tessie burton

I have been an Early Childhood Educator since 1997 in a variety of settings both in Ontario and Europe.  I also hold a diploma in the Montessori Method of Education.  Over the years my personal teaching philosophy has changed and evolved to incorporate elements from Montessori, Waldorf and Reggio.  I believe in following the child and therefore creating a learning environment which is both nurturing and sparks an interest and love of learning in the child.

I first came to Creative as a parent in 2014 when my first daughter Ginny joined the program. After she graduated from CPS I was lucky enough to have been offered a teaching position here.

In my spare time, I am kept busy by my little family and our many adventures and I like to be crafty and go hoola-hooping. I’m currently working with our JK Alternate class in the West room.

carolina calvo

Hi, I’m Carolina and I’ve been with Creative Preschool since 2012 and loved every minute of it. At Creative we are a team and that sense of family permeates everything we do. This place has been my second home and the friends I work with every day my second family. At Creative the children and the teachers love to play and in doing so we grow and learn together. I love to sing, I love a good cup of coffee and I love getting to know all the little faces I work with every day. I currently teach in the West room.

Jacquelynn Chartres

Hi, I’m Jacquelynn and I have been part of the Creative Preschool community since 2012. My experience working with children began in my late teens and I discovered my passion. In the past I have also worked as a nanny. I love art and crafting and enjoy bringing my passion for the two into the classroom. When I am not at work you can probably find me anywhere there are cats. You will see me in the West Room and supporting around the school.

jennifer davison

After graduating from Humber College in 1995, I have been honoured to work as a RECE and supervisor at a few child care centres and now at Creative Preschool where I started in 2012. In my career, I was also appointed to the position of Director of a new centre in Mississauga.  There, I was involved in all aspects of starting a brand new, for profit child care from the ground up, construction and everything.  Also, I learned my true passion is in non profit, integrated childcare.

My passion is working with children and families.  I love time spent with little ones and being able to support families with my knowledge of child development and resources in this community. 

I was raised in the country and have lived in Toronto for 12 years.  I have a young adult daughter with special needs and am a step Mom to a pre teen son.  My favorite pastimes are country fairs, musical theatre, camping with my hubby, the kids and our rescue dog Chewy!

paula defreitas (SUpply Staff)

"You're so silly, Paula!" This is a very apt description about me by the children.  I find humour to be essential in a children's environment. I use my sense of humour during play, transitions and even at clean up time. Consequently, I love silly science experiments, making balloon animals and performing magic tricks! I have been part of the Creative Preschool community since 2013. You may see me in the centre from time to time supply teaching.

laura enarson

I’m an RECE and have been with Creative Preschool for the last four years. I love the time I spend in the After School Program fostering the creativity of our school age children. I grew up in Gambia and now live in Toronto near my extended family and friends. When not at Creative I enjoy being with my friends, reading graphic novels, and movies. I am currently working in the East room and with our After School Club.

Zainobia Gajiyani

I'm a RECE and have taught at Creative Preschool for over 25 yrs. I have a background in Psychology and Education. Presently, I teach the Preschoolers in the morning program. I am also a liaison support to Parents and Teachers in the morning and afternoon programs. My passion for working with children has led me to volunteer with an Infant development program. My interests include reading, dancing, going for long walks and traveling. My daughter graduated from Creative and is now in High School. She has fond memories and has received invaluable experiences in volunteering at the Preschool. I am currently the Assistant Supervisor and provide support to our teachers and families.

vanessa graham laramee

My name is Vanessa Graham Laramee. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Toronto and am a graduate of George Brown College’s Early Childhood Education program. I have been with Creative Preschool since 2009. I have two children, on of whom is a graduate of CPS. I am a proponent of play based learning and giving children a place to grow at their own pace and be themselves. I am currently working in the West room.

richard hardiman

Originally from the UK, I’m happy to have joined Creative Preschool in 2019 as the cook. I love greeting all of the families in the mornings as they come to drop off snacks and enjoy the time I spend with the children at lunch time. When not at work I’m at home with my wife and children Elouise and Bennett.

stephanie lamb

Hi! I’m Steph: storyteller, teacher, mother, administrator, booklover.  To me Creative Preschool is a magical place, a place I knew I had to work from the moment I entered the doors with my oldest child in 2013.  In my role as Administrator I am fortunate to be able to get to know all our incredible families.  In my role as weaver of tales, I am so lucky to get to explore language and storytelling with all the amazing little storytellers at Creative.  When I’m not at work, I’m at home with my husband and two CPS grads, Teddy and Simone.  I also write a children’s book blog and am active on Instagram @storytimewithstephanie.  If you are in need of some great children’s book recommendations, you can pop into the office and say hi.

Irene Mcrae

Hi, my name is Irene. I am a RECE and started working at CPS in September 2021. I am so excited to be a part of this wonderful team. My connection with CPS started in 2007, when one of my daughters had the opportunity to attend and I was hooked.

My passion working with children started at a very young age, when my mom ran an at home daycare for 20 years. I really enjoyed those days of helping my mother and our house always being full of laughter and fun. I followed in her footsteps, after having my third daughter. I ran a successful at home daycare for eight years. I had the wonderful opportunity to work with many lovely family in the Pocket. I continued my connection with CPS over the years, as I would pick up or drop off children that were in my care to the school. I always strived to create a nurturing and inclusive environment, for children to grow and feel a sense of belonging.

I am current working in the East room and with the After School Club children,

fany ramos

I joined Creative Preschool as an RECE teacher in 2001. I work 4 days a week Monday to Thursday. I am married with 2 active boys in sports who keep me busy. I love to watch sports and hang out with my family and friends.

I have enjoyed every aspect of teaching and have learned so much from children.  Children learn best when the learning environment is designed to meet the developmental needs of each child and one that encourages exploration, creativity and independence. I currently work in the East room.