Kingsway Nursery School Team

All teachers have the following to work in our classrooms:

Vulnerable Sector Police Check
First Aid with Child CPR
Up-to-date Immunization Record
ECE teachers are to be Registered with the College of Early Childhood Educators

Maria

Supervisor RECE

Hello my name is Maria, I have been in the field as an Early Childhood Educator for over 33 years. I have worked in a Childcare Centre within the Toronto District School Board for 19 years, owned and operated my own Home Childcare Centre for 4.5 years and held the supervisor position at Playbox Children Centre for 2.5 years. During my professional career I have had the honor and privilege of working with various age group of children with a wide range of abilities and needs.

I take great pride in teaching and guiding young children in a positive, encouraging and supportive manner, it gives me a huge sense of accomplishment seeing their young mind develop and grow. I know as much as I may have impacted children learning and growth, they also impacted mine.

I have had the privilege of working at Kingsway Nursery School since September of 2019, I look forward in embarking on a journey with all the children, staff and parents as the supervisor. I look forward to serving our great community, my door is always open.

Francesca

RECE

I would like to take a moment to introduce myself and welcome you to our school. My name is Mrs. De Dominicis and I have the honour of working with your children at Kingsway Nursery School. I have had the pleasure of working here since the year 2000.

I graduated with distinction with a diploma in Early Childhood Education from Humber College. I also have many child-related experiences which compliment my education: preschool teacher, Kindergarten classroom and Montessori experience. Having three adult children allows me to understand the importance of education in each child’s academic success.

My philosophy of education incorporates play, hands on learning, and learning through discovery. As a teacher, I also understand the importance of each child’s unique learning abilities and skills while incorporating them into success in the classroom.

I look forward to learning with your children! My promise to each student:

I will provide encouraging instruction and compassionate guidance to foster your beginning education, success and social growth.

Karen

RECE

I am a graduate of Early Childhood Education at Humber College of Applied Arts and Technology.

My past experience includes teaching at Royal York Road Co operative Nursery school, and teaching JK/SK at Hillcrest Progressive School. I was also a part time faculty member for the Early Childhood Continuous Education Program at Humber College of Applied Arts and Technology.

I can hardly believe that I have been teaching at Kingsway Nursery School since 2001. I am very proud of the program that Francesca, Alyssa and I provide for your children. We teach your children to feel secure and to grow socially, cognitively and creatively.

Outside of school I am a mother of four children. Although they are all grown up now they manage to keep my husband and I very busy with our beautiful grandchildren. We feel so blessed.

Alyssa

RECE

My name is Ms. Alyssa and I am so honoured to be working alongside the children and you, the families.

I have been working in the field since 2017 in different full-day daycare settings as well as kindergarten camps in the summers. I attended the University of Guelph-Humber and received my Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Studies.

When I am not in the classroom, I love to read, spend time outdoors and love live music and dancing. A big chunk of my weekends in the fall/winter months are spent at the Portuguese Cultural Centre of Mississauga where I embrace my heritage and participate in the different types of traditional dancing.

My passion in working with children started as early as I can remember. I enjoy getting to know each individual child and discovering all their different personalities and learning types. I believe that the children are the leaders and the teachers are the scaffolders in education.

“you may not remember what someone does to/for you but you will always remember the way they made you feel”

Kamara

RECE

Hello, my name is Kamara and I am so honored to be working at Kingsway Nursery School for over 5 years. I studied at Humber College and received my diploma in 2015.

My passion for working with children started in grade 12 when I took a business course and experienced working with JK/SK.

Attending each child's needs are important because it allows us to develop a relationship and trust with them. The future lies in the hands of children, so my priority is to nurture and educate them to become whatever they desire.

I am very proud to be with the Kingsway Nursery School Team & I truly look forward in meeting the parents and children each year.

Lina

RECE

Hello! My name is Ms. Lina and I am a Registered Early Childhood Educator with a deep passion for sparking the joy of learning in young children. I believe in the power of play and the
magic that happens when children are free to explore, imagine, and discover.

Creating inclusive, nurturing environments where every child feels seen, supported, and encouraged to be their best self is at the heart of what I do. My journey into early childhood
education was inspired by my own experience as a mom to two (now almost grown!) daughters. Watching them grow and learn helped me see just how powerful those early years really are.

I earned my Early Childhood Education diploma with High Honours from Sheridan College and have since had the opportunity to work in a variety of early learning settings. These experiences have only deepened my love for play-based learning and emergent curriculum.

Outside the classroom, you’ll often find me enjoying time with my family, exploring nature, or
curled up with a good book—reading is one of my greatest joys!

Sara

RECE

Sara has been a dedicated Early Childhood Educator for over 30 years.

She has been blessed to be part of the Kingsway Nursery Family for 23 years.

Sara retired in 2019 but loves returning whenever possible to visit and meet new children in the various programs offered at the school.

Sara knows that raising healthy, resilient children takes a village which is why her work always involves collaboration with teachers, parents and community.

With a passion for teaching and a
vision as a life-long learner, Sara is dedicated to ensuring each student recognizes their value and worth.

Throughout the decades, Sara
has been blessed to witness the immeasurable growth and success of
hundreds of Kingsway Nursery graduates.

Shawna

ECA

My name is Shawna, and I work as a dedicated Early Childhood Assistant. My journey into childcare began when I volunteered on school trips with my kids years ago — I discovered how much I enjoyed connecting with
children and knew this was the path I wanted to follow. I have been working with children for over 15 years and continue to find joy and purpose in helping them learn, grow, and thrive.

I believe children thrive when they feel safe, respected, and heard. Whether I’m supporting daily routines, guiding play, or observing their development, I focus on each child’s individual needs and personality. I take pride in maintaining a clean, organized space that encourages learning, independence, and confidence.

Outside of work, I’m a proud mom of four, a grandmother to one amazing little boy, and happily married to my husband of over 20 years. Family means everything to me, and I bring that same care and commitment into my role every day. I enjoy reading, spending time outdoors, creating special memories with the people I love — and of course, I never say no to a good cup of coffee.

Playbox Nursery School Team

All teachers have the following to work in our classrooms:

Vulnerable Sector Police Check
First Aid with Child CPR
Up-to-date Immunization Record
ECE teachers are to be Registered with the College of Early Childhood Educators

Karen

Supervisor

Hello, my name is Karen and I am very excited to be apart of the Playbox
team and to meet you and your children.

I gained my childcare qualifications in 2003 in the UK, and since then
have worked with many children from birth-11 years, in daycares,
preschools and elementary schools. My favourite age group is definitely
the toddlers, they are such a lot of fun with growing personalities. I
see it as a privilege and honour to be part of their education process,
and to be a role model and mentor, providing support and knowledge to
them on their learning journey.

I moved from the UK to Canada at the beginning of 2024 with my husband
and four children, we are loving every moment of our new lives, so many
opportunities in such a beautiful place.

Four children do keep me busy, and when I am not at work, you can find
me either on the side of a rugby pitch or in the swimming pool gallery
cheering them on! I also love taking our dog out for long hikes, and
when time allows maybe reading a good book!

Lisa

RECE

My name is Lisa. I’m a registered early childhood educator with 34 years of experience. I have enjoyed working with a variety of age groups throughout the years from
infants to school age.

I have coached soccer, been a hockey mom and volunteered at my kids schools when they were growing up. I’m married with 3 children ages 23,24 and 27 .

I look forward to teaching and Getting to know your child in their very important early years.

Stefanie

RECE

My name is Stefanie and I am a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) with the college of Early Childhood Educators. On top on being a RECE, I hold a degree in Disability Studies from Toronto Metropolitan University, and I have been working in education or nearly 20 years.

I joined the amazing team at Playbox after having spent several years as at Stay-at-Home parent with my daughter who is now in elementary school. Before my daughter was born, I worked in the public school system as an Educational Assistant working with children with a variety of learning needs at all ages and stages of their development.

It is a privilege and a pleasure for me to be able to part of your child’s learning journey, and to help foster a love of learning that I hope stays with them for their entire school career and beyond.

When I’m not teaching our awesome KinderPrep program you can find me reading, in the garden, or spending time with my family and our two budgies.

Clover

RECE

My name is Clover.
I am a writer of children's books and have published picture books and
children's story books. I worked as a book editor in the education
publishing industry for over ten years and have most recently been
working as an international language instructor at Halton District School Board.

I am fascinated by the creative minds of children. This fascination has
always been the source of joy and inspiration for my stories. I also believe this extraordinary capacity for creativity that all children possess can be developed through literature, and I like developing play and artwork related to books for children.

I love drawing with my two daughters, who are little artists, and hiking
with my husband.

I feel excited and grateful to be able to join the teaching staff at Playbox Nursery School and help children find creative ways to learn and challenge themselves.

Katherine

Teacher

My name is Katherine, and I am a teacher in the Toddler classroom. It is my privilege to have lots of fun with your children each day whilst ensuring that they are enjoying a happy, healthy, and safe environment within which to learn, grow and flourish here at Playbox Nursery School.

I have been a part of the team at our special, little preschool for 8 years and have worked in all areas during that time and have loved every minute of it.

I moved to Canada from the U.K. with my husband over 20 years ago and we chose to settle in Oakville for its quaint, small-town feel. I am Mom to Jacob and Lara, both of whom attended Playbox when they were little.

I volunteered extensively in their schools throughout their elementary years, focussing particularly on the library and early literacy programs. I was also a long-time participant and administrator of a neighbourhood mom and tot support group, as well as being a leader with the 4th Trafalgar Cubs and Scouts for seven years. I think it is safe to say that I enjoy being around young children and love seeing how they learn and develop in positive environments.

In my spare time I enjoy reading, skiing & kayaking and, most of all, spending time at the cottage with my family.