Connect With Our Team
Our qualified YWCA Halifax Early Learning and Child Care team brings years of experience and education to provide families with quality child care. We take pride in creating an inclusive environment where diverse children and families with various needs feel at home.
Please make sure you are contacting the appropriate location and staff member for the program you are seeking. Thank you.
Before and After School Programs
Amanda Marriott | Before and After School Program Coordinator:
a.marriott@ywcahalifax.com | 902) 423-6162 x 129
Beaver Bank Children’s Learning Centres
Krista Maynard (she/her) | Regional Manager, Early Learning and Child Care:
k.maynard@ywcahalifax.com | 902) 209-1848
Krista has over 25 years of experience in Early Childhood Education and has been in leadership roles with the YWCA Halifax since 2016. She started as a Early Childhood Educator in 2013 and has worked with all age groups, with a focus on inclusion and diversity. Krista has supported child care through various positions at YWCA, including ECE teaching staff, Program Inclusion Coordinator, Assistant Child Care Manager, and is currently the Early Learning and Child Care Regional Manager.
Dartmouth Child Development Centre
Surbhi Sandhir (she/her) | Regional Manager, Early Learning and Child Care:
s.sandhir@ywcahalifax.com | 902-877-7315
Surbhi Sandhir joined YWCA Halifax in 2019 as a Toddler Teacher and has since grown within the organization to become the Regional Manager of Early Learning and Child Care at our Dartmouth location. With over 10 years of experience in the field of early childhood education, Surbhi brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep passion for supporting children and families.
Throughout her journey as an Early Childhood Educator and Inclusion Coordinator, Surbhi has worked with children across all age groups, developing expertise in fostering their growth, learning, and overall well-being. She continues to serve with unwavering dedication, creating a nurturing, inclusive, and engaging environment for children, families, and staff alike.
Lenssy Donis | Inclusion Program Coordinator Dartmouth:
l.donis@ywcahalifax.com
Elmsdale Early Learning Centre
Yuna Lee (she/her) | Regional Manager, Early Learning and Child Care Elmsdale:
y.lee@ywcahalifax.com | 902- 259-2844
Yuna has more than 10 years of experience in the field of early childhood education. She has been a member of the YWCA Halifax since 2013. Throughout her journey as an ECE and inclusion coordinator, Yuna has worked with children of all age groups, gaining extensive knowledge and expertise in fostering their growth and development. Currently, Yuna holds the position of regional manager of early learning and child care at our Elmsdale location. She continues to serve with unwavering dedication, creating a nurturing and inclusive environment for all children, families, and staff.
Nicole MacDonnell | Assistant Manager Elmsdale:
n.macdonnell@ywcahalifax.com
Lisa Stubbington | Inclusion Program Coordinator Elmsdale:
l.stubbington@ywcahalifax.com
Spryfield Early Learning Centre
Krista Maynard (she/her) | Regional Manager, Early Learning and Child Care:
k.maynard@ywcahalifax.com | 902) 209-1848
Krista has over 25 years of experience in Early Childhood Education and has been in leadership roles with the YWCA Halifax since 2016. She started as a Early Childhood Educator in 2013 and has worked with all age groups, with a focus on inclusion and diversity. Krista has supported child care through various positions at YWCA, including ECE teaching staff, Program Inclusion Coordinator, Assistant Child Care Manager, and is currently the Early Learning and Child Care Regional Manager.
Aiswarya Jayapalan | Assistant Manager Spryfield:
a.jayapalan@ywcahalifax.com
Chinwe Ngei | Inclusion Program Coordinator Spryfield:
c.ngei@ywcahalifax.com
Play Learn Grow Bedford
Amanda Fraser | Regional Manager, YWCA Play, Learn, Grow:
a.fraser@ywcahalifax.com | 902-318-5260
Amanda Fraser brings a wealth of experience and knowledge in the field of Early Learning and childcare for over 19 years. Amanda previously held the position of Inclusion Program Coordinator for the YWCA Play Learn Grow, before advancing to the role of Regional Manager. Amanda has worked with all ages from infant to school age, with a special interest in inclusion programming and education.
Family Home Child Care
Monique Walsh (she/her) | Manager, Family Home Child Care Program:
m.walsh@ywcahalifax.com | 902) 423-6162 x 149
Monique brings more than 15 years of experience in the field of Early Childhood Education. Since joining the YWCA Halifax team in 2022, she has been dedicated to supporting families and educators through her role as the Family Home Child Care Manager.Throughout her career, Monique has worked with children of all ages—from infants to school-aged—representing a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. Her passion lies in creating nurturing, inclusive, and developmentally enriching environments where every child can thrive. Monique is deeply committed to ensuring that all families have access to safe, high-quality childcare that fosters both growth and belonging within the community.
YWCA Halifax Early Learning and Child Care
Kerri Johnson (she/her) | Provincial Director of Early Learning and Child Care:
k.johnson@ywcahalifax.com | (902) 488-9779
Kerri has been a key member of the YWCA Halifax management team since 2012, serving as the Director of Early Learning and Child Care in 2012 and Provincial Director as of 2023. With over 30 years of experience in Early Childhood Education and Child Development, she is a respected leader in Nova Scotia’s child care sector. Kerri has been actively involved in various committees and initiatives, including the Nova Scotia Early Childhood Education Curriculum Framework Committee and developing Nova Scotia Community College’s Africentric ECE Diploma Program and Curriculum. She continues to achieve many accomplishments, including being the recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal for excellence in education and community, awarded by the Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia in 2025, while maintaining a gold standard for YWCA Halifax child care programs.