years of teaching experience in Pakistan. In Alberta, she holds an ECE Level 3 certification and completed the FLIGHT course at MacEwan University in 2022. She is passionate about working with children, cherishing every moment of their growth and learning. Fluent in Urdu, English, Punjabi, and Arabic, she fosters strong relationships with co-workers, children, and families.

My Childcare Philosophy: "I love fostering meaningful connections and relationships with children, families, and colleagues, creating a vibrant and supportive community within the daycare where everyone feels valued and inspired to grow together."
Favorite Learning Experience: Art activities and outdoor play
Hobbies: Enjoys sewing, helping the community, and caring for my loved ones

Navpreet was born in Punjab, India. She holds a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Education, and a Master’s in Political Science, along with an ECE Level 3 certification and the FLIGHT Course from MacEwan University. After teaching high school in India for six years, she moved to Brooks, Alberta, in 2014. She joined NICCS in 2016 and also worked at the Parent Link Centre from 2019 to 2020. She loves working with children and shaping the adults of tomorrow.

My Childcare Philosophy: "I love taking part in the children's learning as a co-learner, co-researcher, and co-imaginer of possibilities in the classroom and environment"
Favorite Learning Activity: STEM activities
Hobbies: Painting and sewing

Verlynn is originally from Newfoundland and moved to Brooks 14 years ago. She holds a Diploma in Early Childhood Education, along with certifications in Small Business Management and Bookkeeping, plus numerous childcare-related courses. With over 15 years of experience in daycare settings, she completed the FLIGHT Course from MacEwan University in 2021. Married for 18 years, she and her family enjoy camping, game nights, and gatherings. After exploring another career, she realized her heart remains in childcare and is grateful to NICCS for the opportunity to do what she loves.

My Childcare Philosophy: ""
Favorite Learning Experience: Movement and Expression through Dance
Hobbies: Camping, road trips, and spending time with family and friends

Insha was born in Punjab, Pakistan. Before moving to Canada, she taught Math at a primary school in Pakistan. She moved to Brooks in 2016, where she lives with her husband and two sons. Insha completed her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Punjab, Pakistan, and holds a Certificate in Montessori and a Diploma in Early Learning and Childcare. She also completed the FLIGHT course (Alberta’s Early Learning and Care Framework) from MacEwan University in June 2022. Insha began her career in Canada as an early childhood educator at NICCS in 2018 and feels fortunate to work alongside wonderful co-workers. She finds joy in working with children and is passionate about making a positive impact in their lives.

My Childcare Philosophy: “Observing children achieve their milestones is a privilege, as their boundless curiosity, creativity, and genuine sense of wonder inspire me to soar higher every day alongside them."
Favorite Learning Experience: Art and Sensory Experiences
Hobbies: Gardening

Jasmine is originally from a small town in Newfoundland, where she lived until the age of four. Her family then moved to Brooks, where she has lived ever since. A fun fact about Jasmine is that she has an identical twin sister. She recently completed the two-year Early Learning and Childcare Diploma program at Medicine Hat College, earning her certification as a Level 3 Early Childhood Educator. Jasmine enjoys going for walks and drinking coffee in her free time. She is passionate about working in the early childhood education field and is excited to see what the future holds for her career.

My Childcare Philosophy: "I find joy in witnessing children’s creativity and imagination take flight, transforming into meaningful learning moments as their eyes light up with newfound understanding."
Favorite Learning Experience: Sensory Experiences, Art, and Provocations
Hobbies: Reading books and memoirs and catching up with people I love

Germaine is originally from Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Philippines, and holds a Child and Youth Worker Diploma. Germaine enjoys going on long drives and traveling with her family and friends. She has a passion for singing, dancing, and playing the guitar. She is continuously embracing new challenges and striving for personal growth as she embarks on her journey as an Early Childhood Educator. Her journey at NICCS began as a practicum student, an experience that opened unexpected opportunities for her. Through meaningful interactions with children and valuable mentorship, she was inspired to further her education in childcare. She has since enrolled in college to pursue her Level 3 Certificate, further solidifying her commitment to the field of early childhood education.

My Childcare Philosophy: "I love witnessing children grow, take initiative in their play, and make their thinking visible as they engage with other children and educators."
Favorite Learning Experience: Movement and Expression through Dance and Provocations
Hobbies: Singing, playing the guitar and lifting

Hi, I am Taylor, and I am the Executive Director here at NICCS.
I have known since a very young age that early learning was my passion. I started working in a childcare center immediately after high school while simultaneously completing my post-secondary education.

Over the last 10 years working in childcare, I completed my Early Learning and Child Care Diploma program with honors. I had the opportunity to work in multiple centers in our region in various positions. I am always eager to learn, and I value constant professional and personal development. In 2021 I completed the FLIGHT course (Alberta’s early learning curriculum framework) along with my colleagues.

When I started leading the team at NICCS in 2019, I was immediately overwhelmed with the love and kindness I got from my team. I had never felt this kind of compassion at a workplace before. Once I met the families, children, and the Board, I felt such a high level of support and I quickly became passionate about helping NICCS become the high-quality learning center it is today.

My job is incredibly rewarding in so many ways. I often look around at all the children in the center and think of how honored I am that so many families trust me with their children, and what a privilege that is to play such a vital role in a child’s life during those critical early years. My proudest moment of being Executive Director at NICCS is when we were nominated for and took home the Non-Profit of the Year Award for 2021.

Other than being ED at NICCS, I also work with ARCQE as an early learning coach and I’m an active member of community and sector boards. In my free time I love hiking, fishing, biking and camping with my friends and family.

Welcome to our center!

Isabel was born in Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico, and moved to Brooks in 2009. She lives with her husband and three daughters. With a decade of experience in childcare, she has dedicated herself to nurturing and supporting young children. During this time, she successfully completed her Level 3 Certification, further enhancing her knowledge and expertise in early childhood education. She sees working with children as a truly rewarding profession. She believes that the love and care educators provide shape how children learn to treat others throughout their lives. Her passion for early childhood education continues to inspire her every day.

My Childcare Philosophy: “I love nurturing the children with affection, fostering their growth, maintaining a positive attitude, and building strong, meaningful connections while supporting their development every step of the way.”
Favorite Learning Experience: Movement and Expression through Dance and Sensory Experiences
Hobbies: Cooking, watching movies, and spending quality time with my family

Asiya was born in Somalia and raised in Ethiopia before moving to Canada with her family in 2017. She graduated from BCHS in Brooks in 2022. She began working at NICCS in July 2022 and shortly after registered for the Childcare Orientation Course, successfully earning her Level 1 Certificate. Through her experience at NICCS, she has not only developed valuable skills working with others but has also discovered her passion for childcare. Asiya loves working with children, exploring their world with them, and learning about them and their families.

My Childcare Philosophy: “I love watching children grow into mighty learners, blossoming with independence, fills me with pride. I care for them as if they were my own younger siblings, nurturing them with love, compassion, and guidance as they spread their wings."
Favorite Learning Experience: Art Experiences, Movement and Expression through Dance
Hobbies: Badminton, volleyball, reading and watching movies, trying new recipes, cooking, and baking

Kassie is originally from a small farming town in Saskatchewan and moved to Brooks after meeting her husband. Together, they have two daughters. In her free time, she enjoys playing softball and volleyball, as well as spending time with family and friends. She holds an ECE Level 1 Certification. She began her childcare journey 8 years ago, gaining valuable experience working at other daycares and even operating her own Dayhome for 3 years. Kassie is passionate about helping children develop their own unique characters and supporting them in moments when they need guidance.

My Childcare Philosophy: “I think making an impact in the lives of children and families is incredibly fulfilling. The privilege of contributing to their growth and development, fostering a positive foundation for their future.”
Favorite Learning Experience: Nature and outdoor play, STEM Experiences
Hobbies: Baseball, volleyball, reading, and spending time with family

Hannah was born and raised in Brooks, AB. She currently holds her Level 1 Early Childhood Education (ECE) certification and has worked in the field for five years. At present, she is pursuing her Bachelor of Education at Medicine Hat College. Hannah has a deep passion for working with children, which has guided both her career and educational path.

My Childcare Philosophy: "My favorite part of childcare is building resilient and trusting relationships with the children. Day by day I love getting to see the growth in every individual as they are constantly learning. Seeing their excitement when master a new skill or discover something new is incredibly rewarding."
Favorite Learning Experience: Art and Sensory Experiences
Hobbies: Walks, exploring the mountains, and snowboarding during the winter months, cooking and baking, trying out new recipes and sharing them with friends and families

Amanda was born in Medicine Hat, Alberta, and raised in Fox Valley, Saskatchewan. After living in Fox Valley, her family moved to Duchess, Alberta, where she lived for eight years before settling in Brooks. She is married and has two daughters. Her favorite activities with her family include camping, fishing, attending rodeos, and going on trips. Amanda has her Level 1 in Early Childhood Education and ran her own dayhome for 14 years. She loves helping and teaching children of all ages, watching them grow, and developing new skills. She has also volunteered as security for the Brooks Bandits BCHL hockey team for two years.

My Childcare Philosophy:
"I love watching children flourish and take flight as they grow, developing their unique strengths and potential with each new experience."
Favorite Learning Experience: STEM activities and sensory experiences
Hobbies: Gardening, fishing, boating, and camping

Maureen lives in Brooks with her husband. She has four amazing children and four gorgeous grandchildren. She has worked with young children for the past 35 years in daycares, dayhomes, preschools, and schools, and she is so excited to be back in a daycare setting. She has her Level 2 in Early Childhood Education and always aims to give each child the utmost attention, love, and care.

My Childcare Philosophy:
"My favorite part of childcare is seeing children of different ages learn and grow right before our very eyes. It is truly inspiring to watch as they develop new skills, make connections, and explore the world around them."
Favorite Learning Experience: Music and singing experiences
Hobbies: Reading, spending time with her husband and family

Siomara is from a town in Mexico called Tequila, Jalisco, and was raised in Canada from a very young age. Her favorite sports are volleyball and basketball. She has a little dog named Oreo, who loves to play and go on walks. She also has an axolotl named Mochi.

My Childcare Philosophy:
"My favorite part of childcare is supporting children, watching them grow and thrive, and seeing their creativity shine through play and exploration."
Favorite Learning Experience: Sensory experiences
Hobbies: Reading different genres, spending time with family, and going on walks with my dog.

Sharon Willis was born and raised in British Columbia, and her family is from Rosetown, Saskatchewan. She has two sons and one daughter. At 21, she opened her first restaurant, and food has been her passion ever since. Sharon and her family moved to Brooks because of her husband’s job. They enjoy trying out new restaurants in town and watching the Bandits games.

As a professional chef and hospitality operations manager, Sharon has extensive experience in successfully building, launching, and operating many unique and challenging businesses.

"Working at NICCS brings me so much warmth and fulfillment—it feels just like cooking for my own grandchildren in the kitchen."

Angelica is from Mexico and moved to Canada with her family nine years ago. She is a certified Level 1 Early Childhood Educator in Alberta with over seven years of experience working with young learners. At NICCS, she has worked with various age groups and in the Inclusive Care classroom. She was recently recognized for creating a responsive and engaging learning environment for the children under her care. She speaks Spanish and English but would love to learn French as well in the future.

My Childcare Philosophy:
"I love seeing children grow, being part of their lives, and helping them develop positive skills. Every day is an adventure where we learn together!"
Favorite Learning Experience: Engaging in play-based learning and creating a responsive environment for children.
Hobbies: Spending quality time with family and expressing creativity through nail art.