Licensed Home Child Care

Jackie is the Executive Director of Our Kids Count, a role she has proudly held for nearly five years. With a background in Early Childhood Education and a career devoted to supporting children, youth, and families, Jackie brings both expertise and heart to her work in the nonprofit sector.

Throughout her career, Jackie has been a strong advocate for community-based programs that create positive, lasting change. In her leadership role, she oversees strategic planning, program development, operations, and fundraising, ensuring they continue to grow and serve families across Thunder Bay.

Jackie is deeply committed to creating safe, supportive environments where children and families can thrive. Her leadership is guided by compassion, collaboration, and a genuine belief in the power of strong community connections.

Outside of work, Jackie enjoys spending time at the lake fishing, hiking, planning events, and most of all, being with her family. She has been married to her husband, Kevin, for 17 years, and together they are raising their 11-year-old son, Korbin, along with their Australian Labradoodle, Bruce.

For more than 40 years, I have worked in Early Childhood Education, beginning as an RECE at Confederation College and later coordinating Family Resource Programs (now EarlyON Centres). I taught Early Childhood programs at the college level, both virtually and in person, before retiring and joining Our Kids Count full-time. 

I am currently the Director of Programs and Services at Our Kids Count, where I have worked since 2001. I’ve had the privilege of watching our programs grow to meet the evolving needs of the community. Our involvement in the childcare sector expanded when we became a Licensing Agency for Home Childcare through the City of Thunder Bay, leading to the development of a new daycare centre and several home childcare programs. Supporting access to high-quality childcare remains a key priority for us.

I also volunteer as a Patient Family Advisor at our local hospital, focusing on mental health policy—a role I’ve held for more than 15 years. This work is deeply meaningful to me, especially following the loss of my eldest son, Steven, to suicide in 2005.  My lifelong passion has been supporting families and children, recognizing their strengths, and providing mentorship. I serve as a mentor, instructor, and trainer for the Roots of Empathy program in our community.  I am a grandmother to a joyful 9-year-old, Jax, and mother to my son Adam, of whom I am immensely proud. I also enjoy spending time with my large extended family of nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

My name is Spencer Oshimo. I am the Director of Operation and have been with OKC for over 3 years.

I was born and raised in Thunder Bay and am proud to call it home. Together with my spouse, we are raising four amazing daughters, ages 1, 13, 14, and 15. Family is at the center of everything I do. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time on the golf course or playing baseball whenever I get the chance.

Hi, My name is Gisèle, and I work in the Accounting Department as the Accounting Technician.  I have been employed at  Our Kids Count for 2 years.  I really enjoy the work that I do and being a member of the OKC team.  

Hello, my name is Tara Martin, and I am the Manager of Licensed Child Care Programs with over 20 years of experience working with children and families. I graduated from Confederation College in 2002 and have been a Registered Early Childhood Educator since 2009.

Throughout my career, I have been committed to building strong, respectful partnerships with families and believe that open, honest, and ongoing communication is the foundation of positive relationships and successful child care experiences.

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family and my dog, as well as spontaneous lunch dates with friends. I also love watching new Netflix series and reality shows.

I enjoy working with young children because it gives me the opportunity to make a lasting impact during some of the most important years of their development. Watching them reach new milestones, nurturing their creativity, and guiding their curiosity is incredibly rewarding. Building strong, trusting relationships with children, alongside meaningful connections with their families and helping shape their future is both meaningful and fulfilling to me.

My name is Megan, and I am the Licensed Home Child Care Coordinator at Our Kids Count. I truly love my job because of the connections I get to build with providers, families, and children. Supporting home child care providers as they create safe, nurturing, and engaging environments is incredibly rewarding.

I am a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) and a certified Montessori teacher, and I bring both perspectives into my work to better support providers and the children in their care.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and our two Newfoundland dogs. I love being outdoors on hikes, exploring new places through travel, and cheering on the Buffalo Bills!

My name is Amanda and I am a Licensed Home Child Care Coordinator with Our Kids Count! I am new to the organization and excited to share the experience I bring with me!

I have been working as a Registered Early Childhood Educator for over 14 years in the city of Thunder Bay, with many of those years spent supporting and mentoring educators as a supervisor in centre based licensed child care. I bring strong leadership experience, Indigenous culture, and a strong drive to provide quality mentorship and child care to our community.

In my personal time, I love being outdoors, camping, kayaking, hiking and just exploring and connecting with the land alongside my Husky pup!!

My name is Catherine and I’ve been a provider for almost a year and a half! I’ve always been passionate about early childhood education and love being an RECE for many reasons.

One of the biggest reasons is that I get to grow, learn and discover new things with the children everyday. From the moment they start until the day they head to school, they learn and develop so much.

When I am not working, I enjoy taking walks in nature, traveling to new places, trying new recipes and spending time with my family!

Hey, my name is Desiree and I'm a licensed home childcare provider and a mother of three. I have been a provider with OKC since 2023.

I absolutely love providing care for children in my home. Every day is a new fun adventure with my little friends.

When I'm not a licensed childcare provider I can be found at local paint nights, hitting up yard sales or searching thrift stores, completing my many home renovation projects, or simply just at the park with my kids.

Hello! My name is Sara and I started my licensed home daycare one year ago through Our Kids Count!

I started because I could not find childcare for my son and that made me think how hard it must be for other people as well. I had the space and wanted to give it a go. I love seeing the kids interact with eachother and learn with eachother! We have so much fun with crafts, reading and dancing. I get to be a part of these children's lives and help them with their development and growth.

Becoming licensed through Our Kids Count has given me the confidence, resources and support that I needed to start this new journey in my life.

My name is Jennifer and I have been a licensed child care provider for over twenty years now. Working with children in their very early years I find very rewarding. Knowing I am helping them develop into confident and capable learners is truly gratifying. I also love the relationships I make with my littles as well as their families. When I am not helping shape little minds I enjoy being with my dogs, taking workshops on dog behaviour and spending time with my family and friends.

My name is Joanne, and I am a child care provider.

Caring for children has always been a passion of mine, and I truly love my job because of the deep love I have for children. Being able to play a role in their growth, learning, and happiness is incredibly rewarding, and I feel grateful each day to be part of their early experiences. 

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time outdoors in nature with family and friends, cooking and reading. Which helps me stay balanced and energized for my work.

My name is Katelyn and caring for children has been both my passion and profession for many years. I began my journey in childcare in 2014, working in a center in Winnipeg, and since 2023 I’ve been running my own home daycare.

I truly love watching children learn and grow. It’s a privilege to be part of their everyday discoveries—whether it’s mastering a new skill, reaching a milestone, or simply seeing the joy on their face when they succeed at something they’ve been working hard on.

Outside of daycare life, I enjoy spending time with my family, watching movies, and recently I’ve been getting back into playing basketball.

I am a wife and mother to 4 wonderful sons.  I have opened my home to home childcare for 19 years we have a lot of fun here.  

I enjoy spending time with my family and occasionally some needle crafting in my spare time.