Our Staff
Karen Barker
Karen moved to Fort McMurray in 2003 and joined The Children’s Centre as an Administrative Assistant. After taking time off to raise her children, she returned in 2016 as Program Administrator and became Executive Director in 2023.
Executive Director
Linda Lynch
Originally from Dublin, Ireland, Linda has called Fort McMurray home for over 30 years. Linda has been part of The Children’s Centre since 1999, starting as the Pre/Postnatal Coordinator. She now serves as both Program Administrator and Outreach Coordinator.
Program Administrator
Desirae Jarvis
Born and raised in Fort McMurray, Desirae loves seeing families build their lives here. Desirae has been with The Children’s Centre for 14 years, spending 11 of those as a preschool teacher before stepping into her new role as Pre/Postnatal Coordinator.
Pre/Postnatal Coordinator
Ashley Pelley
Originally from Deer Lake, Newfoundland, Ashley moved to Fort McMurray in 2010. After earning her Early Learning and Childcare certificate in 2016, she joined The Children’s Centre as a preschool teacher, a role she loved for eight years before stepping into her new position as Program Coordinator.
Program Coordinator
Tiffany Cullimore
Tiffany was born in Newfoundland and relocated to Fort McMurray in 2017. She holds a diploma in Child and Youth Care with Addictions from Keyin College in St. John’s, Newfoundland. She has been working at The Children’s Centre as a preschool teacher since 2021.
Early Childhood Educator
Allyson McClain
Allyson was born in Fernie, BC, and grew up in Elkford, BC. She moved to Fort McMurray in 2010. Allyson is currently working toward her Early Learning and Childcare diploma at Keyano College and has been a part of The Children’s Centre since 2024.
Early Childhood Educator
Mary Nitha
Nitha was born in India and moved to Fort McMurray in 2023 to study Early Learning and Childcare at Keyano College. She graduated with her diploma in May 2025 and joined The Children’s Centre as a full-time preschool teacher in September 2025, after completing her practicums at the centre..
Early Childhood Educator
Ella LeDrew
Ella joined The Children’s Centre team in 2006. Her love of cooking quickly grew into a passion for caring for the children. She prepares healthy, nutritious snacks for the preschool children Monday to Thursday and also provides meals for pre- and postnatal families twice a week. Ella is dedicated to creating wholesome meals that are enjoyed and appreciated by children and families alike.
Nutritional Facilitator
Sandra Gill
Sandra has been a resident of Fort McMurray since 1981. She worked for Sparksman for 9 years before joining The Children’s Centre as a substitute driver for 8 years. In 2021, she became the Centre’s full-time bus driver.
Bus Driver
Jess Blair
Jess was born and raised in Camrose, Alberta, and has called Fort McMurray home since 2013. She has over a decade of experience in administrative roles and joined The Children’s Centre team in 2024. Jess enjoys supporting the Centre’s programs and loves greeting families and seeing the children’s smiles each day.
Administrative Assistant
Shanna started her role at The Children’s Centre in September 2025. With many years experience working with children and operating a day home in Fort McMurray, she has a passion for helping little ones grow and thrive.
Shanna Bridger
Parent Toddler Facilitator