The Team

Hello my name is Emilie I was born in the lower mainland moved to Kelowna in 2006 which I have grown to love the beauties that the Okanagan have to offer. In 2017 I worked with afterschool children that’s where my love for working in childcare grew. I started working at Creative Advange in 2023 I started off in the toddler room then I got moved to the infant room which after a few months I got promoted to room lead. I have worked with all different age groups 3-5, toddlers, and infants even know I love all the age groups I just love the infant room. I get to see the babies hit some of their milestones like learning to crawl then walk, learning to feed themselves for the first time, and say some words. I have a son who I had in 2020 who is my whole world, we are a very active family on the weekends you might find us at parks, swimming, or doing shopping.

Hello, I’m Jasleen! I’m originally from India and came to Canada as an international student in 2021. I graduated with a diploma in Early Childhood Education (ECE) from Northern College, Ontario, with qualifications in SN (Special Needs) and IT (Infant and Toddler).The beautiful weather and scenic views of Kelowna brought me here. I work as an infant and toddler educator in the infant room. I love working with infants because I can play with them and provide them safe environment. The best part of my job is seeing them grow and develop so many skills every day. I’m so glad to be part of the Creative Advantage team.

Hi I’m  Priya. I am an Early childhood Educator Assistant at Creative Advantage Childcare. I am originally from India and came to Canada as an international student in 2021. 

I joined Creative Advantage Childcare in January 2024, I am thrilled to be a part of the CA team and look forward to create meaningful connections with the children and their families.

I have always had a deep passion for working with children and supporting their growth and development during these crucial early years. Seeing little ones learn, explore, and build confidence each day is incredibly rewarding, and I feel privileged to be part of their journey.

I chose this field because I believe that a strong foundation in early childhood sets the stage for a lifetime of learning. My goal is to create a warm, nurturing, and stimulating environment where children feel safe and encouraged to express themselves. I enjoy engaging them in creative activities, storytelling, and hands-on learning experiences that spark their curiosity and imagination.

Outside of work, I enjoy cooking, hiking, painting, listening to music, going outside and exploring new places. These interests often inspire me to bring fun and engaging activities into the classroom, making learning a joyful experience for the children. 

Hello, my name is Yukino, and I am originally from Japan. I moved to Canada in 2018 and graduated from the Early Childhood Education Basic program at Sprott Shaw College Kelowna in 2021. I have a passion for working with children and believe in creating a nurturing and engaging environment where they can explore, learn, and grow. Since joining the Creative Advantage team, I have been continuously learning and finding joy in every moment with both the children and the team. My goal as an educator is to see the world through the children’s eyes, cherishing every moment when their eyes shine with wonder and excitement. Outside of work, I enjoy cooking, going for walks, and gardening. I find happiness in little things – delicious food, sunshine, and blooming flowers.

Hi my name is Leah. I am originally from the United States but moved to Canada in 2009. My husband and I had our amazing daughter in 2021, and watching her grow and develop is what started me on the path to becoming certified as an ECEA in 2024. I have so much fun seeing how little ones experience and interact with the world around them, and feel so priviledged that I get to be apart of it! I also have a golden retriever named Charlie, a cat named Yoshi and in my spare time I love to get outside and explore nature, read and write.

Hi, my name is Marie! I was born in the lower mainland and relocated to the Okanagan when I was 10 years old. I have a daughter who is my whole world! I was fortunate enough to have had amazing childcare for my daughter as she grew up and realized the importance of finding high quality care that meets a family’s needs.

Upon moving to Kelowna with my daughter in 2011, I felt it was also time for a change of career; something more fulfilling and something my daughter would be proud of me for. At the time I held a position in the salon industry working as an Esthetician and Nail Technician, so after a lot of soul searching, I decided that childcare was right for me!

In 2014, after completing my practicum at Creative Advantage and graduating with a diploma in Early Childhood Education, I was happy to be hired on as a full-time employee. I love the family atmosphere Creative Advantage holds. The team at this centre work together to create a safe and loving environment, rich in learning experiences, creative opportunities, and strong relationships.

Hello, I’m Rie (Leeay)!  I’m from Japan and moved to Canada in 2021. I graduated from the ECE program at Okanagan College in 2024 with an ECE SN/ IT certificate, and jumped into this amazing place to work!

I wanted to become an ECE because I believe that young children are full of potential and are all beautiful human beings. I have a passion for nurturing their creativity and uniqueness to support them in their life’s journey. It is a joy to witness their growth and colourful personalities!

I am thankful to be a part of Creative Advantage Childcare, an incredible place that provides children with opportunities to learn and grow. I value free play, music, dance, and all creative programs. I am grateful to work with this team of enthusiastic educators, who are so passionate about providing quality care.

When I’m not working, I enjoy hiking/ camping/ biking with my four kids and/or my friends, gardening, and getting to know about Canada and the people here!

Hi, I’m Sue! I moved to Kelowna in 2009 with my family from Windsor, Ontario. I graduated from St. Clair College in 1991 with a certificate in Early Childhood Education as well as Infant Toddler care. Before moving to Kelowna, I ran my own in-home daycare for 8 years. I have worked with all ages, but for the past 18 years I have worked mostly with the 2–3-year-old age group. My favourite part of the day with the kids is circle time and doing crafts. When I am not at work, I enjoy hanging out with my two kids, going for walks at Mission Creek, cooking, and baking.

Hi, my name is Nikol, and I am from Chile. I graduated from Okanagan College with an Early Childhood Education (ECE) diploma, which includes certifications in Special Needs and Infant Toddler care. I am passionate about teaching and creating safe, welcoming, and supportive environments for children and their families.

I am proud to be part of the Creative Advantage family, where we share a warm and caring workplace.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family — riding bikes, going for walks, cooking delicious meals with my children, and relaxing with our cat.

Hi my name is Kalli and I started in April 2014 with creative Advantage. Iam a licensed ECE that graduated from Vancouver Career College in august 2010. I have always wanted to work with children since my first niece who was born in 1996. She has a condition called Tar Syndrome and was told she was not able to do a lot of things. Watching her grow was amazing and I knew I wanted to be around children from there on, I have three other nieces and one beautiful little girl of my own whom I am very proud of everyday. Being around children is so much easier then being around adults because I find you can be yourself be silly and you get to have fun all day. Most of all what I enjoy is watching them grow and develop and knowing I have helped them get there puts a smile on my face everyday.

Hi, I’m Valentina and I am originally from Moldova. I moved to Canada in Saskatchewan in 2007 and recently moved to Kelowna back in 2022. I am a proud mom of 3 amazing kids and they are my whole world. Before joining the Creative Advantage team, I worked at a gym daycare for 7 years. I currently work with the 3-5 year old group, and I truly love spending my days teaching, creating crafts and being part of each child’s learning journey. I also speak 3 languages, English, Romanian and Russian, and I enjoy connecting with children and families from all backgrounds. In my free time, I love going on bike rides, going to the beach and spending time with my family.

Hello, my name is Kayla! I was born in Kelowna and moved to Edmonton at a young age before returning in 2023 to be closer to family. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Drama from Concordia University of Edmonton (2021) and completed my Infant/Toddler and Special Needs certification at Portage College (2024).My passion for working with children began at 14 when I became a ski apprentice, later teaching skiing for 10 seasons. Seeing the joy on children’s faces as they learned something new inspired me to pursue a career in childcare. While I have experience with all age groups, I now primarily focus on children ages 2-5. I especially love facilitating crafts and creative activities, encouraging children to express themselves through art. Outside of work, I enjoy skiing at Big White, figure skating, and 10-pin bowling. I look forward to getting to know you and your little ones!

My name is Maykala. I am a very bubbly and caring person. I always have a smile on my face, am easy to talk to, and easy to get to know. I have lived on a farm in a small town in Saskatchewan for 18 years, and I’ve made the best decision to move to Kelowna after high school in 2014. I graduated from Vancouver Career College in 2016. On my spare time, you will see me hiking, camping, paddle boarding…anything to do with the outdoors with my Australian shepherd (Kaya) . My mom and Grandma used to own a Scrap-booking store, so I learned a lot and have developed a passion for Arts and Crafts. I chose Early Childhood education because I love watching all of the little ones learn and grow. The children make me laugh and smile every day and I feel very grateful to be a part of their lives. I love working with them, teaching them, and helping shape them into the young adults they become. 

Hi, my name is Husan. I am an early childhood Educator with 7 years of experience, having completed my ECE certification from Sprott Shaw 2018. originally from India, I moved to Canada in 2017and have since developed a deep passion for working with children. my role as an educator allows me to nurture and shape young minds, helping them develop positive thoughts and behaviors. I love spending time with children, especially in multi age settings, as it allows me to contribute to their growth in unique ways. I believe in creating a safe and welcoming environment where each child can thrive. their safety and wellness are always my top priority, as I know how much trust parents place in me when they leave their children in my care. outside of work I enjoy exploring different cuisines, cooking Indian food, and hiking. these hobbies help me maintain balance and creativity in my life. i joined creative advantage in 2024, and i truly enjoy being a part of such a supportive and welcoming team. the management is wonderful always listening to our needs offering opportunities for growth and ensuring that everyone feels valued. for me, being and educator is more than just a job, it allows me to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families.

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Hi, I’m Arwinder. I came to Canada as an international student in January 2020 and have since built a rewarding career in Early Childhood Education. Working with children brings me immense joy. I believe that every child is a unique flower, and together, they make the world a beautiful garden. This philosophy guides my approach to nurturing and supporting each child’s growth and development. Alongside my work in Early Childhood Education, I have also been employed in the retail industry. I am furthering my education with the goal of deepening my knowledge and enhancing the care I provide.

Hi I’m Kirsten. I completed my ECE and Special Needs Diploma at Okanagan College after completing my BA in English. I spent a few months backpacking in Europe, living in Paris, France for a year and doing a year of Elementary Ed in Vancouver before deciding on my early childhood career. I grew up in Rose Valley, on the edge of the forest and spent my summer at Mabel Lake.  Outdoor play and creative play were part of my daily life and I love to share these with children. I have recently moved back to Kelowna after living in Vancouver for 15 years and working in and managing daycare centres.  I strongly believe in lifelong learning and professional development. My most recent achievements are becoming certified as a children’s yoga instructor, Reiki and EFT tapping practitioner.  

I am blessed to have two careers that I am passionate about and that support others.  I enjoy incorporating my healing and childcare by hosting “Little Zens” mindfulness programs.  I believe that teaching nervous system regulation and emotional awareness benefits everyone and can create empowered people. One of my favourite sayings is; “Children are born with wings, teachers help them to fly”.  I sincerely hope I am helping your children fly.