About Us
Deepening our roots in our community!
Meet The Leadership Team
'The Roots'
Michelle Gehring
Program Director - Administration & Finances
Early Childhood Diploma - coming summer 2026!
I grew up in Lethbridge as the youngest of three and currently call Duchess home. We moved to the area when my kids were young, and I had the joy of enrolling my youngest in the BDA preschool program. I joined the BDA team in 2022, and my passion for this career has only grown since then. Through hard work and a genuine love for what I do, I've been fortunate to advance in the company. I’m beyond excited to embark on this new adventure as the Director of Finance and Administration at Acorn Adventure Academy Ltd. In our new centre, I’ll be hands-on with daily operations while also managing the financial side of things. As I step into this new role, I’m eager to create a nurturing environment where children can explore, learn, and grow. My vision for Acorn Adventure Academy is to instill a love of learning and to offer families in our community a safe and supportive space for their children. I am excited to cultivate strong relationships with both the kids and their parents, and I am dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of the families we serve.
Autumn LeBourdais
Program Director - Operations
Early Learning & Child Care Diploma - ECE Level 3
My childcare career began in 2021 when I joined BDA as an infant educator. After completing my Level 3 Early Childhood Education diploma, I advanced quickly into a leadership position, managing daily operations at the Bassano centre. With over four years of experience, I am now excited to step into a new chapter as the Director of Operations at Acorn Adventure Academy Ltd. I will be overseeing both the Brooks and Bassano locations, serving as the primary contact for families and will be working alongside Michelle in daily operations! I will continue to remain actively involved in each program, supporting educators and connecting with families to help provide the highest quality care for every child!
Leiza Lee
Early Learning Curriculum Facilitator
Early Learning & Child Care Diploma - ECE Level 3
Ms. Leiza has been working in childcare for many years. She spent some time working in the school system before making the switch to Early Childhood Education and working as an educator at BDA for 7 years!
As Early Learning Curriculum Facilitator, Ms. Leiza will be implementing Acorn Adventure Academy’s early learning framework. She will address both the individual and group cognitive, social, emotional, and physical needs of the children.
She will be in charge of preparing materials for the classroom, organizing activities, enforcing safety policies, addressing special needs or cultural differences, and checking social and emotional development.
MaChristine Salinas
Enhanced Support Lead
Early Learning & Child Care Certificate -
ECE Level 2
As the Enhanced Support Lead, Ms. Christine will be responsible for the implementation of Acorn Adventure Academy’s approved learning framework in partnership with organizations such as ASAP, ICC, ARCQE, etc. She will be working with all age groups to address both the individual and group cognitive, social, emotional, and physical needs of children.
In this position, she will be in charge of working with other educators to implement and learn new strategies and act as extra classroom support, utilizing resources provided by the above organizations!
Ally Nicholls
Program Supervisor - Bassano
Early Learning & Child Care Diploma -
ECE Level 3
I grew up in Ontario until 2022, when I moved to Alberta and began calling Duchess home. I spend my days with my husband, dog and two daughters.
I joined the BDA team in 2022, after spending a few years in Ontario as an ECE. I completed my Early Childhood Education at Fanshawe College, earning a Diploma and ECE level 3.
In the classroom, I enjoy being active with the children and spending much of our day outside. I enjoy learning from each child.
I am eager to start my new role as the Program Supervisor in Bassano, build programming with the Bassano team and expand on existing partnerships with the families! Before my first maternity leave, I spent much of my time in Bassano. In Bassano, I will focus on implementing holistic programming, connecting to our community and expanding quality child care and early learning. I look forward to sharing in daily programming with each of you!
Meet our educators
'The branches'
All early childhood educators hold a minimum of a Level One ECE Certificate, an up-to-date Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check, and a First Aid & CPR certificate.
Many educators hold additional credentials, including ECE level 2 & 3 certificates obtained through completing ELCC Certificates and Diplomas or other equivalent education.