CAYC 2023 Annual General Meeting

 Luis Velasquez

My name is Luis Velasquez, I work as a Preschool Educator at Oak at Holy Trinity Early Childhood Learning Centre in Sarnia, Ontario and I have been with London Bridge since 2013.

Sharing a little bit about myself, I was born in Colombia and years ago, I had the opportunity to work in a community setting with children diagnosed with Down Syndrome during one of my University work placements as a Social Communicator and Journalist.

This was the most rewarding experience I had ever had and then, when I moved to Canada, I decided to follow my heart, so I learned English and then, I became a Developmental Services worker. I worked with both adults and children with different diagnosis, but it was during this stage in my life when I discover my real passion for working with children in general, so pursued my Early Childhood Education Diploma.

Cassandra Douglas

Cassandra Douglas has worked for London Bridge Childcare Services  in different roles over a span of 10 years, the last 2 years spent as a pedagogical leader within the organization.  She is a graduate from Fanshawe College in both the ECE and DSW programs.  Cassandra names working with children as a personal calling as she truly values the connections made through relationships and care practices.  Growing up with a brother with special needs instilled a passion for advocating for inclusion and growing cultures of diversity in educational environments.  In working with London Bridge, she has been able to continue her learning and growth in this passion.  She works closely with centres throughout London Bridge to re imagine our environments and practices to consider the Rights and needs of ALL children.  This work has led to a collaboration with others in the working community to create a Children’s Rights Committee.  This is a space where educators come together to reflect on practices and learn from others in the work towards supporting the rights of children and families in our care. Cassandra believes Early Childhood learning environments are an important space in our society but we do not do this work in isolation.   She strives to make connections beyond the centre and organization she works in to learn and grow alongside others in the field. 

Charlotte Prince

Charlotte is a Registered Early Childhood Educator working as the Centre Director and Pedagogical Lead at London Bridge Child Care Services, Adelaide ECLC. Charlotte has a passion for studying and rethinking our traditional practices alongside educators and young children. As a Developmental Service Worker, Charlotte also feels a deep responsibility to supporting children’s rights and holds equity and inclusion in the highest regard. She enjoys supporting others in their growth and plays an active role in community professional learning initiatives through the Association of Early Childhood Educators of Ontario.