Staff

Hi, my name is Tracy Richardson and I am one of our toddler room teachers. Children’s enthusiasm, creativity, and the ability to embrace new experiences through exploring is the driving force for me loving and working in the Early Childhood field for 20 years. I have a Developmental Service Worker diploma from Fanshawe College and I graduated in April 2018 with my Early Childhood Education diploma. I have also taken many additional courses including courses in psychology, autism spectrum disorder, and sociology. My experience includes working with children in all age groups in various settings, assistant supervisor for a daycare and I was lucky to be at home with my youngest child, while operating my own home daycare. I have taken numerous workshops which include Early Literacy and Visual Learning, How Does Learning Happen, and Supporting Well-Being and Self-Regulation in the Early Years. I am certified in Standard First Aid and CPR level C + AED, as well as Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Training-CPI, and Basic Sign Language.

Hi, I’m Liz Million (the children call me Ms. Liz). I am a mother of 3 boys: Sam, Owen, and Jack. All 3 of my children have attended Avon Co-op. My oldest son started at in 2009 and I have been somehow involved with the school ever since. I was a regular parent volunteer and co-chair of the community events and fundraising committees. Then I took on a bigger role and accepted the position as a Program Assistant. I love working with the children, helping to foster learning through play and watching their skills grow. I am certified in first aid and CPR + AED. When I’m not at school I love hanging out with my sons and my fiancé Joe. I have a big love for animals! I have 2 dogs named Ally and Lucy; 2 cats named Zoey and Tigger; and a large collection of reptiles and tarantulas.

Hello my name is Erin Johnson and I am one teachers in the toddler room. I graduated from Fanshawe College with my diploma in Early Childhood Education. Since then I have been working with young children in a variety of settings, and now have two little ones of my own. I am certified in first aid and CPR + AED and am a member of the College of ECEs.

Hello my name is Dawn Bender and I have been working at Avon Co-op since 2002. I have a Developmental Support Worker diploma from Fanshawe College. I have taken numerous workshops which include Visual Strategies, Positive Guidance for Challenging Behaviour and Kids have Stress too. I am certified in First Aid and CPR.

Hello my name is Melissa Mikel and I have been teaching at Avon Co-op since 2011. I am a RECE who graduated from Lambton College. I have taken numerous workshops which include Esso Family Math and Mother Goose. I am certified in First Aid and CPR + AED.

Hello, my name is Christine Hess and I am the Bookkeeper/Administrative Assistant at Avon Coop. I received my Business Diploma from Fanshawe College in 2007 and worked in the financial industry for 10 years prior to joining the Avon Co-op team in 2017. I am a mom of two energetic boys, both of whom have attended Avon Co-op. Our whole family has had such a fun and engaging experience that I was thrilled to join as staff. I am certified in First Aid and CPR-C + AED.

Hello my name is Sarah MacAlpine. I graduated from Fanshawe College with my diploma in Early Childhood Education. I am a mom of three with two of them previously attending Avon Co-op. I was a duty parent, chair of the classroom help committee and most recently a supply teacher. I am excited to join the team in this new position!

Hi my name is Robin Palmer and I’m the Program Assistant in the Preschool 3 (Mixed Age) Room! I live in Stratford and have two school aged children of my own, Simon and Ruby. I have worked many years within our community as a PSW as well as an administration assistant at the Stratford EarlyOn. I have a diploma both as a Personal Support Worker and in Office Administration, and my Standard First Aid and CPR level C + AED. I am excited to begin my year at Avon!

Hello my name is Melissa Wright and I’m one of the Preschool Teachers in the Preschool 1 Classroom. I’m super excited to join the Avon Co-op team this year! I graduated from Algonquin College with a diploma in Early Childhood Education. I am also certified with Standard First Aid and CPR level C + AED. I am so excited to be learning and exploring along side your children. I look forward to our upcoming adventure together!

Hi there! My name is Amanda, and I graduated from Conestoga College in 2001 with a diploma in Early Childhood Education. Since then I have worked a few different places and have had the pleasure of teaching all age groups! I love watching children grow and experience new things. Their wonder and excitement about the world around them fills my cup, and that is why I love being an early childhood educator!

Hello! My name is Alisha Smith and I’m a Program Assistant in the Preschool 3 Room on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays. I live just outside of Stratford and have one son, Jett, who is currently in his second year at Avon Co-op Nursery School and we both just love it here! Prior to being a stay at home mom to Jett, I worked for many years within our community as a PSW in long term care as well as an adult day program. I have a Personal Support Worker certificate from Conestoga College and my Standard First Aid and CPR level C + AED. I am just thrilled to have begun this position at Avon Co-op and am having so much fun with the kids already!