Leanna Tuba is someone who consistently goes above and beyond expectations to provide her students with engaging and hands on classes to best stimulate their learning. She takes her time to modify and improve course material and she follows up with each of her students regularly to best support their learning, growth and success as future Early Childhood Professionals. 

Her students are extremely appreciative of her enthusiasm for the field which she brings to every class. She inspires others to challenge themselves and be the best professional they can be. Leanna is a dedicated and passionate member of our community and her efforts never go unnoticed.

Christine Zupo is highly knowledgeable in a plethora of topics and issues and encourages those around her to learn about these issues and advocate for them. She continuously goes out of her way to see how she can support the ECS Community and give back in any way possible.

Her dedication to the field and social justice issues like Reconciliation for the Indigenous Community inspires students to be the change they want to see in the world by being the voice for children. We are extremely grateful for her efforts and how she continues to make a positive impact and bring needed change to our community.
 

Dr. Nikki Martyn is described as an extraordinary professor and individual who is passionate and cares for all her students and everyone around her. She has created and continues to create an amazing community that is constantly growing. Dr. Martyn has made it her duty to have the community be her top priority so that all students can be successful in their studies. 

She is always full of joy and provides such an amazing and positive environment in the classroom, where she encourages all of us to have our own voice and participate in conversation. We are delighted and feel so privileged to have such an incredible individual sharing her wealth of knowledge with us.

 

The first recipient of this award is going to a student who has demonstrated strong leadership skills and a passion for helping others. As an active First-Year Experience (FYE) Leader, Tracy is always engaged in the ECS Community, mentoring first-year students and being a friendly face on and off-campus.

She is always informed of upcoming events and never forgets to share that information so first-year students can get involved and meet their peers. 

This has led to a great sense of community, safety, belongingness, and love for first-year students. Tracy supports first-year students with love and care in their transitions to University by providing them with course information, assisting in course selection and sharing tips to help every first-year student succeed at the University of Guelph-Humber.

The second and final recipient of this award is going to a student who has demonstrated strength and selflessness when helping others. Linda Garcia is now in second year but when being nominated she was only a First-Year student and was able to inspire others to be better and make a difference in the field of Early Childhood Studies.

Linda participated in the Sick Kids Get Loud March last year and created a positive environment for everyone by making others feel welcomed and picking up garbage along the walk. Linda’s ability to empathize, her selflessness and her extremely friendly personality, is going to make a huge impact in the future of Early Childhood Studies. We are certain she will provide children and their families with all the love and support they deserve.
 

The recipient of this award is an individual who has provided a safe and positive learning environment that has allowed her students to succeed by honouring their authentic selves. Dr. Susan Jagger is a Professor at Ryerson University that is passionate, intelligent, and shows ingenuity in the field of Early Childhood Studies. Dr. Jagger supports her students, as she welcomes everyone with warm open arms so all students can further their learning.

Susan advocates that children are as capable as adults to provide results for research and she believes that children should not be overlooked because of the misconception that they are not capable and competent. Dr. Jagger embodies everything right in the world of education and teaches students to have a voice and create positive change in the field of Early Childhood Studies.

We would like to congratulate Sandra Metlin for winning one of the most special awards, the Honorary Bloom Award. She is described as an extraordinary Early Childhood Professional. She goes above and beyond when working with children and families. She forms amazing relationships with each child and creates a community that is so positive, the children and families continue to visit the centre just to see her. 

She has been educating children with ASD, DD, Rhett’s Syndrome, and Down syndrome, as well as Primary and Junior classes for over 30 years and continues to encourage development and positivity among children.

She is a truly inspiring individual and should be what all early childhood professionals aspire to be. She does not just teach children to be better, but she also teaches other members of the community on how to make a positive impact on all others and the world. Her joyfulness, responsiveness, and love of teaching promote children, family, and colleagues social bonds. Her teaching is charged with positivity, passion and contentment that creates a sense of belonging for all. 
 

The first recipient of this award is Susan Watt, who always demonstrates professionalism and knowledge in the field of Early Childhood Studies. As an RECE at the Humber Child Development Centre, Susan creates an environment that is not only comforting to the children but their parents as well. She recognizes, accepts and respects the diversity within her classroom making sure that every child is represented.

As an exemplary professional dedicated to the field, Susan encourages future Early Childhood Professionals to stay positive and use their voice to be assertive about their role as educators and their beliefs.

The second and final recipient of this award is Iryna Guzar, who is being recognized for her extensive experience and passion for the field of Early Childhood Studies. As a mature student and Alumni of the University of Guelph-Humber, Iryna shows that it is never too late to pursue your dreams and go after the career you desire. Iryna is an RECE at the Humber Child Development Centre and consistently puts in the work to create a welcoming, accepting and educational environment.

Being a former engineer, Iryna uses her experience to create wonderful STEAM activities placed within her classroom for the children to interact with and learn from. She prioritizes the environment as well by using sustainable materials that she can recycle/repurpose to make new toys/activities for the children and encourages others to do the same by sharing her knowledge with the community.

Lois Blandford and her team of Early Childhood Professionals at Silver Creek Preschool have dedicated the last 8 years to providing outstanding mentorship and support to the University of Guelph-Humber Early Childhood Studies students. Students are provided with an opportunity to work alongside seasoned educators and get to participate in various therapies specific to the child/children they are working with. 
 

This includes but is not limited to Occupational Therapists and Speech and Language Pathologists. These opportunities are rewarding for our students as they are able to be active participants in the programming. Every student who has ever had the honour of working with Silver Creek has left feeling inspired. Students go into the experience not knowing which direction they want to take in the field, but then they leave their placement with clarity, inspiration, and a vision for the path they’d like to take.
 

Silver Creek provides children, families, and Early Childhood Studies students with a warm, loving, nurturing environment where they can learn and flourish. Their holistic approach to teaching and supporting children is nothing less than inspiring. 
 

The recipient of this award is described as selfless, positive and supportive to everyone. Michael Agam is a University of Guelph-Humber graduate that has made an impact on others by being committed and passionate towards working with children and families. Along with supporting children and families, he is committed to helping his peers and making sure everyone feels important and supported.
 

Michael has flourished as an Early Childhood Professional as he is a strong leader and puts all his effort into caring for children, families, and colleagues. Michael has demonstrated respect and encouragement towards others and he has made a significant difference in many people’s lives.

The first recipient of this award is being acknowledged for her commitment, integrity and passion for helping little minds grow. Autumn MacNeil goes above and beyond in the field of Early Childhood Studies to ensure all children are safe and healthy. Autumn promotes positivity and advocates for all children and youth to be their best self. She is known to make positive relationships with all her students, coworkers and families. Autumn has contributed to the community to create a positive environment for everyone around her.

She has helped feed the homeless, raises awareness and advocates for children with exceptionalities to ensure they are entitled to the same life experiences as everyone else. We are proud to provide such an astounding member of the Early Childhood Studies community with this award and can’t wait to see how she continues to make an impact on the world.

The second of this award is being acknowledged for her growth mindset which is evident in the advocacy and leadership work she has contributed to the field of Early Childhood Studies. Nicole Cummings-Morgan is very active in raising social and political awareness on the issues surrounding the profession and the need for Universal Child Care in order to effect change in the lives of children and their families.

Nicole is inspiring and a true representation of the kind of professional we need in the field of Early Childhood Studies . Her kindness, generosity, and interest in others is the essence of quality early learning and care. Nicole has inspired those around her to reach for the stars and live their dreams. We are honoured to have her be a part of the Early Childhood Studies alumni family.