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 2 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 childcare for 20+ years. She holds a Diploma in Child and Youth Care Counselling, an Educational Assistant Diploma, 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.

Originally from Colombia, Liliana Angulo holds a B.Sc. in Psychology and has 10+ years of experience in early childhood education. As an ECE Level 2 at Next Gen DayCare, she is passionate about nurturing young minds and fostering inclusive, play-based learning environments that focus on cultural diversity & inclusion. Liliana is also dedicated to building strong relationships with families & actively engages in community initiatives that promote lifelong learning and child development.​

Brin began her journey with Next Gen as an ECE Level 1 & proudly earned her Level 2 while growing with the team. She has a natural talent for working with older children and excels at planning. As one of Next Gen's youngest, Brin brings fresh energy & easily connects with kids, making learning fun and relevant. Her enthusiasm and creativity shine through in everything she does.

Outside of work, Brin loves spending time with her dog (pictured here!) ​

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.

Sofia began her journey with Next Gen as a practicum student, and her natural talent quickly earned her a full-time role on our team. As one of our youngest educators, Sofia brings boundless enthusiasm and positivity that brightens every classroom.

She currently works with our older preschoolers, guiding them with care and creativity as they prepare for kindergarten. Parents & children alike notice when Sofia isn’t around; her warmth is truly missed.

Aimee started at Next Gen with toddlers and quickly became indispensable to the daycare. With babysitting experience and the lessons learned from caring for younger siblings, she brings calm, compassionate, and structured care to every classroom. Her steady presence helps children feel secure while growing in confidence, making her a trusted educator and valued team member. We’re so happy to have Aimee’s warmth and stability at Next Gen!

From a village in France, Mathilde brings international experience and the beauty of the French language to Next Gen. Working with our kindergarten and out-of-school care kids, she quickly builds connections through stories from abroad. Her background on her family’s farm adds resilience and creativity to her teaching, while her warmth and cultural insight enrich our programs.

From the Dominican Republic, Noemi brings warmth and a strong sense of family to Next Gen. As our longest-standing substitute, she is always ready to step in and support the team wherever needed. Currently working toward her Level 2 certification, Noemi draws on her experience raising two children to provide care that is both nurturing and dependable. Her positivity and reliability make her a trusted presence for staff, parents, and children alike.