Ashley (NS)

Ashley was nominated by a co-worker as someone who embodies Kindness. The co-worker shared, “On Tuesday morning, one of our educators found herself stranded on the side of a busy highway when her car broke down on her way to work. Ashley, seeing the situation, stopped to help. She arranged for a tow truck to take the car to a local repair shop and ensured she had reliable transportation for the next two days, driving her to and from work. Then, on Wednesday afternoon, our region was hit with a snowstorm that made commuting home difficult and dangerous. Many of our new staff, who had never experienced a storm-day commute, were concerned about using public transit due to slippery sidewalks and poor visibility. Ashley took the initiative to check in with all her co-workers, asking how they were getting home and where they lived. She created a list, coordinated carpooling with other staff, and personally drove three colleagues home. During one of the rides, Ashley discovered that a new staff member was spending $25 each day on an Uber to get to work. Not surprisingly, on Thursday morning, Ashley offered this staff member a ride to work to help save her the cost of her daily Uber fare. When I asked Ashley why she goes above and beyond, despite having a family to get home to herself, she simply responded, “I know many of them are new here and don’t have people to help them, and it’s just the right thing to do.” For her selfless acts and unwavering support of her co-workers, I would like to nominate Ashley on behalf of all the staff she helped this week. She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure her colleagues are safe, supported, and cared for.“

Loren (Manalapan)

Loren was nominated by a co-worker as someone who embodies Innovation. The co-worker shared, “Ms. Loren introduces innovative and engaging learning experiences for her children through unique and fun activities. She encourages her infants to explore by playing with frozen ice blocks containing flowers or even real snow. Most recently, in celebration of the Lunar New Year, she offered the infants the opportunity to explore cooked spaghetti dyed red. The activity was such a hit that it extended to all the classes. Preschool and Pre-K students also had the chance to learn how to use chopsticks while exploring the pasta. A true team player, Ms. Loren frequently shares her creative ideas with her co-workers.“

Natalia (BC)

Natalia was nominated by a parent as someone who embody Diversity. The parent shared, “I would like to acknowledge the outstanding team at Kids & Company Victoria Centre for their unwavering dedication to diversity and inclusion, particularly in supporting children with disabilities. Their openness to attending a session on Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), led by our child’s Speech and Language Pathologist, reflects their deep commitment to giving every child a voice. The team’s enthusiasm and adaptability in integrating this approach into their practices are truly inspiring. Thank you for fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where all children can thrive. Your commitment to inclusivity and diversity does not go unnoticed and is greatly appreciated. Thank you!“

Barry (NS)

Barry was nominated by a parent as someone who embodies Courageous. The parent shared, “Thank you so much for everything you do! You consistently go above and beyond, carefully checking the bus for safety every time. You navigate winter roads with a full load of kids, ensuring everyone’s well-being. I truly appreciate how you clear the snow off the steps and create a safe path to the bus. Your friendly attitude and warm greetings every morning make all the difference. You absolutely deserve the recognition for your dedication and hard work!“

Alex (MA)

Alex was nominated by a co-worker as someone who embodies Optimism. The co-worker shared, “

Alex joined our team just a few short months ago, and even though he was new to this line of work, he eagerly embraced the challenge of learning both the ins and outs of the school and the kitchen. He consistently listens attentively to instructions and approaches every task with kindness and determination. Feeding 100+ children every day and handling all the dishes is no small feat, yet Alex tackles it with A+ effort and a positive attitude. His optimism shines through in everything he does, and he takes great pride in doing a job well done. To all the children, Alex is truly a superhero!“