The perfect combination of dynamic childhood experts.
Tami Zuckerman she/her
President & Founder
Tami Zuckerman worked as an elementary teacher in her hometown of Montreal for over a decade. During this time, Tami was appointed special counsel to Montreal’s Lester B Pearson School Board, and often consulted on projects involving early literacy and technology.
After going on maternity leave in 2011, Tami co-founded the award-winning technology startup, VarageSale, relocating her family to the west end of Toronto soon after. While looking for child care for their then 2.5-year-old son, she quickly realized there was a shortage of quality care in the Etobicoke area.
Soon after, Tami was pregnant with her second child, a daughter. Tami’s mission was clear: to create an early childhood education & daycare centre whose quality of care, highly trained educators, and unique programming were unrivalled in Toronto.
Christina
Program Director
Christina is a Registered Early Childhood Educator who brings a broad and unique expertise to TLC. She began her career as a preschool teacher in 2015. She quickly moved into a leadership position due to her energy, passion, skills and work ethic.
Christina believes it is her duty to provide children with the knowledge and lifelong skills that will positively impact how they live each day.
In her spare time, Christina keeps busy with balloon arrangements and crafting.
I’m passionate about creating a safe and healthy learning environment for children, one that allows them to explore and thrive.
Chinara Johnson
Director of Operations
Chinara has been a registered Early Childhood Educator for more than a decade, and takes joy out of making learning fun. She also sees the incredible value in learning from each and every person she encounters — including the little ones. Chinara believes society must direct our resources, wisdom and love towards today’s children in order to create a generation of more empathetic, nurturing and successful human beings. She loves reading, making people laugh, being outdoors and ceasing each day by the moment.
Danielle
Community Director
Danielle is a passionate educator who weaves music, movement, problem-solving activities and dramatic play into everything she does. She has spent many years supporting children's development, strengthening their social skills, and teaching self-regulation and emotional intelligence. Danielle has a diploma in Child and Youth Work and has completed the Autism and Behavioral Science program at Seneca College. She has also completed additional training in Positive Early Childhood Education and Children's Yoga and Mindfulness. Danielle strongly believes that children remind us to tap into our own inner child, stay imaginative and model kindness.
I have a passion for exploring important topics in fun and creative ways. If you catch me with a drum in my hand or a basket full of puppets, now you'll know why!
Rebecca
Supervisor
Rebecca is a Registered Early Childhood Educator who has worked with young children since 2009. Her experience as a teacher has led her to a management role at TLC. She takes great pride in creating a welcoming and nurturing learning environment for her students, and is sure to encourage and support each child as a unique individual. Rebecca enjoys using her creativity to decorate her classroom, design lesson plans, and overcome challenging situations in the classroom. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, camping and spending time with family, friends and her dog.
I love working with children of all ages, and truly appreciate being able to teach and care for them at the same time.
Sharyn Timerman
Behaviour and Developmental Expert
Sharyn brings 33 years of experience as our Behaviour and Developmental Specialist. She specializes in children’s behaviour from birth to the early teen years through individualized and positive parenting techniques.
In 1996, Sharyn founded The Early Years Family Development Center, a support and coaching practice for childhood education professionals and parents alike. Her internationally-renowned “Child Behavior Certification Program” has certified professionals all over the world, including Canada, the USA, Spain, Philippines, Sweden, Saudi Arabia and Russia.
Sharyn’s role at TLC involves continuous training and development of our educators, as well as supporting our parent community.
She holds a degree in Early Childhood Education and multiple other related certifications. She is a wife, mother of three, and grandmother to five grandchildren.
A truly special group of people.
Ed
Music Specialist
Ed has worked as a Percussionist with some of Canada’s most prestigious orchestras and ensembles, including Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra, The Canadian Opera Company Orchestra, Opera Atelier, The National Ballet of Canada, The Toronto Symphony Orchestra, The Esprit Orchestra and more. He has also performed with orchestras in Germany, France, the US and other parts of Canada. In addition to his career as a performer, Ed teaches music to students ranging from Pre-K to post-secondary. In 2018, he joined the Royal Conservatory of Music’s faculty as Instructor of Percussion, and has also served as Interim Professor of Percussion at Crane School of Music, Potsdam NY. Since becoming a father, Ed’s interest in early childhood education has changed from a mild interest to a sincere passion — a passion that inspires him every day as TLC’s talented Music Specialist.
When I’m with young people, I’m aware of who I really am and from where we all come.
Ashley
Early Childhood Educator
Ashley is a registered Early Childhood Educator who has been teaching and caring for children ranging from 4 months to 5 years old since 2014. From teaching school readiness to preschoolers, to coaching parent-child gymnastics, to being a mother herself, Ashley believes that her varied experience has helped her become a nurturing childcare worker and a fun, creative educator. In Ashley’s spare time, she enjoys playing her electric guitar, creating balloon art and crafting.
I love building wonderful relationships with families like yours, and I am honoured that I get to help you raise your little one.
Jim
Custodian
Jim is TLC’s much-loved Custodian or “Handyman.” Prior to this, he spent 30 years doing mainly heavy labour in the construction industry. He takes extreme pride in his work and enjoys extra tasks such as wooden craft projects. If he’s not busy working on a project, then he is cooking, baking, watching football or participating in his favourite pastime: ball hockey. A former player who represented the Greek National team for 15 years, Jim had the opportunity to compete in various countries around the world. He has also coached both the Men's and Women's Greek National Teams.
I am happily married and the proud father of two teenage boys. I am well liked wherever I go — probably because I'm easy going and approachable. So don’t be shy to ask me about last night’s game… or my latest recipe!
Diana
Early Childhood Assistant
Diana is a registered Early Childhood Assistant, originally from Colombia. She graduated with a degree in Graphic Design, but after moving to Canada in 2013, she began working almost exclusively with children — first as a nanny, then as an ECA in Toronto and Ottawa. Diana is passionate about bringing fun and creative learning to children through the arts, using her prior education in design to complement TLC’s unique programming.
Creating activities for the children that generate enthusiasm and enable them to explore and discover new ways of interacting with their environments is the highlight of my day! I am very fortunate to have discovered a career that I genuinely love.
Lucy
Early Childhood Educator
Lucy is an Early Childhood Educator with 10 years of experience working in education. She is fun and bubbly with a "can do" attitude. She has excellent time management skills and believes in the power of collaboration. She is someone we are thrilled to have as a role model for the littles at TLC.
Andrea
Early Childhood Educator & OCT
Andrea is an Ontario Certified Teacher who transitioned into the role of Early Childhood Educator after realizing her passion for teaching early-years children. Prior to this, Andrea spent two years teaching students from Kindergarten to Grade 6 in London, England. It was upon her return to Toronto that she discovered the joys of working with early years children, and never looked back. As a preschool teacher, she loves watching little ones grow and learn so many new things every day.
There’s nothing like knowing a child feels safe, happy, and loved in my care.
Brittany
Kitchen Manager
Brittany spent many years working in the hospitality industry, gaining experience at hotels, restaurants and even Pearson airport before becoming TLC’s trusty Kitchen Manager. Prior to this, she developed a keen interest in community arts when she worked as a curator with a local arts collective that focused on empowering youth and providing creative platforms for marginalized communities. She continues to take great pride in helping others and tries to encourage kindness wherever she goes.
I truly appreciate working with youth — all the encouragement, growth and creativity leads to a lifetime of memories.
Charlene she/her
Early Childhood Educator
Charlene is a Registered Early Childhood Educator who has been working with young children since 2017. She is passionate about supporting her students’ unique needs and stages of development. Charlene approaches each child with empathy and understanding, and makes sure to prioritize their safety, health, and happiness in everything that she does. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, singing, and getting artsy.
My goal is to support each child in their learning and growth in a way that puts their health and happiness first.
Emma
Early Childhood Educator
Emma is an Early Childhood Educator who has been working with children, ranging in age from baby to teen, since 2010. From Nursery Worker to Behavioural Therapist Assistant, Emma’s experience is wide-ranging and comprehensive. She has been responsible for preparing stimulating art and literacy activities, maintaining behavioural program files for individual students, and implementing hands-on, play-based strategies to create experiential learning experiences for little ones. Emma is passionate about caring for children and animals, and fosters cats in her spare time.
Child development is second nature to me.
Erica
Early Childhood Educator
Erica is a Registered Early Childhood Educator who first started working in childcare as an Early Childhood Assistant in 2017, moving into a full-time ECE role after graduation. Erica truly enjoys creating meaningful connections with the children and their families. Coming from a large Italian family (and being the eldest of four siblings), Erica was always in charge. That’s probably why she knew from a very young age that she was meant to be a “tiny human educator.” Erica’s BA in Psychology has proved invaluable when teaching the Whole Child Approach with a focus on social-emotional learning.
I love that I can be a part of your little one’s early childhood journey and learning experiences.
Faustina
Early Childhood Assistant
Faustina is a much loved and appreciated Supply Teacher at TLC. Faustina's friendly and happy personality with the children, parents, and staff brings much love and brightness to TLC. She is always asking the children about their day, and cares deeply about each and every chid that she meets. When one sees Faustina with the children, one can easily see how genuine her love of little ones is!
Jeorgina
Early Childhood Educator
Jeorgina is an Early Childhood Educator who taught Kindergarten to Grade 2 in the Philippines for more than a decade. After moving to Canada, she spent close to 10 years working in various Montessori childcare centres, after which she pursued a diploma in Early Childhood Education. Jeorgina strongly believes that each child has their own style of learning, as well as their own innate capabilities — which must be nurtured and respected.
For me, it is important that I understand each child’s unique needs and adapt my lessons as necessary.
Julie
Ontario Certified Teacher
Julie is a seasoned educator with almost 20 years experience as an Ontario Certified Teacher. She has taught various levels with a focus on Special Education, ESL, and STEM among other things. A student-centred teacher, Julie comes with a proven history of effective classroom management. When her own children were young, she ran an in-home daycare in order to stay at home with them during their early years, In her spare time, she enjoys watching her (now) teens participate in the sports they love.
I am a dedicated educator, committed to the total development and well-being of each child in my classroom.
Lamisha
Early Childhood Educator
Lamisha is a registered Early Childhood Educator who originally hails from Dhaka, Bangladesh. She has many years of experience working with babies and children, ranging from 6 weeks to 5 years old. Her mission as a teacher is to help children discover the joy of learning, and to help each child develop a strong belief in their own ability to achieve. Lamisha strongly believes that children learn through play, helping them develop social and cognitive skills, mature emotionally and gain self-confidence. Lamisha can speak four different languages (Bangla, Hindi, Urdu, and English), and has travelled extensively abroad.
I am passionate about my work. Because I love what I do, I have a steady source of motivation that drives me to do my best. I feel delighted when I’m surrounded by kids.
Lina
Early Childhood Educator
Lina is one of TLC’s much-loved Supply Teachers. As a Registered Early Childhood Educator, she creates engaging and relevant play-based learning experiences based on children’s interests. She enjoys nurturing her students’ interests by providing inspirational materials found in the classroom or outdoors, and she makes a point of learning about each child’s individual needs to best support them in a warm and caring manner. In her spare time, Lina enjoys volunteering, and has been doing so for a variety of child-focused organizations since 2001.
I am dedicated to educating children in a supportive, inclusive, and nurturing environment.
Luz
Early Childhood Assistant
Luz is an Early Childhood Assistant with a deep passion for working with young children. She is knowledgeable about child development, health and safety, nutrition, and so much more. As a role model for the children in her class, Luz makes sure that the learning environment she provides is one in which kids can feel safe and secure as they develop social skills, self-esteem, and a lifelong love of learning. Originally from the Philippines, Luz is the mother of two children who she very much enjoys spending her free time with.
Working with kids is fun! I have always loved being around kids, and I am delighted to have the opportunity to spend time with yours.
Margaret
Supply Teacher
Margarett is one of TLC’s beloved supply teachers. Not only does she have children and grandchildren of her own, but she has been working in the childcare field for many years. In fact, when her little ones were growing up, she ran her own in-home daycare. Margarett enjoys getting to know the families and children at TLC, as well as providing comfort and support to the children in her care.
Helping children grow, thrive, and develop into their own person is a wonderful feeling.
Melissa P.
Early Childhood Educator
Melissa is a Registered Early Childhood Educator who has been working with young children since 2019. She provides a safe, nurturing environment for children, and creates her lesson plans based on children’s interests, developmental needs, and the TLC curriculum. She enjoys using music and movement, rock painting, and loose parts in her classrooms. During a 5-week field placement in Denmark, Melissa worked collaboratively with educators and children to understand the importance of physical activity and body awareness in the classroom.
I enjoy creating a responsive, inclusive environment that helps each child develop into the person they are going to become.
Melissa S.
Early Childhood Assistant
Melissa is a registered Early Childhood Assistant with a degree in Education and Development. A passionate and dedicated educator, she combines her years of experience, knowledge and creativity to help children achieve a positive educational experience. Melissa strongly believes that a child’s early years are the foundation to future success, and has participated in international conferences featuring topics like “first years of learning” and “child development.”
I love being a part of a little one’s fundamental years — where they are exploring and discovering the world, building their personalities, socializing, and learning new things every day.
Natalia
Early Childhood Assistant
Natalia is an Early Childhood Assistant. She began her career interested in human development, eventually obtaining her Bachelor's degree in biological anthropology. However, she fell in love with children as she began to tutor and work in a therapeutic school for children with disabilities. In her path, Natalia has learned to combine the investigative aspect of her degree and the inclusiveness of her classroom to cater to the abilities of each child. She firmly believes in nurturing a child’s well-being through understanding, openness and creativeness, while at the same time working in collaboration with her teammates to create a magical space.
Olga
Kitchen Assistant
Olga is a Kindergarten teacher that hails from Greece, worked as an educator in Australia, and now calls Toronto her home. While teaching in Australia, she enjoyed a brief stint bringing the Greek language and culture to little ones. As a member of the Welfare Newtown Community, she fulfilled her passion for cooking, creating meals for homeless people, and gaining new skills. Throughout her 12-year teaching journey, Olga learned that “children are our world,” and believes that surrounding them with love and care is an absolute necessity.
If you need a Greek recipe, you know where to find me!
Olivia
Early Childhood Educator
Olivia is an Early Childhood Educator with over 6 years of experience working with children from infancy to school age. She is knowledgeable in many different teaching philosophies and brings the best parts of each into the classroom. She is passionate about intentional program planning to promote the intellectual, social, emotional and physical development of children. She takes pride in building strong relationships with the children and families and enjoys providing a safe and fun environment.
Parmjit
Early Childhood Educator
Parmjit is an Early Childhood Educator who has been working with young children since 2015. Paramjit believes that every child has a unique way of seeing the world, and that children learn best through play (of course!). In her spare time, she enjoys baking, spending time with family and friends, and is always up for a new adventure.
I genuinely enjoy helping children learn. But just as much, I love learning from my students.
Reema
Early Childhood Assistant
Reema is an Early Childhood Assistant who has worked with children ranging from preschoolers to elementary school students since 2014. Born and raised in India, Reema spent time working in Switzerland and the US before deciding to settle in Canada in 2019. She enjoys introducing children to various experiences to enhance their natural curiosity and help turn them into lifelong learners.
A mother to a preschooler myself, I believe my strongest assets are patience and a positive attitude.
Rhiannon she/her
Ontario Certified Teacher
Rhiannon is an Ontario Certified Teacher who has been teaching early elementary years (K-3) since 2018. Before moving to Toronto, she spent time teaching in both Nova Scotia and British Columbia. Having completed many professional development courses on mental health, trauma, and social and emotional learning, Rhiannon is passionate about building healthy relationships and creating safe and inclusive classrooms. She has enjoyed leading a variety of programs, including Red Cross Be Safe and Hope and Health Soccer. In her spare time, she enjoys snuggling her cats and listening to a good podcast.
I believe all learning is a process — and it’s a process that I’m proud to be part of here at TLC!
Rose
Early Childhood Assistant
Originally from Mexico, Rose has worked as a Childcare Provider since 2014. She moved to Canada in 1998 where she has taken advantage of many volunteer opportunities over the years. Notably, she volunteered at Lamp Community Health Centre in the Ontario Early Years Centre Dropping Program, and later at her own children’s elementary school — within the classroom, on field trips, and as part of the Nutrition Snack program. Rose believes children deserve to feel loved, safe, nurtured and supported.
Children are precious and their minds are a blank canvas. I am happy to be able to add some colour to the painting.
Rupinder
Early Childhood Educator
Rupinder is a Registered Early Childhood Educator who strives to create a welcoming environment for children and their families. She takes the time to truly understand each of her students and prioritizes building positive relationships with all of them. When it comes to her teaching style, Rupinder is sure to put the children’s needs and interests first.
My number one goal is to make sure every child feels comfortable, safe, and loved.
Skylar
Early Childhood Assistant
Skylar is on her way to becoming an Ontario Certified Teacher who has always had a passion for learning with little ones. Before working for TLC, Skylar graduated with an Honours BA in Youth and Children's Studies with minors in Indigenous Studies and Psychology. She has had a wide-range of experiences working with children from all age groups. At TLC, Skylar is dedicated to providing each child with tailored care that matches their diverse and ever-evolving needs.
Students and teachers are one in the same. We never stop learning.
Summer
Early Childhood Educator
Summer is an Early Childhood Educator who came to Canada in 2018, where she studied Early Childhood Education. She is a compassionate, understanding, and empathetic teacher and individual. Along with her passion for crafts and DIY-ing, Summer feels strongly about promoting diversity in her classroom, and enjoys incorporating her culture into her daily lessons — by sharing Vietnamese fairy tales, celebrating the Lunar New Year, and even teaching little ones how to use chopsticks!
I’d rather make it better for children than make it easier for me.
Zinath
Early Childhood Educator
Zinath is an Early Childhood Educator who has been working with children since 2008. As an experienced professional in the area of special-needs children, Zinath is able to address a diversity of needs and guide her students in a safe, positive learning environment. She enjoys teaching creative expression through art, dramatic play, and music. In a previous role, Zinath was responsible for creating and implementing summer camp program activities, such as group field trips, as well as individual activities in science, math, and literacy. She is multilingual, and can speak English, Bengali, Hindi, and Urdu.
I like to encourage growth and self-esteem by teaching children about many different cultures in a diverse environment.