FOUNDER, Executive Director

I’m a wife, a mom to two wonderful children, a proud pet parent to our cat and dog, and a Recreational Therapist. Family, connection, and creating meaningful experiences have always been at the heart of who I am, which is why creating Sleeping Giant Child Care Services has been such a meaningful journey for me.

My dream was to build a place that feels warm, welcoming, and full of love—a place where children feel safe to be themselves, families feel connected, and educators feel supported. I believe childhood should be filled with wonder, belonging, meaningful relationships, and opportunities to explore the world around us.

It is truly a privilege to support children and families during such an important stage of life, and I am grateful every day for the incredible community we have built together at Sleeping Giant Child Care Services.

Supervisor

Ashley is a passionate Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) who believes in the incredible potential of every child. She sees children as capable, curious, and full of possibilities, and feels privileged to support them as they learn, grow, and flourish.

Ashley believes in the magic of learning through play and inquiry, recognizing that some of the most meaningful learning happens when children are given the opportunity to explore their interests, ask questions, and make discoveries for themselves. . At the heart of Ashley's work is a commitment to building strong, authentic relationships with children, families, and educators. She values the sense of trust, support, and security that grows from these connections and believes that working together creates the strongest foundation for children's success and well-being.

Montessori Pedagogical Lead

Over the years I have developed a deep appreciation for the beauty in simplicity. 

One of the many beautiful opportunities I have had throughout my career has been to curate a space where the environment is rich in curiosity and prepared with purpose, building community and  instilling a sense of care for self and others.

My time as a registered early childhood educator and later training with the Montessori philosophy (as a Montessori guide) has strengthened my deep appreciation for the complex simplicity of childhood. (and the human experience)

My name is Erin Elizabeth, born and raised in Thunder Bay and amongst many things, I am a wife and a mother of 2 curious and confident young girls.  I enjoy the sights and sounds that nature has to offer, creating through a variety of mediums and have recently found myself coming back to previous interests. 

I am passionate about early childhood experiences and how we, as dedicated, observant educators, are able to support and strengthen the magic of a child’s inner world, allowing for the foundation and building blocks for what each child will carry with them moving forward in life. 

Without a doubt, it is truly beautiful and magical to witness a child discovering for themselves, how truly capable they are, revealing their own potential.

I have seen first hand the impact that dedicated, passionate educators can have within each day of a child’s life. Together, a team that shares in the vision that children truly are capable of great things is an inspiring path to travel.  The opportunity to foster these experiences and moments of connection and community lend to the gratitude that is felt as we continue to build our  home away from home for our families and our team at Sleeping Giant. 

Fulltime Educator

Reba brings a fresh perspective to the field after transitioning from a very different career path. Her natural nurturing instinct and genuine ability to spark children’s curiosity make her a valued part of the team. Reba has a particular love for creating rich sensory experiences—especially those that involve glitter—and uses them to support exploration, creativity, and joyful learning. Her dedication is evident in her daily interactions, and she has built many trusting, meaningful relationships with both children and their families.

Fulltime Educator

Taya joined our centre to gain experience in the child care field—and her passion quickly became evident. Warm by nature and calm in her approach, Taya offers a gentle presence that children naturally gravitate toward. She is highly creative and brings her talents in drawing, painting, and crafting to the classroom, often designing engaging manipulatives to support songs, activities, and hands-on learning. Taya’s artistic strengths and genuine care enrich the environment and contribute to meaningful, joyful experiences for the children in her care.

Fulltime Educator

Taylor is part of the Casa B team and has a big heart and a lot of love to go around for all the children. Taylor believes in building relationships and trust with all the children. Taylor feels that children are naturally capable, curious, and driven to learn given open opportunities to find out what their interests are to guide their development; at the same time children can explore and discover new abilities and learning experiences. She views each child as an individual with unique developmental timelines, and is very passionate about creating a calm, beautiful, and prepared environment where the children are empowered to explore at their own pace.

Fulltime Educator

Kerri is a passionate and dedicated educator with a big heart, always ensuring that children feel welcomed and valued—often with a warm hug. With a background in home-based child care, she brings a wealth of experience in creating engaging activities and designing environments that are inclusive for all developmental levels. Kerri’s attentive and nurturing approach helps children feel supported, confident, and inspired to explore and learn.

Fulltime Educator

Jessica brings a calm, caring presence to every classroom she steps into. Her patience, warmth, and genuine kindness help children feel comfortable, supported, and valued throughout their day. Jessica is deeply appreciated by families, children, and colleagues alike for her steady approach and welcoming nature.

With a strong eye for organization and creating thoughtful learning environments, Jessica naturally supports a Montessori-inspired approach where children are encouraged to build independence, explore with confidence, and learn through meaningful experiences. Her ability to create calm, structured spaces allows children to feel secure while fostering curiosity, growth, and connection.

Taryn is a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) who is passionate about creating meaningful learning experiences through play, exploration, and all of the senses. She believes that children learn best when their interests, strengths, and curiosity guide the learning process. As a dedicated advocate for children, Taryn values each child’s unique abilities and strives to create an inclusive, nurturing environment where every child feels supported and empowered. She finds joy in learning alongside children and watching their confidence, creativity, and curiosity blossom each day.

Fulltime Educator

My name is Kiera Caputo and I am passionate about supporting your children’s growth and development. I have a diploma in early childhood education & social work with several years of experience working with children. I am dedicated to creating safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environments where every child can thrive. With a strong background and knowledge in child development, family communication, and supporting diverse learning needs, I strive to make a positive impact on the lives of children and their families every day.

Fulltime Educator

Jami enjoys building meaningful connections with children and families while creating engaging experiences that support children’s growth and development. With a background in Recreational Therapy and a passion for outdoor learning, she loves incorporating nature and hands-on exploration into her teaching.

Jami recently completed the Fast Track Early Childhood Education program through Confederation College and will soon be receiving her RECE designation.

Support Educator

 I come from an educational background in Junor intermediate but fell in love with molding younger minds once I entered into the Montessori field of philosophy. I have been doing it ever since (ongoing 15 years). Everyday is a new and exciting learning experience alongside the children and it makes my heart happy when I can see the children we care for reach milestones and build their confidence and competence

Tammy brings a deep understanding of the Montessori philosophy, with a particular focus on the Bambini age group. She excels at supporting children while also serving as a mentor to her fellow educators. Tammy has a keen eye for creating beautiful, thoughtful environments that are warm, inviting, and engaging for children. As a guide, she thoughtfully incorporates Montessori principles into all aspects of her work, fostering meaningful connections with both children and families and inspiring growth, independence, and curiosity.

Casual Educator

Sadie is a passionate and dedicated Registered Early Childhood Educator with a commitment to fostering a love of learning in every child. She believes in the power of hands on and child led learning experiences, recognizing that each child has a unique way of exploring and understanding the world around them. She also views the natural environment as a crucial part of children’s learning and development, integrating nature into daily activities to inspire curiosity and creativity. Sadie has a high appreciation for messy play, understanding that it provides vital opportunities for exploration, creativity, and discovery. She recognizes that each child learns differently, and is committed to meeting their individual needs and interests. Sadie’s  goal is to create an inclusive and supportive environment where children feel free to express themselves and thrive. 

Casual Educator

Rachel recently joined the Sleeping Giant Child Care Services team in September, bringing with her a wealth of knowledge in observation, documentation, and child development. She views the environment as a “third teacher” and thoughtfully incorporates individual learning into her planning. Rachel embraces a holistic approach to teaching, remaining flexible with routines to meet the unique needs of each child and follow their lead, fostering curiosity, independence, and a love of learning.

Casual Educator

Chelsea is a casual educator on the Sleeping Giant Child Care Services team, known for her strong organizational skills and dedication to maintaining clean, safe, and welcoming environments. Generous and thoughtful, she often helps those around her without hesitation. Chelsea brings a gentle and warm approach to her interactions with children and families, and she is a valuable asset when navigating challenges—remaining calm, intuitive, and responsive to the needs of the children.

Casual Educator

Rya is a registered teacher who’s welcoming presence helps children feel unique, valued, and confident within the learning environment. She brings strong skills in organization and consistency, ensuring that routines are supportive while incorporating children’s interests into the program. Through her teaching experiences, Rya has developed a deep understanding of music and its role in early childhood learning, thoughtfully integrating music into circle times to engage, inspire, and enhance the children’s developmental experiences.

Casual Educator

Kudirat is a casual educator known for her lively circle time songs and her ability to engage children in fun, meaningful ways. She sparks natural curiosity and encourages exploration through playful and creative activities. Kudirat approaches each child with care, using thoughtful transition techniques and getting down to their level to ensure they feel heard, supported, and comforted. Her energy and warmth make every interaction memorable and enriching for the children.

Casual Educator

Kylee is a second-year Early Childhood Education student and works as a casual educator at Sleeping Giant Child Care Services. She is kind, reliable, and works well with any team she is part of. Kylee has built trusting relationships with the children and is known for her generosity, strong work ethic, and dedication to supporting both her colleagues and the children in her care.

Casual Educator

Ryley is a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) and is completing degrees in Psychology and Education. She is committed to creating inclusive environments where children feel safe, heard, respected, and supported while developing independence. Using a strength-based approach and valuing partnerships with families, she supports each child’s unique growth and well-being. Through nature-based experiences, risky play, and child-led inquiry, Ryley encourages children to explore their interests, ask questions, solve problems, and build confidence. She strives to provide the tools, opportunities, and guidance that empower children to investigate, discover, and make sense of the world around them.

Casual Educator

Ally is a recent graduate of the Bachelor of Arts-English and Bachelor of Education programs. While completing her University Education, Ally played for the Lakehead Thunderwolves varsity women’s basketball team. Ally is a passionate educator and coach of children and youth of all ages. Ally hopes to create enriching experiences that center a love of the outdoors, movement, creativity, and fun, while sharing and modeling the values of kindness, empathy, and respect. Inspired by a Montessori philosophy, Ally believes that children learn through self-directed, hands-on exploration and is committed to creating opportunities that nurture a child’s natural curiosity and foster independence. 

Casual Educator

Bailey is a supply educator here at Sleeping Giant, who has spent a decade developing deep bonds in childcare. Starting in infant care, she is always ready to snuggle up with a story & to watch our young creative minds explore the world around us. Born and raised in Dryden ON, she made Thunder Bay home in 2020. Since the move Bailey has fallen in love with the scenic trails, the mountain, and The Hive pottery cafe. Recently moving to the Fort William area, she looks forward to discovering even more of Thunder Bay. 

Maintenance Manager

Kevin is the Maintenance Manager at Sleeping Giant Child Care Services, bringing many years of experience in welding, carpentry, woodworking, and general skilled trades. His craftsmanship and attention to detail play a vital role in ensuring that all materials and equipment in the centre are safe, durable, and thoughtfully designed. Kevin’s ability to transform ideas into reality helps bring the organization’s vision for warm, beautiful, and inspiring learning environments to life. His work supports both the children and the team by creating spaces that are functional, inviting, and built with care.