Samantha’s Story: Creating Safe Places for Children, Families, and Educators

When Samantha reflects on her career in child care, she says there’s one value that keeps her motivated. 

“I think ensuring that we are a safe place for children and families is definitely my driving factor,” Samantha says. “Everybody has a different story. Everybody has a different home life. We may never know all the details, but when children and families come into our programs, they know it’s a safe place for them.”  

As an RECE and the Manager of Early Learning and Child Care for the Brantford region at YMCA Hamilton| Burlington | Brantford, Samantha has nearly two decades of experience working with children. 

After spending a decade with another organization and becoming a mother herself, Samantha found the YMCA.  

“I felt that the values of the YMCA aligned with my values and where I was looking to build and grow my career,” she says.  

Today, she oversees both full-day child care and before-and-after-school programs across the Brantford region. 

“We’re lucky to have Samantha on our team,” says Shawna MacLellan, General Manager of Child Care, Brantford. “She has extensive knowledge of child development and child care operations, and she’s always helping others learn and grow. She’s a great leader, and she has a deep commitment to the YMCA's values and mission.” 

For Samantha, some of the most meaningful moments happen behind the scenes.  

“I enjoy my position the most because of the coaching and learning that I can give to other people,” she says. “Seeing them build their skills, develop their confidence, and advance in their careers is my favourite part. 

She particularly enjoys working with team members who are just beginning their child care journeys. For some, a YMCA child care role starts as a part-time job while attending college or university, but Samantha has seen many discover a deeper passion for working with children. 

“Some of them come to us and then realize, ‘This is what I was meant to do,’” she says. “Watching that happen is really special.”  

While the YMCA strives to create welcoming spaces for children and families, Samantha says the same spirit of belonging extends to staff. 

“There’s a real sense of community,” she explains. “I’ve never come across someone here who wasn’t willing to help.” 

She credits much of her own growth to the supportive environment around her, including colleagues and leaders who encourage curiosity, learning, and continuous development. 

“There’s always something new happening, something new to experience, or something new to learn,” she says. 

For Samantha, that culture of support reflects the very heart of the YMCA. Whether it’s helping a child feel safe, supporting a family through their day, or mentoring the next generation of educators, she sees every interaction as an opportunity to strengthen community. 

“The time and effort that the YMCA puts into supporting the community is what sets it apart,” she says. “It’s not just about the programs themselves. It’s about helping families and making opportunities possible for people who might not otherwise have them.” 

Because at the end of the day, Samantha believes child care is about much more than supervision. It’s about creating places where people can belong, grow, and thrive. 

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