Meet The Okotoks Team
Founder & CEO (ECE LEvel 1)
Nik Zetouni
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.
Daycare Director (ECE Level 3)
Sam Walton
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.
ECE Level 3
Shirley Tadad
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.
ECE Level 1
Karina de Oliveira
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. 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 .
ECE Level 1
Kassandra Meric
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.
At Next Gen, Kassandra loves spending time outdoors with children while feeding their creativity and imagination.
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ECE Level 1
Carolynn Carlson
​Carolynn Carlson, born and raised in Nanaimo, brings her passion for child care to Next Gen DayCare. With two beautiful children and three delightful grandchildren, Carolynn has been a dedicated Early Childhood Educator since 2013. Her commitment to nurturing young minds is evident in her enthusiastic approach to her career. Outside of work, Carolynn loves nature walks, camping, fishing, and other outdoor activities, which she enjoys sharing with her family and the children at Next Gen DayCare.
ECE Level 1
Brin Burndred
​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).
ECE Level 1 - Substitute
Larissa Cioni
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.
ECE Level 1 - Substitute
Naomi Ramirez
Bio coming soon!
ECE Level 1 - Substitute
Ritchell Camburiam
Bio coming soon!