About Us

Amber Straker, RECE

Executive Director

astraker@aeceo.ca

“I truly believe that ECEs are some of the very best people in the entire world. I am incredibly grateful that I get to work for an organization that supports this community and advocates for a world in which ECEs are valued, respected, and paid accordingly.”

Erin Filby, RECE

Community Organizer

efilby@aeceo.ca

“Being a Community Organizer with the AECEO is a privilege and a joy. Helping educators to find a sense of belonging, and then step into their own incredible power and build worlds is the best part of my job, and my day!”

Sue Parker

Office Administrator & Membership Coordinator

416-487-3157 ext.27
membership@aeceo.ca

“The AECEO has provided very fulfilling work – I feel lucky to be helping to support initiatives that empower educators across Ontario, and am thankful for the opportunity to connect with and get to know the members of the amazing ECE community.”

Tho Nguyen, RECE

Project Coordinator

tnguyen@aeceo.ca

“I get to work alongside those who understand wholeheartedly how magical but also challenging it is to be an ECE. Together, we push for system changes that treat ECEs as humans with all the appreciation they deserve. The AECEO was my bridge to advocacy when I felt most alone. I wanted to be part of this organization that leads with heart to ensure every ECE finds that same sense of belonging and power.”

Jess Tomas, RECE

Community Organizer

jtomas@aeceo.ca

“I appreciate being able to bring my full self to work at the AECEO. I get to share my life experiences, utilize my ECE training, and push for change that I believe in while staying true to my values and principles.”

Patrícia Borges Nogueira, RECE

Communications & Outreach Coordinator

pborgesnogueira@aeceo.ca

“I truly believe ECEs can change the world! As the Communications Coordinator at the AECEO, I get daily opportunities to talk about how incredible ECEs and child care workers are and how important our field is to the well-being of children, families and society as a whole. I feel so lucky to be able to advocate for the ECE community!”

Rachel Neville, RECE

Membership Outreach & Policy Analyst

rneville@aeceo.ca

“I love working at the AECEO because I get to collaborate with ECEs and do work that I believe in. This community is truly incredible and I am constantly in awe of our collective creativity, adaptability, and kindness. I know that together we can achieve anything.”

Shailja Jain MEd, RECE, PhD Candidate

PRESIDENT

Shailja Jain is a registered early childhood educator who has experience working with children ages 0-6 years. Shailja is currently a PhD candidate in Critical Policy, Equity and Leadership Studies in Education at the University of Western Ontario. Her research focuses on exploring gender creativity, gender justice and gender fluidity in the early childhood classroom. Shailja is also a faculty member in the School of Early Childhood at George Brown College. Shailja is committed to the sector of early childhood education. She is passionate about disrupting systemic barriers that early childhood educators face. She is also very passionate about the importance of gender inclusivity in early childhood education. Shailja believes that advocacy is so important in the ECEC sector, and the AECEO does an amazing job of raising the voices of ECEs and fighting for decent working conditions and equity for educators, children, and their families. Shailja has served as Board President for the past year and is the Assistant Editor of the peer reviewed section of the eceLINK.

Jose Barbosa RECE

TREASURER

Jose Barbosa is an experienced Registered Early Childhood Educator with a deep passion for the field of Early Childhood Education. Graduating from George Brown College in 2007, Jose has dedicated the past 16 years to providing quality care for children and advocating for the rights and well-being of childcare workers. Jose’s career began on the floor as an ECE, where he honed his skills and expertise for the first 11 years. During this time, he spent 9 years at Ferncliff Daycare and After School Group, a non-profit childcare center in Toronto. His commitment to creating a nurturing and inclusive environment for children made him a valued member of the Ferncliff team.

Jane Cervi B.A., RECE

SECRETARY

Jane Cervi (she/her) is a dedicated and experienced Early Childhood Educator (RECE) with a career spanning over 25 years. She graduated from Niagara College with an Early Childhood Education diploma in 1998. Committed to advancing her expertise, Jane pursued further education and earned both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts in Early Childhood Studies from Toronto Metropolitan University.

Jane’s extensive background includes hands-on experience in early childhood education as well as leadership roles. Her research interests focus on the intersection of urban planning and child care development, with a particular emphasis on the expansion of child care services in Ontario. Her work reflects a commitment to improving and expanding early childhood education, making her a valuable contributor to the field.

Joy .O. Adeola B.S.C Accounting, A.T,S.(I.C.A.N), RECE

MEMBER-AT-LARGE

I’m a registered early childhood educator with a diploma from Seneca College, a Bachelor’s degree from Ambrose Ali University Nigeria and A.T.S member of Institute of chartered accountants of Nigeria. I’ve been working with children and families in formal settings for over 15 years. Initially when I joined the field in Canada my philosophy was, “I believe children in their early stages of development need positive guidance. Young children have potential, and they need parents, caregivers and educators that will help bring out those potentials. I believe I can make a positive contribution by being a good role model and by guiding them. My goal is to listen, observe, interact with children, teachers and families. To understand their world and be able to acquire more skills to work with them and bring out the best in them.” Over the years with my experience in working with the field and how much I’ve come to realize that educators are not valued as they should. I’ve added advocacy for people that care for children to my philosophy “because only valued and healthy educators can nurture and bring out the best in children.” I believe ECE is an evolving field and if I’m given the opportunity to serve, I will give my support to the board in any positive way in moving AECEO forward as it continues to make a better place for people that care for children and for the children.

Tina Dhiman RECE

MEMBER-AT-LARGE

Tina recently received her Early Childhood Education diploma from Seneca Polytechnic College. Currently she is a registered RECE. Tina showed a strong dedication to her area throughout her academic career by actively participating in a number of initiatives meant to improve learning environments and practices. She was able to gain vital leadership and organizing abilities as well as a thorough awareness of student concerns and institutional processes through her position as a board member of the Seneca Student Federation.

Tina is committed to changing the early childhood education landscape for the better. She is especially committed to handling urgent problems including raising wages fairly, addressing the persistent difficulties of personnel shortages, and enhancing working conditions for teachers. Her commitment to these issues stems from her conviction that a nurturing and resource-rich atmosphere is necessary for the success of both teachers and students.

Tina, who is only 21 years old, offers a young and vibrant viewpoint. She is excited to bring her knowledge and enthusiasm to the Board of Directors, where she intends to work with other industry professionals to put practical ideas into practice. Tina is dedicated to creating an environment in education that puts the growth and well-being of teachers and young students first, guaranteeing a better future for the early childhood education sector.

Sherry Lickers RECE, AECEO.C

MEMBER-AT-LARGE

Sherry Lickers is a Registered Early Childhood Educator and holds certification from the Association of Early Childhood Educators Ontario. Sherry has worked in the Early Childhood Field for 40 years and has held many positions as Room Teacher, Coordinator of Family Resource and Supervisor. Sherry was an instructor for the Early Childhood Education program for Niagara College and the placement coordinator for the ECE students at Six Nations Polytechnic for 6 years. She is currently working for Fire Fly as Indigenous Professional Learning Opportunities Coordinator. She is also an active participant with the (PEACE) network Progressive Early years Aboriginal Centres of Excellence in South Western Region. Sherry received the Conestoga College Alumni Distinction Award in 2015, and was also nominated by Conestoga College for the Outstanding College Graduates Premiers Award for Community in 2018. Sherry is a single mom of 3 adult sons and a grandmother who enjoys skating and baseball, and has volunteered in many aspects of those sports as club president of the Six Nations Skating Club and judge for Skate Ontario. Sherry enjoys sewing and beading in her spare time. Sherry believes that major issues for the AECEO are the professional recognition that RECEs receive from the government and equal pay that RECE and early years workers receive across the province.

Nicola Maguire RECE, B.A., MA ECS

MEMBER-AT-LARGE

Nicola is proud to be a Registered Early Childhood Educator and has been part of the sector for over 30 years. In addition to being a RECE, Nicola also completed an Hon. BA in Early Childhood Leadership and a Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education. Nicola has held many roles in the sector throughout her career, including more than 13 years as a direct-contact RECE and Centre Supervisor. Currently, she is the Director of Research & Pedagogical Leadership at the Learning Enrichment Foundation and has also held roles at George Brown College in the School of Early Childhood as part time faculty, field liaison, research assistant, and supporting the lab schools with digital technology. Working with others while connecting children to the Land and the arts have been consistent foci of her work and research throughout her career. Through this work, Nicola has appreciated opportunities to share her knowledge with audiences spanning from local to international levels and a variety of stakeholders. Drawing on these experiences and others, enables her to consider multiple perspectives when approaching key issues impacting Educators today. These different views also inform her leadership style and approach to empowering others through shared leadership opportunities. She believes advocacy is a key component of leadership and is grateful to the AECEO for equipping educators with strategies and tools to participate and be informed when it comes to their professional work in the sector. Nicola continues to take inspiration from her own early childhood experiences on the Land and with the arts and weaves these into her daily work. When away from work, she enjoys spending time outdoors with family, friends, and animals, hiking and enjoying music.

Nidhi Menon B.Sc. M.Sc, M.S, OCT, Ph.D.

MEMBER-AT-LARGE

Dr. Nidhi Menon is an Assistant Professor in Early Childhood Education at the University of New Brunswick. She is also a contract faculty in the school of Early Childhood Studies at Toronto Metropolitan University. Nidhi received her doctoral degree in Social Justice Education from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) at the University of Toronto. Her academic journey in Early Childhood Education started in India where she received her M.Sc. in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Madras, and subsequently went on to complete a Masters degree in Early Childhood Education from Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa in the United States. Nidhi has worked in a variety of early childhood education and childcare settings in India, the United States and Canada. As an immigrant and woman of colour, Nidhi is passionate about working with young children, families and educators who identify as marginalized. Her research interests have a social justice focus which she brings into her teaching, and community outreach activities. In her research, she uses marginalized feminist perspectives to understand the lived resettlement experiences of young refugee children and families. She also leads a community of practice with Early Childhood Educators working with newcomer families and children to support and practice advocacy in the early childhood sector. She believes in the power of advocacy to bring about systemic change for and with Early Childhood Educators to receive the compensation they deserve for their professional work.

Amy Williams (she/her), RECE, Hons. B.ECL, M.A.

MEMBER-AT-LARGE

Amy is a proud Registered Early Childhood Educator. She graduated from Fanshawe College’s Honours Bachelor of Early Childhood Leadership program and graduated with an M.A. in the Critical Policy, Equity, and Leadership Studies program at Western University. Her research in her undergraduate degree focused on the co-design of an early years policy framework prototype based in London and its surrounding area. Her master’s thesis investigated Ontario early years professionals’ perspectives regarding anti-racist practices in licensed child care settings and how whiteness impacts their ability to engage in anti-racist work. Her research and teaching interests include early years advocacy and policy, anti-racist and anti-oppressive policies and practices in early years settings, and equity and social justice education. She currently works as a part-time professor at Fanshawe College in the Honours Bachelor of Early Childhood Leadership degree program and Early Childhood Education diploma program. She also works full-time as an EarlyON Facilitator in London’s Family Centre Service System and has a breadth of experience working in non-profit organizations, child care, and other early years settings. Amy believes that the AECEO serves as a catalyst for change in Ontario’s early years’ sector, as it works to amplify early years professionals’ voices. Through her active engagement as an AECEO board member, she continues to advocate alongside her fellow RECEs. She hopes to continue her work by elevating the importance of reconceptualizing the field of early childhood education and care as one that is not only publicly funded, high quality, anti-racist, and inclusive, but also supports professional wages and better working conditions for its workforce.

Elena Ivachtchenko RECE, B.A.

MEMBER-AT-LARGE

Elena obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Early Years Pedagogy and Psychology abroad in 1997. She moved to Canada in 2000. In 2012, she earned the Recognition of Equivalency Certificate through the AECEO and became registered with the College of Early Childhood Educators. Before joining the Toronto District School Board, Elena worked in various childcare settings, including PLASP Child Care Services. Currently, she is employed in the Full Day Kindergarten program. Elena is passionate about advocating for the recognition of Early Childhood Educators as highly qualified professionals across different sectors in the field. Elena believes that the AECEO is more than just an organization; it is a strong and supportive community for every educator who is passionate about their profession. She firmly believes that working conditions and standards should be improved for the benefit of the profession. By becoming a member of the Board of Directors, she hopes to learn from fellow passionate professionals, enhance her leadership skills, and contribute to meaningful changes in the field. Elena’s motto is, “The children in Canada deserve more!” She is also an aspiring children’s author, writing stories about kindergartens that address diverse needs and celebrate children’s interests and talents. Although her manuscripts are not yet published, she believes that anything is possible. Residing in Etobicoke, Ontario, Elena enjoys books, laughter, and an active lifestyle.

Sarah Qandah Nazarenko RECE

MEMBER-AT-LARGE

Sarah Qandah Nazarenko graduated from Algonquin College in 2006 with a diploma in Early Childhood Education. She has worked as an educator since, moving between Florence Child Care and home childcare and is now full time in the Preschool Program at Florence Child Care in Ottawa. Florence Child Care has a focus on emergent, play based education and outdoor learning. Sarah is currently pursuing her BA part-time in Childhood and Youth Studies at Carleton University. As a first generation Canadian of biracial heritage, she feels strongly that children should be valued for the entirety of who they are, and advocates for an inclusive lens that holds the intersections of race, gender, class and ability when creating spaces for children. Her current action research is in land-based pedagogy with a focus on sustainable practices that honour Indigenous ways of knowing. She is currently enrolled in a certificate program, communities of practice and active learning alongside the preschoolers she cares for. Advocacy is at the heart of her work, believing that children have the right to quality, safe, and inclusive early education. Fair compensation and decent working environments for educators is pivotal to providing inclusive, accessible, quality childcare in Ontario. Over her 20 years as an educator, she has watched too many colleagues leave the profession due to low wages, lack of access to affordable childcare for their own children and disillusionment with the state of childcare in Ontario. She desires to see educators valued, respected and empowered to provide quality education for our children. “The children are always ours, every single one of them, all over the globe; and I am beginning to suspect that whoever is incapable of recognizing this may be incapable of morality.” James Baldwin

Jamie Wagler (she/her) RECE, OCT, BA Psychology

MEMBER-AT-LARGE

My name is Jamie Wagler and I am a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) and Ontario Certified Teacher (OCT) with a BA in Psychology. I am currently the full-time Supervisor at Stratford Cygnets Nursery School and Chair of the School Council at Anne Hathaway Public School. With over a decade of experience in early childhood education, I am deeply committed to creating high-quality, inclusive, and empowering environments for children and educators. I am the founder of Miss Jamie Consulting, where I design and facilitate professional development workshops across Canada—both in person and virtually—focused on supporting educators, especially those in before and after school programs. I have presented in British Columbia, Prince Edward Island, and Ontario, and I am currently leading a four-part series in Chatham from fall 2025 through summer 2026. I also host The Forgotten ECE Podcast, a space dedicated to amplifying the often-overlooked voices of ECEs. I am running for the AECEO Board because I believe deeply in the power of our profession and the importance of advocating for those working in diverse and underrepresented settings. I bring strengths in compliance leadership, systems thinking, and professional mentorship, and I am passionate about building psychologically safe, joyful workplaces where educators feel seen, supported, and valued. As a leader, I listen with empathy, act with integrity, and speak up for change. I care about equity, inclusion, and the sustainability of our sector. If elected, I will bring my energy, experience, and unwavering commitment to advancing the AECEO’s mission and supporting educators across the province. Thank you for considering me as a candidate for the AECEO Board.