Hello. I'm Dana, Director of Taiyo
I studied to become an Early Childhood Educator at Mount Royal University and have been working in the field for over 12 years, working at a variety of childcare centers. I've nannied three amazing children, worked for the Rockyview School Division in the Learning Commons and been an EA, working with children with complex needs. I have lived in Acme most of my life, proudly graduating from Acme High School. I grew up watching my Dad be an amazing leader and boss at Acme Farm & Building Centre, and am taking what I have learned from him into my Director role at Taiyo.
I enjoy spending my free time baking desserts and sourdough, reading, playing board games with friends and binging TV series with my boyfriend. I became an ECE because I wanted to have a positive impact on children’s lives, help them learn and grow and advocate for their right to play. My favorite part about working with children is watching them learn or experience something new for the first time, their excitement and joy is contagious. I’ve been the Director at Taiyo since we opened in January 2023, and have learnt and grown so much over the last couple of years. Being the Director of a rural childcare centre allows for me to spend time with administrative work and time in the classroom with the children, which I look forward to everyday. I have been working hard to create inviting and inspiring classrooms and seeing how my extraordinary team of ECEs and children have grown in the space has been an amazing experience. I can’t wait to see how we continue to grow as a centre!
Hello! I'm Ana
My name is Anabel Carballo and I'm from Mexico. I arrived to Canada two years ago in search of better life opportunities. I am the mother of one girl and live with my husband and daughter here in Acme. I have more than 10 years of experience working as a teacher with kindergarten and elementary school children in México and almost two years of working with infants and toddlers in Taiyo.
I'm an Early Childhood Educator, I also took the Flight Curriculum course and continue my studies in Educational Psychology. I really like working with children because with them we can improve our world and they always teach us new things.
I feel very happy and lucky to be part of Taiyo staff since the first day Taiyo was open.
Hello. I'm Denay
Hello I am Denay Kinniburgh, I have my Level 2 Early Childhood Education certificate. I started my journey in child care by volunteering with children groups and babysitting. Taiyo is my first and only place I have worked in childcare, but I am very lucky to have been able to do three of my practicums in many different and amazing childcare centres.
I have a strong passion for children and to help them learn and gain knowledge through playing. My favorite age to work with is infants and toddlers, I love being able to be part of their journey and seeing them hit all their milestones. I have always known I wanted to work with children in some way.
Some of my hobbies include reading and crafts. I want to be able to help the children grow to love reading, and being able to create art in whatever way makes them the happiest. I am very excited and thankful for Taiyo being such an amazing impact on me and my journey in childcare.
Hi! I'm Julianne
My name is Julianne Calberry. I have my Early Childhood Education Level 3. I will be taking my Flight Framework at MacEwan University. My passion for teaching started when I was young. I have been doing government approved childcare for 22 years. I love to learn new things with the children. Everyday is a new experience. Mentoring them is a blessing. Sharing life lessons, useful tips and knowledge makes my job very meaningful and rewarding.
I grew up in central Alberta. I have been married for 17 years. I have two adventurous children ages 11 and 15. I also have two beautiful, fun dogs. I homeschooled both my children for a few years and loved every minute. I love listening to music, dancing, reading, and swimming. I am learning about new ways to exercise, cooking, baking and nutrition. We enjoy camping, fires and game nights. We are looking at starting up karaoke night this year.
I spent the summer in the OSC room as a supervisor at Taiyo. I have now moved into the preschool room as a supervisor. I look forward to getting to know the children and their families better. Wishing you all a great year ahead!
Hello, I'm Kathy
My name is Kathy Desroches, and I was born and raised in Saskatchewan on a farm with 14 siblings. I am a mom and a nana to two beautiful granddaughters.
I recently received my Level 1 Early Childhood Education and I had a private dayhome for about ten years in Calgary. I was a kinship caregiver for a baby for one year and a nanny caring for a child for one year.
My interests are spending time with my family. Playing games, sitting around a fire, camping, and riding bikes. I love gardening and doing outside work. I love traveling! I love dancing!
I want to be with children because they keep my mind and soul happy and alive! Working with children is fun, and provides opportunities for creativity and team collaboration.
My favorite part is watching them play and dance together and just being happy.
Hi, I'm Mira.
I’m Miraluna Lavoie. I’ve lived here in Acme, Alberta, for more than 11 years together with my husband. I obtained my Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from my birth country of origin, the Philippines. I was a classroom teacher for 15 years in the Philippines and worked for more than 10 years in daycare before the Taiyo daycare. Aside from spending time with my family and friends, I also love traveling, visiting new places, and doing volunteer work.
Working with children gives me the opportunity to feel what it’s like to be a mother by providing love and nurturing them like my own. My favorite part of working with children is that there is never a dull moment. Each day is a new adventure because children are inherently lively, enthusiastic, unpredictable, imaginative, and creative. These qualities motivate me to take more initiative and use more of my imagination and creativity to address them.