Our Staff
Candice
I am originally from Ottawa Ontario, I moved to Vancouver in January 2022. I started with TOOSCS in September 2022 as the Center Manager. I have been an Early Childhood Educator for eight years working in different countries worldwide. I graduated from Algonquin College in 2016 and completed my bachelor’s degree in 2021 at Munster Technology University in Tralee, Ireland. I am a passionate leader and love working with children of all ages. When I am not at TOOSCS I enjoy hiking, thrifting, snowboarding, and reading.
“While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about.” -- Angela Schwindt
Alyssa
I was born and raised in Vancouver and have been working in childcare for over a year. I have a bachelor's degree in Sociology and Law and Society from UBC. During my time at UBC, I served as the co-president for Best Buddies UBC and was a crisis line volunteer for Battered Women's Support Services. In my spare time, I enjoy volunteering, spending time outdoors, and travelling. I'll be joining the TOOSCS team as the program supervisor and I am extremely excited to get to meet you all!
Stephanie
I was born and raised in Vancouver and have been working at TOOSCS since 2009 in the Out of School, Preschool and Occasional Care programs. I am currently the coordinator for the Achievers Program and an Early Childhood Education Assistant in Occasional Care. I have a BA in Psychology from UBC and have taken ECE courses at VCC and Capilano University. I love working with children in a variety of activities, especially reading, crafts and cooking. When I am not at work, I enjoy spending time with my husband and daughter.
Celine
I was born in Congo and immigrated to Canada in 1996. I received my ECE diploma from Vancouver Community College and have been working in the childcare field for approximately 10 years. Since I graduated, I have worked with infants, toddlers, preschool and school-age children. I am currently working with Preschool and Achiever programs here at TOOSCS. In my spare time, I enjoy playing soccer, hiking, making waist beads and hanging out with family and friends.
"Every day I learn something new from children. I love to create new memories with all the children and families. Thanks to all the families for allowing me to be a part of their children’s lives."
Hillary
I joined the team at TOOSCS in June of 2020. I bring over 15 years of experience working in childcare. I found my love of working with children when I was a swim instructor/lifeguard and bike instructor in high school. I continued my education by majoring in sociology at the University of Western Ontario. In 2013, I made the decision to follow my passion and earned my certification as an early childhood education assistant. Since then, I have worked as an education assistant in a grade two classroom and in after-school care programs. I am currently going back to school to complete my ECE certification. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, working on art projects, and swimming, particularly synchronized swimming.
Gina
Hi, I’m Gina, I am from the Philippines. I graduated from Philippine Christian University with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. As I love to work and learn more about children’s behaviour and characteristics, I decided to continue my studies at Vancouver Career College and recently received my ECE certificate. I started to work at TOOSCS in October 2017, and I am currently assigned to work in the Occasional Care and Achiever’s programs. I’m a single mom raising a daughter who attends Trafalgar Elementary. In my spare time, I love to hang out with my daughter, do cross stitch, cooking and swimming.
Helen
I was born and raised in the Philippines and acquired my Caregiving NCII certificate from Technical Education and Skills Development Authority. I graduated in Web Application Development at AMA Computer College. I had 2 years of working experience in preschool in the Philippines. I love being around children, playing, singing, and having relationships with them. Children are the best part of my job. I treat them all as my own child. In my free time, I enjoy watching movies, cooking, reading, and painting. Currently, I’m enjoying my newfound home here in Vancouver with my two daughters and husband. To me, every child is unique in their own way. They need to feel loved and respected as well, no matter who and what they are. Every child is a treasure.
Georgia
I’ve been with TOOSCS since March 2022 and I’m currently with the Leaders program. I have been working in before and after-school care programs for about 8 years and in 2015 I obtained my ECEA certification at Vancouver Community College. I love working with children, supporting them, and helping them to use their imagination and creativity to build confidence and self-esteem. My passion is Arts and Crafts and I enjoy doing these activities with children. In my spare time, I enjoy cycling, art, walking my dog, and working out.
Colleen
I grew up on a farm in Southern Saskatchewan which gave me a deep connection with the land. I have an education degree and a master's in educational psychology and have worked in several positions in these areas including counselling children in Yellowknife for a few years as well as supporting organizations in offering quality programs for children aged 0-6. I am grateful for the opportunities I have had to learn and grow. I bring this appreciation to my work with the children at TOOCS. I have been here since the end of October 2022. I love gardening, expressive arts, meditation, yoga and being in nature as often as possible!
Minji
Hi!! I am Minji originally from South Korea. I have a BA degree in English Literature from SYU, Seoul. I've worked in a government office and a German forwarding company. But the most enjoyable time was when I worked with children!! So, I got training through the CCRR in Vancouver. and now I've been working with TOOSCS!! I usually get motivated by the energy and purity of children. I want children to build up the power to believe in themselves.
"No need to hurry, No need to sparkle, No need to be anybody but oneself."
- Virginia Woolf-