About Us

Our Story

Lakeside Childcare was created by local educators and entrepreneurs who are passionate about the importance of play, high quality care, nutrition and accessibility in early childhood education. With combined experience and knowledge, we set out to create a childcare centre that meets and extends the needs of the community by supporting children, their families, and our educators.

Our Values

High Quality Care

Lakeside Childcare strives to maintain high standards of care within programming, staffing, materials, and all areas of our centre.

Our Values

Accessibility

No child, or family, should be left without access to childcare due to lack of accessible services. Lakeside Childcare is committed to improving our centres accessibility.

Our Values

Nature Centred Programming

Lakeside Childcare encourages rain or shine play, and ensures minimum 3 hours outdoor periods per day (barring inclement weather-as defined within the Inclement Weather Policy, outlined later in this handbook.). Children are encouraged to partake in various activities and experiences such as gardening, digging, climbing, etc).

Our Values

Respect

Lakeside Childcare stands for respect for all individuals. Respect and teachings regarding various cultures, sexualities, abilities, etc may be touched on within classes using stories, puppetry, open discussions, etc. The Company does not tolerate discrimination of any kind.

Our Team

The Lakeside Childcare team is committed to creating a positive, welcoming, and supportive environment where families feel safe and confident in the care they are receiving. 

Brian Maxfield – Entrepreneur

President/Treasurer

Father, Foster Parent, Entrepreneur and Entertainer – Brian has spent years in the community helping many businesses to grow and launch. As a parent, Brian knows firsthand the value of providing affordable childcare within the community so that parents can continue to grow their passions and work within the community.

Daniella Velasco

Executive Director

Daniella Velasco hails from Colombia and is a dedicated professional in early childhood education. She holds a degree in Early Childhood Education and a master’s degree in Senior Management of Educational Services. Currently based in Sarnia, she has also completed a postgraduate program in Business Management.

With 20 years of experience in early childhood, Daniella has held various roles, including educator and supervisor, and has successfully run her childcare facility in her home country. Her extensive experience and passion for nurturing young minds are highly valued in our community.

Daniella is committed to providing quality education and care and fostering a positive environment for children and families.

Sarah Maxfield

Committee Lead – Nutrition

Sarah is a holistic nutritionist with over a decade of health planning and nutrition scheduling. She is passionate about how food and nutrition can help develop and nurture the growth of children and adults. As a mother of four and foster parent, Sarah has been involved in many child-focused trainings and will assist in programming decisions and lead discussions around nutrition planning.

Brittany Pyne

Centre Supervisor

Brittany Pyne is a Registered Early Childhood Educator with 20 years of experience in childcare. Throughout her career, she has held various roles, including resource teacher with Pathways, classroom educator, supervisor, Indigenous EarlyON advocate, and mentor. Brittany is passionate about helping children grow and thrive, and she is truly grateful to be part of their development. We are thrilled to have her as our Supervisor and Mentorship Lead.