Our Staff
Our Program Director and Teachers are dedicated to the education and care of young children.
Our teachers have diplomas in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or are working toward this goal.
Early Childhood Educators are registered with the College of Early Childhood Educators of Ontario. ECEs learn about the social, cognitive, emotional, physical, and creative needs of children aged twelve and under, and have the skills and knowledge necessary for planning and carrying out creative learning experiences that optimizes individual development for infant, toddler, preschool, and school-aged children.
Our Program Director
Janis Leney, BA, RECE
Miss Janis is happy to have called Bells Corners Cooperative Nursery School home since 2017. New to the Program Director role in 2022, Janis is committed to building a caring, trusting, and respectful connection to the learning environment for each child and family in our Membership.
“Play is the work of childhood, and the work our children do here every day lays the foundation for lifelong curiosity and learning. I’m so proud of how our Education Teams cultivate relationships and provide your children with an engaging, challenging, and care-filled spaces geared towards helping them to become the best little people they can be.”
Janis continues to step into the classroom every chance she gets and values any opportunity to connect with the families of BCCNS.
Reach out to her any time at info@bccns.ca.
Our Education Team
Cheryl Francis, Educator
We count ourselves so lucky that Miss Cheryl decided to join our team in 2021! Cheryl brings a keen eye for details and a genuine enjoyment of watching the children gain an understanding of our big world: Their fresh eyes can teach us so much and remind us to slow down and take it all in. In Cheryl you’ll find a great listener, full of fun ideas, who strives to help each child feel important and valued within the classroom. Cheryl’s culinary experience and skills help us to keep our snacks healthy, balanced and fun. When she isn’t in the classroom, Miss Cheryl is building memories and going on fun adventures with her own children, family, and friends.
Jen Hoyt, Educator
Miss Jen is a long-time member of the BCCNS Education Team. Her genuine, caring nature is evident in her every interaction with the children in our programs. Her devotion to helping them feel safe, happy, and confident within the group is one of the things that makes BCCNS so special. When Jen isn’t with the children in our classrooms, she’s keeping busy making memories with her growing family and energetic dogs!
Karen Knox, RECE
A RECE since 1993, Miss Karen brings a wealth of experience working in early learning and childcare. Her enthusiastic personality and exuberant sense of humour is a welcomed addition to our programs and endears her to families and children alike. Karen has a knack for making a simple transition a memorable part of the children’s day, and can often be heard playing her ukulele during Circle Time (or at any time, for that matter). Karen loves to share her enthusiasm for all things Korean and works French and Sign Language learning into our day with ease. We are very proud to have Miss Karen as part of the BCCNS Education Team.
Melanie Hogeveen, BA, RECE
Miss Melanie joined our Education Team in the Fall of 2022, and we’re so delighted that she did! Mel enjoys being a part of the children’s everyday growth and learning, and she just loves to see their smiling faces each day. The children enjoy her fabulous bilingual French and English Circle Time, and all of the care and attention she brings to their special interactions. When she’s not in the classroom, Miss Melanie cherishes every moment of her family time, be it at the trailer during camping season, or on the slopes in the winter.
Rhonda Ferguson, RECE
Miss Rhonda brings years of providing supportive early learning experiences to the children of BCCNS. Her playful, caring nature helps her to build trusting connections and a genuine friendship with the children in her care. Her Music and Movement Classes are the stuff of legends, and Rhonda takes a special pride in fostering positive creative experiences for the children, allowing them to grow the artist within. Rhonda sees her role as a RECE as one of constant learning, and she loves that she learns right alongside the children. When she isn’t making fun here at BCCNS, you’ll find Rhonda busy adventuring with her family, biking, hiking, camping, baking, crafting, travelling, and enjoying their time together.
Sue Marshall, RECE
Miss Sue might be new to BCCNS, but she has been involved in Cooperative Nursery School programming throughout the City of Ottawa for many years. Sue’s gentle approach to learning and building connections makes her a sought-after educator in the classroom. When she isn’t building beautiful learning experiences here at BCCNS, you’ll find Sue busy at her farm, caring for her horses, Martin, Lincoln, and Archie, or spending time with her grandchild.
Svetlana Fee, RECE
Miss Svetlana has been part of the BCCNS family since 2014, and we’re happy to have her back in the classroom. Svetlana brings a wealth of experience working with children of all ages to our Education Team, and her patient, calm manner allows her to really connect with all of the children in our care. Svetlana is a crafty, creative Mom, always coming up with a fun project idea for us here, or an amazing experience for her family at home.