Our Team

OWNER

As the new owner of Early Achievers Montessori School + Educational Centre, I am beyond excited to share this new chapter.

Anyone who knows me knows how near and dear to my heart Early Achievers is. I have been a local business owner for the past 8 years and have always placed strong values on early education. When I became a mom, I went in search of programs and activities to best enrich the lives of my children and this is when I discovered Early Achievers. The strong values here for enriching an early education are second to none, from Caregiver + Child programs to Early Learning, dynamic Afterschool S.T.E.A.M., Reading & Writing, French, Math, Piano, Ukulele + more. I had found our place!

My boys Vincent, Charlie, and Louie have been thriving in programs here since they were 4 months old, and all 3 started attending full-time when they were 18 months old. I believe strongly in the Montessori approach and have applied this method in our home since my oldest, Vincent, was born. The Montessori approach sees a child as their own person on their own unique path. As a mother of three young children, I value the importance of this approach daily.

I always operate an open door policy and welcome any questions, comments, or concerns. I would love to hear from you. I look forward to sharing this journey with you.

Vice Principal

Hello, my name is Krista Murray and I am thrilled to be a member of the Early Achievers family and to have completed my Montessori Training for children ages 3-6.

I completed my Master of Education in Early Childhood Studies through the University of British Columbia and have received my Level 4 certification from AECENL. Born and raised in St. John’s, my love of learning began at a very early age and led me to choose a career in education. I graduated from Memorial University in 2000 with a Bachelor of Education (Elementary) degree and immediately started substituting in the Newfoundland and Labrador English School District. I continued substituting from 2001-2003 and was fortunate to obtain two replacement positions during this time; the first in grade 2 and the second in Special Education. In 2003 I was granted the opportunity to step into the role of Director of Education at Sylvan Learning Centre where I remained until 2006 at which time I decided to go back to substituting in the metro St. John’s area.

I am a very proud mom of a wonderful son and during my down time can often be found at the movie theatres with him or reading a good book. I look forward to continuing my journey with Early Achievers while sharing in the love of learning with our students and their families.

Office Administrator

Hi, my name is Wannetta Hynes, I have a combined 20 years of experience working and volunteering in the field of early learning. I have worked as a preschool teacher, daycare worker, Inclusion worker, and student assistant, ensuring all children are included and cared for regardless of their challenges in life.

I have taken courses at Keyano College, Fort McMurray, and distance education through CNA. I am trained and experienced in using Applied Behavior Analysis methods that help children improve their learning, teach positive behavior, and help them make good choices. I have completed my Montessori Training for children ages 3-6 and completed an Administrative Assistant certificate program.

I am a mom of two wonderful girls, who are now grown but still keep me busy! My family and I moved back to Newfoundland in 2012 to be closer to family. When I am not working, I love to keep busy volunteering, and I enjoy reading, walking, baking, and camping in summer.

Program Director

My name is Anne Louise Campbell and I am originally from, Sydney, Cape Breton Island. I have been working in the field of child care since 2003 and hold a Level 4 certification. I hold my ECE diploma from The Institute for Human Services Education and my BACS Degree from Cape Breton University. I am honoured and excited to be continuing my role as Program Director. I am certified in Montessori Education for children ages 0-3 recently completed my Montessori Training for children ages 3-6.

In my spare time I enjoy going on adventures with my Foster dog, Otis!

Program Director

My name is Lisa Rees. Along with being Program Director, I teach Math Pre-Abacus, Math Abacus and Reading/Writing classes to the school age children! I have a Bachelor of Education (Primary) degree and a Level 3 Early Childhood Education certification. I have completed my Applied Behavioral Analysis therapy training. I’ve also received extensive training in Montessori Education for children ages 2-6 and am a Certified Montessori Teacher in ages 3 – 6. Before I came to Early Achievers in 2008, I worked in a daycare setting in the 4/5 year old room and with the after school children. While I enjoyed my time at the daycare, I wanted an opportunity to teach in a setting conducive to learning while still having fun. I thoroughly enjoy all the classes I teach and seeing the pride on the children’s faces when they learn something new is one of my greatest joys. I have a wonderful husband and teenage son. When not teaching, you can find me out and about with my husband and son or reading and researching new, fun things to do with my students.

Operations Manager

I began as a general fitness instructor in 2012 before transitioning and specializing in mom and baby fitness classes. Driven by a desire to promote health and wellness for new mothers and their infants, I quickly became part of a supportive and engaging community.

As my career has progressed, I have transitioned into the role of Operations Manager at Early Achievers where I help contribute to our Child + Caregiver programs, manage our social media presence, and head up day-to-day operations. My goal is to continue helping promote and create a supportive environment and community for all families.

Early Childhood Educator

Hello, my name is Brandon Strong. I’m from a small town called Harcourt, just outside Clarenville. I graduated from Clarenville high in 2011, then became an ABA (Applied Behaviour Analysis) Home Therapist, working with children who have Autism. 

In 2015, I moved to St. John’s and started my Diploma in Human and Health Science; Therapeutic Recreation, Disability Support and Geriatric profession. Upon completion in 2017, I started working as a Child and Youth care worker with Key Assets, which works with children and youth in the residential, community and foster care settings. 

I continued this work until November 2019, but started my ECE career in January 2019. I worked as an ECE in a few different centres and organizations, until December 2020. In 2021, I became a Recreation coordinator with a seniors home in Mount Pearl, planning and implicating programs tailored around the needs of the residents. Most recently, I was accepted into the Early Childhood Education Program with the College of North Atlantic, where I’m looking forward to completing my Level 1 ECE. I became an ECE because of my passion to work with children and watch them grow, learn and achieve personal goals. I look forward to continuing this journey at Early Achievers. 

Early Childhood Educator

I am very excited to join the Early Achievers staff.  Through babysitting, tutoring, and teaching I have been working with children since I was 14 years old, so I have always known that teaching and caring for children was where my heart would lead me. I currently hold a Bachelors of Arts and a teaching degree for Intermediate and High school. It was during a replacement for a kindergarten teacher that I discovered how much I enjoy teaching younger kids, which ultimately led me to working here at Early Achievers. I have just recently completed my Montessori Training and am now certified in Montessori Education for children ages 3-6. I am currently enrolled in the Early Childhood Education program at CNA. I have a deep love for art and literature which guides my life both inside the classroom and out!

Early Childhood Educator

Hello, my name is Carly Stratton. I am excited to begin my career as an Early Childhood Educator at Early Achievers!! I recently graduated from the College of the North Atlantic with my Level 1 in Early Childhood Education. I’m so excited to begin exploring and learning in this field and I can’t wait to see what the future holds!

In my spare time I enjoy camping, volleyball, and taking walks with my dog Millie!

Early Childhood Educator

Hi, my name is Chelsea Thomas I am a Level 2 Early Childhood Educator from Torbay. I have completed my Montessori Training and am now certified in Montessori Education for children ages 3-6.

In the past I have worked as the administrator of two child care centers as well as an educator in a preschool and school aged classroom. Both myself and my fiancé found our love of children when our son was born in 2014. Soon after, I switched from my business administration program to early childhood education and haven’t looked back since! Shortly after my fiancé joined me in the field of early childhood education and we have been an early learning family ever since. I cannot imagine working in any other field as nothing makes me happier than watching children learn and grow! I strongly believe in life long learning and broadening my horizons, being an early childhood educator has helped me achieve the perfect balance of teaching and learning as each day is a brand new adventure full of learning opportunities when you work with children. One of my favourite quotes is “While we try to teach our children about life, our children teach us what life is all about.” This is a sentiment I hold dear. I have had many students in the past, and I have had the same amount of teachers.

I am very excited to be a part of the Early Achievers team to teach and learn with your children.

Early Childhood Educator

Hi, my name is Coady, I’m a father and early childhood educator in training. My fiancé and our son inspired me to join the field. I could see how much he was growing and changing every day, and how much of a positive influence his teachers were having. I am from St. John’s, and jumped into the rewarding field of early childhood education in 2018.

I’m excited to be here at Early Achievers as a member of their passionate and creative team, where I believe we can make a real difference. As Maria Montessori put it herself, “Early childhood education is the key to the betterment of society”.

Early Childhood Educator

My name is Maria Kavanagh and I have been a part of the Early Achievers team since 2015. I am a level 3 ECE and hold certification in Montessori Education for children ages 3-6. I completed my ECE certificate through Lethbridge College and my Bachelor of Arts from Memorial University. During my final year of university in 2014, I completed training in Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA). For several years I worked in the field of early intervention, a path which eventually lead me to Early Achievers. I began my role as a Montessori teacher in 2016 and have loved doing so ever since!

I have two young children of my own and when I am not at EA I enjoy spending time with my amazing little family.

Early Childhood Educator

Hello, my name is Lorrie Winsor and I am pleased to be a part of the wonderful team at Early Achievers. In 1991, I completed the Early Childhood Education diploma program and I currently hold a valid Level 1 ECE certification through AECENL. I have had a passion for nurturing and helping to develop young children’s lives from a very young age and I am still very passionate about it today. I have been working in the early childhood education field since the birth of my son, who is now in his twenties. During my ECE career I have worked in several child care centres including 10 years with Memorial University’s Campus Childcare. A few years ago I took 2 years away from childcare but soon realized I missed the challenges and fulfillment of ECE work which is when I was given the opportunity to join the Early Achievers team.

In my leisure time, I love to spend time with my family and friends, camping as well as staying active in the gym. I also love to read new books and I enjoy finding and even creating new recipes to cook at home!

Early Childhood Educator

Hello, my name is Victoria Marshall and I am a Level IV Early Childhood Educator. Since beginning with Early Achievers, I’ve completed my Montessori Training in Early Learning (ages 3-6 years) and am looking forward to beginning my Toddler Montessori training (ages 0-3 years) in September. I graduated from the College of the North Atlantic in 2014 with an ECE diploma, and in 2024 with a Bachelors of applied arts in Early Childhood Education. Since graduating, I have worked in various childcare settings with children ranging from 12 months – 12 years of age.

My favourite part of working in childcare is being able to work closely with children and their families, and helping each child develop to their full potential. I am excited to be a part of the Early Achievers team and to be joining this community of educators and families.

Early Childhood Educator

Hello! My name is Amanda Crowley, I am delighted to be part of the Early Achievers family. I graduated with a diploma in Child & Youth Care from Eastern Academy in 2017 and accepted a position with the City of St. John’s as a Recreation Supervisor. Within a year of working with the city of St. John’s, I started teaching their preschool program and absolutely loved every moment of being a preschool teacher, I couldn’t imagine doing anything else! I recently graduated from the College of the North Atlantic with my Level 1 in Early Childhood Education and hold a Level 2 certification for school age. I am looking forward to beginning my Montessori Toddler training (ages 0-3 years) through North American Montessori Center in September. I am looking forward to this exciting career and am thankful to work with such an amazing team of talented Early Childhood Educators. I like to spend my free time taking road trips, hiking, camping & enjoying the outdoors.

Early Childhood Educator

Hi, my name is Melissa Synard and I am so excited to be starting a new endeavor. I studied Psychology and Linguistics at Memorial University and recently graduated from the College of the North Atlantic with my Level 1 in Early Childhood Education. I am looking forward to beginning my Montessori Early Learning Training (ages 3 – 6 years) through North American Montessori Center in September.  I owned and operated a day home for many years before deciding I wanted to make a change and am so happy to have become a member of the Early Achievers team. I love working with children as no day is ever the same and their energy and zest for life is so contagious.

I have three little girls that I spend every minute I can with and any other free time I do have,  I love to read.

Early Childhood Educator

Hello, I am so happy to be part of this amazing and enthusiastic team at Early Achievers. I completed my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Trent University in Ontario with a focus on Child Development and Special Education. After completion of my degree, I started a new adventure in Japan, teaching English as a Second Language before settling with my family in Newfoundland. This is where I started my journey with the enriching nature of Montessori Education as an assistant classroom teacher in the preschool setting, ages 3-6. I have now completed my Montessori Training for Infants and Toddlers, ages 0-3, and enjoy working with families and young children as they develop in leaps and bounds. I also taught music in the Montessori environment for four years with students aged 2-6, while continuing to teach music privately. I studied Piano with The Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, completing the teaching requirements, and have gained over 20 years experience of teaching group music as well as cello, violin and piano. My passion for music also led me to the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra where I‘ve played cello since 2009.  In my free time you will find me in the forest foraging, skiing or hiking with my husband and our two funny daughters.

Early Childhood Educator

I am a 24-year-old full-time mom of two beautiful children, a 6-year-old girl and a 17-month-old boy. I am currently enrolled in the Early Childhood Education Program. I enjoy going to the gym, love nature, and am adventurous. As the co-owner of a small local kids’ thrifting business, Second Chance Sisters, I balance my family responsibilities, career, and education with strong time management, organization, and multitasking skills. With six years of experience as a home care worker, I’ve developed a passion for helping others and am excited to pursue a new path in early childhood education.

Early Childhood Educator

Hi my name is Emma Brennan and I am so excited for this new opportunity to join the Early Achievers team! Ever since being a young girl I have known I wanted to work with children and watch them learn and grow. I have recently completed the Child and Youth Care with Addiction Support Worker program and currently hold a trainee preschool and Level 2 certification through AECENL! Some of my favourite things about working in this field is building relationships and helping overcome challenges and learn new skills!

At home I have two sweet puppies Macie and Maya who I adore. I enjoy being outdoors and watching sports while spending time with family and friends!

Early Childhood Educator

Hi, my name is Kim Kieley. I was born and raised in Mount Pearl, where I still reside with my husband and my son. I graduated from the Child and Youth Care program, at Eastern College, in 2014 and have been working in the child care field ever since. I have worked in several different settings, from Youth treatment centers, to residential group care, family support and outreach, as well as a student assistant in the public school system. I am very excited to be a part of the Early Achievers team for the 2024/25 school year and look forward to this new opportunity.

Early Childhood Educator

Hello! I’m Hailey, and I’m a Level II Early Childhood Educator. I graduated from Keyin College in May. Currently, I’m pursuing my studies at College of the North Atlantic for Early Childhood Education Administrative Leadership Program, which I’m really excited about! I reside with my boyfriend, 2 younger sisters, and 2 adorable kitties. In my leisure time, I enjoy various outdoor activities and journaling. Being the oldest of 4, I’ve always had a passion for caring for children! Last year, I worked at a Day Care in Labrador as Lead Staff in a toddler room. I’m thrilled to start at Early Achievers and eager to see what this year holds!

Early Childhood Educator

Hi, my name is Trina Kwasny. I am a level 4 Early Childhood Educator. I have my Bachelor of Education in primary/junior education. I moved to Newfoundland after living in the UK for 4 years working as an Early Years teacher. I am continually learning and growing as an educator and look for new ways to learn and grow. I have always been interested in learning more about the Montessori philosophy since graduating from the Early Childhood Education program in 2014. I am looking forward to working at Early Achievers and continuing my learning journey as an educator and teacher. When I am not working I can be found on the hiking trails or curling in the winter. I am also an avid traveler and plan adventures whenever possible! 

Early Childhood Educator

Hello everyone! I’m Katie, and I’m a level II Early Childhood Educator. I’ve recently graduated from Keyin College in May. I am very excited to start my career here at Early Achievers. I’m originally from Clarenville but moved to St. John’s to pursue my studies in Early Childhood Education. In my spare time I enjoy traveling, playing volleyball, going on hikes, watching hockey, and walking my dog, Izzy!

Early Childhood Educator

My name is Kayla McCarthy. I am a Trainee Level ECE and a Level 2 school age. I have a certificate in Child and Youth with Addictions Support Worker and am currently completing the Level 1 ECE course through college of the North Atlantic. I always knew I wanted to work with children, it’s amazing to be able to be a part of their growth and learning journey.  I began my role as a teacher at Early Achievers in 2023 and have been loving it. When I’m not at Early Achievers, I enjoying spending time with my daughter. 

Early Childhood Educator

Hello my name is Holly Boxer, and I am so excited for this opportunity to join the Early Achievers team! In 2019 I graduated from Sheridan College with a diploma in Early Childhood education and currently hold a Level II Certification with the AECENL. I moved here from Ontario two years ago, with my boyfriend and our sweet cat Lucy. In my spare time, I love reading, baking, and various outdoor activities! 

Early Childhood Educator

My name is Mackenzie Thompson and I am originally from Halifax, Nova Scotia. I recently graduated from Mount Saint Vincent University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Child and Youth Studies and received my Level 4 certification from ACENL. I have been working alongside children throughout my entire degree and my passion for learning and development continues to grow! I am very excited for this opportunity to work alongside the amazing educators at Early Achievers and I look forward to learning more about the Montessori philosophy. In my spare time I enjoy road trips, craft markets, and spending time with family!

After School Instructor

My name is Jami and I am currently a Bachelor of Science student at Memorial University studying biology and biochemistry. Upon completing this degree, I hope to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in education to become a teacher. I have always had a passion for teaching and learning from a young age and love working with children. In the past, I have worked as a tutor, a counsellor at a summer recreation program, an instructor at a softball and tee ball camp, and volunteered as a program assistant with after-school recreation programs. I am so excited to continue pursuing the things I love as a part of the Early Achievers team!

After School Instructor

Hi, my name is Jennifer Frisina-Cooze. I have my diploma in Social Work and Entry Level in ECE through AECENL. I have worked with children with Special Needs for a number of years and was an Inclusion Coordinator for a few years before becoming a Preschool teacher. My passion has always been working with children and advocating on behalf of children with Special Needs. I believe all children have the potential to learn and deserve the opportunity to achieve their individual goals. I am excited about what I will learn and experience working here at Early Achievers. 

When I am not working, my down time is spent outdoors and with my boys. I am optimistic and love life. My motto is “In this house we live, love, laugh, learn, move on and never stop learning.”