The 2025 Early Childhood Educator Awards of Excellence Winners
The Early Childhood Educator Awards shine a spotlight on the vital role ECEs play in our province. A strong early learning and child care system depends not only on creating spaces, but on investing in the people who make those spaces thrive.
Education and Early Childhood Learning Minister Tracy Schmidt presented this year’s winners with their awards at the Manitoba Legislative Building on Friday, November 28, 2025. The recipients are as follows:
Outstanding Early Childhood Educator Award
These awards are presented to Early Childhood Educators who demonstrate exemplary professional, inclusive practices and an ability to inspire children, families and colleagues by going above and beyond. This award acknowledges an Early Childhood Educator’s exceptional commitment to ensure the health, safety and well-being of children while creating developmentally appropriate, stimulating environments for children to explore, play and learn.
- Elizabeth Dryden
Tuxedo Preschool Education Centre, Winnipeg
Elizabeth is an Early Childhood Educator III who has worked at Tuxedo Preschool Education Centre for nearly 20 years. Elizabeth’s programming is rich with imagination and purpose. Each day is themed to spark curiosity and joy, whether children are learning about apple trees by making apple crisp, exploring healthy habits through crafts and charts, or embarking on a “trip to Hawaii” complete with boarding passes, inflight pineapple service, and beach games. Her dramatic play stations rotate to reflect real-world roles such as bakers, firefighters or veterinarians, giving children a chance to explore and dream.
Elizabeth also fosters deep connections among families. She organizes cherished events like the holiday performance, a bike parade, and the beloved Mother’s Day tea, where children select vintage teacups and create personalized gifts.
Elizabeth instills values of empathy and generosity in the children she works with. She works with the Parent Advisory Council to support families in need through food hampers and donation drives, always involving children in age-appropriate ways that teach compassion and community responsibility.
Her leadership extends to her colleagues as well. Elizabeth is deeply attuned to the strengths and aspirations of her staff, advocating for program adjustments that support both educators and families.
Elizabeth’s dedication, creativity, and love have shaped generations.
- Zen Rio Quinsaat
Fort Rouge Coop Day Nursery, Winnipeg
Rio is an Early Childhood Educator II at Fort Rouge Cooperative Day Nursery in Winnipeg, where she has been a valued team member since 2018. In her role as Pedagogical Leader, Rio exemplifies dedication, thoughtfulness, and innovation in early childhood education. She creates environments where children feel safe to explore their interests, express their feelings, and build meaningful relationships. Her ability to transform everyday moments into rich learning experiences is a hallmark of her practice.
One memorable example of her child-led approach involved introducing children to the Philippine Eagle. After watching a video of a baby eaglet learning to fly, Rio helped the children create eagle wings from recycled paper bags, matching the bird’s wingspan. The activity culminated in joyful outdoor play, creating an experience rooted in discovery, movement, and imagination.
Rio also ensures families are engaged in their children’s learning journeys, communicating the skills being developed and the meaning behind each activity. She listens closely to children and builds programming around their interests whether supporting a child-led theatre production or introducing age-appropriate lessons on disabilities, multiculturalism and Indigenous histories. Rio helps children build a foundation of empathy, understanding, and citizenship.
Beyond the classroom, Rio shares her expertise as a workshop facilitator with the Manitoba Child Care Association, presenting topics such as literacy, positive relationships, and the importance of representation in early learning.
- Laura Remillard
Souris Cooperative Daycare Centre, Souris
Laura has dedicated over 25 years to the field of early childhood education, beginning her journey as a Child Care Assistant in Swan Lake before graduating as an Early Childhood Educator III in 1997. After starting her own family, Laura ran a successful home child care program for 14 years. In 2021, she joined Souris Cooperative Daycare, where she quickly became an integral part of the team.
Laura’s experience and professional demeanor make her a natural leader and mentor. As Team Leader, she supports onboarding, orientation, and professional growth for new staff. Her calm, friendly, and knowledgeable approach ensures that new educators feel supported and confident as they begin their careers.
Laura’s commitment to inclusive, nature-based, and play-centered learning is evident in her daily practice. She actively engages children with the natural world through gardening projects at local planters and the Souris Community Garden.
From weekly skating trips to the local rink between October and March, to grocery shopping excursions and tours of local businesses, Laura transforms everyday community experiences into rich learning opportunities. These outings teach children practical life skills, encourage social interaction, and nurture a strong sense of belonging and connection to their community.
Laura is also a passionate lifelong learner. She regularly attends professional development workshops and conferences, including the annual Manitoba Child Care Association conference.
Outstanding Early Childhood Educator Award (Indigenous)
Amanda Johnson
Inspired by Wonder, Winnipeg
Amanda Johnson is an Early Childhood Educator II who has been working in field for 20 years. Since 2016, she has been working at Inspired by Wonder in Winnipeg where she is the lead for the infant program.
Amanda is a proud Métis woman and is a passionate advocate for inclusive and culturally responsive care.
Her curriculum is rich and responsive, rooted in observation, relationships, and meaningful learning experiences. Amanda challenges outdated narratives about infant care and inspires a rights-based approach that honours the voices and capabilities of all children.
Her work reflects her cultural heritage and ongoing learning. Amanda has studied Indigenous practices through land-based education and recently completed a Michif language course. As the Centre’s first certified Forest and Nature School Practitioner, Amanda introduced a Forest School program for preschoolers and shared teachings on Indigenous ways of knowing and being at the Centre’s first Forest and Nature School Conference.
In the forest, Amanda creates sacred moments of connection through drumming, smudging, and guiding children to build relationships with the land and each other.
In 2023, Amanda traveled to Reggio Emilia, Italy, to deepen her understanding of the Reggio Emilia approach and the “100 languages of children,” strengthening her commitment to fostering curiosity and capability.
Now serving as Pedagogical Leader, Amanda continues to uplift the voices of children, educators, and families. Though unable to attend tonight, her impact is deeply appreciated. I invite her colleagues from Inspired by Wonder to accept the award on her behalf.
Outstanding Early Childhood Educator Award (Francophone)
Charlotte McPherson
La Garderie Arc-en-Ciel, Notre Dame
Charlotte is an Early Childhood Educator II who has worked for 27 years at La Garderie Arc-en-Ciel in Notre Dame, a centre dedicated to promoting French language and culture. She has worked with children of all ages and played a pivotal role in establishing a high-quality program.
Currently leading the Butterfly Room for toddlers, Charlotte is known for building strong, trusting relationships with children and families. She uses tools like daily journals and parent interviews to foster open communication.
She has a warm presence that supports social and emotional development. As one example, when a child was struggling with self-regulation, Charlotte observed patterns and created a cozy quiet corner, helping the child learn to manage emotions independently.
Charlotte is also skilled at adapting programming for multi-age groups and diverse needs. She has supported children with sensory processing challenges, incorporating sensory stories and games into her program benefiting all children in the classroom.
She champions multiculturalism by introducing music, books, toys, and cultural celebrations that reflect children’s backgrounds. She also works with a speech therapist to develop individualized programs that support children’s language and developmental needs.
Charlotte is an active contributor to her centre’s community. She shares experience generously and has mentored several students who have gone on to complete their ECE Level II certification.
Collaborative Early Learning Team Award
The Collaborative Early Learning Team Award recognizes Early Childhood Educator teams who have built exceptional partnerships with schools and/or community organizations to enhance early childhood learning and development. These teams, based in preschools, nursery schools, or school-age programs, work together to create meaningful connections that benefit both their early learning environments and the broader community.
Kara Booth, Amaia Zenon Goldaraz and Marina Lisak
Tova Vickar Child Care Centre, Winnipeg
Kara Booth, Amaia Zenon Goldaraz and Marina Lisak are all Early Childhood Educator IIIs from the Tova Vickar Family Childcare Centre, located within Congregation Shaarey Zedek Synagogue, which officially opened its doors in January 2025.
Kara was hired as the Centre’s Director in the fall of 2024, and has worked tirelessly to ensure the centre was not only ready to open but ready to thrive. One of her most impactful initiatives was the implementation of a Kosher meal and snack program, developed in partnership with the synagogue’s catering department. Kara continues to seek funding opportunities to make this program accessible to all families.
Amaia is a supervisor in the infant and toddler program, where her work with the youngest children has been described as truly joyful and inspiring. Since joining the centre, Amaia has embraced her role with openness, curiosity, and a deep commitment to learning. Her eagerness to grow has enriched her early childhood practice and contributed meaningfully to Tova Vickar values-based programming.
Marina is the Assistant Director and serves as the Centre’s Jewish Education Lead. Since the centre opened in January, Marina has shown remarkable enthusiasm for sharing Jewish traditions and building meaningful connections between the centre and the synagogue’s Ritual Staff. Her collaborative spirit has enriched the children’s experience and strengthened the relationship between the centre and the broader community.
Collectively, Kara, Amaia, and Marina worked to ensure the opening of the Tova Vickar Family Childcare Centre was a success for children and families in their community and continue to support a seamless connection with the Congregation Shaarey Zedek Synagogue.
Leadership Excellence Award
Leadership Excellence award. This award recognizes a centre director, assistant director or supervisor who is certified as an Early Childhood Educator II or Early Childhood Educator III and who embodies leadership by encouraging and guiding others, displaying exceptional dedication, collaboration, creativity, and vision. They also demonstrate knowledge and skills that support the delivery of high-quality child care.
Ioulia Berdnikova
University of Winnipeg Students’ Association Day Care Centre, Winnipeg
Iouila is an Early Childhood Educator III with over 29 years of experience and has served as Executive Director of University of Winipeg Student Association Daycare for 11 years, overseeing 144 child care spaces and 38 staff. She also supports teaching and research by supervising students and providing practicum experiences.
Ioulia is passionate about education and mentorship. She holds monthly check-ins with staff, encourages professional growth, and encourages all staff to pursue ECE certification. As a result, 100 per cent of her core staff are ECE IIs or ECE IIIs. Her inclusive approach fosters a welcoming environment for a diverse, multilingual team and has resulted in exceptional staff retention.
She goes beyond logistics to support staff enrolled in university programs, offering guidance on mental health, work-life balance, and acting as a liaison with faculty. Her efforts make professional development accessible and sustainable.
Ioulia also motivates her team through thoughtful gestures—organizing staff dinners, activity nights, and providing resources for growth. At the heart of her leadership is a genuine commitment to staff well-being, creating a positive, supportive workplace where everyone feels valued.
Exemplary Home-Based Early Learning Environment Award
The Exemplary Home-Based Early Learning Environment Award celebrates licensed home-based child care providers who demonstrate exemplary commitment to play-based programming that nurtures children’s growth and development while promoting early learning. The recipients demonstrate professionalism in a family-like, high quality and inclusive environment and shows the utmost dedication to providing remarkable child care services.
- Jean Sangalang
Winnipeg
Jean is an exceptional family child care provider whose program embraces emergent curriculum, tailoring activities to each child’s interests and individuality. From art and science projects to outdoor play and community engagement, she ensures every day is meaningful and balanced with structure and flexibility.
Her inclusive care extends beyond the classroom. As an LGBTQ-affirming provider, Jean creates a space where all families feel respected. She models kindness through small gestures and community initiatives like CancerCare Manitoba’s Lemonade Stands for Hope and the Love Box donation drive, teaching children empathy and social responsibility.
Dedicated to professional growth, Jean earned her Early Childhood Educator Level II diploma, receiving an Excellence in Academics Award, and regularly attends conferences to bring fresh ideas into her practice.
Her home is a safe, joyful environment that fosters lifelong skills. Jean is more than a caregiver – she is a mentor, a role model, and a trusted partner in raising confident, compassionate children.
- Shannon Trickett
Winnipeg
Shannon Trickett is an Early Childhood Educator II with over 32 years of experience, including 25 years as a home child care provider. Her program reflects a deep understanding of child development, prioritizing child-led, age-appropriate activities that foster cognitive, emotional, and social growth.
Shannon integrates French language support for children attending immersion schools and promotes reconciliation by inviting an Indigenous Elder monthly to share stories and cultural teachings. She models lifelong learning through conferences and workshops and advocates for the profession through leadership roles with the Manitoba Child Care Association and Canadian Child Care Federation.
Her excellence has been recognized before, including the Manitoba Child Care Association Exceptional Family Child Care Provider Award in 2009. Shannon’s ability to foster curiosity, confidence, and a love for learning ensures a lasting impact on children, families, and the early childhood education community.
- Ginette Simard
Winnipeg
Ginette Simard is a licensed home-based provider who has been a cornerstone of care in Winnipeg’s French-speaking community for over a decade. Her play-based program, offered entirely in French, nurtures children’s growth while fostering cultural identity.
Ginette combines structured activities with enriching experiences beyond her home, including regular visits to Le Crée resource centre and annual outings to Morning Sound Farm and Santa’s Workshop. She attends seminars and workshops organized by the Fédération des parents de la francophonie manitobaine, ensuring her practice remains current and enriched.
Families remain loyal for years, even commuting across town after moving, because of the exceptional care and cultural richness Ginette provides. Her program is safe, inclusive, and filled with love—a model of high-quality, culturally responsive home-based childcare.
Premier's Award for Early Childhood Education Excellence
The Premier’s Award celebrates those who distinguish themselves through the most remarkable contributions to early childhood education. This is the highest recognition of the evening, and the recipient is selected from among tonight’s award winners.
The recipient of the Premier’s Award for Early Childhood Education Excellence of 2025 is Amanda Johnson.
Amanda Johnson
Inspired by Wonder, Winnipeg
Each recipient also received a cheque for $500 in recognition of their achievements.
The Department offers its heartfelt congratulations to all of this year’s winners and nominees for their exemplary dedication to and caring for Manitoba’s children.
