Hi, my name is Melissa Mikel, and I’m the Director at Avon Co-op Nursery School. I am a Registered Early Childhood Educator and a member of the College of Early Childhood Educators. I began working at Avon Co-op in 2011 in the preschool room and stepped into the role of Director in June 2025.
I graduated from Lambton College as a RECE. One of my favorite parts of this work is learning and exploring alongside children of all ages—there’s always something new to discover, and I believe we learn just as much from children as they do from us. I am certified in First Aid and CPR Level C + AED.
Outside of work, I enjoy going to the beach, walking, reading, and spending time with my friends and family. I’m also a proud parent of two children who had the wonderful opportunity to be part of the Avon Co-op community and are now cherished alumni.
I look forward to connecting with our families and supporting our little school as we grow together—learning through play and building strong foundations for the future.
Hi, I’m Liz (the children call me Ms. Liz). I am a mother of 3 boys: Sam, Owen, and Jack and a granny to a granddaughter named Willow. All 3 of my children attended Avon Co-op. My oldest son started in 2009 and I have been somehow involved with the school ever since. I was a regular parent volunteer and a co-chair of the community events and fundraising committees. I then took on a bigger role, and accepted the position as a Program Assistant. In 2025, I left the classroom and became the school's office administrator. I am also Avon Co-op’s Health and Safety Representative. I am certified in First Aid and CPR level C+ AED. When I’m not at school, I love hanging out with my kids and my granddaughter or working at my other job at the Alley Cat Cafe. I have a big love for animals. I have a dog named Lucy; 6 cats; a guinea pig; a snake and 4 lizards.
Hi, my name is Tracy Richardson and I am the RECE in a preschool room. I have been in the field for over 20 years, and have loved every moment! I find it simply amazing to observe children learning and exploring through play, and the best part is I am able to help and guide this development! I have a diploma in both Early Childhood Education and Developmental Service Work, which I obtained through Fanshawe College. I have also taken additional courses from various colleges including, various psychology courses, basic sign language, autism spectrum disorder, and community sociology. My experience includes working with all ages of children in a variety of settings, and I also have 2 boys of my own, who also had the wonderful experience of attending Avon Co-op! In my spare time I love spending time with my family and friends, going to the beach, camping and reading. I am certified in Standard First Aid and CPR level C+AED, and a member of the College of ECE’s. As an educator, I always remind myself, no significant learning occurs without a significant relationship, and therefore one of main guiding principles is to spend time every day building that trust, and love of a child!
Hello, My name is Balsimran Kaur Sandhawalia. I have completed a master’s degree in mathematics and a Bachelor’s degree in computer science in India. Most recently, I completed my Early Childhood Education (ECE) in April 2025 and have obtained my Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) designation. I’m also certified with Standard First Aid and CPR level C + AED.I have worked as a School Teacher in India, where I gained experience teaching and supporting students. I also gave private lessons to young children after school, which I truly enjoyed. Teaching has always been a passion for me, not just a job. I love spending time with children, helping them learn and grow, and being part of their early development. I believe young children are curious and full of potential, and it is my responsibility to guide them in a positive and caring way. I enjoy creating a fun and safe learning environment where they feel supported and confident.In my free time, I enjoy reading, cooking, and dancing. As a mother to a 3-year-old daughter, I love dancing and playing with her, and I bring that same playful energy when working with the children.
Hello I’m Melissa Wright and I have been at Avon Co-op since 2020. I graduated from Algonquin College with a diploma in Early Childhood Education. I’m also certified with Standard First Aid and CPR level C + AED. I love working with children and learning with them! I love watching the wonderment in children’s eyes as they learn, grow and experience new things!
In my spare time I enjoy crafting and reading. But most of all I LOVE to sing!
Hi! My name is Heather. I am an RECE in the toddler room. I have been working at Avon Co-op since 2020, but have been working in the field for over 20 years. My experience includes working with children of all ages, and I absolutely love every moment. I have taken various courses in baby sign language, esso family math, and How does learning happen. I have my standard first aid and cpr level c and AED, and I’m a member of the College of ECE. I have 5 amazing children (3 girls and 2 boys) and a cat named Milo. In my spare time I enjoy reading, swimming, going to the beach, walks, and spending time with my family and friends. I am very excited to get to know all our families and watch the children grow each day!
Hi, my name is Gill Klassen. I have worked with young children as a volunteer for over 28 years. I love the boundless energy that children have to learn, to create, and to be curious about the world around them. I hope to exude my love for reading and books! I also love to walk everyday, to sing and dance; and to be creative. I am married and I am a mother of 2 adult children. My son has a variety of special needs. I had the great opportunity to stay home full-time for 9 years. I have a diploma in Executive Administration from Seneca College. I am certified in Standard First Aid and CPR level C and AED; as well as I am certified in Food Handling Training. I am excited to be apart of a great team as I begin my year at Avon CO-OP as a program assistant. I look forward, along with the children to learn new things, and to discover and explore this wonderful world.
Hello! My name is Trinity Partridge and this is my first full year working at Avon Co-op Nursery School. I am so excited to meet all the new families and children. I have been in the apprenticeship program for ECE for almost three years now and I will be receiving my diploma of ECE hopefully by the end of this year, which I am very excited about! I have a ton of experience working with children as I am the oldest of six and have taken on a lot of responsibility and also babysit on the side. I am also a dance teacher and have been a dancer for almost half of my life. I love to move and groove around and circle time is my favourite time of the day. In my free time I like to spend time with my family and the people I love, play board games and watch movies. I’m so excited to be a part of this team!
Hello, my name is Amanda Gordon. I am the new program assistant at Avon Co-op, in the Butterfly room. I am certified in First Aid and CPR Level C + AED. I have 16 years experience in Family Law as a Law Clerk. I have also volunteered for the past two years at my daughter’s Preschool. I have two children 9 and 4 , and when I am not at Avon, you can likely find me at an arena cheering on my children at their lacrosse and hockey games!
I believe every child is unique and has their own learning style and pace. I will strive to create a warm and welcoming and inclusive classroom environment, where children could explore, learn and have fun. I feel strongly about play base learning as children learn best when they are engaged and having fun.
I’m looking forward to meeting all the new kiddos and parents this coming school year!
Hi my name is Kaitlin and I am a program assistant! I recently graduated from university with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Justice and completed a year of college to obtain a graduate certificate in Victimology. I have been working as a Child and Youth worker for the past year and recently started working at Avon Coop Nursery School in March of 2024. I have always loved working with children and getting to learn different ways to engage with them. In my personal life I am the oldest of 5 kids and one of my biggest accomplishments is being a big sister (it’s one of my favourite things ever!!). I have a pet Guinea Pig named Pipsqueak who we call squeaky due to him being extremely talkative. I love reading! Typically you can always fine me with some kind of book in my hands! Aside from books in my spare time I love everything to do with true crime and crime shows on TV! One of my all time favourites is Criminal Minds! I am looking forward to meeting and getting to know everyone!
Hi my name is Michelle Ward. I am a mother of two and just recently started working at Avon Co-op as a program assistant! I have my First Aid and CPR level C AED. My passion is working with children, helping children and their families is the most rewarding job I can think of. When I am not working I like going on adventures with my kids, hanging out with family, cooking, singing and reading.
Bio coming soon!