Our Team
Kids’ Stop Children’s Centre
Drake Landing
Director: Ms. Ashley
Hello, my name is Ashley. I am one of the Directors at Kids’ Stop Children’s Centre in Drake Landing, Okotoks. My education is from the University of Alberta and Grant MacEwan University with a focus on Early Childhood Development/ Elementary Education. I have taught a variety of ages, and I very much enjoy early childhood and working with families in a childcare setting.
My family and I live outside Turner Valley in the folds of the foothills and with our many animals in a wonderful place we have called home for the past 10 years. In my spare time I enjoy hiking, camping, gardening, hobby farming, fishing, snowboarding and spending time with my amazing husband and two children.
In my 15-year career I have worked as a preschool teacher, forest school educator, teacher and now as a director. I feel so grateful to be working with a company that values the child and their family and encourages professional development.
With my variety of experience it has helped shape my own personal philosophy which is a direct reflection of my personality when working with children. Children are inquisitive and capable humans navigating this beautiful world. When I work with children and their families I value them as unique and creative individuals within the centre.
Kids’ Stop Children’s Centre
Elizabeth Street
Director: Ms. Miranda
Hi, I’m Miranda. I’ve been with Kids’ Stop for almost 14 years. Over the years I’ve worked with various age groups and I’ve enjoyed them all. My current position is Director of our out of school care program.
We moved to Okotoks 14 years ago from the lower north shore of Quebec. Okotoks has become home to me and my family but I do miss the East coast very much. I have a 9 year old daughter and a new puppy. My family loves to camp, cook fancy meals, and spend time outside.
Working with children brings much joy to my life. When coming to work everyday doesn’t seem like a job I know I’m right where I’m meant to be.
Director: Ms. Heidi
My name is Heidi and I have been working with Kids’ Stop for over three years as Director of our Westmount Daycare. I have a Bachelor of Education as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from the University of Saskatchewan.
Working with children has always been a passion of mine. I have taught in a variety of schools and grades in Saskatoon, Calgary, and Black Diamond. I was asked to teach Preschool in a Daycare Centre in Turner Valley at the end of a teaching contract. I have worked as an Educator and Director since then (about 5 years).
I am a Mom of three teenagers and moved to Okotoks 13 years ago. My family loves camping and exercising outside. We love our community of Okotoks and appreciate all of the nature around us.
Our team at Westmount is caring and patient and they always have your child’s best interests in mind.
Kids’ Stop Children’s Centre
Auburn Bay
Director: Ms. Jenn
Hello, my name is Jenn S. I’ve worked with Kids’ Stop for 10+ years and have worn many hats within the company. My husband and I moved here from Ontario to be adventurous and see if we liked it, and over 10 years later we are still here!
We have a spunky full-of-sass 9 year old daughter and crazy 2 year old French Bulldog who keep us on our toes. We love the outdoors and spending time in the mountains.
Currently you will find me at our Auburn Bay location, where we have a great team who truly enjoys being with children, and watching them learn and develop.
Assistant Director: Ms. Jen B.
My name is Jenalyn Africano Balang, you can call me Jen. I graduated from University Of Rizal System in Philippines, with a Bachelor Secondary of Education. I also finished a Caregiving course with Childcare Development, and I have worked in Junior High and taught children with disabilities.
I moved to Canada back in 2008, and leaving my students felt like leaving my own family. I love arts and crafts, and I also enjoy sharing in fun activities with children. I also love singing! I am married and have one child.
I am the Assistant Director of Kids’ Stop Children’s Centre. Early on I worked in the yellow room here as a teacher, but I decided to apply as an Assistant Director to show my compassion and dedication in other ways; to inspire the educators and to help the centre as best that I can. The camaraderie in our center makes us unique and fabulous!
Kids’ Stop Children’s Centre
Auburn Bay Out of School Care
Director: Ms. Veronica
Hello my name is Veronica Kvamme and I am the director of Auburn Bay OSC and Preschool. I am originally from Norway and have lived in Canada for 5 years.
My educational background is a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Development from the University of Bergen. I started out working as a primary teacher in a toddler room for 7 years before relocating to Canada.
Before I was lucky enough to join the Kids’ Stop Team, I worked with teenagers with multiple diagnoses at Hull Services.
What makes the team at Auburn Bay OSC and Preschool so great is a genuine interest in the development of children, lots of activities and staff that have fun with the children.