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
Program Administrator
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.
Desirae Jarvis
Child and Family Education Coordinator
Born and raised in Fort McMurray, Desirae loves seeing families build their lives here. Desirae has been with The Children’s Centre for 15 years, spending 11 of those as a preschool teacher before stepping into the role of Pre/Postnatal Coordinator, and now Child and Family Education Coordinator
Ashley Pelley
Community Engagement Coordinator
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 and she is looking forward to this new position.
Tiffany Cullimore
Early Childhood Educator
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 and is currently on Maternity Leave.
Allyson McClain
Early Childhood Educator
Allyson was born in Fernie, BC, and grew up in Elkford, BC. She moved to Fort McMurray in 2010. Allyson completed her Diploma in Early Learning and Childcare in 2026 and has been a part of The Children’s Centre since 2024.
Mary Nitha
Early Childhood Educator
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.
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 and meals for all of our programs. Ella is dedicated to creating wholesome meals that are enjoyed and appreciated by children and families alike.
Nutritional Facilitator
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.
Pre/Postnatal Facilitator
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
Early Learning and Play Facilitator