Meet the Teachers

Sandy Erler, Director, S.S.W. (Honours), R.E.C.E. (Honours)

Hello everyone and welcome to Manotick Nursery School and Riverside South Nursery School.  I consider myself lucky to have been a part of such a wonderful co-operative since 1992. Both of my children have happy memories of their time here and the philosophy my husband and I held raising them is one that I am still reminded of each day at Nursery School: “What we learn in play, we never forget”. Contrary to popular belief among the preschoolers here, I do not live in the Nursery School office! Outside of class time, I enjoy traveling, reading, gardening and hiking. My message to all of the children I meet along life’s journey?

Little children, I wish you two things;
To give you roots and to give you wings.

Amanda (Delahunt) Rocque

I grew up on a farm outside Richmond, ON and continue to enjoy country life, living with my husband and two young children outside Burritts’ Rapids, ON. I graduated from St. Lawrence College, Kingston campus, in 1998 with my diploma in Early Childhood Education. I am currently in my twelfth year at Manotick Co-operative Nursery School. While at the nursery school I have taught in the junior and senior preschool programs as well as the former kinder class. I became a member of the College of Early Childhood Educators when it began in 2009. It’s great to have a job I truly love, and I look forward to seeing my little “friends” everyday at school.

Kitty Runions

I’ve been teaching in the ECE field since 1995. I began my career working with toddlers and preschoolers at Canadian Mothercraft, a daycare in Ottawa. In 2000 I joined the teaching team at Manotick Co-operative Nursery School, and since September 2006 I have also been teaching at our Riverside South location.

I graduated from Carleton University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and I am presently taking courses online from St. Lawrence College to complete my Early Childhood Education diploma.

I am the mom of two teenage daughters, and in my spare time I love to travel (or at least dream about it!), ski, and go camping with my family.

Jennifer Duff

I have been teaching at the nursery school since 2002. I have a Bachelor of Psychology Degree from Carleton University, with a concentration in Early Childhood and am currently working towards obtaining my E.C.E.   I am originally from, and currently live in, Manotick with my husband and two children (both of whom are MCNS graduates).  I love working with children, and feel very fortunate to be able to share in such a small piece of your child’s day and life. We all hope that your child’s experience at MCNS is something that not only they, but you as their parents, will look back on fondly.

Concetta Minella

I graduated with honours from the Early Childhood Education Program at Algonquin College. I have been a preschool teacher at Manotick Co-operative Nursery School since 2003. Over the years, I have enjoyed gaining valuable experience working with a wide range of age groups, from infants to school age children. I take pleasure in planning and implementing activities for young children to learn from, as well as to have fun with. I hope to help provide children with a safe and friendly environment where they can learn and grow through their play.

Basic aspects of everyday life can be achieved through play such as problem solving, interacting with others, compassion and understanding. I believe in fostering children’s self-esteem in a positive way, in hopes that they will feel good about themselves and will be able to face new challenges and experiences with confidence. It is such a pleasure to be in a profession where you can influence and inspire young children in giving them the best possible opportunity to reach to their full potential.

Sara Wilson

I have been with Manotick Cooperative Nursery School since 2005.  I obtained a Nursery Nursing Diploma from Suffolk College in England, and then went on to work as a Nanny before moving to Northern Ireland, where I worked in a Nursery School. In 1997 I moved to Ottawa with my husband and three children.  Before working in Manotick, I worked at another Ottawa Nursery School and also at a Kindergarten Daycare.  I have just completed my ECE equivalency in Ontario through Algonquin College. I enjoy the co-operative aspect of the Nursery School as it gives parents the opportunity for involvement in their child’s preschool experience, and I look forward to many more years of working with the families of Manotick and Riverside South.

Sherry Gibson

While completing a Bachelor of Arts in Community Studies Degree from Cape Breton University, I experienced working with young children during a placement and discovered the joy in teaching little ones.  Earning an Early Childhood Education diploma from Algonquin College and working at MCNS (since 2006) taught me the importance of empowering children and teaching them to be independent and confident in their accomplishments. During my free time I love to cook, play board games with my three children (all of whom are MCNS alumni) and go on family camping trips.