Meet Our Staff
Neena Locke, BA, RECE, ECAd
Executive Director
Neena has worked at Red Apple Day Care since 1998, first as a RECE in the preschool room than as a Director since 2000. She has a BA in Psychology from University of Windsor and her RECE from Centennial College. While working at Red Apple Day Care, she earned her certification in Early Childhood Administration in 1999. Working closely with the Daycare Board of Directors, Neena oversees the day-to-day management of both centres. She is responsible for maintaining compliance with city and provincial requirements as well as ensuring that staff have the resources they need to provide a nurturing environment for children to play and learn. Neena is a strong advocate for quality childcare and serves on the Board of Directors of the Toronto Coalition for Better Child Care (TCBCC) since 2000.
Donna Robinson, RECE, RT
Supervisor
My name is Donna Robinson and I am the supervisor at the Red Apple Daycare Overlea site. My career in Early Learning and care began in 1996 after graduating from Conestoga College in Kitchener. I have been working for this amazing organization since March 2002, working in all of the rooms before becoming the supervisor. I am very proud to work with this dedicated team of professionals and board of directors. We provide a safe and nurturing environment for children. Our goal is to give you peace of mind, so you can feel good going to work every day. When you enroll your child with us, you enter into a partnership with us to support your child in all areas of development.
Ruby Malobago, RECE
Assistant Supervisor
“Find a job you enjoy doing and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.” – Mark Twain
This rings true for me in every aspect. In 2007 I was a resident of Thorncliffe and recent graduate from Centennial College. I was eager to find a centre and finally use all the knowledge I had obtained in early childhood development. Red Apple daycare was the first centre to give me a call! Elated, as it was so close to home I started my journey here after College and I will be forever grateful that I have come across a place that values care and kindness above all else. Fast forward to the present, I am working as an Assistant Supervisor at our Grenoble location. My role is to help support staff, parents and children every day as well as manage the administrative aspect of our centre. It’s been my passion to care for children and support families all these years and that passion has only continued to grow.
Darren Kells, RECE
Assistant Supervisor
My name is Darren Kells and I am a very proud husband, father and Assistant Supervisor here at Red Apple Daycare. I have been an RECE since 2007 and have been working at Red Apple since 2010 and loving every minute of it!
I like to incorporate my interests in music and sports into my teaching and programming. I can often be found playing guitar and singing songs with the children. The dedicated, passionate and supportive team at Red Apple always work collaboratively to ensure your child has a positive learning experience. I’m proud to call Red Apple my home.
Registered Early Childhood Educators (RECE)
Each staff member is experienced in working with all age groups. There are qualified Registered Early Childhood Educators and staff with BA Degrees along with Teacher Assistants in each room. All ECEs are Registered through the College of Early Childhood Educators.
Red Apple Daycare has specific guidelines with regard to appropriate behaviour management which is signed by all staff, volunteers and students. The staff are regularly monitored for adherence to this policy.
All staff/board who have direct contact with the children have had their Criminal Reference Check done as per the Ministry of Education directive.
College of Early Childhood Education: https://www.college-ece.ca/en