Our Team
Amanda Kelly
Director of Operations
Amanda graduated in 2015 with a BSc in Sports Coaching from Leeds Beckett University in Leeds, England, where she was born and raised. After moving away from England in her late teenage years she developed her own youth soccer Academy in Texas. Now having moved to Victoria, BC, she became the Director of Operations for Braefoot Community Association and is currently completing her MA in Global Leadership at Royal Roads University. She is passionate about diversity, equity and inclusion, wants transformative change, and believes it is important to embed this into the holistic learning frameworks of child development. Amanda is the proud dog-mom of her black lab/pit-bull, Malibu.
*Get to know Amanda a bit more*
What were your favourite childhood hobbies?
I really loved playing Sports! Soccer especially competing professionally.
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What was your favourite childhood book or movie?
Harry Potter was by far my favourite series for both books and movies!
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What do you consider to be the most important quality for someone working in childcare?
Being able to Build Relationships and connections with the parents and community.
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How much experience do you have working in childcare?
I have been working in childcare for 12 years from sport camps to preschool.
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What is you're favourite game to play with the kids?
Army. Gives the children multiple chances to try again teaching them it is okay to keep trying
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What's the most rewarding moment you've had as a childcare provider?
Watching a child who has been struggling to complete a task, or transition into a new place where they flourish and recognize their success and abilities.
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What's your favourite animal?
Any type of Monkey!
Mary Helen Amlin
Marigold Center Manager
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Born in Toronto, Ontario, Mary Helen started volunteering with the YMCA at the age of 12, shortly after moving to Windsor, Ontario. She worked with Preschool children at both the YMCA and Maycourt club. In grade 12, after taking a child psychology class in High School, Mary Helen decided to become an Early Childhood Educator. After graduating from night school she got her first job working with 2 1/2 to 5 year old's. After moving to Toronto she continued working with preschoolers, and eventually became an Assistant Supervisor, and then Program Supervisor. In 2006 she moved to Victoria where she was an Assistant Director, a Director and then Manager of Braefoot Community Association Marigold Campus. In her spare time Mary Helen enjoys researching her family history, paddle boarding, gardening, hiking and spending time with friends, and family. Mary Helen loves everything Disney, Fisher Price Little People and watching Schitt’s Creek and Ghosts with her adult children.
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*Get to know Mary Helen a bit more*
What were your favourite childhood hobbies?
​As a child I was a members of Brownies, and playing outside with my friends.
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What do you consider to be the most important quality for someone working in childcare?
The most important quality for someone working in childcare is patience, and the ability to make connections. wht them.​
What is your favourite thing about working with children?
Seeing the world through their eyes.​
How much experience do you have working in childcare?​
I have been working with children since 1988, so you do the math
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What's your favourite animal?
​My facourite animal is a cat. I have three of them!
Vicki Kearnan
Braefoot Center Manager
Vicki was born in Victoria but was raised in Cobble Hill, returning to Victoria in her teens. She worked for several years as a hairdresser, which she left to become a stay-at-home mom to her three boys. When the boys were teens, she took over and grew a local youth program. She ran this for 8 years, until she took a new path into floral design, at the same time as getting her International Wedding and Event Planning, and Event Design certificates. A passion for the well being of children and youth led her to go back to school to get her ECE certificate. Following her other passion for design, she started a luxury picnic business, Pink Peony Luxury Picnics. In the summer of 2024 she joined the team here at Braefoot Community Association, as the Breafoot location manager. She believes in the philosophy that a child's environment is the "second teacher". One of Vicki's favourtie things to do is watching hockey with her husband and dog, Norman.
*Get to know Vicki a bit more*
What were your favourite childhood hobbies?
My favourite childhood hobbies were riding my bike, swimming, and watching hockey with my dad.
What was your favourite childhood book or movie?
My favourite childhood book was Black Beauty, and fave movie was The Incredible Journey.
What do you consider to be the most important quality for someone working in childcare?
I would say the most important qualities for someone working in childcare are patience, and an understanding of children's diverse and individual needs.
What is your favourite thing about working with children?
My favourite thing about working with children is observing their complete lack of inhibitions. Watching them just be themselves! You never know what they will say next!
How much experience do you have working in childcare?
My experience with children started with my first babysitting job at the age of 12, and did that throughout my teens. I had my own kids in my late twenties, and then when they were in their teens, I ran a youth program for 30 plus kids for 8 years. In my late forties, I went back to school to get my ECE certificate, and have been in the field ever since.
What's the most rewarding moment you've had as a childcare provider?
There are too many moments to pick just one, but I can say that watching children explore a new experience (like a science experiment) are among my favourites!
What's your favourite animal?
I love all animals (with the definite exception of spiders!), but may faves are dogs and pandas:)
Julia Kim
ECE (Braefoot Daycare Teacher)
Julia is 49-year-old Early Childhood Educator (ECE). After graduating from Sookmyung Women’s University in Korea, she initially worked as a nutritionist in hospitals and other companies. While raising her two children, she also began teaching math to students. Spending time with kids has always been a joy for her, as she loves listening to their stories and building strong connections with them. After moving to Canada and studying at Fanshawe College, she worked as a Developmental Service Worker (DSW). This was a deeply meaningful experience, where she had the opportunity to support individuals with disabilities, discover their talents and interests, and collaborate with them to help them live fulfilling lives within the community. Now, as an ECE, she has the privilege of meeting many children and viewing the world through their eyes. At this stage in their lives, they are amazed by even the smallest things. Julia believes that positive and appropriate stimulation can become a powerful driving force, enabling them to achieve even greater things in the future.
*Get to know Julia a bit more*
What were your favourite childhood hobbies?
I did ballet and jazz dancing, from ages 6 to 16!
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What was your favourite childhood book or movie?
My favourite childhood books were the Berenstain bears books.
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What do you consider to be the most important quality for someone working in childcare?
Patience and empathy, so that you can really be there for the kids and tend to their needs!
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If you could be any fictional character, who would you be and why?
I would be princess peach because I love her pink dress!
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What's the most rewarding moment you've had as a childcare provider?
The most rewarding moment I have had working with children is when the child I nannied for told me I was her favourite caretaker!
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What's your favourite animal?
Unicorn!
Lulu Martinez
ECEA (Braefoot Daycare Teacher)
Maria de Lourdes Martínez Mendizabal, better known as Lulu, is 40 years old, and from Mexico. Her husband and two children and moved to Victoria five years ago. They love the island and feel very grateful to be here. They love spending time with my family, watching movies, playing board games and going to the beach. She also loves to read and to do puzzles. Last year, Lulu graduated from Camosun College with an Associate Degree in social work. She studied in Pacific Rim College and I got her Early Childhood Educator Assistant Certificate. In Mexico she gained 6 years of experience, and here in Canada she ahs now been with Braefoot Community Association for almost two years.
*Get to know Lulu a bit more*
What were your favourite childhood hobbies?
I loved to pretend I was either an artist or a teacher!
What was your favourite childhood book or movie?
My favorite books and movie were Winneh the Pooh.
What do you consider to be the most important quality for someone working in childcare?
Patience is the most important quality.
What is your favourite thing about working with children?
Definitely the creativity that only a child has. I'm also honoured when a child lets me into the world that they've created in their head which is unique to them. Children are so creative, and it always leaves me in awe! I love the way they are
totally honest, authentic and lovely! I enjoy every day spending time with them, and every day everyone has a special thing that makes a wonderful day! They always keep me alive and excited!
If you could be any fictional character, who would it be and why?
Elastigirl, the mom in the Incredible movies. It would be so nice to be able to catch or move as much as I need. And get my arms or my legs ready if someone needs my help, even they are away from me.
What's the most rewarding moment you've had as a childcare provider? I'd say one of the most rewarding things for me are the bonds that I created with the children. Nothing is more fulfilling when you greet a child at the beginning of the day and they're excited to be with you.
What's your favourite animal?
My favourite animals are wolves and cats.
Zahra Nehmati
ECEA (Braefoot Daycare Teacher)
I am Zahra Nemati. I am 26 years old. I have a bachelor’s degree in medical science and have worked for several years in a hospital. However, my interest in children led me to change my career path. I completed a training course to become an early childhood educator assistant. Before starting my collaboration with the Braefoot Community Association, I worked for 7 months as an ECEA. I also love theatre and yoga. When I get the chance do some yoga exercises. I was born and grew up in Iran, I have an older sister. I am married and live with my husband. I love theatre and yoga. I have a bachelor’s degree in medical science and have worked for several years in a hospital. However, my interest in children led me to change my career path. I completed a training course to become an early childhood educator assistant. Before starting my collaboration with the Braefoot Community Association, I worked for 7 months as an ECEA.
*Get to know Zahrah a bit more*
What were your favorite childhood hobbies?
As a child, my favorite hobby was eating the snacks that my mother made for me, which is why I was quite chubby during my childhood days.
What was your favorite childhood book or movie?
My favorite childhood books and movies were Cinderella and Little Red Riding Hood. I really loved fairy tales as a child and even up until now, and these two are by far my favorites.
What do you consider to be the most important quality for someone working in childcare?
In my opinion, the most important quality for someone working in childcare is patience because children can be stubborn sometimes, so it requires a lot of patience and understanding to deal with them on both the professional and personal level.
If you could be any fictional character, who would you be and why?
I want to be Cinderella because, as I’ve mentioned in the previous question, the story of Cinderella was one of my favorite childhood stories and I just love how pure she is despite living in the cruelty of her stepmother and stepsisters.
What is your favorite thing about working with children?
It is when the children start opening up to you on a personal level and they see you as someone important to them. Then, I also appreciate when the parents connect with me and thank me for being an important person to their children, who is there to guide them and instill essential knowledge in them.
How much experience do you have working in childcare?
Overall, I currently have 10 years of experience working in childcare. My most recent experience was as an educator for the Blossom Nursery Group in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Angela Hutton
ECE (Braefoot/Marigold Daycare/Preschool Teacher)
Born and raised in the Westshore area of Victoria, Angela considers herself an island girl through and through. Her childhood was spent at the ball field watching endless games of baseball as she followed her older brothers and their love for the sport. The smell of ball park burgers with the best grilled onions only a ballpark concession stand can create, 'swamp water' and the busy environment of sports, fresh air, and loud cheers, all feel like home to her. She has been working with children as young as 3 months through to early school age for over 28 years, having received both her ECE (Early Childhood Educator) and IT (Infant Toddler) certificates. Angela considers it a great privilege to be a part of the process of learning and growing that children and families experience, as they maneuver together through those oh, so special early years . "It is a joy to explore our communities and the physical outdoor environment with the children in my care. There is so much to wonder about, marvel at, and question together. How are roads made? Why are there so many worms in this garden? What smells so sweet?" A favorite quote that has given her great perspective through her own learning and growing is: "Learning is not a race for information, but a walk of discovery."
*Get to know Angela a bit more*
What were your favorite childhood hobbies?
My favorite childhood hobbies were reading, exploring my neighborhood and beach areas, cooking and art experiences.
What was your favorite childhood book or movie?
My favorite childhood book was Little Women, and my favorite movies were Winnie the Pooh as well as the Star Wars series.
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What do you consider to be the most important quality for someone working in childcare?
The most important qualities I look for in childcare workers begin with an authentic presence. When we allow ourselves to be vulnerable and authentic with children they too will be vulnerable and authentic in their learning and exploring. When we are allowed to ask questions and make mistakes, it paves the way for the children to be comfortable to do the same. Flexibility and a willingness to adapt to unexpected moments are an important part of creating a safe environment for young learners, and a working practice toward patience is essential, as the children learn new skills and practice familiar ones.​
What is your favorite thing about working with children?
My favorite thing about working with children is having a front row seat to the joy and pride they experience as they learn new skills, and practice and fine tune familiar ones. To be invited to walk alongside them and cheer on their efforts and encourage them through their challenges is amazing!
How much experience do you have working with children?
I have over 28 years of experience in working with children as young as 3 months through early school years in a variety of settings, philosophies. My philosophy has been shaped and reshaped through my learning journey and is grounded in child led, play based learning with a love for emergent curriculum, learning based on the current interests of the children and built upon as their curiosity extends the questioning and exploring
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What has been your most rewarding moment as a childcare provider?
My most rewarding moment as a childcare provider was when a young child who had been working hard to learn to move her own body found success, as she learned to crawl, pull herself up on her knees and then feet, and proceed to begin walking with the help of an amazing physiotherapist, along with childcare staff. On one particular morning upon hearing her favorite song being played, she stopped what she was doing, stood herself up in the middle of the room, without assistance, and began to dance with her arms open wide, pure joy radiating from her face. The memory still brings me to tears.
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What's your favourite animal?
My favorite animal is the tiger for its quiet strength, grace, beauty and patience. My favorite domesticated animal is a dog for its fun loving nature, playfulness, loyalty and quirkiness.
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Hannah DeGuzmen
OOSC Leader
*Get to know Hannah a bit more*
Hannah is currently studying at Camosun, working on getting her HR degree. Hannah is from the Philippians, and has been in Canada for just over a year.
What are your favourite current hobbies?
​Going to the gym and walking and exploring new dishes. I love food!
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What was your favourite childhood book or movie?
My favourite childhood book was The Giving Tree, and favourite movie was Moana! ​
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What is your favourite thing about working with children?
​I feel like I learn a lot from them, and they help me learn patience!
What's your favourite animal?
I love whales, especially orcas. I also love mermaids:)
Brendan Boyd
OOSC Leader
*Get to know Brendan a bit more*
Brendan is currently a student at Camosun College, working on getting his educations degree.
What were your current favorite hobbies? ​
Ballroom dancing and rock climbing/bouldering.
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What was your favorite childhood book or movie?
​Aragon ​​
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What is your favorite thing about working with children?
It's fun! For the most part it does not feel like work.
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​​What's your favourite flower/colour/animal?
​My favourite animal is a dog. I grew up with them, and I love their loyalty.
Mili Howe
OOSC Leader
*Get to know Mili a bit more*
Stay tuned....
What were your favorite current hobbies?
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What was your favorite childhood book or movie? ​
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What is your favorite thing about working with children?​
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What's your favourite game to play with children?
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Tori Goss
Inclusion Worker/OOSC Leader
Tori uses they/them pronouns, and currently attends Camosun College working towards a psychology degree. Tori was born and raised in Victoria with their 3 brothers. Tori is a big movie buff and is always up for a new watch! Tori is bilingual and graduated form high school with diplomas in both French and English. As a nonbinary person, Tori is very passionate about inclusion and celebrating differences with the kids.
*Get to know Tori a bit more*
What were your favorite childhood hobbies?
My favorite childhood hobbies were reading and basketball.
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What was your favorite childhood book or movie?
My favorite childhood movie was The Lion King!​
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What is your favorite thing about working with children?
My favorite thing about working with children is watching them accomplish new things and feel proud of themselves.
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What's your favourite game to play with children?
Imaginative play because it helps them explore their creativity and I can remember being that age.
Kristof Watkins
OOSC Leader
Kristof is originally from Ontario. He will be starting a plumbing apprenticeship in the fall of 2025.
*Get to know Kristof a bit more*
What were your favorite current hobbies?
My favourite hobbies are snowboarding, and playing soccer, Scrabble, and ​some video games.
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What was your favorite childhood book or movie? ​
My favourite book was Fantastic Mr. Fox.
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What is your favorite thing about working with children?​
The gratification you get from helping them grow.
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What's your favourite animal?
My favourite animal is a house cat.