About Our Staff
We know that every child is unique and deserves a unique education. Our highly qualified teachers guide the way for your child to become independent while making good choices. We strive to ensure that your children will be introduced to every aspect of learning to help them achieve many goals and life skills.
We are extremely proud of our excellent staff of teachers, supervisors and support staff. We all continue to grow and learn with on-going training, workshops, conferences, in-house training, health and safety training and on-going knowledge in the education field. All of our staff is trained in First Aid and CPR. We take great pride and responsibility to keep all of our children safe, educate and nurtured within our care.
Thousand Island Day Care Staff
Cassondra (Cassie) Ashby — Supervisor
with CCU since January 2021
Moved to Kingston in 2019 from Durham Region and have never looked back! When not at work I enjoy being physically active, reading and travelling.
I have been in childcare for 7 years. I have my Early Childhood Education Diploma from Durham College and have been in a Supervisor role for 3+years.
My Favorite storybook is “We’re Going on A Bear Hunt” by Michael Rosen
My Favorite food is Pizza and Nachos.
If I wasn’t in childcare, I’d be a History Teacher.
Tina Riebertz
with CCU since 1990
I have lived in Gananoque for 19 years with my husband and 2 adult children. When I’m not at work I spend my time with family and friends. I also enjoy camping.
I have been employed by CCU for 30 years. The past 15 year I have had the role of Assistant Supervisor. I am an registered Early Childhood Educator.
My favorite storybooks are “Love you Forever” by Robert Munsch and “In the Tall Tall Grass” by Denise Fleming.
My favorite food is anything Bernie makes and pizza.
If I wasn’t in childcare, I’d be a lawyer.
Charmaine McShane
with CCU since 2005
I have 3 beautiful daughters who are my world. I’ve been married for 18 years. When I’m not at work, you can usually find me at the hockey rink as currently 2/3 daughters play hockey.
I have some history with this organization. I did my co-op in 1998 and from there I was a summer student. I also volunteered time with the centre. I went to school for E.C.E. and graduated in 2001. I was hired as a full-time employee in 2005.
My favorite storybook is “Pete the Cat and his Four Groovy Buttons.”
My favorite foods are lasagna and chicken parmesan.
If I wasn’t in childcare, I’d be a home organizer.
Sarah Brady
with CCU since January 2021
Moved to Gananoque four years ago from Belleville. I am happy to call Gananoque my home now! I have a cat named Indie and a passion for interior design.
I’ve always known I wanted to be in this field since I started co-operative education in highschool. I have completed my first year of ECE, once I moved to the area I began working in an afterschool program and then became part of the TIDC team two years ago!
My favorite storybook is “Oh the Places You’ll Go” by Dr. Seuss
My favorite food is french fries!
If I wasn’t in child care, I’d be an interior designer.
Elizabeth Amey
with CCU since 2000
I’ve lived in Gananoque my entire life. I’ve been married for 17 years and have a teenage daughter.
I have been in childcare for 20 years. I have a psychology degree from Carleton University and an Early Childhood Education diploma from St. Lawrence College.
My favorite storybooks are anything by Robert Munsch.
If I wasn’t in childcare, I’d be a starving artist.
Lisa Moorhead
with CCU since 2007
I am proud of myself for graduating the E.C.E. program. I love being around children of all ages. It makes me happy making them happy.
I have been on childcare for 20+ years. I achieved my diploma for Early Childhood Education in 2020.
My favorite storybook is “Henriette Horse, But No Elephants.”
My favorite food is pizza.
If I wasn’t in childcare, I’d be a grocery store clerk.
Kelli Dunn
Cooking with CCU since May 2022
I have lived in the area all my life. I have two grown children of my own and a grandson. I ran a home daycare for 8 years previously. I love to bake, spend time with my family and grandson!
I’ve been in working in licensed childcare for 5 years. Previously was in the health care field.
My favorite storybook is “Guess How Much I Love You”
My favorite food is pasta and shrimp.
If I wasn’t in childcare, I’d be spending time with my family.
Louise Easton
with CCU since 1987
I am the mother of 2 young men. I have 5 grandchildren – 3 boys and 2 girls. My life is full!
I have been in childcare for 35 years.
My favorite storybook is “The Gruffalo” by Julia Donaldson.
My favorite food is Italian and Chinese.
If I wasn’t in childcare, I’d be in sales.
Toyia Gipson
with CCU since November 2021
I have lived in Gananoque my entire life with my parents and two sisters. I love being outside and I love animals. I have two dogs and a cat of my own.
I started working in a child care centre when completing Co-Op placement through High School. I fell in love and knew that it was where I wanted to be. I worked in licensed child care after graduation and started at CCU in October 2021.
My favorite storybooks are “Love you Forever” and “Smelly Socks” by Robert Munsch.
My favorite food is pizza and fries!
If I wasn’t in childcare, I’d be working with animals.
Emma Hachez
with CCU since August 2021
I was born and raised in Gananoque, I have two sisters and the most amazing mom and dad. When I’m not at work I love to spend time with my family and read new books.
I have a lot of babysitting experience when I was growing up and continued into high school where I did my first co-op placement in a school setting. After graduation I went to college for Early Childhood Educator (through a pandemic).
My favorite storybook is “I Love You to the Moon and Back” by Amelia Hepworth.
My favorite food is poutine and Chinese Food!
If I wasn’t in childcare, I’d be a nurse.
Taylor Sherboneau
with CCU since September 2022
I am a busy mom of three. I love the colour green, being outside and playing with my children.
I have my Early Childhood Education Diploma from St. Lawrence College in Kingston.
My favorite storybooks is “Hey Mud Puddle” by Robert Munsch.
My favorite food is pasta and tacos!
If I wasn’t in childcare, I’d be a stay and home mom or in the field of law.
Sylvia Brooks
with CCU since October 2021
I moved to Gananoque 10 years ago, I am a mom of two boys and a Grandma to one.
I studied Early Childhood Education at Mount Saint Vincent University.
My favorite food is pasta!
Megan Brushey
with CCU since March 2023
I love being outside and with my family and dogs!
I'm a Registered Early Childhood Educator, working with Toddlers and Preschoolers for 5+ years.
I love to read anything by Robert Munsch.
My favorite food is seafood!
Jamie Kiggins
with CCU since March 2023
I have a love and passion for working with children.
I have been working with children for 6+ years.
I have my Child and Youth Worker Diploma and will be working towards my Early Childhood Education Diploma.
My favourite children's books are by Robert Munsch.
My favorite food is sushi!
Willow Tree Day Care Staff
Supervisor – Trish Byrne
with CCU since 1997
I was born and raised in Gananoque. I have 2 grown boys that I am very proud of. I love to entertain, laugh with friends and sit by a campfire.
I have been an Early Childhood Educator for 32 years. I have been the Supervisor at Willow Tree and the school age programs for 23 years. I believe children are all unique little individuals.
My favorite storybooks are “Something for Nothing” by Pheobe Gilman and “Sadie and the Snowman” by Allen Morgan.
My favorite foods are chocolate and pizza.
If I wasn’t in childcare, I’d be working with the elderly.
Debbie Lipcsei
with CCU since 1994
I grew up on a farm in the Seeley’s Bay area and now reside in Gananoque.
I have been in childcare for 40 years and am a Registered Early Childhood Educator.
My favorite storybook is “Moo!” by David LaRochelle.
My favorite food is anything with peanut butter.
If I wasn’t in childcare, I’d be working with animals.
Connie Berry
with CCU since 2007
I am married and I have one cat- Sabrina. I love to be outside gardening, swimming, riding my motorcycle and playing with the kids, especially in the snow.
In 2004, I graduate from the Educational Assistant program with honours. In 2012, I worked through the E.C.E. Apprenticeship program at Loyalist College.
My favorite storybook is “Ferdinand.”
My favorite foods are spaghetti and salad.
If I wasn’t in childcare, I’d be woodworker and builder- If I had the tools!
Bev Raison
with CCU since 2011
I enjoy reading, walks and spending time with my family.
I have been in childcare for 9 years and have my E.C.E. diploma.
My favorite storybook is “Wherever You Are My Love Will Find You.”
My favorite food is cheesecake and anything chicken.
If I wasn’t in childcare, I’d be a retired grandma with a craft hobby shop.
Joanna “Jo” Campbell
with CCU since September 2023
I’m a look on the bright side kind of gal. I’m enjoying being out of the City and exploring this beautiful area. Recent move to Mallorytown with my fellow and our Great Dane, Scooby.
I started my first ECE position as a toddler educator then moved to the preschool program, I knew I chose the right career. For 10 years I helped families as a nanny, and my last position was as a Supervisor in a School Age program with the Ottawa Catholic Board.
My favorite storybook is “Monster at the end of the book” by Jon Stone/Grover
My favorite food is French Fries!
If I wasn’t in childcare, I’d be running a doggie daycare and dog rescue.
Caitlin Andela
with CCU October 2023
I lived in Barrie my entire life until my recent move to Seeley’s Bay. My partner and I moved into his late grandparent’s house (a dream of his). I am enjoying the area, appreciating the calmness and the friendly people here.
I began babysitting as soon as I was old enough, and always aspired to care for children, especially those who struggle with self-regulation skills. I graduated from Georgian College with a Child and Youth Care diploma.. I have previous work experience in a group home for at-risk youth as well as I have worked as a Teaching Assistant. In addition, I have worked in the Barrie Elementary School with the Preschool, School Age and Kinder Age groups.
My favorite storybook is “Blink Blink, Clop Clop, Why Do We DO Things We Can’t Stop”.
My favorite food is baked potato (loaded with sour cream, chives, cheese, bacon and chili!).
If I wasn’t in childcare, I’d be teaching dance (ballet/jazz) or working with animals.
Sarah Herrington
with CCU since 2014
I love my dog and my Willow Tree family!
I have been in childcare for 8 years and am a registered with the Ontario College of Teachers.
My favorite storybook is “Moo!” and I love the Harry Potter novels.
My favorite food is pizza.
If I wasn’t in childcare, I’d be an Occupational Therapy Assistant.