Antoinette Franklin (Kind)

Tech Town in Ontario 

Nominated by two Parents:

Nomination #1: Antoinette has been a constant in both our daughter’s time in care. She is helpful, kind, and goes above and beyond to serve their comfort and ours. She is exceptional at understanding our needs as ‘grievers’ having lost a child in the past and is a wonderful light in our girls’ lives.

Nomination #2: I wish I could select all categories to nominate Antoinette. She fits into all of them and more. My son was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and gravitates daily toward her. When she is not around, he becomes extremely upset. Antoinette is one of the kindest and most loving people I have ever met in my life. To see her extreme patience and understanding with my son is more than any parent can hope for. Antoinette is very innovative and is always coming up with new ways to help my son or calm him. Antoinette is diverse in many aspects and has extreme knowledge of many aspects of my child’s needs and wants. Antoinette is courageous, brave, and strong. I know it takes a lot to provide for a special needs child, and she handles it with grace. Antoinette is precisely what any parent wants for their child when seeking child care. I don’t know what we’re going to do without her come September when my son starts school. She will be dearly missed by our family, especially my son.

Min Zhang & Teresa Abag (Innovative)

Vancouver in British Columbia

Nominated by a Co-worker : Min and Teresa took it upon themselves to have a greener centre! They have been working around the playgrounds planting with the children. They have a beautiful garden they care for and take the opportunity to teach children about nature and caring for a living thing! Congrats!

Nafees Feroz (Diverse)

Langley in British Columbia

Nominated by a Co-worker: Nafees is always helping his co-workers. He is the guardian of this centre, when it comes to dealing with staff issues, parents, and children. When in doubt everyone looks to Nafees for advice. Children love him and he always creates a special bond with each and every one of them. Nafees always has a smile on his face and we can’t get enough of his morning greeting. We just love it!

Brittany Megennis (Courageous)

Sherwood Park in Alberta

Nominated by a Co-worker: I believe Brittany is all of the KidCo values, though she shows her courageous ways daily. A courageous person is strong, fearless, and brave. Brittany has many wonderful attributes; she is one of our greatest leaders. At our centre, having Brittany as the Director is what keeps the staff and the programs solid and smooth. When we are faced with challenges, Brittany fearlessly leads her staff and makes everything work for her people. The centre is very well run by Brittany, she is the main reason that people want to work at the centre. Brittany is nothing short of inspiring, she pushes people to think in creative ways, helps us learn, encourages us to grow, thinks of solutions to problems, supports us, listens to concerns, and is positive. Brittany’s constant hard work, compassion, creativity, and courage are the best traits and values you could ask for in a leader.

Nilufar Azizi (Optimistic)

Port Moody in British Columbia

Nominated by a Parent: Nilufar (“Nilu”) is a bright ray of sunshine on a cloudy day. She is always smiling and full of positive energy. She was my son’s teacher in the infant room and even though he is now in preschool, he will still stop in to see her every morning and she always makes time for him. She makes leaving my child every day an easy decision. I have no idea where she gets all her energy from, but I am so grateful that she has been part of my son’s upbringing. I think she is a big part of the reason that my son is so kind (he doesn’t get it from me, ha!).