Ms. Krista
Ms. Krista has been working in child care since graduating from Sheridan College with a diploma in Early Childhood Education in 2007. She brings nearly two decades of hands on experience, leadership and trauma-informed practice to her work. She joined the CDO team as a lead teacher in the fall of 2013 and now serves as Executive Director, where she leads with a deep commitment to creating emotionally safe, regulated and nurturing environments for children, families and staff.
With extensive knowledge in trauma and nervous system regulation, Krista approaches early education through a lens that prioritizes connection, co-regulation and relational safety. She believes that children thrive when the adults around them feel supported and grounded and she is passionate about building systems that reflect that.
After taking an extended leave in 2017 to 2021 to become a mother, Krista returned in the fall of 2021 with renewed clarity around her purpose, supporting children and families while modeling attuned leadership. As both a mother and an executive leader, she bridges lived experience with professional expertise, bringing empathy, knowledge and vision to her role.
Outside of work, Krista is a devoted single mom to her two young girls, prioritizing presence, memory-making and meaningful connection. She practices yoga and somatic movement, continually deepening her understanding of embodiment and nervous system health. She loves thrift shopping for hidden treasures, attending live music and sporting events and cultivating a life that feels grounded and intentional.
Krista’s leadership is defined by emotional intelligence, relational integrity, and a belief that healing-centered education has the power to shape not only children’s futures — but entire communities.
Ms. Liliana
Ms. Liliana moved to Canada from the Ukraine in 2004 and since arriving has dedicated her career to Early Childhood Education. She has had the opportunity to work in a variety of childcare settings as well as experience supporting children with special needs.
Liliana graduated from a Ukrainian Pedagogical University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. This academic background has fostered a love for creativity which she incorporates into her classroom programming. In 2016, she completed her Level 3 ECE certification and joined the CDO team. Since then, being part of the program has been a deeply rewarding experience. One of the most special opportunities working at CDO for her, is getting to watch her students grow from 19 month olds to 5 year olds and then getting to teach those same students younger siblings.
Liliana believes that being an effective educator means continuing to learn and grow. Throughout her career, she has participated in numerous workshops and courses to expand her knowledge in areas such as inclusive practices, childhood brain development and the Flight framework. Her goal is to create a warm and safe space where children feel supported and excited to learn, while ensuring that parents feel informed and included in their child’s day.
Liliana enjoys staying connected to the arts and has volunteered at both the Victoria Art School and the Art Gallery of Alberta. In her free time, she enjoys reading, painting and spending quality time with her daughter and friends.
Ms. Meghan
Ms. Meghan graduated from MacEwan University in 2010 with a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and has been passionate about supporting young children and their families ever since. She joined Children’s Day Out in the fall of 2022 and loves being part of a program that values strong connections with families and prioritizes the happiness and well-being of children above all else.
Meghan’s philosophy centers around connection. She believes that children learn best when they feel safe, understood and supported. Through emotional co-regulation, patience and kindness, she strives to build trusting relationships with every child in her care. Meghan believes it is important to meet children at their level and be their biggest cheerleader, celebrating their efforts and encouraging their growing independence.
She is a strong believer in learning through play and creating a peaceful play environment where children feel comfortable exploring, asking questions and following their natural curiosity. Meghan tries to find ways to say “yes” more often than “no,” helping children explore safely and confidently. At the same time, she believes in setting appropriate limits and guiding children to understand the “why” behind rules and boundaries so they can develop empathy, responsibility and respect for others.
Outside of the classroom, Meghan’s family is at the heart of everything she does. Her husband and four children inspire her work every day and deepen her appreciation for the importance of nurturing, connection and community in children’s lives. When she’s not at the playschool, Meghan enjoys reading, crafting and adventuring around the city with her family.
Mr. Ian
Mr. Ian joined the CDO community in 2021 when his own children were attending the program. As a dad of two young kids, he brings a genuine understanding of early childhood and the importance of creating a warm, supportive and playful environment for every child. In 2023 Ian finished his level 1 certification in Early Childhood Education and became an official member of the CDO teaching team.
Ian loves building real connections with each student. You’ll often find him down on the floor at their level, running, playing and exploring right alongside them. He believes that meaningful relationships are built through play and he uses those playful moments to help children feel safe, understood and confident. Through these connections, Ian helps children learn how to recognize and manage their emotions, supporting their growing ability to emotionally regulate.
Ian enjoys music of all genres and watching live music. He’s an avid sports fan especially football, hockey and playoff baseball. In the summer months you’ll find him packing a backpack of snacks and heading out to explore the river valley with his kids, staying out adventuring together all day and occasionally ending up at an ice cream shop.
