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District 5 — Toronto Region

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Katherine (Katie) Begley
Present Position: Professor
Place of Employment:

University of Guelph

Toronto, ON

Area of Practice:  Post- Secondary teaching in Early Childhood Studies Program
Self-Identification (if any):

Statement:

For the past 3 years, I have served on the Council for District 5 (Toronto region) and I have served on various committees within the College throughout my term. Having served on the Registrations committee, registrations appeals committee, finance and audit committee and the discipline/ fitness to practice committee, I have gained significant insight and knowledge of the college and it’s governance in regard to the protection of the public. This experience combined with my 14 years of post secondary teaching experience in ECE, provides me with current knowledge of the ECE field as well as insight and/or challenges that new professionals entering the field may be experiencing; which can have a direct impact on the children and families within our province. Being a member of council aligns with my post secondary teaching role as they both have direct impacts on the future generations of RECE’s and what direction the profession moves forward in years to come. I take this responsibility very seriously and I have immense gratitude for the opportunities I have experienced thus far.

I have been honoured to be elected last term; bringing my perspective, knowledge and experiences to the council and committees. I look forward to hopefully continuing to serve for a second term; continuing to grow my leadership skills and collaborate with fellow colleagues; while keeping the best interest of the public at the forefront.

Education
Program Educational Institution Year of Graduation Degree, Diploma
Early Childhood Studies University of Guelph- Humber 2008 Bachelor of Applied Science and ECE Diploma Humber College

 

Suman Belvetkar
Present Position: Currently unemployed and looking for work
Place of Employment: N/A
Area of Practice:  
Self-Identification (if any): I am a person of colour (South Asian decent) and I also identify myself as a woman.

Statement:

I am running for Council with the College of Early Childhood Educators to contribute to the advancement of professional standards in our field. With over 16 years of experience developing and delivering impactful learning programs in licensed early learning and childcare settings, I have a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in early childhood education.

My six years of leadership experience, mentoring and managing teams, have equipped me with the skills needed to foster collaboration, inspire innovation, and ensure accountability. I have expert knowledge of ECE policies and legislation and have worked closely with educators to implement best practices that prioritize child well-being and learning outcomes.

I have also served as a mentor for the Flourish Mentorship Program and as Secretary on the St. Lawrence Daycare Board, roles that have strengthened my governance, advocacy, and organizational skills. My hands-on experience with initiatives like coordinating art days in kindergarten programs and volunteering at leadership forums demonstrates my commitment to community engagement and continuous improvement.

I am passionate about supporting educators, families, and children by promoting high standards, equity, and accessibility in early childhood education. I am confident that my expertise, dedication, and leadership will help drive the College’s mission to regulate and advance our profession responsibly and effectively.

I ask for your support to make a meaningful impact on the future of early childhood education in Ontario.

Education
Program Educational Institution Year of Graduation Degree, Diploma
Early Childhood Education Humber College 2013 Diploma
Leadership Development Series Seneca College August 2025 Certification
Other Community Involvement
Position Association/Organization Dates
Served as a Secretary St. Lawrence Child Care September 2023-August 2024
Tiffany Shawn Bien
Present Position: Assistant Director, Early Childhood Education
Place of Employment:

Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre

Toronto, ON

Area of Practice: Licensed Childcare Centre
Self-Identification (if any):

Statement:

I am applying to be an elected Council member for the region of Toronto and believe that I am qualified to be a member of the Council for the following reasons:

I have over 24 years of experience in the Early Childhood sector with a solid understanding of the CCEYA, HDLH? and AQI.

My experience includes working as a classroom educator, as a quality assurance supervisor responsible for overseeing 30 before and after school programs in York Region, and as an Assistant Director and Supervisor. I’ve worked in both for-profit and non-profit centres. I have been working in my current role as Assistant Director of the Early Childhood Education Department at the Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre in downtown Toronto for 6 years.

I’ve had the privilege over the past 3 years to work with the College of Early Childhood Educators serving as an RECE Advisor in 2021 and as a non-council committee member with the Registration Committee since June 2022 up to the current date. My time with the CECE has allowed me to broaden my scope of knowledge within the sector.

I can think soundly and make solid judgments to help equip RECEs with the tools needed to provide high-quality care and education for young children and families.

I am confident that I would be an integral part of the Council representing the region of Toronto.

Thank you for this opportunity,
Tiffany Bien
Registered Early Childhood Educator
Registered Early Childhood Educator Administrator

Education
Program Educational Institution Year of Graduation Degree, Diploma
Early Childhood Education Seneca Polytechnic 2001 Ontario College Diploma
Early Childhood Administration Seneca Polytechnic 2006 Ontario College Graduate Certificate
Participation in Early Childhood Education Organizations
Position Association/Organization Dates
RECE Advisor College of Early Childhood Educators 2021-2023
Non-Council Committee Member -Registration Committee College of Early Childhood Educators 2022-current
Pauline Bodnar
Present Position: Not currently employed
Place of Employment: N/A
Area of Practice: I’ve been involved in Early childhood education for 20 years. Mainly as a early childhood educator at many different daycares. I have also been a Nanny on several occasions for different families at their homes.
Self-Identification (if any): My family is of Ukrainian decent.

Statement:

The reason I am running for council is that I feel I would be good at it. I have 20 years of experience as an Early Childhood Educator, 15 years of experience as a Registered Early Childhood Educator. I remember when there wasn’t a College and am very appreciative of all the college has done for the public and the Early childhood profession. I am a very good listener and always ask a lot of questions to better understand any task at hand. I am a social person and am easy to get a long with. I am a very understanding person who is caring and patient. I am confident enough to share my options with others without judgement. I am very good at always seeing the big picture, and can make sure any discussion stays on course towards it.

Education
Program Educational Institution Year of Graduation Degree, Diploma
Early Childhood Education Centennial College 2008 Early Childhood Education
Laurel (Laurie) Higgins
Present Position: Professor in Early Childhood Education
Place of Employment:

Seneca Polytechnic

Toronto, ON

Area of Practice: Various courses to support future RECE’s such as curriculum, ethics, family resources and music.
Self-Identification (if any):  

Statement:

Serving on the Council is an exceptional opportunity to build public trust and confidence in a profession that I am passionate about. As a Council member, I can share my professional experiences, and connect with other RECEs and professionals across the province.

Incorporating all the diverse voices in this council helps support the decisions being made as well as play a big part in shaping what future RECEs do every day in the professional practice.

I hope to promote best practices and what the CECE stands for in my own practice as I learn alongside future educators.

My unique insights and lived experiences will contribute and compliments the existing council members, helping shape the future of early childhood education. 

The bonus will be that I am able to connect with like-minded professionals and gain new leadership skills along the way. 

Thank you for your consideration.

Education
Program Educational Institution Year of Graduation Degree, Diploma
Early Childhood Education Seneca College 1994 Diploma
Honours Bachelor Degree in Child development Seneca College 2017 Degree
Masters in Education Trent University 2022 Masters Degree
Other Community Involvement
Position Association/Organization Dates
Co chair Oncology and Orthopedic Advisory Council Mount Sinai Present
Volunteer Kindergarten classroom Durham District School Board Sept 2022 – present
Xuemei Jiang
Present Position: Early Childhood Educator
Place of Employment:

City of Toronto-Children’s Services

Toronto, ON

Area of Practice: Design and implement inclusive educational programs that foster development for children from infant to preschool age.
Self-Identification (if any): As an immigrant of Asian descent, I am running for Council to leverage my deep understanding of the diverse needs of children, families, and educators from various cultures, ensuring comprehensive support and effective governance.

Statement:

As an immigrant with an Asian background, I am passionate about enriching our Council with diverse perspectives which mirror the varied backgrounds of the families, children, and educators we serve. My extensive experience in varied childcare settings across Canada and internationally has equipped me with a nuanced understanding of the distinct needs within our educator community. This insight is crucial for effectively governing a profession as dynamic as ours. I believe in the power of digital literacy to improve workload efficiency. I have been actively developing training materials to enhance educators’ digital literacy skills, recognizing the pressing need as technology continues to evolve. My educational expertise in Adult Learning with Technology drives my commitment to promoting innovative, technology-enabled learning solutions that respect diverse cultural perspectives and make learning easily and effectively accessible to all Early Childhood educators. I am running for Council to champion the creation of inclusive learning environments that cater to both children and educators. I focus on integrating STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) to prepare our children for the future, no matter their background.  I aim to simultaneously equip our educators with the necessary skills and knowledge for effective teaching. A vote for me is for a candidate dedicated to innovation, inclusivity, and empowering our educators and children through informed, thoughtful leadership and support.

Education
Program Educational Institution Year of Graduation Degree, Diploma
Early Childhood Education Mother Craft College 2019 Diploma
Educational Studies-current Ontario Tech University May 2025 Bachelor of Arts
Montessori Method of Education Newborough Teacher Training Institute 2015 Diploma
Participation in Early Childhood Education Organizations
Position Association/Organization Dates
Montessori Casa Teacher` Victoria Education Center 2015-2018
Early Childhood Educator City of TorontoChildren’s Services 2019-2025
Marie-Jeanne Manionga-Kongolo
Current position: RECE/Kindergarten
Place of Employment:

Toronto District School Board

Scarborough (Ontario)

Area of Practice:  Early childhood educator working in kindergarten while promoting the French language to children.
Self-Identification (if any):  

Statement: 

I feel motivated and involved to submit my application. Firstly, I’m an educator and it’s my job and my life depends on it. I feel better placed to take part in it, and to promote some of the professional experience I’ve gained in my career working with children and their families.

Education
Programme Educational Institution Year of Graduation Degree, Diploma
Early childhood Collège Boréal 2007  
Business administration Collège des Grands-Lacs 1997  

Mickeco Mcmorris Clifford
Present Position: Early Learning Family Educator
Place of Employment:

Macaulay Centres for Children

North York, ON

Area of Practice:  EarlyON Child and Family Centres
Self-Identification (if any): As an Early Learning Family Educator, I have spearheaded a two-year Innovation Grant Project from the City of Toronto that supports Black Families and Children from birth to six. As a member of an equity-deserving group, I am familiar with the complex needs of underserved neighborhoods throughout our colorful city

Statement:

I am running for Council because as an equity-deserving frontline Early Learning Family Educator, I have consistently focused on serving the needs of my community and executing quality programming while collaborating with stakeholders in public and private settings. During my career, I have successfully and consistently demonstrated the ability to be the driving force behind an initiative and take instruction in effectively executing one. I know the impact and benefit of Registered Early Childhood Educators in Early Learning spaces. We provide resources and support to families and their children in the most formative years of their lives. Based on my professional and lived experience, I know I will be a great advocate as a member of the Council of the College of Early Childhood Educators.

Education
Program Educational Institution Year of Graduation Degree, Diploma
Early Childhood Education Humber College 2016 Diploma
Bachelor of Science in Childhood Studies Guelph-Humber University 2018 Degree
Participation in Early Childhood Education Organizations
Position Association/Organization Dates
Early Learning Family Educator Macaulay Centres for Children Jan 2022-Present
Early Childhood Educator YMCA September 2018-December 2021
Monice Morenzie
Present Position: Executive Director
Place of Employment:

Midtown’s Tiny Tots

Toronto, ON

Area of Practice: Early childhood education (Toddler and Preschool)
Self-Identification (if any): Persons of Colour

Statement:

I am Monice Morenzie, a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) with over a decade of leadership and hands-on experience in early childhood education. As the Executive Director and Owner of Midtown’s Tiny Tots (2010–2024), I’ve cultivated expertise in classroom management, curriculum development, and fostering inclusive environments. My work has emphasized emergent and Reggio-inspired practices, universal design for learning, and collaboration with families and multidisciplinary support teams.

My decision to run for Council stems from a deep passion for elevating the profession of early childhood education. I aim to advocate for policies that uphold the highest standards of practice, champion the rights of children and families, and support RECEs in their professional growth. My experience mentoring practicum students and leading teams has honed my ability to listen, collaborate, and drive initiatives that benefit both practitioners and the communities they serve.

Additionally, my academic background, including an Early Childhood Education Diploma and ongoing studies in Autism and Behavioural Science, equips me with a nuanced understanding of child development, inclusive practices, and innovative approaches to learning.

If elected, I will bring my leadership experience, dedication to advocacy, and commitment to professional excellence to the Council. Together, we can ensure that our profession continues to thrive and meets the evolving needs of children, families, and society.

Thank you for considering me as your representative on the Council.

Education
Program Educational Institution Year of Graduation Degree, Diploma
Early Childhood Education Centennial College 2022 Diploma
Autism and Behavioural Science Seneca 2025 Diploma
Rick Nankissoor
Present Position: Manager
Place of Employment:

Centennial College

Toronto, ON

Area of Practice: Child Care Lab School
Self-Identification (if any): As a person of colour in the field of Early Learning and Care, I share some unique perspectives and have had the pleasure of working in many Centres and in different roles. I would like to share this knowledge and experience to the greater RECE membership as a Council member.

Statement:

I’m running for a council position because I have the desire to contribute for various reasons but mostly to contribute positively to the ECE community and provide meaningful support at the College of Early Childhood Education.

I’ve been a part of many facets in the Child Care and Early Learning field since my first position as an ECA in 1991. I’ve been in this sector for over three decades and has seen the amazing evolution and changes. Living in Toronto all my life and working in a variety of settings and demographics influenced my passion for this field.

Being a Council Member provides me an opportunity to contribute leadership and guidance so that decisions are made in the best interest of our membership and the field. I’d like an opportunity to influence policies and ordinances that can have direct impacts on our sector and knowing my home Toronto and the challenges our RECE’s face daily is advantageous. I’ve been a CECE mentor to many Educators and know first hand how our frontline RECE’s can be supported.

Having an opportunity to work in Lab Schools, Community based Child Care, Unionized settings on both sides, teaching future RECE’s and mentoring for the College of ECE’s, has provided a well rounded view on the many layers and intricacies of our field. It will be a pleasure to be elected for council by RECE peers.

Education
Program Educational Institution Year of Graduation Degree, Diploma
Day Care Management Program George Brown College 2003 Certificate
Early Childhood Education George Brown College 1997 Diploma
Participation in Early Childhood Education Organizations
Position Association/Organization Dates
Member Ontario/Toronto Coalition for Better Childcare Current
President CUPE Local 2484 Canadian Union for Public Employees 2006
Mentor College of Early Childhood Educators 2019 – Current
Other Community Involvement
Position Association/Organization Dates
Complaints Committee Member College Of Early Childhood Educators 2011
Volunteer Mentoring Pairs for Child Care ECCDC 2010
Lindsay Santiago
Present Position: Teaching Assistant in Gr.1
Place of Employment:

Havergal College

Toronto, ON

Area of Practice: Learning support
Self-Identification (if any):

Statement:

Dear Committee on the Council for the College of ECE,

I am writing in interest and would like to be considered as a member because I believe our community deserves members who are passionate about this community of Early Childhood Educators, I have had the privilege of being in different avenues of careers as an ECE, and I am deeply invested in the future of our community. I’m running because I want to help in whatever is needed — one that is inclusive, and forward-thinking.

With over 10 years of experience in Early Childhood, I bring a wealth of knowledge in different streams of ECE. I have worked for the YMCA, TDSB and Havergal College, where I gained firsthand experience in policy-making, building relationships with families and learning partners within our community, and problem-solving. I have developed a deep understanding for what an ECE needs and how to support to them.

I also understand the importance of collaboration and listening to diverse perspectives. If elected, I will work diligently to represent every member of our community of ECEs ensuring that the voices of all are heard and that our decisions are made with transparency and fairness.

I believe that an Early Childhood Educator has the opportunity to thrive. This means supporting, advocating, educating its members who are supporting and helping to mold our youngest members of our community here in Toronto.

I am committed to supporting this College of ECE’s.

Thank you for your time.

Yours truly,
Lindsay

Education
Program Educational Institution Year of Graduation Degree, Diploma
Early Childhood Education Seneca College 2007 Diploma
Participation in Early Childhood Education Organizations
Position Association/Organization Dates
RECE YMCA 2006-2018
DECE Toronto District School Board 2014-2022
Other Community Involvement
Position Association/Organization Dates
Youth Organization Leader Church of Christ 2007-2024
Tammy Saunders
Present Position: Supervisor RECE
Place of Employment :

Blue Bell Academy

Toronto, ON

Area of Practice: Licensed childcare centre
Self-Identification (if any):

Statement:

I have been in the childcare field for over 25 years. I’ve had the opportunity to see this field  grow and we have really come a long way. I’m a strong advocate for this field, it’s my mission to create a legacy and provide mentorship for educators currently in the field and new educators as well. I am currently an ECE Advisor for the Early Childhood Coach, taking on multiple projects to support this field and it’s educators. This has been one of my most rewarding experiences since entering this field 25 years ago. I’ve chosen to run for this position on council, I bring a lot of experience and expertise with me to enable informed decision making on policies, committees and general knowledge for registered early childhood educators. I always engage in furthering my knowledge. I am a strong believer that you never stop learning in this field. This is an excellent way to continue, especially after having the opportunity to be an ECE Advisor with the college of ECE’s already and embracing that experience. I am joining committees to help bring new insight to the college curriculum for the ECE programs starting in January. I hope to do more! I am delighted to have had this opportunity to share a bit about myself with you, I’m hoping I get the chance to help shape the future of our field by being your elected member of council.

Education
Program Educational Institution Year of Graduation Degree, Diploma
Early Childhood Education Seneca College 2010 ECE Diploma
Participation in Early Childhood Education Organizations
Position Association/Organization Dates
ECE Advisor Early Childhood Coach Currently