To THRIVE & SHINE: An ECE Appreciation Roundtable

Anisha Angella

Founder & CEO of The Early Childhood Coach, RECE, BASc

Anisha Angella is an Early Childhood Education (ECE) coach and expert who has been in the industry for over 16+ years. With a degree in Early Childhood Education Studies, Anisha has held many roles over the years. She has led childcare programs, taught college programs, and worked as a senior manager overseeing 45+ childcare locations. She is also the CEO and Founder of her business, "The Early Childhood Coach + Co" — a powerhouse for all things childcare consulting, coaching, and training. Her success has allowed her to gain exposure through Breakfast Television,  Authority Magazine and The Today Show.

Anisha wants to see other members of the ECE community succeed and loves to share her wealth of knowledge through speaking at a variety of events. Anisha’s speaking engagements focus on diversity in ECE, leadership, mental health and burnout in ECE, and effective communication with parents and staff. She has spoken at over 250+ events worldwide and is always looking forward to her next engagement.

Shelby Secoura

ECE Community Advisor & Facilitator

Shelby Secoura is a proud Advisor with the Early Childhood Coach. With nine years of experience in early childhood education, Shelby has worked in infant, toddler, and preschool rooms, summer camps, and school-age programs, and has spent seven and a half years in management roles, including supervisor, delegate, executive, and consultant positions.

Shelby loves networking, growing, and helping others succeed in the field, creating opportunities for advancement, and advocating for the needs of both Early Childhood Leaders and children. Driven by a passion for daily variety and meaningful interactions with children, Shelby remains inspired by the small, innocent conversations and the spark of storytime with young learners.

Sophie Rayner-Grignon

ECE Community Advisor & Facilitator

Sophie (She/They) is a queer, heavily tattooed educator living and working on the Unceded Territory of the Algonquin Peoples in Ottawa, ON. Her childcare journey began with babysitting and volunteering in Japan, leading her to study Early Childhood Education (ECE) at Algonquin College, where she graduated with Honours in 2014.

As a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE), Sophie has focused on infant care and play in non-profit, subsidized childcare. Now an Early Literacy and Parenting Educator, she combines her passions for parenting, play, diverse books, and early learning. Sophie is also a loving spouse, cat caregiver, and active community volunteer.

Taylor Aiyadurai

ECE Community Advisor & Facilitator

Taylor Aiyadurai has a decade of experience in early childhood education, including roles as an Early Childhood Assistant, Registered Early Childhood Educator, EarlyON Coordinator, Childcare Supervisor, and Childcare Director. She has worked with children from infants to 12-year-olds in diverse settings, including for-profit centers, non-profits, EarlyON programs, and schools.

Taylor has reshaped curricula to balance education and play-based learning, offers professional development for educators, and enhances family-childcare center relationships. She collaborates with district resource consultants to support children with enhanced needs in for-profit centers.

Passionate about creating supportive, inclusive environments, Taylor believes quality early education is crucial for cognitive, social, and emotional growth, ensuring every child receives a nurturing start for a more knowledgeable and empathetic future generation.

Nathalie James

ECE Community Advisor & Facilitator

Nathalie James boasts nine years of experience in early childhood education, holding various roles including educator, supervisor, and director in both for-profit and nonprofit organizations. She has served as an Early Years Supervisor for EarlyON centres, conducted numerous parenting workshops, and managed sites with capacities of up to 150 children and over 30 staff members. Nathalie's current focus is on providing leadership and workshops on early development and social skills for families with children aged 0-6.

Her proudest achievements include building lasting relationships with families and supporting fellow educators in understanding the crucial importance of early childhood education. Driven by her passion for ECE, Nathalie finds inspiration in working with children and is committed to advocating for the early years' sector, using her extensive experience to educate and collaborate with dedicated educators.

Lisa Mackay

ECE Community Advisor & Facilitator

Lisa has dedicated 20 years to the field of early childhood education, gaining diverse experiences that have shaped her philosophies and pedagogy. From kindergarten to cruise ships, Montessori schools to women's shelters, she has worked with various populations and communities. Lisa's passion for helping children and their families build their future keeps her motivated and inspired.

She views children as the world's most precious gift and feels honoured to learn alongside them, providing meaningful experiences and creating safe spaces where they belong. As an ECE Advisor, Lisa is excited to engage in important discussions and share insights in the field of early childhood education.

Insights into the emotional and practical highs and lows of being an Early Childhood Educator.

Techniques for reconnecting with your core passion and purpose in early childhood education.

Effective strategies for maintaining self-love and personal well-being while managing a demanding role.

Practical tips from experienced ECE professionals on navigating challenges and celebrating successes.

Approaches to fostering a supportive and inspiring environment for yourself and your colleagues.

Personal stories and advice to reignite your enthusiasm and commitment to your ECE journey.

Strategies for balancing professional responsibilities with personal growth and self-care.

What You'll Learn:

Never miss out on an ECC Learning Lounge event!