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.

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. 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 .

With extensive experience in childcare, Shirley brings strong leadership skills to guide children through daily activities and learning games.

She is adept at handling various situations, addressing parental concerns, and caring for high-needs infants. Shirley also has experience as an elementary school teacher in the Philippines. at Next Gen, she is one of our ECE Level 3, and she is a valuable resource to staff and children alike, leading not only the preschoolers but also 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.

Hola my name is Noemi, sailing from the Dominican Republic and have been living in Okotoks since 2015. I am a wife and a proud mother of two lovely children. I am passionate about working in childcare with various age groups and have enjoyed them all, although I do have a preference for toddlers. In my free time, I enjoy gardening, Zumba dancing, and spending time with my family. Working with children brings joy to my life and it is one of these things that just fills my day.

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!