Introducing the Program Excellence Team
We are so pleased to introduce the Program Excellence Team!
The Program Excellence Department is being developed to ensure that our programs meet the diverse needs of children, families, and the community. The department will support and enhance quality and best practice across all programs, as well as build a consistent ideal of Umbrella Family as a leader for child care in Hamilton.
As a departmental team, we’re here as a support to programs. Our purpose is to help to assist your practice, to build your learning and to provide resources and ongoing support for you and your teams.
Andrea Topic, RECE, BECS – Manager of Program Excellence
I have a diploma in ECE, a degree in Human Resources, and an honours degree in Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies. I have been working in early learning for over 25 years. I have had the pleasure of working in a variety of positions for a number of different organizations including; an Early Years Facilitator in Ontario Early Years Centres (now EarlyONs); Classroom Educator and Program Supervisor at Niwasa, DECE and Kindergarten Consultant for HWDSB, and a Professional Learning Consultant with ASCY.
Those who have inspired my work…
My father is the hardest working and most passionate individual I have ever met. He started his own business very young; our family saw many difficult years during my childhood but he worked hard to pursue his dreams and grow a successful business.
Many professionals in the field including Lilian Katz, the pioneer of the Project Approach; Ann Pelo whose focus is one reflective pedagogical practice, social justice and ecological identity.
My daughter has had the most significant inspiration for my work, she has been the driving force between all for the passion that I put into this incredibly important work.
My hopes and dreams for Early Learning…
To push for change in early learning so that every child and family may have the best opportunities that they deserve from the very start.
Natasha Galpin, RECE – Ministry and Licensing Specialist
I have been working as an Early Childhood Educator for over 20 years. After completing my Diploma at Conestoga College, I began my career focusing on children with special needs. Then I moved into child care working with toddlers and preschool age groups. After a few years, I wanted to expand my skills so I became a licensed Kindermusik Educator and graduated from the Montessori Teacher Education Institute. For the last couple of years, I’ve achieved great satisfaction in my career focusing on child care policy auditing and compliance.
Those who have inspired my work…
The Montessori philosophy inspired me to get my Montessori Certification and take a position as a Casa Directress.
“The greatest gifts we can give our children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence.” – Maria Montessori.
My hopes and dreams for Early Learning…
My current dream is to provide guidance to educators in the hopes that they feel both personally and professionally supported to deliver the best possible experience for the children in our care. I want my passion to inspire their passion to positively shape lives. I strongly believe that you must love what you do as an Early Childhood Educator, our children deserve the best from all of us.
Rebecca MacIsaac, RECE – Pedagogy and Program Specialist
I started my journey in early learning with the YMCA in the summer camp programs in 2008. In 2011 I worked with preschool children in a forest school.
I graduated with honors from the Early Childhood Education Program at Mohawk in 2013. Shortly after I began working at Daycare on Delaware and soon became the program supervisor. I have worked at Cornerstone Montessori as well as Hamilton Wentworth Catholic Child Care Centres. After my maternity leave, I started with Umbrella as a program supervisor and recently accepted the position of Pedagogy and Program Specialist, this role will give me the opportunity to follow my passion for pedagogy.
Those who have inspired my work…
I am continuously encouraged by Jean Clinton. My learning has been enriched by both Diane Kashin and Susan Stacey, I make a point to read much of their work, and have participated in book studies based on their work. Christine Potter, a previous supervisor, has helped shape my career. She was an amazing mentor, someone I looked up to. She had a strong focus on building relationships with families and children as well as community partners. Christine was passionate about nature-based learning and providing rich environments to support children’s learning.
My hopes and dreams for Early Learning…
Pedagogy is my passion! I feel very strongly about the relationships that educators have with children and the meaningful interactions that occur. I want to support, empower, and mentor educators in areas including intentional play, reflective practice, and the importance of environments. Advocating for resources, and professional learning opportunities, including nature-based learning, gardening with children, risk play, and exploring open-ended materials such as loose parts.
I aspire to be an inspiration to educators as they strive to provide the best early learning and care to all children and continue to engage in their own continuous learning.
Nabil Shaukat – Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Specialist
I have worked for more than 3 years directly and indirectly in the early learning field.
Those who have inspired my work.
My inspiration for working in this field is a child that I came across who had muscular dystrophy and travelled for almost 15kms every day with his father to come to school in the mountains.
My hopes and dreams for Early Learning…
My dream is that one day all children would be enrolled in the same learning system without any discrimination or privilege and will receive the same learning experience as everyone else in the country.