Meet Our Team

Marcia Bumbury is a full-time teacher at the Dr. Eric Jackman Institute of Child Studies with 25 years of experience in education. Throughout her career, she has taught grades 3 through 5, physical education for grades K-5, and for the past 12 years, she has been focused on teaching Kindergarten. This experience has sparked a deep passion for the Early Years, where she strives to create an engaging and inclusive learning environment for all students.

Marcia holds a Master of Science in Education and has earned her Kindergarten Part 1, 2, and Specialist qualifications. She has taught these AQ courses with ETFO and was honored to be part of the Writing Team for the Kindergarten AQ. Her participation in both online and face-to-face AQ courses has given her a comprehensive understanding of the Kindergarten Program, allowing her to continuously reflect and refine her teaching practice.

As a life-long learner who is reflective and passionate about Kindergarten education, Marcia is eager to share her knowledge and continue to grow in this field.

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Kenisha Peters is a registered Early childhood Educator (RECE). She is passionate about providing a nurturing and safe environment for children to grow, learn, and develop. With 16 years of experience in childcare, She has had the privilege of working with children of all ages, from infants to youth; helping them build essential skills through play, inquiry, and positive interactions.

Kenisha's approach to childcare is centered around creating a warm and supportive atmosphere where children feel valued and empowered. She strives to encourage curiosity, creativity, and independence in a fun and structured environment. Whether it’s through hands-on activities, outdoor exploration, or encouraging social skills, Kenisha believes every child is unique and deserves personalized care and attention.

Kenisha is dedicated to fostering strong relationships with children and their families, working together to ensure that each child’s needs are met, and they are given every opportunity to thrive.

Myah Birrell (she/her) is of Algonquin of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation and Canadian ancestry. She is an educator (OCT) and a graduate of the Masters of Arts in Child Study and Education program through OISE at University of Toronto. Myah has an undergraduate degree in Critical Gender Studies and is focused on creating classroom spaces that are anti-oppressive and justice focused.

Myah is currently employed at Kapapamahchakwew - Wandering Spirit School in the TDSB teaching grade 6/7, as well as the current Program Coordinator at Natural Curiosity. 

Myah is always thinking about ways that we can decolonize education through weaving Indigenous ways of knowing and being into all curriculum.

Molly (she/her) is currently a Special Education teacher at the Dr. Eric Jackman Institute of Child Study and is excited to continue her work at the JICS Summer Lab!

Molly is a recent graduate of the Masters of Child Study and Education program at the University of Toronto. She has a background in disability studies and has a passion for fostering inclusive and accessible learning environments. She is committed to ensuring all children have the opportunity to thrive in educational settings that are responsive to their identities.

Molly places a strong emphasis on child-centered learning, prioritizing each student’s voice, interests, and needs. By creating supportive, and engaging spaces, she encourages curiosity, inquiry, and having fun! 

Molly Crabtree (she/her) is an educator with a passion for arts-based learning and outdoor education. She holds an MA in Child Study and Education from OISE at the University of Toronto and a BA in Film and Media from Queen’s University.

Molly recently completed her internship in the JK classroom at JICS and is excited to continue her journey within the community as a program leader this summer. During her master’s, she was also involved with Natural Curiosity, deepening her commitment to integrating Indigenous teachings into her arts programming. She looks forward to fostering creativity, curiosity, and connection to the land through her work with children this summer. 

Kaitlan has been working with children for nearly 15 years, with a strong focus on supporting children with exceptionalities. She is passionate about fostering creativity, inclusion and empathy. She is currently pursuing a Master’s in Child Studies and Education at the University of Toronto, but spends her spare time reading, baking and playing with her dog. 

Katie is currently completing her Master of Teaching at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE), specializing in the Primary/Junior division.

She holds an undergraduate degree in Environmental Studies and Human Geography, which informs her passion for caring for the environment and spending time outside. She enjoys learning about native species and Indigenous ways of interacting with the land. Katie has a particular interest in outdoor education and enjoys encouraging others to get outside and go on nature walks.

One of her favourite pastimes is spending quiet moments by the water with friends or a good book. 

Zarfishan (she/her) is a recent graduate of the Master of Arts in Child Study and Education program from OISE, University of Toronto, housed at the Dr. Eric Jackman Institute of Child Study. She also holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Toronto, specialising in Psychology, Public Health, and Critical Equity.

Zarfishan’s interests lie in the Early Years, with a focus on cultivating rich play and the creation of anti-oppressive, decolonial classrooms that centre liberatory practice and joy.

Zarfishan has been involved at the JICS Lab School in various capacities, ranging from completing an undergraduate placement in the Nursery, serving as an Occasional Teacher, and most recently, fulfilling the role of SK Assistant following a teaching internship in SK.

She is excited to continue working alongside the community this summer!

Lisa Taharally has over 25 years of experience working with children. She has taught at Horace Mann School and The Brearley School in New York, as well as Pauline School in the TDSB. She currently works as the Wednesday Program Director at JICS.

Lisa is passionate about creating art and writing stories with children, as well as providing a safe and warm emotional tone in which children feel relaxed. She is a Mom of 2 children aged 11 and 7, and enjoys gardening. Her favourite author is Haruki Murakami.

Alicia (She/Her) is a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) and holds a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Leadership and a Master of Professional Education, specializing in Early Childhood Education. 

Alicia currently works as a Nursery Assistant at the Dr. Eric Jackman Institute of Child Study. Additionally she works as a part time soccer coach with children ages 2 to 10 years. Alicia has worked with, and volunteered in the Early Years field since 2018.

Alicia is passionate about young children taking a lead in their learning and building on their unique interests. She believes children thrive in adaptable environments, designed to meet needs of each individual child. When she is not working, Alicia has a love for writing and is often inspired by the children she works with. She is very excited to further her experience working with the JICS Summer Lab!

Nicole is currently completing her MA in Child Study and Education through OISE at the University of Toronto. She is passionate about child-centred, inquiry-based learning that provides children with opportunities to be creative, critical thinkers. Nicole has a strong interest in STEAM education and values how it helps young learners explore new ideas and become great problem-solvers. Nicole also holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Waterloo in Therapeutic Recreation and Psychology. When she is not studying, Nicole loves coaching rhythmic gymnastics, playing hockey, and getting outdoors for a run.

Naomi (she/her) is a Registered Early Childhood Educator who has worked with children for over 17 years. She has happily been a part of the JICS Lab School community since 2016. Naomi has an extensive background in lifeguarding and teaching swimming, with an expertise in programming for infants to preschool-aged children. She also taught swimming for many years at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, where she received specialized training in working with children of varying abilities.

 
Naomi has a love of learning, and is currently pursuing a second degree in Neuroscience & Astronomy, hoping to pursue a future career in pediatric medicine. In her spare time, she enjoys swimming, running, biking, and spending time with family & friends. Naomi has a deep appreciation for the arts and finds solace in music and creative writing.

Naomi is dedicated to fostering nurturing, trusting relationships with every child she works with. She hopes to cultivate creativity and curiosity at the Lab this summer!