Early Learning Centre

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, 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.

Hi, I'm Melissa Stolz, Registered Early Childhood Educator, and I've called Thunder Bay home for most of my life. I graduated from the Early Childhood Education Program in 2000, and since then, I've dedicated over 20 years to working with children and families, specializing in Autism Services.

I am passionate about creating supportive, engaging environments where children can learn, explore, and apply their knowledge in everyday activities. Seeing them grow and thrive is incredibly rewarding.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, as well as activities like shopping, camping, fishing, and reading.

My name is Traci Lyons, and I am the Daycare Cook at Our Kids Count in the Early Learning Centre. I was born and raised in Thunder Bay and have worked in several local restaurants, which has given me a deep, lasting connection to my community. I hold a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Education from Lakehead University.

I am a proud mom of three children, two dogs, and an axolotl. I bring the same care and enthusiasm from my home kitchen into the daycare kitchen each day. I love experimenting with new recipes and ingredients and enjoy sharing that creativity with others.

My approach to nutrition is rooted in care, creativity, and a strong commitment to helping children and families thrive.

Hi, My name is Salomee Tamang. I am originally from Nepal and graduated from Seneca College in 2025 as a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE). I love working with children and creating a safe, caring and inclusive spaces where they can learn, explore and grow. Helping them reach new milestones and discover the world around them is the most rewarding part of my work.

In my free time, I enjoy a little shopping, watching TV, relaxing on my comfy couch, and trying different foods with my friends. 

Hi, My name is Geethu Das, Registered Early Childhood Educator, and I am originally from India and hold a Diploma in Early Childhood Education, with additional academic background in Chemistry and Education. In my free time, I enjoy listening to music, crafting, and drawing. I love working with children because supporting their creativity and curiosity brings me joy and allows me to help them grow and thrive.

 I was born and brought up in India. I am a Registered Early Childhood Educator, and I am working in this profession from last three years. I moved to Thunder Bay, last year and I am with Our Kids Count for more than a year.

I am passionate about being a RECE as this profession provides me opportunities to introduce the children to the enchanting world of knowledge and learning through play and exploration. Also, I find it very rewarding to watch children learning and growing.

My name is Jashanpreet Kaur Sran, Registered Early Childhood Educator, and I am from India. I came to Canada in 2021 and completed my Early Childhood Education (ECE) from Sheridan College in 2023.

In my free time, I love to travel , explore new places, reading, painting, listening to music, . I love working with children because I enjoy guiding them as they learn and grow, and it brings me joy to see their curiosity and creativity flourish.