Meet The Okotoks Team

MSc in Medical Sciences, BSc in Biology, Nik has over 20 years of education (in Brazil and Canada). He considers himself a tech wiz and is responsible for all STEAM curricula from Next Gen. He also holds an ECE Level 1 diploma and helps with operations when possible (or when he wants a break from his computer).

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. 

Dhanalakshmi (Dhana) has been in the teaching field for more than 15 years and in childcare for over 10 years. She hails from a bachelor’s in education and a MSc in Computer sciences Her love for children and passion about their interest is one of the biggest fuels for her interest in the field. She is fun, loving and likes to explore pretty much…everything! Mom of two cupcakes. She is looking forward to teaching Next Gen’s children while learning with them along the way.

Megan has been working in childcare for 10 years.  She holds a Bachelor of Elementary Education from the U of A. She is passionate about working with kids and always wanted to pursue a career as a Preschool Teacher. She is married and has a daughter (the sassy little soul in the room). She also bakes, spends time with family, and crafts! She is excited to work at NextGen because she finds the program and technology aspect to be very interesting and I can't wait to see the kids learn and explore!

Romlyn was born and raised in the Philippines and holds a  Bachelor of Nursing.  and moved to Canada in 2016. 

She worked as an Early Childhood Educator for about 2 years. She loves to do crafts and watch narrative movies but music means a lot. 

She is thrilled to help put a smile on a child’s face and to further their education with her experience. 

She started off as a Swim Instructor once she turned 16, and loved being around children and helping them learn a new life skill - after five years she decided to go into child care and started with Next Gen EduCare.
She will be continuing her learning in ECE while doing her Level 2 in 2024.

Candy started working with children at the age of 17 as a swim coach, from then on she knew that she wanted to continue to work with them.

She loves to work alongside the children while teaching and learning with them as well. Candy will be starting her childcare career with Next Gen EduCare and she is excited to share her passions with children.

A newcomer in the teaching world but don't underestimate him. Ryan Stephenson has been in the school world for 13 years while developing an impressive personality for someone so young. Never judge a book by it's cover is one of his favorite mottos and he's a great example of it.

Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Larissa has always been interested in early child development. While still in Brazil, where she was born and raised, she has worked at a bilingual daycare. After a few years living in Canada, and full dedication to her toddler daughter, she’s now excited to be back working at Next Gen EduCare. When it comes to hobbies, she loves to spend time with her family, watch movies and sing.

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 following each evolution.

After having three children of her own, Kassandra wanted to continue working with children and helping other children have wonderful experiences. Since being new to the province, she has had an amazing opportunity to learn and grow and be a part of something brand new with Next Gen DayCare.

Bio coming up!