Overview
The Minister’s Excellence in Early Learning and Child Care Awards honour early childhood professionals who demonstrate outstanding commitment to high-quality practice, leadership and support for children and families.
Areas of excellence include:
- innovative educational practice and leadership
- responding to the diverse needs of all learners
- lifelong learning
- fostering a positive learning environment
Early childhood professionals currently working in licensed early learning and child care settings across New Brunswick’s Anglophone school districts are eligible for nomination. Nominations can be submitted by parents, colleagues, service providers or community partners.
ASD-N
Melanie Cortes
78 Henderson Street
Miramichi, NB
E1N 2R7
Email: [email protected]
ASD-S
Lissa McNaughton Dickie
490 Woodward Avenue
Saint John, NB
E2K 5N3
Email: [email protected]
ASD- E
Mireille Comeau
45 Devere Road
Riverview, NB
E1B 2M4
Email: [email protected]
ASD-W
Anna Marie Hayes
20 Knowledge Park
Fredericton, NB
E3C 2P5
Email: [email protected]
2026 recipients
ASD-N
Tanisha Furlotte
Happy Little Faces Early Learning & Childcare Centre
Tanisha Furlotte is a dedicated early childhood educator who brings warmth, curiosity, and a strong commitment to inclusion in her work with children and families. She is known for creating welcoming environments where children feel valued, supported, and a true sense of belonging.
Throughout her career, Tanisha has been guided by the belief that every child deserves opportunities to participate, contribute, and thrive. She focuses on building meaningful relationships and understanding the unique strengths, interests, and needs of each child. Her practice is grounded in reflection and curiosity as she continually seeks new ways to support children’s learning and well-being.
Tanisha is also a collaborative educator who values learning alongside others and sharing knowledge with colleagues and families. She believes strong partnerships help build stronger communities and ensure children receive the support they need to flourish.
Through her kindness, leadership, and commitment to inclusive practice, Tanisha continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children, families, and educators.
Grace Dick
Kindertots Children’s Centre
Grace Dick is a dedicated early childhood educator whose journey into the field reflects a deep commitment to growth, learning, and relationships. After transitioning from a career in hairdressing, Grace discovered a passion for early learning and has become known for creating inclusive, play-based environments where every child feels respected, valued, and supported.
At the heart of Grace’s practice is her ability to build meaningful connections with children and families. She creates spaces where children feel safe to explore, learn, and be themselves, recognizing that relationships are the foundation of belonging and learning. Her compassionate approach, combined with her commitment to inclusion and equity, has had a lasting impact on the children and families she supports.
Grace’s work reflects the belief that every child deserves to be seen, heard, and celebrated for who they are. Through her care, empathy, and dedication, she continues to make a meaningful difference in her community.
Shari Dawn Walsh
Chatham Day Care Centre
Shari Dawn Walsh brings a wealth of life experience, compassion, and wisdom to her work in early childhood education. Throughout her career, she has supported people across all stages of life, from young children to seniors, developing a deep appreciation for the importance of relationships, dignity, and connection.
In her learning environment, children are welcomed with warmth, curiosity, and joy. Shari Dawn creates spaces where laughter, movement, and meaningful conversations are part of everyday learning, encouraging children to explore the world around them through play and discovery.
Known for her humility and caring nature, Shari Dawn is committed to creating environments where children and families feel valued and included. Her thoughtful approach and genuine kindness continue to leave a lasting impression on everyone she meets.
Julia Gail Langford
Club des Amis
Julia Gail Langford’s passion for early childhood education began at a young age while working alongside her mother in an early learning setting. That early experience sparked a lifelong commitment to supporting children and families through thoughtful, responsive, and engaging learning experiences.
A reflective educator and lifelong learner, Julia is always looking for ways to strengthen her practice and create environments that celebrate children’s ideas, identities, and creativity. Her spaces are carefully designed to inspire curiosity, exploration, and meaningful connections, while making children’s learning visible and valued.
Known for her dedication and strong work ethic, Julia brings enthusiasm and intention to everything she does. Her commitment to continuous growth and high-quality early learning experiences has made her a respected leader within her community.
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Kristiana Myers
Evergreen Acres Childcare
Kristiana Myers is the creative force behind Evergreen Acres Childcare, where she has built a warm and welcoming environment inspired by children’s curiosity, imagination, and sense of wonder. Her journey into early childhood education began through her experiences as a parent and quickly grew into a passion for supporting young children during their most important early years.
Known for designing thoughtful learning spaces, Kristiana creates environments where children feel safe, valued, and encouraged to explore the world around them. She believes that childhood should be filled with joy, discovery, and opportunities to be authentically yourself.
A strong advocate for belonging and inclusion, Kristiana shares her ideas and enthusiasm with families, children, and fellow educators alike. Her creativity and leadership continue to make a positive impact throughout her community.
Kari Lee Carrier
Nackawic Childcare
Kari Lee Carrier is an early childhood educator who is deeply committed to creating environments where every child and family feels welcomed, valued, and included. Known for her thoughtful and relationship-centered approach, Kari believes that every child deserves opportunities to participate, contribute, and thrive.
Her practice is grounded in getting to know each child as an individual—honouring their strengths, interests, culture, and unique ways of learning. Kari creates responsive learning environments that reflect the diversity of the children and families she supports, helping children develop confidence, connection, and a strong sense of belonging.
Families appreciate Kari’s genuine care and the strong partnerships she builds. By welcoming family voices and experiences into her program, she creates a community where everyone feels seen and respected. Through her compassion, curiosity, and dedication, Kari continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families.
Amanda Nicholson
Amanda’s House
Amanda Nicholson is a passionate educator and the owner and operator of Amanda’s House. Her love for working with children began early while helping care for her younger siblings, eventually growing into a lifelong commitment to supporting children and families through meaningful early learning experiences.
Amanda is known for her creative and collaborative approach to learning. She takes time to learn about each child’s interests, strengths, and ideas, using those connections to create engaging experiences that inspire curiosity and confidence. Her learning environment is one where children feel a strong sense of belonging and are encouraged to explore, create, and learn alongside one another.
A natural leader, Amanda enjoys finding innovative ways to connect children and communities. Her dedication to fostering empathy, relationships, and joyful learning continues to have a lasting impact on the children, families, and educators she supports.
Kris Foreman
Seeds & Sprouts Childcare
Kris Foreman is a dedicated early childhood educator whose work is rooted in relationships, respect, and inclusion. Driven by a lifelong curiosity about how children learn and grow, Kris creates environments where children feel safe, connected, and valued for exactly who they are.
At Seeds & Sprouts Childcare, Kris encourages children to explore the world around them with confidence and curiosity. Their practice emphasizes trust, co-regulation, and meaningful relationships, recognizing that some of the most important learning happens through everyday interactions and moments of care.
Beyond their work with children, Kris is a passionate advocate for children’s rights and respectful pedagogy. They regularly share their knowledge and experiences with other educators, helping strengthen professional learning and conversations around inclusion, consent, and belonging. Through their leadership and dedication, Kris continues to inspire both children and educators alike.
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Avril Wood-Toner
YMCA
Avril Wood-Toner is a respected leader in early childhood education whose career has been shaped by innovation, collaboration, and a deep commitment to children, families, and educators. Following a mid-career transition into the field, she discovered a passion that has led to years of meaningful contributions within both her community and the broader sector.
A lifelong learner, Avril is known for her reflective approach and her ability to turn ideas into action. From supporting professional learning opportunities for educators to helping develop programs that strengthen connections between families and communities, her work has created lasting impact.
Guided by a strong belief in quality, equity, and belonging, Avril continues to champion environments where children, families, and educators can thrive. Her leadership serves as a reminder of the powerful role early childhood education plays in shaping strong communities and bright futures.
Christina Walton
Wonderland Child Care
Christina Walton is an early childhood educator known for her warmth, positivity, and ability to create environments where children feel safe, supported, and excited to learn. Her natural connection with children inspired her journey into the field and continues to guide her work each day.
Christina values learning alongside children and embraces the curiosity, creativity, and joy they bring to every experience. She creates responsive environments that reflect children’s interests and ideas, encouraging exploration, confidence, and meaningful relationships.
Her commitment to inclusion and belonging is evident in the welcoming spaces she creates for children and families. Through her caring nature and genuine enthusiasm, Christina helps children feel valued, connected, and empowered to be themselves.
Rachel McLaughlin
YMCA
Rachel McLaughlin is a dedicated early childhood educator who brings warmth, curiosity, and a sense of wonder to her work with children and families. Inspired from a young age by her experiences around children, she found a natural path into early childhood education and has never looked back.
Rachel loves being part of children’s discoveries and everyday moments of excitement. Their questions, ideas, and imaginations inspire her to create learning environments that are engaging, responsive, and full of possibility. She believes that meaningful relationships are the foundation for learning and works to ensure every child feels safe, valued, and connected.
Known for her kindness, patience, and sense of humour, Rachel creates spaces where children can grow in confidence and develop a strong sense of belonging. Her impact is reflected in the lasting relationships she builds with children and families over time.
Shealyn Jackson
Wonderland Child Care
Shealyn Jackson is a reflective and passionate early childhood educator who believes deeply in the power of play. Although she did not initially expect early childhood education to become her career, experiences working with children helped her discover a field where she could combine her love of learning with her commitment to supporting children’s growth and development.
With experience in both early learning and school settings, Shealyn brings a unique perspective to her practice. She values creating environments where children can explore, take risks, make choices, and learn through meaningful play experiences.
A strong advocate for play-based learning, Shealyn believes children learn best when they are given opportunities to be curious, creative, and fully engaged in the world around them. Her thoughtful approach and commitment to continuous learning continue to positively influence the children, families, and colleagues she works alongside.
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Rhonda McPhee
Wee College
Rhonda McPhee is an early childhood educator whose calm presence, genuine care, and commitment to relationships have made a lasting impact on countless children and families. What began as an unexpected career path quickly became a passion, inspired by the joy, honesty, and unique perspectives children bring to each day.
Rhonda believes that strong relationships are at the heart of meaningful learning. She creates welcoming environments where children feel safe, supported, and encouraged to explore the world around them. Her approach is grounded in respect, consistency, and connection, helping children build confidence and a strong sense of belonging.
One of the most rewarding parts of Rhonda’s work is seeing former children return years later, remembering the relationships and experiences they shared in her care. Those lasting connections speak to the impact she has had throughout her career. Through kindness, patience, and thoughtful interactions, Rhonda continues to make a difference one child at a time.
Janice Sutherland
Home With A Heart Daycare
Janice Sutherland is a respected leader in New Brunswick’s early learning and childcare sector whose career has been defined by vision, dedication, and a deep commitment to children and families. What began with a single early learning centre has grown into multiple programs supporting children, families, and educators across her community.
Throughout her career, Janice has remained focused on creating high-quality environments where children can develop confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning. She believes that meaningful relationships and collaboration are essential to strong programs and thriving communities.
In addition to her work as an operator, Janice has been a passionate advocate for the sector, contributing to provincial conversations and supporting professional organizations that strengthen early learning and childcare. Her leadership, mentorship, and commitment to continuous improvement continue to inspire those around her and contribute to a stronger early childhood community.
Amritpal Kaur
Building Futures Early Learning Child Care
Amritpal Kaur is a thoughtful and reflective early childhood educator who is passionate about creating responsive, nurturing environments where children feel safe, valued, and supported. She brings patience, kindness, and intention to her work each day, building strong relationships with children and families alike.
Inspired by children’s curiosity and imagination, Amritpal sees every interaction as an opportunity to learn and grow alongside them. She takes pride in supporting children through important milestones and creating meaningful experiences that honour their unique strengths and perspectives.
A lifelong learner, Amritpal is committed to ongoing professional growth and encourages the same spirit of learning within her team. Her dedication to reflection, collaboration, and relationship-building helps create environments where children develop confidence, trust, and a strong sense of belonging. Through her care and leadership, she continues to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those she supports.
Shannon Nevers
Pitter Patter Daycare
Shannon Nevers is a passionate early childhood educator who is dedicated to creating inclusive environments where children and families feel welcomed, respected, and empowered to be themselves. Guided by curiosity and a genuine desire to make a difference, she approaches each day with enthusiasm, openness, and heart.
Shannon believes that every child deserves opportunities to explore, express themselves, and feel a true sense of belonging. She creates learning environments that celebrate diversity, encourage meaningful conversations, and honour the unique experiences and identities of each child and family.
Known for her reflective approach and commitment to equity, Shannon encourages children to embrace their individuality while fostering strong connections within their community. Through her leadership, creativity, and dedication, she continues to inspire those around her and make a lasting difference in the lives of children and families.
