I am the mother of two wonderful kids. I was born in Bangladesh and moved to Canada in 2001 with my husband and my daughter and welcomed our son to the family one year later.

I have enjoyed working with children for more than twelve years. I love my job here at EECC. I look forward to going to work each day and working with families, caregivers, children and learning something new. We learn by having fun; colorful play, exploring new arts and sounds of music.I feel extremely fortunate to work for such a wonderful organization and being a part of a team that is filled with very capable, involved and interesting people who aim to make life better for the next generation of young people.I believe the team spirit and culture is what makes EECC different and unique.

 

My favorite pastimes are watching movies, reading newspapers, watching cricket, badminton and soccer. I respect everyone’s space and values. I'm a lover of nature; I love to be around gardens and greenery.I like to think I’m very practical. I love my home, but I also have a constant urge to travel. Throughout my life, I’ve had a variety of work experiences; from being a magistrate in family court to property development, and from sales management to where I am now, it’s been a diverse and exciting journey.



I completed my masters in Social Work from Dhaka University in Dhaka, Bangladesh. I’ve done a post-diploma course at George Brown College on Crisis Intervention and Prevention. Currently, I’m pursuing an ECE diploma through an online course at St. Lawrence College that I’m midway through. I’m looking forward to enhancing my understanding and gather new experiences from this course.

 

Knowing that my job is to help kids achieve their full potential and help them feel happier and better about themselves brings a huge smile to my face; EECC is the right place for me!

Cathy: Manager (she/her)

In the very early days of EECC's history I first brought my newborn son to the Terry Fox Centre, looking for company and just somewhere (anywhere!) to go. He's 30 now and has two 20-something brothers! I was a home caregiver and served on EECC's Board of Directors for a few years before taking a paid position.here. It's a source of pleasure and pride to see how the organization has grown and changed.

These days, I am active in the neurodiversity/disability rights movement. I endeavour to ensure EECC's programs are accessible, responsive and respectful of all children and their families. I currently serve on Toronto EarlyON's Inclusion Working Group, which is creating inclusion standards for all the EarlyON Centres in the city.

I am proud and humbled to lead our excellent team of staff, who are truly committed to our mission and bring so many diverse strengths to EECC. I love this work so very much, and especially love the beautiful energy the children fill our space with. I also want to take this time to send a loving shout-out to our board of directors, and thank them all for their commitment, time, creativity, energy, and for their faith in me and our team!

Gwen: Program Worker at Kimbourne on Mondays, Fridays, Tuesday evenings & Saturdays (she/her)

Guinevere Pura is a seasoned educator in cooking, gardening and the arts. She advocates healthy living for children as a Child and Youth Programmer in Regent Park. She has written work related to raising healthy children in dense urban communities for Mapleridge Community management, a small publication in Oakville. Passionate about nature-based play, she encourages children and families to explore the outdoors, in green spaces, and to make healthier life choices in urban and rural areas. Guinevere is also a photographic artist and has exhibited her work across the GTA; two of which were purchased by the City of Toronto on behalf of former Mayor, David Miller.

I’ve been working at EECC for 6 years, and I love it! I enjoy teaching through play and modeling developmentally appropriate behaviours with children, as well as developing meaningful relationships with our adult participants.

I just earned my Early Childhood Education (ECE) diploma, and I’m always looking to upgrade my skills and education; I’m currently also working on a Masters of Social Work. While working here at EECC, I have had the opportunity to meet a variety of families and caregivers from different communities who have blessed me with knowledge of correct terms used within various populations and intersections of identity. I value empathy and open-mindedness and I welcome the opportunity to learn about, and from, others.

Please always feel free to approach me with any questions or comments about our program, about child development, or just a friendly chat. (I also do magic!)

Anna: Program Co-ordinator at Kimbourne (she/her)

I have been with this organization for 7 years. I am working on my Early Childhood Education diploma part-time while working here at EECC.

I can speak Mandarin, Cantonese and English to help parents/ caregivers of these languages to better communicate with families. I just renewed my food-handlers certificate and I enjoy preparing healthy snacks for the children in our program, leading circle time, and being available for questions from our parents and caregivers. My goal is to complete my ECE program to become a RECE. I hope to fulfill my role to its best capability in order to support children and families.

Abigail: Program Staff at Kimbourne on Saturdays and Tuesday evenings (she/her)

I have been working at EECC for over a year now and have felt so loved by my coworkers and in the connections I have made within the centre. The opportunity to play and laugh with these wonderful children as they grow up (so quickly) has been a light in my life. I am studying Psychology and Health Sciences at University of Toronto and would like to eventually work in harm reduction, specifically with adolescents. Working at EECC has taught me that everyone (including myself) has the opportunity to learn, adapt, and make unexpected connections.

Clio: Program Worker at Terry Fox on Mondays & Fridays and Kimbourne some Saturdays (she/her)

Working at EECC has afforded me the pleasure of meeting some incredible parents/caregivers and some even more incredible children. I always look forward to circle time, reading stories and best of all, snack time! 

 

I am a Psycholinguistics Specialist in the co-op program at the University of Toronto. I am also a Psychology Minor and a French Minor. My career goal is to become a Children’s Speech-Language Pathologist, specializing with either preschoolers or the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community.

Bailie: Relief Worker at Kimbourne & Terry Fox (she/her)

This is my second year working at EECC. I enjoy coming in to the program knowing that it is filled with staff, caregivers, and families all coming together to support children in play. I am currently in my fourth year at University of Toronto working towards my Bachelors of Arts and Science. Once I graduate I intend to go to teachers college to become qualified to teach elementary students. I am so looking forward to spending another year with all of you. 

Christine: Volunteer at Kimbourne

I've been volunteering at Kimbourne for 4 years. I love working with the team, seeing the children getting to know each other and all the parents and caregivers. I LOVE working at Kimbourne and also work at Kensington Hospice on the reception desk on Sunday nights.

Bisma: Placement Student at Kimbourne Tuesdays and Wednesdays (she/her)

Hello my name is Bisma Afzal and I am a second year student from Ryerson University, studying Early Childhood Studies.My future occupational goal is to work with children with disabilities. I believe all children are equally important,and should be taken care of with love and compassion.