Our Staff — The Children's Centre

Karen Barker | Executive Director

Karen Barker was born and raised in Newfoundland, she moved to Fort McMurray in 2003 and joined The Children Centre team as an Administrative Assistant until 2005 when she had her first child and took time off to stay home and raise her children. In 2016, Karen came back to work as our Program Administrator, until 2023 when she took on the new role of Executive Director. Karen has been an active member of Wood Buffalo community since she moved to Fort McMurray, she enjoys volunteering and getting to know the many faces within our community.

When Karen isn’t volunteering or out in the community on her days off, she enjoys spending quality time with her husband, son, daughter, and precious pup Skippy. Karen also enjoys spending time outside having campfires with her friends and family.

Linda Lynch | Program Administrator/Outreach Coordinator

Linda has been the Food For Two Pre/Postnatal Coordinator since 1999. Linda has recently transitioned into the position of Program Administrator, as well as Outreach Coordinator.

Linda was born in Dublin, Ireland. For the past 30+ years, Linda has resided in Fort McMurray with her family.

With courses In Early Childhood from Keyano College and her certification in Childbirth Education from Douglas College along with numerous related training and various other courses, Linda continues to expand her repertoire of skills by attending conferences and training sessions throughout Alberta, Canada, and the United States.

Desirae Jarvis | Pre/Postnatal Coordinator/Early Childhood Supervisor

Desirae has been working with the Children’s Centre for 12 years. She worked as a teacher in our preschool for 11 years and has just recently moved to Pre/Postnatal Coordinator/Early Childhood Supervisor.

Desirae was born and raised in Fort McMurray, and she truly enjoys getting to see so many families making this their home as well. Desirae has her Diploma in Early Learning and childcare which she obtained from Keyano College. She is also a mother of two beautiful children who are the light of her life! Outside of work Desirae is a huge family person who enjoys spending all her free time with them, she also loves to travel and see new places in the world! Desirae is very grateful to work for such a wonderful organization and excited for her new role as preschool supervisor! Fun fact, Desirae attended the Children’s Centre preschool as a child back in 1996! Who knew all these years later she would be working at the same place!

The Food For Two Pre/Postnatal program is a joint partnership between Alberta Health Services, United Way, and The Children’s Centre. For more information on these programs please call the centre at 780-743-3309 and ask to speak to Desirae.

Ashley Janes | Preschool Administrator/Preschool Teacher

Ashley moved to Fort McMurray from Deer Lake Newfoundland in 2010. During her time here she has had the opportunity to experience different work environment but, always felt something was missing until the completion of her Early Learning and childcare certificate in 2016.

Ashley joined The Children Centre family shortly after in 2016 and has been one of our preschool teachers since then. She not only adores children and teaching them but she also enjoys learning from them, listening to their silly, yet interesting stories, and seeing the excitement on their faces when they learn something new.

Outside of work Ashley enjoys sending time with her significant other, their two dogs, and traveling to Newfoundland to visit family. She has a passion for being outdoors, whether it’s camping or quading in the summer or snowmobiling and ice fishing in the winters.

Ashley is excited for each new year to start as she gets the opportunity to meet and engage with new children and their families.

Tiffany Cullimore | Preschool Teacher

Tiffany was born in Newfoundland and moved to Fort McMurray in 2017. Tiffany lives with her young daughter and her Fiancé. She attended Keyin college in St John’s Newfoundland and has a diploma in Child and Youth Care, with Addiction. Tiffany found she loved working in a pre-school setting and that’s when she became a team member working at The Children Center. She is really enjoying meeting all the new families and children that attend the preschool each year. In the classroom Tiffany likes to plan fun activities for the children and loves messy play!

In Tiffany’s spare time you could find her outdoors with her family or friends camping and out for drives.

Allyson McClain I Parent/Toddler Facilitator

Allyson was born in Fernie, BC. She grew up in the very small coal mining town called Elkford in BC. Ally moved to Fort McMurray in 2010 and graduated from WestWood Community High School in 2017.

She has recently started her Early Learning and Childcare program at Keyano College working on getting her diploma. You may recognize her from MacDonald Island Park as she has also been a Swim instructor for the last 10 years, teaching children how to swim and to become leaders. Teaching children has always been a passion of hers whether it be in the water or out. Allyson has always loved working with children and cannot wait to start a career with them.

When Allyson is not in school or working, she enjoys golfing, spending time with her friends and hanging out with her niece. She also enjoys spending time with her family on the lake in Blind Bay BC.

Mary Nitha I Preschool Teacher

Nitha was born in India and came here to Fort McMurray in January of 2023 to study Early Learning and Childcare at Keyano College. She currently has level 2 and is now completing her level 3.

She is the mom of two beautiful girls and loves spending time with children of all ages. She has a passion for teaching and is working hard towards achieving her goals.

When Nitha isn’t working or studying, she enjoys travelling and trying many new things.

Ella LeDrew | Nutritional Facilitator

Ella joined The Children’s Centre team in 2006. It was Ella’s love of cooking that drew her to the Centre, however, her genuine fondness for the children very soon won her heart.

In the span of a year, Ella makes countless meals for preschool children. Monday to Thursday, twice a day, Ella is in the kitchen preparing healthy nutritious snacks that are greatly appreciated by our little ones. On a number of occasions, moms have come to the center to ask how a particular snack was prepared because they’d been told what they had served wasn’t like Ellas at school.

Every Tuesday and Thursday Ella prepares wonderful meals for our pre and postnatal families, much to their delight. Ella strives to provide all children/families with wholesome nutritious snacks/meals daily, her reward is the appreciation shown by everyone.

Sandra Gill | Bus Driver

Sandra has been a long-term resident of Fort McMurray since 1981. She is married and has two girls and 3 wonderful grandchildren. Sandra worked for Sparksman for 9 years. After she left Sparksman she drove as a fill in driver for The Children’s Centre for 8 years until 2021 when Sandra became our full time bus driver.

When Sandra is not working you will find her spending time with her family and friends.

Jess Blair I Administrative Assistant

Jess was born and raised in Camrose Alberta. After living in a few different cities in Alberta over the years, she decided to make Fort McMurray her home in 2013.

Jess has over a decade in administrative positions, and recently joined The Children’s Centre team. She is passionate about the programs that the Centre has to offer and enjoys greeting everyone that comes through the door. Jess’s favorite part of her position is seeing all the little smiles in the mornings and afternoons.

In her spare time, you will find Jess out hunting, fishing and doing anything outdoorsy with her husband and children.