Meet The Okotoks Team

MSc in Medical Sciences, and a BSc in Biology, Nik has over 20 years of education (in Brazil and Canada). He is a tech wiz and is responsible for all STEAM curricula. He holds an ECE Level 1 diploma and helps with operations when possible. Nik truly believes in collaboration and giving back to the community, one of the reasons he founded Next Gen - to support parents in need while giving children tools for their future.

Tadeu (Tad) Krueger joins Next Gen DayCare as Director of Business Development and Partnerships. Tad is a Rocky Mountain and Foreign Languages lover. Tad is fluent in English, French & Portuguese. He taught French in Brazil for 2 years and has over 10 years of experience in Commercial Banking. Well-travelled, Tad has lived in Brazil, Europe and now Canada.

Sam Walton has been in the childcare field for 17 years. She holds a Diploma as a  Child and Youth Care Counsellor, as an Educational Assistant, a Montessori Beginnings Certificate, and an ECE Level.  She has been lucky enough to work with children from 9 months to 12 years old, and it is the most rewarding career. She hopes to provide children with experiences, memories, and a well-rounded education that will only enhance their skill sets. 

Karina Oliveira has worked as an educator in Brazil since 2009. She sees education as an important process in development and believes in the individual capacity of each child. She loves being with children and devoted most or her career to it. As one of Next Gen's first staff members, Karina has mastered the art of caring for toddlers and is pretty good at creating great relationships with parents.

In her free time, she spends time with her family and plans on opening her own business.

Shirley brings strong leadership skills to guide children through daily activities and learning games. Hailing from the Philippines, she is adept at handling various situations, addressing parental concerns, and caring for special kids. She also has experience as an elementary school teacher from back in the Philippines. At NextGen, she is one of our ECE Level 3 - a valuable resource to staff & children alike, leading not only the preschoolers but also the Out-of-School Care kids.

​Brin Burndred is the youngest member of the Next Gen staff! She is a young lady, full of potential and love for child care. having finished her ECE level 1 in 2023, Brin is already engaged in her Level 2, a feat we should all be inspired by. Her favourite part of being an ECE is to assist in growth and development while shaping the minds of our future leaders! Besides her career, Brin enjoys spending quality time with friends, family and her dog (please see picture :D).

Iliana is a dedicated professional with a background in accounting and a passion for early childhood education. She deeply appreciates mathematics and enjoys sharing this enthusiasm with her students by making math fun and engaging. With extensive experience in STEAM-focused summer camps, Iliana is ready to up the game at Next Gen. As a proud mother of three children, Iliana brings a wealth of personal experience and empathy to her role, ensuring that each child receives the care and attention they deserve. ​​

Ana is originally from Romania and immigrated to Canada fairly recently. She was previously a high school teacher, where she taught with innovation and dedication to all ages, but mainly in high school. Ana has also gained valuable childcare experience in Out-of-School care in British Columbia, further enriching her expertise at Next Gen. Outside of her professional life, Ana enjoys traveling, painting, and singing—hobbies that bring her joy and creativity.

I'm a Brazilian mom of two living in Canada. Before starting on this path, I worked as a building manager and as a flight attendant. My kids inspired me to become an Early Childhood Educator, and Next Gen Daycare is helping me to fulfill this path. I love teaching children about multiculturalism and telling stories about all the countries I have traveled to and the cultures I was exposed to! I am very keen on free play and I'm excited to keep growing in this career path that is so rewarding.

Bio coming soon!