Our Staff

Our qualified educators, each bring their own passions, skills, experiences, and share in the daily joys of being a child.

  • A black and white photograph of a young girl with shoulder-length hair, looking up, wearing a speckled shirt and holding a toy or object in her hand.

    Andrea Kaback

    General Manager & ECEa

    I am continually inspired by children's outside-of-the-box thinking and problem solving.  Watching the children's and staff's growth, as their connections and relationships deepen, is the most rewarding part of my job. 

    When I'm not at work I try to make theatre happen - the best way I know, for grown ups to play!

  • A young girl with shoulder-length hair, wearing a light-colored shirt with a cartoon graphic and text, smiling with her mouth open, showing teeth, and wearing an earring.

    Jody Moyls

    ECE

    I have always enjoyed working with children. I feel so lucky to have a career doing what brings me joy and amazing people I get to work with. 

    Outside of the centre I enjoy spending time with my own children. We love that we live in a place where we can walk the mountain and spend time on the beach all in the same day.

  • Melisande Chagnon

    ECE IT

    Children remind me, in every moment, that being here and now is the most important. They bring me so much joy, just in being themselves that it makes me want to give them, and myself, the best of me.

    Every week I thrive in reminding myself that there IS enough time for everything, such as growing gardens, building with mud, practicing self-healing, prepping gourmet food, creating therapeutic stories, kayaking the ocean and cycling the roads.

  • A young girl with blonde hair and sad eyes.

    Jala Klone

    ECE

    I have had the opportunity to support children of all ages most of my life. I am a passionate ECE that loves to connect with young children through hands on, child led inquiry and play based approaches. My favourite way of supporting children’s growth, curiosity and development is by providing opportunities for building relationships and connection with the outdoor environment.

    When I am not supporting children I can be found in my garden, long forest or beach walks or being creative sewing and weaving willow baskets.

  • A young girl with long, blonde hair and a bright smile, wearing a black sweater with small red and orange floral patterns and a red shirt underneath. She has a black headband and a red buttoned dress or sweater.

    Autumn Phillips

    ECEa

    I enjoy working with children because they bring a playful and inquisitive energy to each day, allowing me to glimpse the world from their magical perspective of being in the moment and creative. Guiding them through their ongoing development of emotion processing, social interaction and physical skills is a privilege and teaches me so much in return. 

    Outside of work you'll find me with my family and friends, exploring the world through travel, outdoor sports and lifelong learning.

  • A young girl taking a mirror selfie in a dance or ballet studio. She is smiling and holding a pink paper crown with the name 'Nina' written on it. She is wearing a blue long-sleeve top, light-colored pants, and black shoes. Regal-themed accessories are attached to her crown.

    Nina Stuhlmacher

    ECEa

    Working at the Hornby Daycare has brought a lot of joy and laughter into my life. Everyday is a new chance to connect and experience the wonder of life through a child’s lens.

    When I’m not at work I like to spend time with my family and friends in nature.

  • Surbhi Singla

    ECEa

    I enjoy working with children because every day is different and full of learning, creativity, and fun. I love helping children grow, build confidence, and feel supported in a safe and caring environment. Seeing their smiles and watching them learn new things brings me a lot of happiness and satisfaction.

    Outside of work, I enjoy visiting new places, meeting new people, and listening to music. I love exploring different experiences and spending quality time with family and friends, which helps me stay positive and energized.

  • A woman with curly hair and wearing a floral sweater looks at a young girl with red hair and a denim jacket, both sitting outdoors near a waterfall.

    Elise Gottzmann

    RA

    I’m passionate about working with children because they see the world with curiosity and excitement. Being part of their everyday discoveries is what makes spending time with them feel like a privilege as opposed to work. 

    Outside the daycare, you’re likely to find me jamming on the beach.

  • A young girl with curly blonde hair, brown eyes, and light skin is standing outdoors behind a tree, looking off to the side.

    Imogen Ignatiuk

    RA

    Every morning, as soon as I step into the daycare building, there is a huge smile on my face. I feel so deeply grateful to work a job that fills me with so much purpose and passion. Every day brings a separate challenge that is a joy to figure out.

    Along side childcare, I spend my time writing, dancing, and creating and participating in theatre projects!

  • A young child with curly hair, wearing a yellow jacket, pink boots, and a gray hat, happily sledding down a snowy hill in a red sled.

    Catie Castle

    RA

    I have dreamed about working in childcare since I was 10 years old. Children’s innocence, honesty and their eagerness to learn makes it all so rewarding.

    When I’m not at work I love playing baseball and spending time with the people who make me happy.

  • Chaya Max Mills

    RA

    I love working with kids and getting to connect my love of arts and ecology to their creativity and curiosity. They help me unlock my inner child and are the lightest part in this world. I hope to bring just a bit of positivity, confidence and love for nature into their lives. 

    In my free time my hobbies/passions are under-water photography, hiking, backpacking, kayaking, (really anything outside), and watercolour painting. I plan on bringing these elements into the program to hopefully inspire our Hornby youth. 

  • Jack Reid

    RA

    Some of my favourite parts of spending time with children is how creative they are, how much fun they’re capable of having, their innocent nature, and how they lead with curiosity instead of judgment. 

    As an oldest brother of 4 boys I take a great pride in being a good role model for younger kids to be around and connect with.

    Things I love outside of work is making music, visual arts, the outdoors and having fun.

Group of people, adults and children, outdoors in a wooded area holding a colorful sign with text, celebrating outdoors with trees in the background.

Work With Us

Interested in joining our team of educators?
We’d love to hear from you.

We are currently hiring multiple positions for ECE & ECEa.

2-4 days per week, hiring ongoing.

Our Board

As a non-profit society and registered charity, the Hornby Island Daycare Society is overseen by a volunteer board of directors made up of parents and community members.

Please email hornbyislandaycare@gmail.com to inquire about joining the board.

The board meets monthly from September through June with meetings called in the summer as necessary.

Our most recent Annual General Meeting was held on September 15, 2025.

Faron Crowe, President

Ellah Matten, Vice President

Julia Tassonyi, Secretary

Mathona Thomson, Treasurer

Lesley Foran, Director at Large

Jennifer Fletcher , Director at large