Our Team Members

SHELLY GUPTA

Executive Director/Owner

Hi I’m Shelly Gupta. I’m the executive director/owner of the Little Pearls daycare. I’m born and raised in India and belong to a very simple and humble family. I moved to Edmonton in 2009 with my family. I used to work as Assistant Director at IBSAT University in India. I have completed a Bachelor in Science and Bachelor in Education (B.Ed) Major in Child Psychology, Science and English. I have obtained further education from Macewan University.I have also done Master’s in Literature and pursuing a Master’s in Psychology at Concordia University. I was an Early Childhood Educator for 6 years and volunteered in Kindergarten, Grades 1 & 2 at Pollard Meadows School for 3 years. I am a Certified Child Development Supervisor. I love building and maintaining connections with parents and being part of children’s lives as they grow and reach their full potential. I love to be there for children when they need my guidance and act as a positive role in their lives to inspire them to be a very humble human being. I also enjoy helping build and grow an outstanding team of educators for Little Pearls. Apart from this, I love cooking, gardening, and my favorite hobby is dancing with both girls. I am a family-oriented woman who loves to stay at home with my family when having free time. I’m always a smiling person.

ASHMANDEEP KAUR

Assistant Director

Hello, my name is Ashmandeep Kaur, and I am the Assistant Director at Little Pearls Daycare. I hold a Level 3 certification as a Childcare Supervisor and have a strong educational background. I graduated from Grande Prairie Regional College (Grande Prairie) as Childcare Educator, completed a Hospital Unit Clerk program at Bow Valley College (Calgary), and earned my Health Care Aide certification from ABM College (Calgary). Originally from India, I moved to Canada in 2018, and I am fluent in English, Hindi, and Punjabi. Before entering the field of childcare, I worked as a Sales Representative and Receptionist, which helped me develop strong communication and organizational skills that I now apply in my role. My true passion for working with children led me to pursue a career as a Childcare Educator, and I have gained invaluable hands-on experience through childcare practicums in some of the most professional and nurturing daycares across Canada. At Little Pearls Daycare, we believe in working as a close-knit team to provide a loving and supportive environment for the children in our care. Our focus is not only on meeting their educational needs but also on fostering their social, emotional, and physical development. We aim to create a space where every child feels valued and encouraged to explore their interests, learn, and grow at their own pace. What I love most about my role is watching children thrive and discover the world around them with curiosity and joy. It’s a privilege to be part of their early development and to help guide them on their journey. Outside of work, I enjoy shopping, reading, listening to music, and indulging in my favorite food—pizza!

Tharushi Rathnasekara

Program Assistant

Hello, My name is Tharushi Rathnasekara. I am a level one early childhood educator. I was born in Sri Lanka and moved to Canada when I was twelve years old. I’m currently studying at grant Macewan university doing bachelor of commerce degree. I’m also very passionate to work in childcare. I love to be with kids and bringing new skills to make a differences in their life. I have volunteered at couple daycares and schools and have experience in different age groups. I love driving, listening music and travel to explore new places. I feel fortunate to be part of LPDC and would try to follow professionalism of this organization at my best level to give best childcare to be the kids.

Shimpi

Childcare Educator

Hello I am Shimpi. I am an Early Childhood Educator. I was born in India. I am a person with lot of enthusiasm to learn new things and I follow the Motto ‘Live Life to the fullest’. I mainly believe that hard work really matters in our progress. I enjoy working with young children because they remind me of how amazing the world is .I love telling stories and seeing the excitement in their eyes as they listen. Teaching children in this age group is fun and I am confident I made the right choice in becoming a Daycare Educator. I used to spend my free time doing Yoga it comprises of physical, mental and spiritual practices and promotes self healing. At LPDC we all work as a team and go to extra mile to earn the trust of parents and provide a nurturing environment for kids where they learn.

Piyush Goyal

Childcare Educator

Hi, my name is Piyush Goyal. I belong to a business family. I came here in Canada as an international student and studied the diploma for Early Learning and child care from Norquest College Edmonton Alberta. I choose this field because i believe ECE educators play a great role in shaping up little minds, and it allows me to enjoy every single moment with children and see them growing. For me, working in child care is more about enjoying the moment and creating memories with little once and seeing myself in their daily fun action.

Nidhi Thakur

Childcare Educator

Hello, My name is Nidhi Thakur. I am early childhood educator. I was born in India and moved to Canada in 2016. I worked as Sales rep, customer service at restaurant and as a caregiver back home and in Canada for 10 years. I love working with children so I decided to pursue my career in childcare, I love making difference in life of children by teaching, doing activities with them. My hobbies are painting and drawing, listening music and cooking. I also love interior designing. I’m so excited to be part of your child’s journey to help them continue learn and grow. It is so interesting to see how much they change in course of couple of years at LPDC.

Clementine

Childhood Educator

Hello Little Pearls Family & Staff, my name is Clementine. I have been welcomed as one of the new educators and it has been wonderful getting to know your children thus far! I love playing and being around children that’s why I choose this professions. I’m very passionate in childcare field. As a proud mother of four, I wanted you all to know that your children will be in good hands and I’ll be looking forward to building partnerships with you all in order to best support your little ones! My hobbies are dancing, watching movies, and going for shopping. I love to prepare activities and games for children. I love my job and I’m enjoying at LPDC!!

Marilou Cruz

Floor Supervisor

Hello, I am Marilou Cruz, I am Floor Supervisor/ an Early Childhood Educator. I am a Registered nurse from the Philippines and have worked for twenty years as a staff nurse at Military Hospital, Saudi Arabia. I love spending time with little children and so I decided to pursue my career in Early childhood education. I am a hard-working and driven individual who isn't afraid to face a challenge, I'm passionate about my work and I would describe myself as an open and honest person and love the kids most. In LPDC we all work as a big family, we are enthusiastically helping one another in giving the best care for every child. We support and respect each one of us in sharing new ideas for children's growth and development. I am grateful that I found my family at LPDC.

Oluwatoyosi Olatokun

Childcare Educator

I am oluwatoyosi Olatokun from Nigeria. I bagged a BSC in Mass communication, Post Graduate degree in Education and a Diploma certificate in early learning and childcare from the prestigious Norquest College. I am also an author of a children’s story book. I am a level three Early childhood Educator whose interest in children’s holistic development started from my teenage years. It is always a delight to mingle, interact and provide mega care for children. As an elementary Teacher with many years of experience in Nigeria and 2 years daycare adventures in Canada, I bring the best to the classroom to make learning full for the children. With my humor and lively engagement, be rest assured that your child is going to be buzzing in the room. I am passionate about the welfare and roundness of your child. I personally believe every child is gifted with innate ability to rise and thrive, I will join hands with the rest of LPDAP team to give your children the best start in life.

Francoise Bhashizi

Childcare Educator

My name is Francoise Bhashizi and I’m from Congo DRC . I was teacher back home and I’m very passionate for the childcare field. I feel so fortunate being a childcare educator at Little Pearls daycare. I love the kids like my own and I feel an emotional attachment with very child. I am very enthusiastic, hardworking, passionate and excited to work with LPDC and bringing my skills here. My goal is to contribute my skills,my talent and my dedication towards the work for the growth of Little Pearls daycare. We work together as a family and a team. I am working with toddlers in Shine room and the whole team of LPDC is so cooperative. We learn together and put our efforts together for the over all development of all kids attending LPDC. Little Pearls believes in cultural diversity and respects other’s cultural values and religious belief. I love this most about this organization. Apart from this I love to dance and cook.

Ravneet Kaur

Childcare Educator

Hello, I am Ravneet Kaur. I am Level 2 Childcare Educator and I’m pursuing Level 2 in childcare, and I have completed accounting payroll administration diploma from CDI college. I love spending time with kids, so I decided to pursue my career in Early Childhood Educator. I love helping and educating kids according to their growth and development. I speak English, Hindi, Punjabi. I worked as a Bookkeeper in Accounting Office. In Little pearls daycare we all work in a cooperative manner and work as a team everyone is always ready to help each other. Our team is supportive and always explore and give new ideas regarding children growth and development.

Lovepreet Kalra

Program Advisor/ Supervisor

Hello, my name is Lovepreet, and I am the Program Advisor at Little Pearls Daycare. I hold a diploma in Early Childhood Education (ECE) from Northern College, where I gained valuable knowledge and practical experience through both my studies and field placements. For the past two years, I have been working as a Preschool Teacher, where I’ve had the opportunity to apply my skills and connect with children in meaningful ways. Originally from India, I moved to Canada four years ago, and since then, I have developed a deep passion for working with children from diverse backgrounds. I specialize in supporting children with special learning needs and am committed to creating inclusive and enriching learning experiences. I truly believe that every child is unique, and I take great pride in guiding them to discover and grow at their own pace. Outside of work, I enjoy going to the gym, cooking, driving, and hiking. I find that these activities help me maintain balance and recharge so that I can continue to support the children in my care. A career in early childhood education offers endless opportunities to grow, learn, and make a positive impact on young lives. Every day brings new lessons, and I am excited to continue this journey of discovery and teaching.

Mandeep Kaur

Floor Supervisor

I am Mandeep Kaur, and I am an Floor Supervisor/ early childhood educator. I moved to Canada in March 2023 and started working in childcare because I love to spend my time with kids. am a mother of two kids too so it is easy for me to work in the settings of childcare. As an individual I like to read books, shopping and spending quality time with my kids and family. My schooling and higher study is done in India, but I aspire to study and learn more also about childcare so that I can give my best to this field. While working in this field I found that it is amazing to witness the growth of kids at so many stages. I always try to connect with the kids to understand them and in this process, I always find little joys and happiness. I feel blessed that I have an opportunity of working in the surroundings of childcare. The smiles on their faces and satisfaction in parent's eyes just make my day because at the end of the day I just want the kids and parent be happy and satisfied. I will always try to do the same in this field.

Merisa Lukoji

Program Supervisor

Hi, my name is Merisa. I’m Program Supervisor at Little Pearls Daycare. I am a Level 3 Early Childhood Educator. I am in the Preschool and Kinder Rooms. I recently moved from Ontario where I was a ECE at a public elementary school. I love working with young children and seeing their curiosity and wonder at the world around them. I always enjoy being a part of their development and growth as they achieve various milestones. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling with my husband and daughters to different countries, exploring cultures and eating good food. I play tennis, volleyball, love dancing and am an avid reader.

Eric Johnston

Childhood Educator

Hello my name is Eric Johnston an I am very happy to be apart of the LPDC family working in the OSC side I find joy and happiness working with children and teaching. I was raised in Canada lived in Edmonton for 27 years. Formally an Educational Assistant at Alder Grove School. I was excited to find that my personal strengths align with what the LPDC family values. I bring a comprehensive set of skills along with a firm set of manners and responsibilities, that I believe are valuable in all life lessons while growing up. I honed my child development abilities in class, group and individual instruction, providing a foundation for the educational position. With a 10-year role as Supervisor at Eclipse Advantage, my motivation, people-centric nature, and compassion have afforded me excellent problem-solving skills. I am excited to contribute my talents and proficiency in communication towards the LPDC family. As an engaging communicator with a proven track record in documentation and reporting, my focus on building strong professional relationships has been a beneficial asset throughout my career.

Hi I’m Shelly Gupta. I’m the executive director/owner of the Little Pearls daycare. I’m born and raised in India and belong to a very simple and humble family. I moved to Edmonton in 2009 with my family. I used to work as Assistant Director at IBSAT University in India.
I have completed a Bachelor in Science and Bachelor in Education (B.Ed) Major in Child Psychology, Science and English. I have obtained further education from Macewan University.I have also done Master’s in Literature and pursuing a Master’s in Psychology at Concordia University.
I was an Early Childhood Educator for 6 years and volunteered in Kindergarten, Grades 1 & 2 at Pollard Meadows School for 3 years. I am a Certified Child Development Supervisor.
I love building and maintaining connections with parents and being part of children’s lives as they grow and reach their full potential. I love to be there for children when they need my guidance and act as a positive role in their lives to inspire them to be a very humble human being. I also enjoy helping build and grow an outstanding team of educators for Little Pearls.
Apart from this, I love cooking, gardening, and my favorite hobby is dancing with both girls. I am a family-oriented woman who loves to stay at home with my family when having free time. I’m always a smiling person.

Shelly Gupta

(Executive Director)

Ashmandeep Kaur

(Program Advisor )

Hello, I’m Ashmandeep Kaur. I’m level 3 (childcare supervisor) and I have done my graduation from Grande Prairie Regional College (Grande Prairie), I also did Hospital Unit Clerk from Bow Valley College (Calgary) and Health Care Aide from ABM College (Calgary).

I love being with kids a so I decided to pursue my career as a childcare educator. I’m basically from India but I moved to Canada in 2018.
I speak English, Hindi, Punjabi. I worked as a Sales representative and receptionist.

I have done my childcare practicums in highly professional daycares of Canada.
I love shopping and my hobbies are reading books and listening songs. My favourite food is pizza.

In Little Pearls Daycare we all work together as a team for a better future for your kids. We are trying to focus on the overall development of the children through everyday learning. Our team gives opportunities to children to explore their interests in Little Pearls Daycare.

Hello I am Shimpi. I am an Early Childhood Educator. I was born in India. I am a person with lot of enthusiasm to learn new things and I follow the Motto ‘Live Life to the fullest’. I mainly believe that hard work really matters in our progress.

I enjoy working with young children because they remind me of how amazing the world is .I love telling stories and seeing the excitement in their eyes as they listen.
Teaching children in this age group is fun and I am confident I made the right choice in becoming a Daycare Educator.

I used to spend my free time doing Yoga it comprises of physical, mental and spiritual practices and promotes self healing.
At LPDC we all work as a team and go to extra mile to earn the trust of parents and provide a nurturing environment for kids where they learn.

Shimpi

(Childcare Educator)

Piyush Goyal

(Childcare Educator)

Hi, my name is Piyush Goyal. I belong to a business family.
I came here in Canada as an international student and studied the diploma for Early Learning and child care from Norquest College Edmonton Alberta.

I choose this field because i believe ECE educators play a great role in shaping up little minds, and it allows me to enjoy every single moment with children and see them growing. For me, working in child care is more about enjoying the moment and creating memories with little once and seeing myself in their daily fun action.

Hello, My name is Tharushi Rathnasekara. I am a level one early childhood educator. I was born in Sri Lanka and moved to Canada when I was twelve years old.

I’m currently studying at grant Macewan university doing bachelor of commerce degree. I’m also very passionate to work in childcare.

I love to be with kids and bringing new skills to make a differences in their life. I have volunteered at couple daycares and schools and have experience in different age groups.

I love driving, listening music and travel to explore new places. I feel fortunate to be part of LPDC and would try to follow professionalism of this organization at my best level to give best childcare to be the kids.

Tharushi Rathnasekara

(Program Assistant)

Nidhi Thakur

(Childcare Educator)

Hello, My name is Nidhi Thakur. I am early childhood educator. I was born in India and moved to Canada in 2016. I worked as Sales rep, customer service at restaurant and as a caregiver back home and in Canada for 10 years.

I love working with children so I decided to pursue my career in childcare, I love making difference in life of children by teaching, doing activities with them.

My hobbies are painting and drawing, listening music and cooking. I also love interior designing.

I’m so excited to be part of your child’s journey to help them continue learn and grow. It is so interesting to see how much they change in course of couple of years at LPDC.

Hello Little Pearls Family & Staff, my name is Clementine.
I have been welcomed as one of the new educators and it has been wonderful getting to know your children thus far! I love playing and being around children that’s why I choose this professions.
I’m very passionate in childcare field. As a proud mother of four, I wanted you all to know that your children will be in good hands and I’ll be looking forward to building partnerships with you all in order to best support your little ones! My hobbies are dancing, watching movies, and going for shopping.
I love to prepare activities and games for children. I love my job and I’m enjoying at LPDC!!

Clementine

(Childhood Educator)

Marilou Cruz

(Childcare Educator)

Hello I am Marilou Cruz, I am an Early Childhood Educator. I am a Registered nurse from the Philippines, and have worked for twenty years as a staff nurse at Military Hospital, Saudi Arabia.

I love spending time with little children and so I decided to pursue my career in Early childhood education.

I am a hard-working and driven individual who isn’t afraid to face a challenge, I’m passionate about my work and I would describe myself as an open and honest person and love the kids most.

In LPDC we all work as a big family, we are enthusiastically helping one another in giving the best care for every child.
We support and respect each one of us in sharing new ideas for children’s growth and development. I am grateful that I found my family at LPDC.

I am oluwatoyosi Olatokun from Nigeria. I bagged a BSC in Mass communication, Post Graduate degree in Education and a Diploma certificate in early learning and childcare from the prestigious Norquest College. I am also an author of a children’s story book.

I am a level three Early childhood Educator whose interest in children’s holistic development started from my teenage years.

It is always a delight to mingle, interact and provide mega care for children. As an elementary Teacher with many years of experience in Nigeria and 2 years daycare adventures in Canada, I bring the best to the classroom to make learning full for the children. With my humor and lively engagement, be rest assured that your child is going to be buzzing in the room.

I am passionate about the welfare and roundness of your child. I personally believe every child is gifted with innate ability to rise and thrive, I will join hands with the rest of LPDAP team to give your children the best start in life.

Oluwatoyosi Olatokun

(Childcare Educator)

Francoise Bhashizi

(Childcare Educator)

My name is Francoise Bhashizi and I’m from Congo DRC . I was teacher back home and I’m very passionate for the childcare field. I feel so fortunate being a childcare educator at Little Pearls daycare.

I love the kids like my own and I feel an emotional attachment with very child. I am very enthusiastic, hardworking, passionate and excited to work with LPDC and bringing my skills here. My goal is to contribute my skills,my talent and my dedication towards the work for the growth of Little Pearls daycare.

We work together as a family and a team. I am working with toddlers in Shine room and the whole team of LPDC is so cooperative. We learn together and put our efforts together for the over all development of all kids attending LPDC.

Little Pearls believes in cultural diversity and respects other’s cultural values and religious belief. I love this most about this organization. Apart from this I love to dance and cook.

Hello, I am Ravneet Kaur. I am pursuing Level2 in childcare and I have completed Accounting payroll administration diploma from CDI college.

I love spending time with kids so I decided to pursue my career in Early Childhood Educator. I love helping and educating kids according to their growth and development .

I speak English, Hindi, Punjabi. I worked as a Bookkeeper in Accounting Office.

In Little pearls daycare we all work in a cooperative manner and work as a team everyone is always ready to help each other. Our team is really supportive and always explore and give new ideas regarding children growth and development.

Ravneet Kaur

(Childcare Educator)

Lovepreet

(Childhood Educator)

Hello, I am Lovepreet. I am 23 years old. I have completed my studied in ECE diploma at Northern College.
I have gained experience and knowledge from the ECE program, field placements and i am also working as a Preschool teacher from last 2 years.
My hobbies are going to gym, cooking, driving and hiking. I was born in India and moved to Canada 4 years ago.
love working with kids from all backgrounds, and I also specialize in supporting children with special learning needs. Every child is unique, and I teach them something new about the field.
A career in early childhood education offers endless opportunities to explore and keep learning.

I am Mandeep Kaur and i am an early childhood educator. I moved to Canada in march 2023 and started working in child care because I love to spend my time with kids.
am a mother of two kids too so it is easy for me to work in the settings of child care. As an individual i like to read books, shopping and spending quality time with my kids and family.
My schooling and higher study is done in India but i aspire to study and learn more also about child care so that i can give my best to this field. While working in this field i found that it is amazing to witness the growth of kids at so many stages .
I always try to connect with the kids in order to understand them and in this process i always find little joys and happiness . I feel blessed that i have an opportunity of working in the surroundings of child care.
The smiles on their faces and satisfaction in parent’s eyes just make my day because at the end of the day I just want the kids and parent be happy and satisfied. i will always try to do the same in this field.

Mandeep Kaur

(Childhood Educator)

Merisa

(Childhood Educator)

Hi, my name is Merisa. I am a Level 3 Early Childhood Educator. I am in the Preschool and Kinder Rooms. I recently moved from Ontario where I was a ECE at a public elementary school.
I love working with young children and seeing their curiosity and wonder at the world around them. I always enjoy being a part of their development and growth as they achieve various milestones.
In my spare time, I enjoy traveling with my husband and daughters to different countries, exploring cultures and eating good food. I play tennis, volleyball, love dancing and am an avid reader.