Meet the Team – The Chestnut Tree Pre-School

Eileen Hunter-Cook

Chief Executive Officer, Board Chair & Founder

Eileen comes to us with over 25 years experience in both the childcare and aviation industries. Eileen began her career in aviation in 1987 with Wardair and rose through the ranks to Senior, Regional Manager at Westjet and then Executive Vice President, Business Development at Navstar Aviation. As a member of the senior management team in one of the top Canadian Commercial Airlines, Eileen was responsible for the performance management and operations in Canada, Eastern USA & Caribbean with a team of more than 1200 staff and a budget of more than $52m.

Eileen has been a volunteer board member in a Senior Management Capacity on several non-profit childcare boards over the past 25+ years. She actively participated in partnership with the Ontario Childcare Sector to support and change the new legislation which modernizes and strengthens Ontario’s child care system in order to better support parents and give children the best possible start in life. Building on these new regulatory changes in the Childcare Early Years Act (CCYEA), continues to refine and improve the regulatory framework to maintain momentum of positive change and continue to support the health, safety and well-being of all children in Ontario.

Eileen earned her degree in Tourism, Technical Trade and Geography in 1980 and since that time she has offered professional business experience in both financial and operational management strategies with a 25+ plus year record of achievements and demonstrated success while being the Co-founder of The Chestnut Tree Preschool.

Cindy Lebel

Chief Financial Officer, Board Director & Founder

Cindy’s experience is in business finance. She has leadership experience in companies, where she has held management positions in Sales, Business Development and Data processing. Cindy is a top sales and marketing professional spanning many fields such as community sporting events, linen & textile, medical microfilm records, children’s services, and retail.

Cindy also has over 25 years experience in managing small bookkeeping businesses. Her commitment to non-profit and charitable organizations both as a board member, key financial contributor, or volunteer are well recognized. Her dedication to children dates back over 25 years as a volunteer board member, coach, fundraising events chair person, assisting young children and the elderly.

Cindy is heavily involved in community fundraising and charity events while being the Co-founder of The Chestnut Tree Preschool.

Bonnie Douglas

Registered Early Childhood Educator, General Manager

Bonnie serves as the General Manager of The Chestnut Tree Preschool, overseeing the day-to-day operations of our childcare programs and providing leadership and support across the organization. She works closely with our Supervisors and staff while also supporting the children and families we serve. Her approachable leadership style, extensive operational knowledge and commitment to quality childcare help ensure our centres operate safely, effectively and consistently.

As a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) with more than 18 years of experience in childcare, Bonnie is passionate about creating positive learning environments that encourage young children to develop confidence, independence and a strong sense of self-worth.

Throughout her 11 years with The Chestnut Tree Preschool, Bonnie has played an important role in the growth and development of our organization and has been instrumental in the successful launch of several of our new childcare programs throughout the Niagara Region. She brings extensive knowledge of childcare licensing requirements, public health standards, and Ministry of Education licensing and compliance regulations.

Bonnie’s professional background extends beyond early childhood education and includes experience as a Personal Support Worker supporting seniors, as well as medical administration within a nursing home environment. This diverse experience has contributed to her strong organizational, administrative and leadership skills.

Bonnie earned her Business Administration diploma in 2008 and continued her education and professional development in Early Childhood Education, earning her Early Childhood Education diploma in 2015 and becoming a Registered Early Childhood Educator.

Over the years, Bonnie has contributed her experience across virtually every area of our organization, including childcare operations, family registration, marketing, human resources and operational management. Her extensive knowledge of our organization, dedication to our families and children, and ongoing support of our Supervisors and staff make Bonnie an integral and highly valued member of The Chestnut Tree Preschool leadership team.

The Leadership Team

Miss Hailey

Registered Early Childhood Educator, Program Supervisor, Lincoln Manor Childcare Centre

Miss Hailey leads our team of qualified Registered Early Childhood Educators and Educational Assistants at our Lincoln Manor Childcare Centre. She provides leadership and day-to-day operational oversight while supporting a safe, nurturing and engaging environment for both children and staff.

Hailey is a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) with a deep passion for the children in her care and a particular interest in child safety and safety programming. She supports our team in implementing How Does Learning Happen? Ontario’s Pedagogy for the Early Years, which emphasizes learning through relationships and supports children’s learning, development, health and well-being.

With more than seven years of experience in the early learning and childcare sector, Miss Hailey brings considerable knowledge and expertise to our programs. She has also been instrumental in supporting the successful launch of several of The Chestnut Tree Preschool’s new childcare programs throughout the Niagara Region.

Prior to joining The Chestnut Tree Preschool, Hailey worked in a variety of childcare settings, including preschool, daycare and YMCA programs, where she gained extensive experience planning, organizing and implementing developmentally appropriate activities and learning opportunities for young children.

Miss Hailey is a graduate of Niagara College, where she earned her Diploma in Early Childhood Education. She is a registered member in good standing with the College of Early Childhood Educators of Ontario.

Hailey is committed to ongoing professional growth and regularly participates in continuing education and professional development opportunities to remain current with emerging practices, regulations and learning approaches in the early years and childcare sector. Her dedication, leadership and genuine commitment to the children, families and staff she supports make Miss Hailey a highly valued member of The Chestnut Tree Preschool team.

Miss Katie

Registered Early Childhood Educator, Program Supervisor, Grimsby Childcare Centre

Miss Katie-Lynn leads our team of qualified Registered Early Childhood Educators and Educational Assistants at our Grimsby Childcare Centre. She provides leadership, guidance and day-to-day operational oversight while supporting our staff, children and families and helping to ensure a safe, nurturing and engaging environment.

As a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE), Katie-Lynn supports our team in implementing How Does Learning Happen? Ontario’s Pedagogy for the Early Years, with an emphasis on learning through relationships and supporting each child’s development, health, well-being and sense of belonging.

With more than 18 years of childcare experience, all of which has been with The Chestnut Tree Preschool, Katie-Lynn brings an exceptional understanding of our organization, our programs and the families we serve. Throughout her many years with us, she has grown professionally alongside the organization, developing extensive hands-on experience in early learning, programming, child development, staff support and childcare operations.

Katie-Lynn has a genuine passion for the children in her care, with a strong focus on their safety and well-being. She brings creativity and enthusiasm to curriculum and programming, helping to make children’s experiences fun, engaging and meaningful. She values learning alongside children, encouraging their natural curiosity and giving them opportunities to explore, problem-solve and discover the world around them.

Katie-Lynn continued her professional education in Early Childhood Education and became a Registered Early Childhood Educator in 2022. She is an active member in good standing with the College of Early Childhood Educators of Ontario and continues to participate in professional development and learning opportunities to strengthen her knowledge and leadership.

Katie-Lynn’s more than 18 years of dedication to The Chestnut Tree Preschool, combined with her experience, leadership and commitment to our children, families and staff, make her a trusted and highly valued member of our leadership team.

Miss Natalia

Registered Early Childhood Educator, Program Supervisor, Beamsville Childcare Centre

Miss Natalia is the Program Supervisor of our Beamsville Childcare Centre, where she leads and supports our team of qualified Registered Early Childhood Educators and Educational Assistants. She provides day-to-day leadership and operational oversight while supporting our children, families and staff and helping to maintain a safe, welcoming and engaging early learning environment.

As a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE), Natalia has a genuine passion for working with young children and supporting them throughout their important early learning years. She is known for her patient and caring approach and her ability to build positive, collaborative relationships with children, families and colleagues.

Natalia is particularly committed to helping children develop empathy, confidence, independence and positive social skills. She encourages children to explore, share, communicate and recognize the feelings of others while supporting each child in achieving their individual developmental goals.

Miss Natalia joined The Chestnut Tree Preschool in early 2023, bringing extensive experience and knowledge to our programs. Prior to joining our team, she worked in a variety of early learning and childcare settings with children ranging in age from 15 months to 12 years.

With more than nine years of experience in Early Childhood Education, Natalia has had the opportunity to nurture and guide children through many important stages of their development. Her experience has given her a strong understanding of children’s social, emotional, cognitive and physical development and the importance of creating inclusive and responsive learning environments.

As Program Supervisor, Natalia also provides leadership and mentorship to her team. She has demonstrated a strong ability to support newer educators, collaborate with colleagues and contribute to initiatives that strengthen curriculum, programming and overall classroom environments.

Natalia is committed to ongoing professional development and regularly expands her knowledge of current early childhood education practices, theories and approaches.

Miss Natalia holds a Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Studies from Brock University, graduating in 2018, and a Diploma in Early Childhood Education from Fanshawe College, graduating in 2020. She is a Registered Early Childhood Educator and a member in good standing with the College of Early Childhood Educators of Ontario.

Natalia’s patience, professionalism, leadership and genuine commitment to our children, families and staff make her a trusted and highly valued member of The Chestnut Tree Preschool leadership team.

Miss Sarah

Registered Early Childhood Educator, Program Supervisor, Beamsville Plaza Childcare Centre

Miss Sarah is the Program Supervisor of our Beamsville Plaza Childcare Centre, where she leads and supports our team of qualified Registered Early Childhood Educators and Educational Assistants. She provides day-to-day leadership and operational oversight while supporting our children, families and staff and helping to ensure a safe, welcoming and engaging early learning environment.

As a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE), Sarah is passionate about creating caring and responsive relationships with the children and families she serves. She places a strong emphasis on curriculum, thoughtful pedagogical approaches and the overall well-being of children, ensuring that these values are reflected throughout the learning environments at her centre.

Sarah has worked in the childcare and early learning field since 2018 and joined The Chestnut Tree Preschool in 2021. During her time with our organization, she has demonstrated strong leadership, dedication and a willingness to take on new challenges. Sarah was instrumental in the planning, creation and successful launch of our newest childcare centre, Beamsville Plaza, and continues to play an important role in its ongoing growth and success.

Sarah’s professional experience extends beyond traditional childcare settings and includes working in a variety of preschool environments, supporting at-risk youth and coaching gymnastics for school-aged children. These experiences have provided her with a broad understanding of children’s individual needs and the importance of creating inclusive, supportive and engaging environments where children can develop confidence and reach their potential.

As Program Supervisor, Sarah works collaboratively with her educators, families and children to build a strong sense of community within the centre. She supports her team through leadership and mentorship while encouraging high-quality programming that reflects the interests, abilities and individual needs of the children.

Miss Sarah is a graduate of Algonquin College, where she completed her Early Childhood Education studies. She is a Registered Early Childhood Educator and a member in good standing with the College of Early Childhood Educators of Ontario.

Sarah is committed to continuous learning and regularly participates in professional development opportunities throughout the Niagara Region to expand her knowledge and remain current with evolving practices in Early Childhood Education.

Sarah’s passion for early learning, commitment to our families, collaborative leadership and important contribution to the creation and successful launch of Beamsville Plaza make her a trusted and highly valued member of The Chestnut Tree Preschool leadership team.

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