Team
Leadership Team
Sue
Program Coordinator
Ms. Sue joined BDA in April 2023. Sue prepares our meals, provides our educators with breaks, provides support in the classrooms as needed, completes administrative tasks for daily programming and many other things.
Ms. Sue comes from many remote locations on the B.C. Coast where her passion for nature and wildlife developed. She now resides in Bassano where she has her art gallery. Ms. Sue loves art and enjoys working with the children to encourage their creativity. She also enjoys sharing her knowledge of nature and wildlife.
Sue has completed a two year diploma program in Media Relations - educational media and is certified as a Level 1 ECE.
Allison Donaldson
Executive Director, Owner
Autumn
Rural Development Coordinator
Ms. Autumn joined BDA in September 2021. Ms. Autumn worked primarily with infants and toddlers before stepping into a leadership role overseeing the quality of programming and daily operations in Bassano, in late 2023. Ms. Autumn is also the primary contact for parents and families.
Autumn grew up in Brooks and has a passion for music and drama. Autumn is a very creative person. She also enjoys getting messy with the kids during activities, especially with art!
Autumn completed a year and a half towards a Bachelor’s of Education in fine arts at the University of Lethbridge before moving onto her Early Learning & Childcare Diploma!
Autumn has completed Possibilities of Practice with ARCQE - A study of Flight and Leading Through a Pedagogical Lens.
As the Rural Development Coordinator, Autumn will work with our programs classroom educators and leadership team to enhance practices and ensure quality operations are taking place. Autumn will also support maintaining ELCC Licensing.
Heather Donaldson
Co-Owner
Allison works mostly remotely or at our Brooks location. Allison takes care of our administrative task including registration, financials, marketing/social media, community relations and more. Allison ensures all licensing requirement are met, co-ordinates staffing, creates newsletters and other documents for program communications. Allison also advocates for ECE in a variety of ways.
As the preschool educator for many years, Ms. Heather is able to support the team in a variety of areas including classroom set up and curriculum planning. Ms. Heathers current role in working remotely and on site as needed to support the team and programs continued growth.
Educators
Khushnoor
Educator
Ms. Khush joined BDA in February 2024!
Ms. Khush has been working in childcare for the past 3 years mainly in Montessori programs! Khush was born in India and came to Canada in 2021, settling in Brampton, Ontario. She has just recently moved to Alberta as she wants it to be her forever home!
Ms. Khush is currently enrolled in the Grant MacEwan Flight Course (Exploring Early Childhood Curriculum) and she has completed her Brain Story Certification.
Some of Khush’s favorite things to do is travel and try different foods! She is also quite the basketball player!
Khush is currently working with our older group in Bassano but has experience with all ages! Her favorite part about being an educator is the constant ability to learn and grow. She also feels very proud to be a part of our future generations learning and development!
Kallison
Educator
Ms. Kalison started her BDA journey in October 2024.
Ms. Kalison was born and raised in Bassano, Alberta and lives with her partner and two dogs, Gordon and Beau!
In the classroom, Kalison loves working with speech and animals sounds with the kiddos! In her free time, Ms. Kalison enjoys art and volleyball. Fun fact: Kalison coaches High school volleyball outside of her time at BDA!
Ms. Kalison started her studies in natural Resource Compliance at Lethbridge College before making the switch to ECE and completing her Level 1 Basecorp Certificate!
A special note: Kalison’s favorite part about being an educator is inspiring others.
Cheyenne
Inclusive Child Care - Aid
Ms. Cheyenne joined BDA in September 2024!Ms. Cheyenne was born in Saskatchewan but raised in the Brooks and Bassano area. She lives at home with her partner, daughter, and her dog and 2 cats: Oscar, Jewels and Jasper! In her free time she loves fishing and reading, especially with a mountain view!Ms. Cheyenne has done most of her education in Disabilities studies. She participated in Foundations from Grant Macewan as well as advocacy and leadership courses through the University of Alberta. Her Level 1 ECE was also obtained from the UofA!Cheyenne has had many years of experience in the childcare field. She started working in daycares when she was 19 years old! She decided to be an educator after becoming an Aunt when she was younger. She also spent a lot of time working in OCS. Special note: My favorite thing about being an educator is being a crucial part of children’s development and watching kids grow and succeed. Children are amazing with their creativity and I believe children are the future and I love being a part of that!
Ishrat
Inclusive Child Care - Aid
Ms. Ishrat joined BDA in september of 2023!
Ishrat has been working in childcare for the last 25 years. She is originally from Pakistan and lived there for almost 57 years. She then moved to Calgary in 2022!
Ms. Ishrat has a Masters of Education from Preston University in Pakistan. She also has a Montessori Diploma for ages 3-6 years.
Ms. Ishrat has a passion for cooking, travelling, and learning. She especially loves to learn about early childhood!
Special note: My favorite part about being an educator is being able to observe children’s holistic growth and getting to see their happy smiling faces everyday!