About Us
Deepening our roots in our community!
Meet The Leadership Team
'The Roots'
Michelle Gehring
Program Director - Administration & Finances
Early Learning & Child Care Diploma - Level 3
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.
Leiza Lee
Early Learning Curriculum Facilitator
Alternate Program Supervisor - Brooks & Bassano
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!
Katy
Interim Program Supervisor - Bassano
Early Learning & Child Care Certificate - ECE Level 2
Ms. Katy has been working in early childcare since March of 2024.
Katy was born and raised in Mexico! She moved to Canada in 2009 to be with family.
Katy first completed her level 1 through BaseCorp in 2024 before continuing onto complete her ELCC Certificate (level 2) in 2026! Katy is currently working towards her Diploma (level 3). With experience babysitting and volunteering at HFA, Katy knew exploring with children was where she was meant to be!
At Acorn, Katy has spent time with all age groups, and as an inclusive educator.
Katy is excited to learn from the children and see things from their perspective. As she takes over Bassano programming, we are eager to see Katy's leadership and desire to quality programming continue to flourish.
Autumn LeBourdais
MATERNITY LEAVE
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!
Ally Nicholls
MATERNITY LEAVE
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.
Summer
Educator - Brooks & Bassano
Early Learning & Child Care Diploma - ECE Level 3
Ms. Summer became an educator in April 2023. Summer has experience working in the infant, toddler, preschool and more recently OSC classroom!
Summer grew up in Brooks. In her spare time, she likes arts and crafts and enjoys spending time with her cats and family. If you think she looks familiar, Summer is Autumn’s sister! They both love children and working together!
Khush
Educator - Brooks & Bassano
Early Learning & Child Care Diploma -
ECE Level 3
Khush has been an educator in our community since December 2023!
Khush was raised in India, before moving to Canada in 2021.
With an Early Learning & Child Care Diploma (level 3), the Flight Course and Brain Story, Khush is well equip to support in exploring with children at AAA.
Khush has spent most of her days with our preschool and school age children. Recently, Ms. Kush has been exploring with the infants and toddlers while supporting various areas of programming.
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Manjinder 'Manni'
Educator - Brooks
Early Learning & Child Care Diploma - ECE Level 3
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Manjinder has been an educator in our community since 2024. She completed her Early childhood diploma in Ontario before coming to Brooks. She has continued her education with completing the Brain story certification and the Flight curriculum course.
When in the classroom she loves spending time with the children building and making creations with playdough and other materials. She also loves to see the joy on the children’s faces when they are playing in the play structure.
At Acorn Adventure Academy she spends most of her time with in the sprouts classroom. But you will also see her in the mornings with the other children and sometimes helping out in the kitchen!
Marcela
Educator - Brooks & Bassano
Early Learning & Child Care Certificate-
ECE Level 2
Marcela began working in early childhood in March 2024.
Marcela was born and raised in El Salvador! She moved to Canada in 2010 to be closer to family. In her personal time, she enjoys reading, working out, and going on walks!
Marcela is the lead educator in our infant classroom!
Marcela completed her Labour and Birth Doula Certification in 2020, and ELCC Certificate in 2026! Marcela is continuing on her education journey to receive her ELCC Diploma in 2027!
Dayna
Educator - Brooks
ECE Level 1
Ms. Dayna was born and raised right here in Brooks. When she is not at Acorn Adventure Academy she can be found me making art, playing guitar or spending time with her wonderful spouse and daughter!
Ms. Dayna has her level 1 in ECE and currently working towards level 2. She also has 2 years of childcare experience working in childcare. She loves helping children learn, explore and grow through play, creativity and fun!
She looks forward to make lots of special memories with all of our little learners.
Shay
Educator - Brooks
ECE Level 1
Bio coming SOON
Sarbjit
Educator - Bassano
Early Learning & Child Care Diploma
ECE Level 3
Sarbjit has been working in our community since January 2024!
Sarbjit started her started her childcare journey in 2021. Sarbjit was born and raised in India, before moving to Ontario where she began working in childcare.
Ms. Sarbjit has completed her Brain Story Certification, Supporting Curriculum Practice through ARCQE and a Flight Course (Exploring Early Childhood Curriculum).
B
Foram
Educator - Bassano
ECE Uncertified
Ms. Foarm started working at Acorn Adventure Academy in August 2026! She grew up in India and now has been living in Bassano for 3 years.
In the future, she will obtain her level 1 from the Basecorp program.
Her favorite part working with children is engaging with the children while they are learning and playing! She also likes to explore with them. She also likes that everyday is a new adventure.
Stephanie
Cook - Brooks
Ms. Stephanie Joined Acorn Adventure Academy in July 2026. She lives just outside Bassano with her Husband and two girls! In her spare time she likes exploring and going on adventures with her girls.
You will find Ms. Stephanie in the kitchen where she spends her days cooking delicious and nutritious meals for all our friends at Acorn Adventure Academy.
In the future Ms. Stephanie plans to obtain her level 1. Her favorite part of the day is being able to be around all the children, see their smiling faces and to help them when they need it.
Jashandeep
Educator - Bassano
ECE Level 1
Bio coming SOON
Nazia
Educator - Brooks
ECE Level 1
Bio coming soon
Faysa
Educator - Brooks
ECE Level 1
Bio coming soon
