Our Board of Directors

Nancy Espetveidt is an Assistant Professor in the Bachelor of Child Studies (Early Learning) program at Mount Royal University, bringing a wealth of experience and a genuine passion for early childhood education. Her journey began in out-of-school care, leading her to earn a Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta and a Master’s in Leadership in Language and Literacy from the University of Victoria. After teaching kindergarten for 10 years, Nancy transitioned to higher education. As a leader in the field, Nancy is dedicated to empowering educators and recognizing their crucial role in fostering quality early learning. She focuses on raising educational standards, promoting innovative practices, and unsettling traditional approaches. Currently a PhD candidate at the University of Toronto, Nancy’s research explores educators' literacy histories. Her relational focus aligns seamlessly with Nancy’s role as Board Chair, where she advocates for ongoing learning and growth opportunities in early childhood education.

Melissa is, at her core, an Early Childhood Carer/Educator. With over 18 years in the field, she began as a Family Day Home educator in Central Alberta. Today, she is an instructor in Red Deer Polytechnic's Early Learning and Child Care program, honored to be alongside future carers/educators. Her advocacy centers on equity and fairness for the workforce and emphasizes the ethics of care, with and alongside children, families, and communities. Melissa started her academic journey with a Business Administration diploma in Accounting from SAIT. She then worked as an Accounting Technician and Supervisor at Parkland Corporation. Her experience reinforced the importance of aligning financial decisions with the organization’s mission, vision, and values. Melissa then completed an ELCC Diploma at Red Deer College, a BCYC from University of Victoria, and is completing a MEd in Early Childhood Education from University of British Columbia. And as a lifelong learner, this will not be the end. Melissa is humbled to serve on the ARCQE Board of Directors, servicing a field she cares deeply about. She is honored to collectively work together to support each child within their families and communities, reach their fullest potential, alongside a well-educated, well compensated early childhood carer/educator workforce.

Katherine Kaiser is an Educator and Early Learning advocate. She has previously worked as the Executive Director at Wee Wild Ones, in Calgary, Alberta, along with teaching at Mount Royal University. She brings Education experience from Ontario and Alberta and now resides in California, while continuing to be connected to Early Learning in Alberta. Katherine holds an Education Degree and Master of Education, specializing in Instructional Leader and Early Childhood Education. She is committed to making a difference in the lives of children and educators and feels honoured to continue to champion Early Learning as a member of ARCQE Board of Directors.

Chikaodili Ruth Okafor is an early childhood professional and currently works at Bow Valley College as an instructor for Early Childhood Education and Development in the School of Community Studies. With over 10 years of teaching experience both within Canada and overseas, she has worked alongside other professionals such speech pathologists and occupational therapists. Her passion to support children and families is evident in her current role as well as in her previous roles as a kindergarten teacher in Melbourne Australia, a program director in various organizations here in Canada and also as a child intervention practitioner with Child & Family Services. She is passionate and committed in supporting and partnering with families, children and the educators and advocates for inclusion and diversity which reflects in her current professional development learning (the ELECT program) and her research interest. She holds a master's degree in early childhood teaching from Monash University, Australia. Ruth is committed in the work of ARCQE due to her passion in ensuring quality and inclusive care and the need for holistic approach in early learning environments.

Alysha Martin is a dedicated and experienced leader in early childhood education, bringing over a decade of experience in supporting young learners and building nurturing educational environments. Alysha served as an Educational Assistant with the Peace Wapiti School Division, where she worked directly with children to foster their academic and social growth. This role provided her with invaluable experience in understanding individual learning needs, which she continues to prioritize in her current role as the Executive Director of the Beaverlodge Daycare, a position she has held since 2018. As Director, Alysha is committed to creating an inclusive, supportive, and enriching environment for children, families, and educators alike, building on her strong background in child-centered learning. In addition to her professional role, Alysha is deeply involved in her community, serving as Secretary for the Beaverlodge Jr. B Blades and actively volunteering with organizations such as Beaverlodge Minor Hockey and Beaverlodge Playschool. She has also contributed her time as a coach for Beaverlodge Minor Soccer, supporting youth development beyond the classroom. Her extensive involvement in community and sports programs highlights her dedication to creating positive and engaging spaces for children, both within and beyond the daycare. Alysha’s broad experience and unwavering commitment to early childhood education make her a valuable asset to both her community and the field at large. Alysha is honored to serve on the ARCQE board, seeing it as a valuable opportunity to contribute to the advancement of early childhood education across Alberta while gaining insights and building relationships that will further enrich her growth and professional leadership.

Helen Press is a passionate and energetic Early Childhood Educator and leader within the Early Childhood Educator field. She has worked for the past 20 years with the YMCA of Northern Alberta and is currently a General Manager and a YMCA National Curriculum Champ and curriculum lead for the Association. Helen’s passion lies in helping make every child feel that they belong and creating welcoming and enriching communities for children to grow and develop daily. Helen graduated in 2004 from the University of Alberta, with a Bachelor of Education, specializing in Elementary Education. Upon graduation she started as a day camp counselor for the YMCA of Calgary, and shorty after moved back to Edmonton to pursue a career with the YMCA of Edmonton. Here she started as an Educator, and over the next few years moved into different leadership positions. She has been in a manager role for the last 14 years and has enjoyed all of the children, families and leaders she has been able to mentor and work with over this timeframe. Though she didn’t start her career thinking Early Childhood Education was where she wanted to end up, Helen quickly realized her passion lies with helping shape the littlest people in our care to strong and capable individuals with voices of their own. Helen is excited to be part of the ARCQE Board of Directors, engaging with the community, and continuing to help make a difference in the families and children served in the childcare community.