BUILDING BLOCKS NURSERY SCHOOL - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Building Block Staff Member
Cathy Sookhoo grew up in the City of Toronto, she studied Early Childhood Education at Humber College and graduated in 2001. After acquiring a full-time position in the ECE field, she decided to further her studies at York University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. She moved to Brampton and worked full-time as a E.C.E./Supervisor in a private Nursery School in Mississauga for 9 years prior to her employment at Building Blocks.
Cathy was first introduced to Building Blocks as a parent. She was looking for a part-time Nursery program for her first-born son. Upon her first interactions with the staff during an open house she quickly fell in love with the nurturing environment and loving staff. All three of her children have attended the program through preschool, JK, and SK.
Cathy has been a Building Block staff member since 2013 and works with the Preschool and SK children in both the morning and afternoon programs. She enjoys scrapbooking and playing tennis in her spare time. Cathy believes that learning is a life-long journey that begins in the early years and enjoys engaging young minds each day.
Jennifer Lam is thrilled to be returning to Building Blocks staff in 2013-14 in the preschool class.
Jennifer is a certified Elementary School teacher with 4 years of experience working with students ages JK to Grade 8. In addition to teaching at Building Blocks, she is also a supply teacher for the Dufferin-Peel Catholic DSB. Jennifer received a Bachelor of Arts Specialized Honours degree in History from York University in 2007, followed by a Bachelor of Education degree from Trent University in 2008. Her B.Ed program concluded with a 3-week alternative placement at Building Blocks. Jennifer's additional teaching qualifications include courses in ESL, Special Education and reading instruction.
Jennifer has an artistic background, graduating from Mayfield Secondary School's Regional Arts Program in Visual Arts in 2002. Jennifer also draws, writes and self-publishes a series of children's comic books called The Adventures of Lollipop (under her maiden name Jennifer Cuthbert). Jennifer is looking forward to inspiring the children's creativity and self-expression as they create a variety of works of art based on the school's weekly themes.
Jennifer grew up in Brampton, not far from Building Blocks. She now lives in Georgetown with her husband, Perry. Jennifer enjoys art, music, movies and cooking.
"Having taught for both Building Blocks and the school board, I have seen the many benefits to choosing the Building Blocks program over the publicly funded Kindergarten program: a warmer, more nurturing learning environment, smaller class sizes, a positive team atmosphere and, most importantly, better preparedness for Grade 1."
Jennifer Lam is thrilled to be joining the Building Blocks staff for the 2012-2013 school year. Jennifer will be working primarily with the morning Senior Kindergarten class and planning their daily art activities. Read More
Joanne Freer graduated from Conestoga College with her Early Childhood Education Diploma in 1976. In 1978, she completed a two-year Certification with the Association for Early Childhood Education in Ontario. Upon graduation, Joanne was hired as an ECE teacher with Emmanuel Day Care Centre in Waterloo Ontario. During her nine years at Emmanuel, she taught all age groups and became Acting Supervisor before she left in 1985. Joanne attended both the University of Waterloo and Wilfred Laurier during this time, taking courses related to the field of Early Childhood Education.
Upon moving to Brampton in 1985, Joanne worked for one year with the City of Brampton in their Preschool Department. In 1986, Joanne opened Building Blocks with Karen Sanger.
Since moving to Brampton, Joanne has continued to upgrade her education in the field of Early Childhood Education. In 2008, she joined the newly formed College of Early Childhood Educators. She lives in the Heart Lake area of Brampton with her husband, Paul. They have raised four very active children who are now all adults. Joanne actively participates in a women's sorority and her book club, and enjoys gardening and keeping fit through Pilates and Yoga. Joanne loves meeting new children and their families, while working in a warm nurturing environment where she strives to do her best.
"I love to watch children develop and change for the better while attending Building Blocks. There is such a great satisfaction in helping children discover all their strengths, and at the same time observing their sense of wonder."
Joanne Freer RECE
- Co-owner, JK Teacher
Joanne Freer graduated from Conestoga College with her Early Childhood Education Diploma in 1976. In 1978, she completed a two-year Certification with the Association for Early Childhood Education in Ontario.
Karen graduated from Sheridan College with Honours in 1990, earning a diploma in Early Childhood Education. In 2008, Karen joined the newly formed College of Early Childhood Educators. Karen has continued to update her teaching skills by taking courses on various topics, including: Identifying Speech Problems in Young Children, Integration of Children with Special Needs, Mathematics workshops, AD/HD workshops, and Phonics seminars.
Karen lives in Caledon with her husband, Keith. Karen enjoys pottering around in her garden, skiing, walking, reading, folk art painting, and staying physically active.
Karen continues to strive to make herself and Building Blocks the best they can be and looks forward to going to school each day. "I feel a huge amount of satisfaction knowing that I can make a difference in a child's learning. There is nothing quite like hearing a child read their first sentence, sounding out words on a spelling test, or just simply interacting with another child or adult in the warm and caring environment that Building Blocks provides."
Karen Sanger first started working with children in early 1985, running a parent-and-tot program at her local recreation centre. She then opened Building Blocks Nursery School with Joanne Freer in September 1986. Read More
Linda Nunes graduated from George Brown in June 1988, earning a diploma in Early Childhood and started working with children in a daycare setting that September. Linda lived in Kingston Ontario for many years and worked for a home agency for over 10 yrs and supplied for a local YMCA.
Linda has continued to update her teaching skills by taking courses on various topics offered by CDRCP since 2008.
Linda lives in Brampton since 2002 with her husband Jose. Linda has three grown children, a son and two daughters. She enjoys her summer holidays in her homeland of Portugal with her Mother and in Laws. She spends her free time reading and doing cross stitch.
Linda enjoys each and every little greeting, or happy expression from the children when she comes to Building Blocks each day.
Linda Nunes graduated from George Brown in June 1988, earning a diploma in Early Childhood and started working with children in a daycare setting that September. Linda lived in Kingston Ontario for many years and worked for a home agency for over 10 yrs and supplied for a local YMCA. Read More
Lorraine Quibell joined the Building Blocks staff in 2001. She works primarily with the Preschool classes. Prior to joining Building Blocks, Lorraine worked for ErinoakKids on a part-time basis for 7½ years as an Outreach Assistant working with children with special needs and physical disabilities. Lorraine also provided daycare for others while staying at home to raise her own children.
She continually attends workshops to increase her knowledge of early childhood education.
Lorraine has two beautiful children and has been married for more than 25 years. She enjoys scrapbooking, reading, hiking, and spending time with her family. She loves working with children and believes every child is very special and has great potential. She greatly enjoys watching the children use their curiosity to learn new things.
Lorraine Quibell joined the Building Blocks staff in 2001. Prior to joining Building Blocks, Lorraine worked for ErinoakKids on a part-time basis for 7½ years as an Outreach Assistant working with children with special needs and physical disabilities. Read More