The staff at Heath and Ferndale is a team of caring and dedicated professionals. They work hard to communicate with parents through daily feedback and displays of the children’s work and use their talents in art, music and other languages to enhance our programming.
All full time staff are Registered Early Childhood Educators.
Heath and Ferndale also offers and supervises exceptional practicum opportunities for students who are enrolled in the Early Childhood Education program from various Colleges and Universities in the Greater Toronto Area.
Our placement students are an integral part of our childcare. They enhance our program with their original and innovative activities, planned field trips and/or special visitors.
The children embrace their presence which allows them to build social skills such as positive interactions with others, relationship building and positive communication.
Based on the children’s interests, we use an emergent curriculum approach to provide a play-based, imaginative program.
Staff work together with students to create a safe, welcoming environment where all children can develop to their full potential.
Qualified Care Givers
A little bit about our wonderful staff
Kim Elkas
Executive Director
Education:
Bachelor of Arts and Master of Education, – University of Toronto
How long have you worked at Heath and Ferndale?
Two of my children attended Heath and Ferndale starting in 2003 and I became a Board Member for 6 years. I then became the Executive Director in 2016 when the founder of the program retired.
Describe your favourite part of your job.
Engaging with the children in various ways and providing laughter through being silly.
What do you think are the best skills that you bring to your job?
Over 30 years of leadership experience, specifically in non profit organizations, while also working with children of various ages.
What are your hobbies outside of work?
Classical Guitar
Swimming
Gardening
List three words that describe you:
Kind, Caring and Passionate
What is your personal motto?
While we try to teach children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about. (Angela Schwindt)
Danielle Brownscombe
Program Supervisor
Education:
Bachelor of Arts -Psychology (2103), Early Childhood Education (2015) and Early Childhood Administration (2023)
How long have you worked at Heath and Ferndale?
I worked as a lead RECE in April 2019 and was promoted to Program Supervisor in August 2022.
Describe your favourite part of your job.
Interacting with families from all over the world
Interacting with staff and ensuring we are providing one of the best child care centres in the city.
What do you think are the best skills that you bring to your job?
Energetic
Enthusiastic
Team Player
Dedicated
Always eager to learn
What are your hobbies outside of work?
Pelotoning
Soccer (Played Varsity)
Watching Sports
Taking care of plants
List three words that describe you:
Team-player, kind and motivated.
What is your personal motto?
“How you do anything is how you do everything.”
Our Staff
Chloe
Sheryl
Khrystyna
Patricia
Fiona
Mimi
Ayan
Dorothy
Arshia
Simran
Eleonora
Carrie
Lizzie
Ina
SeonJu
Samantha E.V.
Lulu
Jack
Emily
Jasmin
Venis
Board of Directors
Treasurer - Anton Metersky
Secretary - Tetyana Derzhak
Director - Elizabeth Wilson
Director - Jamie Parkes
Director - Tony Lam
Director - Simon Shirreff
Executive Director - Kim Elkas