Our Staff
Clara - Centre Director
I was born in Rio, Brazil and immigrated to Canada in 2015. I have worked in childcare since 2015 and hold a master’s degree in business administration. I have a passion for nurturing young minds and experience in operations.
I firmly believe that every child is a unique individual with boundless potential. I like creating a warm and inclusive classroom environment where children feel safe to explore, learn, and grow. In my spare time, I like practicing yoga, swimming and travelling.
“Our children are the rock on which our future will be built, our greatest asset as a nation.” – Nelson Mandela
Alyssa - Program Supervisor
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 am a program supervisor at TOOSCS.
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.
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-
Laura
Laura was born and raised in Ontario and received her Bachelor of Art and Art History from the University of Toronto/Sheridan College in 2015. She moved to Vancouver in 2016 to complete her Master of Fine Arts from Emily Carr University of Art + Design, graduating in 2018.
Laura has 4 years of experience working in school-age care and has created and led art classes for children, youth and adults. She is a practicing fine artist and in her spare time, she likes to paint and draw, read, play her guitar and sing. She enjoys working with children because they are all unique in their own ways with their own gifts and she loves seeing where their ideas and creativity can take them. Laura is currently working with the Achievers group at the after-school care.