The faculty at Souris Cooperative Early Learning Programs are dedicated to the education, care, and development of each and every child.
Ms. Tara - Early Childhood Educator III
Executive Director
Hello! My name is Tara Mills. I was born and raised in Souris. I began my Career in Child Care in 1999 here in Souris. I moved to Brandon for a few years where I worked in a Centre . In 2005, I was given the push to go to ACC to take my Early Childhood Education. After completing my ECE, I began working at the School Age Program as the Program Supervisor. This was an amazing time. I made lasting relationships with the children and the families. During this time I also was the Inclusion Specialist in the Nursery School program for a year.
In 2009, I was fortunate enough to be asked to take on the challenge of Director. I am thankful to be this position and all the challenges and adventures it brings. Most of all I am so grateful to be a part of our families lives.
In 2009, I was fortunate enough to be asked to take on the challenge of Director. I am thankful to be this position and all the challenges and adventures it brings. Most of all I am so grateful to be a part of our families lives.
Miss Amanda - Early Childhood Educator II
Assistant Director
Hey! My name is Amanda Wiebe and I’m originally from Gretna,
MB. As of January 8th, 2015 I have begun my journey at Souris early
learning center as the Assistant Director. SELC has a wonderful philosophy and
I’m excited for the opportunity to work in a small community and be surrounded
by professional educators as well as amazingly creative children.
I was born in Brandon, but I didn’t stay long. My family decided to move to the small town of Gretna, MB where I spend my childhood years. Growing up in a small town was great, but I knew if I wanted to pursue my education in childcare id have to move. I ended up back in Brandon where I took my early childhood education at Assiniboine community college. Through the two year program I had a chance to work at Valley View Kidz Zone, which was my first experience with school agers. It was awesome trying something new, I very much enjoyed my time and mentorship with the ECE’S at Valley View. Once I officially graduated from the program I decided to take a job at Victoria Daycare Center. I had quite a few opportunities to better my education. I took several courses and participated in a number of professional development days so that I could apply my knowledge in the work place. I gained a lot of experience working at Victoria and decided to try my hand at Y-South Early Learning Center. I familiarized myself with Playing to Learn which is Y-South’s philosophy and gained more knowledge in Emergent curriculum, webbing, scaffolding, and documentation. I worked at the Y for three years and decided to try my hand at a management role which lead me to Souris Early Learning Program. I’m happy in my decision and am glad I got the opportunity to join the team!
I was born in Brandon, but I didn’t stay long. My family decided to move to the small town of Gretna, MB where I spend my childhood years. Growing up in a small town was great, but I knew if I wanted to pursue my education in childcare id have to move. I ended up back in Brandon where I took my early childhood education at Assiniboine community college. Through the two year program I had a chance to work at Valley View Kidz Zone, which was my first experience with school agers. It was awesome trying something new, I very much enjoyed my time and mentorship with the ECE’S at Valley View. Once I officially graduated from the program I decided to take a job at Victoria Daycare Center. I had quite a few opportunities to better my education. I took several courses and participated in a number of professional development days so that I could apply my knowledge in the work place. I gained a lot of experience working at Victoria and decided to try my hand at Y-South Early Learning Center. I familiarized myself with Playing to Learn which is Y-South’s philosophy and gained more knowledge in Emergent curriculum, webbing, scaffolding, and documentation. I worked at the Y for three years and decided to try my hand at a management role which lead me to Souris Early Learning Program. I’m happy in my decision and am glad I got the opportunity to join the team!
Mrs. Jacquie- Early Childhood Educator ll
School Age & Nursery School Supervisor
Hi, my name is Jacquie. I live in Elgin with my husband Phil, son Jonah and a multitude of critters. I have worked at Souris Daycare since September 2004. I took on the role of Program Supervisor in 2009 and have enjoyed every minute of it. I am currently completing my ECE level II through Assiniboine Community College.
When I’m not working, in my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, riding horses, reading, going to the gym and cooking.
When I’m not working, in my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, riding horses, reading, going to the gym and cooking.
Miss. Maria - Early Childhood Educator II
Infant & Preschool Supervisor
Hello, my name is Maria Checkowski. I grew up on a small farm near Rossburn , MB with my dad and mom and two older sisters.
After I graduated from high school I went to live in Brandon to take my 2 year course of Early Childhood Education and I loved every minute of it . Once I graduated from college in 2009 I worked in Brandon for two years and then came to Souris to the daycare.
I have been working at the daycare for about 8 months now and recently moved with my boyfriend to Souris.
I am truly blessed to work with such amazing staff and children at this daycare.. Each child here is amazing and can't wait to teach them so much more.
After I graduated from high school I went to live in Brandon to take my 2 year course of Early Childhood Education and I loved every minute of it . Once I graduated from college in 2009 I worked in Brandon for two years and then came to Souris to the daycare.
I have been working at the daycare for about 8 months now and recently moved with my boyfriend to Souris.
I am truly blessed to work with such amazing staff and children at this daycare.. Each child here is amazing and can't wait to teach them so much more.
Miss. Tanya - Early Learning Assistant
Early Learning Program Educator
Hey everyone! I am Tanya Susan Judd. I was born in 1991 and I have 2 sisters. I was born and raised in Souris where I went to school for 13 years. I also went to Day Care in the basement of the United Church.
I have worked at the Souris Pool and pools in Brandon for 5 years as a swimming instructor/lifeguard and have taught live years. I have also worked at Kenosee Lake Bible Camp which was out of my comfort zone, but all-in-all a great experience. Now I work at the Souris Day Care Center Inc. in the infant room. I enjoy working with the infants- especially doing art with them and watching them grow into young children.
I've recently began saving money to study the paramedic course at ACC. My goal is to become an air paramedic and live in the United States.
Interesting fact: Our current Director was an ECE at the Day Care when I was a baby in the infant room. Then, in grade 1 Tara was one of my babysitters.
I have worked at the Souris Pool and pools in Brandon for 5 years as a swimming instructor/lifeguard and have taught live years. I have also worked at Kenosee Lake Bible Camp which was out of my comfort zone, but all-in-all a great experience. Now I work at the Souris Day Care Center Inc. in the infant room. I enjoy working with the infants- especially doing art with them and watching them grow into young children.
I've recently began saving money to study the paramedic course at ACC. My goal is to become an air paramedic and live in the United States.
Interesting fact: Our current Director was an ECE at the Day Care when I was a baby in the infant room. Then, in grade 1 Tara was one of my babysitters.
Mrs. Lisa - Early Childhood Educator II
Early Learning Program Educator
My name is Lisa. I am a wife and mother of 2. I was born and raised just outside of Thunder Bay, ON. In 2000 I received by ECE diploma and worked in a child care facility for 3 years, where I worked in the Infant and Toddler programs. After my first child I decided to run my own program out of my home. I absolutely loved every minute of it.
In July 2012 my husband and I decided to make some changes and move to Manitoba. We purchased an acreage just outside of Souris where our family and entourage of animals live. On a side note, I also run my own photography business, specializing in Equine and Cattle Photography and the occasional family portrait. My weekends and summer months are full with photography, family, kids' events and riding horses.
I am excited to get back into a child care center environment and getting to know the community. The staff are all welcoming and great to work with. The children are all so sweet, taking no time at all to feel comfortable enough with me to sit on my lap or run up and give me a hug when they see me. Children are truly amazing and I love being a part of their growing process.
In July 2012 my husband and I decided to make some changes and move to Manitoba. We purchased an acreage just outside of Souris where our family and entourage of animals live. On a side note, I also run my own photography business, specializing in Equine and Cattle Photography and the occasional family portrait. My weekends and summer months are full with photography, family, kids' events and riding horses.
I am excited to get back into a child care center environment and getting to know the community. The staff are all welcoming and great to work with. The children are all so sweet, taking no time at all to feel comfortable enough with me to sit on my lap or run up and give me a hug when they see me. Children are truly amazing and I love being a part of their growing process.
Miss Tamara - Early Learning Assistant
Early Learning Program Educator
Hi, my names is Tamara Hames. I am originally from London, ON and have lived in Manitoba and Alberta. I moved back to Manitoba to be with my fiancé Andrew. I have always loved working with children and being able to teach them skills that they will use every day. I am hoping to get my Early Childhood Education in the near future so I can help the kids learn and have a fun filled day at the program!
Early Learning Program Educator
Hi, my names is Tamara Hames. I am originally from London, ON and have lived in Manitoba and Alberta. I moved back to Manitoba to be with my fiancé Andrew. I have always loved working with children and being able to teach them skills that they will use every day. I am hoping to get my Early Childhood Education in the near future so I can help the kids learn and have a fun filled day at the program!
Miss Lindsay - Early Learning Assistant
Early Learning & School Age Program
Hi! My name is Lindsay Swaenepoel. I’m 19 years old and have lived in Souris my whole life. I have always been interested in working with children. Eventually I would like to have my ECE and possible open my own daycare. I decided to go into child care because I love when I see children learning something new.
Early Learning & School Age Program
Hi! My name is Lindsay Swaenepoel. I’m 19 years old and have lived in Souris my whole life. I have always been interested in working with children. Eventually I would like to have my ECE and possible open my own daycare. I decided to go into child care because I love when I see children learning something new.