Our team of staff is full of dynamic, unique, caring and fun individuals. We all have an eclectic background of education and experience. Allow us to introduce ourselves!!
Staff by Location:
Melissa Burke
Melissa's passion for working with children began at the young age of 14. She was approached one day in high school by an enthusiastic Recreation Programmer and on a whim, became an LIT (leader in training). Through Nanaimo Parks, Recreation and Culture, Melissa was given many opportunities to learn and develop teaching and leadership skills, and create programs. She recognized a passion for inspiring young minds and helping children grow and develop. She went on to complete her Early Childhood Education (ECE) at Malaspina (now VIU). After working in a couple of other licensed programs in the Nanaimo area she decided to go out on her own, with a hope and a dream, and created Kidz Kompany Children's Centre (now known as VI Kidz Kompany Childcare Group Ltd.). What started as a small facility with 10 licensed spaces, has grown to a family of centres providing service to over 300 families encompassing care programs for children age 0-12 years old. When she is not busy at work at Kidz Kompany, Melissa enjoys teaching DANCEPL3Y, running, yoga, exploring the island, and hanging out with her puppy Harrison. Melissa’s official role is the Director of Early Learning. You will find Melissa working mainly from her home office answering e-mails, phone calls and doing all of the other behind the scenes work that goes on! You may also find her in the Preschool or at Small Fries with the youngest of the Kidz Ko family... but don’t worry, she will always make time for a site visit to see the big kids!
Tiffany
Tiffany has been working with kids for as long as she can remember. From babysitting and volunteering at summer camps to teaching English over seas. After completing her Early Childhood Education in 2012 she spent some time travelling and eventually settled down and started living her best island life in 2014! Tiffany is the currenly the Kidz Kompany Director of School Aged Programming. She loves when she is able to sneak out of the office and spend time with the kiddos! When not at work, Tiffany loves diving into a good book or spending time among the trees!
Realle
Realle works at our Kidz Kompany Hammond Bay location as well as the preschool! Previously to joining our team, she worked for many years as a private nanny and a behavioural interventionist for school aged children, She also taught art classes for preschool aged children! Realle's favorite part about working with children is being able to provide a fun, supportive environment to help them grow and learn to be themselves!
When Realle isn't at Kidz Kompany, you can find her hanging out with her {SEVEN} cats and enjoying local food! If you see her say hi!
Brittany
Brittany has been working at Kidz Kompany since 2011 and she can be found at the Harbourside location working with the preschoolers, and the after school care program. She has been working with kids since she was quite young, helping at her mom's daycare in Royston and babysitting. She enjoys reading, playing board games, and spending time with family and friends in her spare time. She loves pizza and her favourite sport is soccer! She loves working with youth and has been working with a community youth program since 2006. Her favourite thing about working with kids is their unique personalities, unending energy and creativity. You can find her out and about in the community working with youth programs when she is not at Kidz Kompany! Brittany has unique education and training, don't be afraid to ask her about it!
Rebecca (Becki)
Coming Soon!
Brianne
Coming soon!
Jocelyn
Coming Soon!
Joredayn
Hello I’m Joredayn! I have been working with Kidz Kompany since 2008 when I did my early childhood education and care practicum. I manage the Pleasant Valley After-school care and the Harbourside preschool. I love all the families I have met, and I have enjoyed watching all the children learn and grow through the years. In my off time I can be found spending time with my amazing niece or fishing on the west coast.
Miranda
Coming Soon!
Holly
Coming Soon!
Rebecca (Bex)
Rebecca’s first experience working with large groups of children was when she was living in Taipei, Taiwan working as an English emersion teacher. She taught children ages 2-12 a variety of subjects in English and learned so much in the process. After returning to Canada, Rebecca worked as an ESL instructor in Vancouver for 7 years. Rebecca left Vancouver to enjoy the incredible beauty of Vancouver Island. She enjoys being out in nature, being active, exploring the world around her and sharing that passion with others. Rebecca is so excited to be working for Kidz Kompany at the Randerson Ridge site. Her favourite part about working with young children is their curiosity, energy and quirkiness. She loves finding opportunities to share knowledge, ignite their imaginations, and have loads of fun!
Emily
Coming soon!
Jaya
Coming Soon!
Corinne
Corinne has been in the child care field since finishing her education with a diploma in Early Childhood Education (including Special Needs and Infant/Toddler) in 1999. Before coming to Kidz Kompany, Corinne worked in various centres in Nanaimo and Parksville including running her own centre for 7 years. She has cared for children from new born through school age! When she is not working, Corinne enjoys spending time with her family, working out, and making felt stories. Corinne loves the stories and conversation she has with children and their contagious giggles! You can find Corinne managing Kidz Kompany Small Fries!
Lori
Coming Soon!
Rayshell
Rayshell has been working in the Early Childhood Education field since 2016, and graduated from the ECEC program at VIU in 2019. She has joined the Small Fries Teams back in 2020 working with the Infants and Toddlers.
Rayshell started working with young kids in Highschool in the Leaders In Training (1 year) and Quest (3 years) Programs through City of Nanaimo and also volunteered at Little Ferns Daycare in grade 11.
When Rayshell is not working with the little ones you can find her attending or teaching a Zumba Class, exploring the Island, gold panning, or spending time with her family and friends.
Her favorite part of working with kids is to explore music and movement with the little ones and learning about the world through their eyes.
Sheena
Sheena works at our Small Fries Center on the Preschool side teaching the 2.5 - 4 year olds. Some of you may remember Sheena from Mountain View Elementary. She managed Mt. View during the 2015/2016 school year before going on maternity leave. She returned to Kidz Kompany with her son Corbin as she loves the programming not only to teach but, for her son to enjoy as well. Sheena likes to incorporate a lot of science and exploration in her teaching as well as learning through play. Her favorite part of the day is circle time. In her spare time she enjoys camping and hiking with her family and friends.
