The staff at Child Development Dayhomes are qualified in Early Child Development, and have extensive experience in childcare. They have the professional skills and knowledge to support parents with their childcare needs, and assist dayhome educators.
Our staffs' dedication to promoting excellence in childcare is reflected by their long term commitment to Child Development Dayhomes. We always stay up to date on the latest research on Child Development.
Lyn Williams
Coordinator
Joined CDDH in 2016.
Education: Early Learning Childcare Diploma - Level 3 ECE
Work experience: I worked in a childcare center in PEI as an assistant for 6 years then took a position as Supervisor on a Native Reserve for 12 years. I moved to Alberta and worked as an Educational Assistant in the Catholic School board for 4 years. I had a one year position with Child Development Dayhomes (maternity leave). In the year I was gone I worked as an Assistant at YMCA then quickly moved to Director of OSC with YMCA. I then came back to CDDH as Child Care Consultant/ Coordinator.
Favorite part of the job: Working with the dayhome educators, supporting them, watching how they learn and grow! Seeing the little ones at each visit, so full of curiosity. Helping parents find affordable child care.
Special interests: Yoga, weight lifting, traveling, enjoying time with my family and friends.
Cristina MacDonald
Chilcare Consultant / Approvals Consultant
Joined CDDH in 2009.
Education: Early Learning Childcare Diploma - Level 3 ECE
Work experience: I have always known I would be working in the childcare field. My natural ability to relate to and guide children took me there for the last 20 years. I started as a mom of two and a Dayhome Educator in Brandon, Manitoba, then as a student taking the Program Assistant certification in Cape Breton. When we moved to Fort McMurray I was a Teacher's Aid with the Chatholic School Board. I was graced to fall into my current role as Childcare Consultant and Dayhome Approval Consultant. I am thrilled and proud to have been in this role for 10+ years and foresee a long relationship here.
Favorite part of the job: Helping parents feel comfortable and at ease with their childcare choices; engaging with the children during my visits; supporting Educators and watching them flourish; having a great support system in my CDDH Team.
Special interests: Yoga, hiking, being in nature, golf, pilates, getting lost in a good book, beaches, the sound of the ocean, enjoying time with family and friends, seeing new places and having new experiences.
Klara Bekric
Office Manager / Client Care Consultant
Joined CDDH in 2013.
Education: Early Learning Childcare Diploma - Level 3 ECE
Work experience: Childcare consultant, dayhome provider for over 5 years, daycare center in Fort McMurray working with toddlers
Favorite part of the job: Everything. I love going out to the homes and interacting with children and providers; being in a supportive role for the dayhome educators, assisting them with programming and planning. The fact that you never know what the day will bring.
Special interests: Reading, cooking, baking, traveling and experiencing new things. Learning more about gardening and flowers.
Ashley Honeysett
Administrative Assistant
Joined CDDH in 2017.
Education: Early Learning Childcare Diploma - Level 3 ECE
Work experience: Started my career in Ontario, working in Childcare and Kindergarten. I continued my career working here in Alberta as a Preschool Teacher and now I am honored and eager to be a Childcare Consultant with Child Development Dayhomes. I have been here in Fort McMurray for almost a year now and this is a place that I am happy to now call home.
Favorite part of the job: I am enjoying getting to know all the staff that I have been working with here and gaining all the knowledge and experience from them. I also have enjoyed getting to know the educators and all the children in their programs and I am looking forward to many more visits! I am fortunate to have this job and I look forward to getting to know everyone in and around the Child Development Dayhomes team of Alberta.
Special interests: Rollerblading, volleyball, walking and hiking with my two dogs and spending time with my family and friends.
Saba Ehsan
Childcare Consultant
Joined CDDH in 2019.
Education: AMI Montessori Diploma, Level 2 in ECE (working towards Level 3), B.A with major in Fine Art
Work experience: I worked as a Montessori director in Ontario. I was a dayhome educator for 6 years with Child Development Dayhomes before joining the agency as a Childcare Consultant. I have volunteered on various occasions in Ontario and Fort McMurray.
Favorite part of the job: I love everything about my job! The team is extremely supportive and professional. It's a privilege to learn from their experience and be a support system for the educators. It's extremely gratifying to be part of this wonderful team.
Special interests: Spending valuable time with my family and friends, exploring new places, trying new recipes, sketching and doing embroidery. My new interest and goal is to learn calligraphy and Islamic illumination (the use of gold paint geometric and/or biomorphic patterns to decorate pages).
Ashton Groves
Childcare Consultant
Joined CDDH in 2022.
Education: B.A. Child and Youth Studies and Sociology - Child Development Supervisor Level 3
Work experience: I have always loved working with young people and families. I started my career as an ECE and Director of Childcare, and moved into the role of Supervisor and Youth Worker at a group home. I started the process of opening my own Dayhome with Child Development Dayhomes but instead, my journey lead me to the position of Dayhome Consultant. I am very honoured and excited to have been given the opportunity to support educators, families and children in their childcare journey!
Favourite part of the job: Building relationships with educators, children, and the families to help everyone achieve their goals and meet their needs, wherever they are at in this moment.
Special interests: Reading, yoga, astronomy, gardening, volleyball, family, friends and community
Ana Oliveira
Childcare Consultant
Joined CDDH in 2022.
Education: M.B.A in Business and Finance, Early Learning Childcare Level 2 (in progress)
Work experience: I moved to Fort McMurray 15 years ago. I have been working with children and supporting families for over 13 years through my work as a Family Support Worker at The HUB Family Resource Centre, Shine Kids Yoga as well as volunteering with non profits organizations here in the community. In 2014, I opened my Day home and my mobile studio Curumim Yoga & Wellness for the youth. In 2020, I was part of the cohort of the Leadership Wood Buffalo Program being later nominated as one of the 50 under 50 for the YMM Magazine. After 7 years working from home, I’m beyond excited to get back to the social sector and start a new chapter with CDDH as a Consultant. I’m eager to support, mentor and exchange experiences with my amazing group of educators.
Favourite part of the job: As a consultant, I'm really enjoying learning the other side of our support system. I feel very privileged to work with such diverse groups of educators and children. I know the children and families benefit and learn so much from the culture and life experiences that the ladies bring to their practice. I feel very lucky to be part of such an amazing team.
Special interests: Volunteer traveling, yoga, reading, holistic healing, gardening, family, my two Golden retrievers Kitt and Bear, friends and being an avid advocate for the youth in my amazing community
Charmain Barundia
Childcare Consultant
Joined CDDH in 2022.
Education: Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Level 2 in ECE and working towards Level 3
Work experience: I enjoy and love working with children. I moved here 8 years ago and worked as a child caregiver to a family in Fort McMurray for 3 years. I worked as an Early Childhood Educator at the YMCA for 3 years, was a dayhome provider for almost a year, and a Child Development Worker at Waypoints. I feel blessed to be part of the team and look forward to supporting my fellow educators, children, and families.
Special interests: Cooking, reading, learning and trying new things, and spending quality time with family.