Sumita’s Story: Creating belonging at the YMCA, one child at a time

This week, we’re celebrating our Early Childhood Educators and our Child Care workers who nurture curiosity, build confidence, and create spaces of belonging for children and families every day.

Throughout the week, we’re sharing stories from YMCA educators and staff whose compassion and commitment help shape the next generation. 

This is Sumita’s story.

When Sumita Kumar Nagarkatti first came to Canada, she was searching for more than a job, she was searching for belonging.

Her husband’s career had taken their family across countries, and when the chance came to move to Canada, the choice felt right. “We heard what an accepting country Canada is,” Sumita says. “After just a couple of years, I told my husband, this feels like home. For my daughter, this is where she belongs.”

That sense of belonging is something Sumita now helps others find through her work at the YMCA of Hamilton | Burlington | Brantford, where she serves as a Case Manager for Inclusion Services supporting School Age Child Care programs.

A new country. A new calling.

Before coming to Canada, Sumita built a successful career in the corporate sector after earning her master’s degree in business. But when her daughter was born, life took a different turn, one that would forever shape the way she viewed children, families, and the power of care.

“When my daughter was young, she struggled with serious health challenges,” Sumita shares. “She would miss school for weeks because of recurring infections that affected her breathing. There were many nights when we had to call an ambulance or rush to the hospital. It was overwhelming.”

In those long, uncertain nights at the hospital, Sumita began to see the world differently. “I would look around and think, if I’m feeling this helpless, what must parents feel when their child has a life-threatening illness?” she says quietly. “It wasn’t one big ‘aha’ moment, it was a series of small ones. I realized how much difference a little bit of support can make for a family going through something hard.”

That realization changed everything. She left her corporate career behind and began volunteering in pediatric cancer hospitals. She says those experiences helped her see the resilience of children and families navigating unimaginable challenges. “It was an eye-opener,” she says. “It made me realize this is where I want to be, supporting children who need it most."

Finding her place at the YMCA

When Sumita’s family moved to Canada, she carried that same sense of purpose with her. She began volunteering at Lighthouse for Grieving Children & Families, continuing to walk alongside children and families in moments of loss and healing. Soon after, she discovered the YMCA.

“I came across the YMCA website and saw an educator role posted in Burlington,” she recalls. “As a newcomer, it’s hard to get into the field you love when you don’t have Canadian experience. But I thought, this is the right place to start. The YMCA is known worldwide, and I knew I’d be part of something meaningful.”

She joined the YMCA as an enhanced staff educator, supporting children with disabilities in Child Care programs. Her compassion and insight were immediately evident to her team.

“Sumita takes a strength-based approach in her work with children, families, and educators,” says Christina Wood, General Manager of Inclusion Services for Children in School Age Child Care|Day Camps|Community Outreach at the YMCA of Hamilton|Burlington|Brantford.

“She ensures every interaction builds on a child’s abilities and potential. Families often tell us they feel truly heard by Sumita—that their child is seen, valued, and celebrated.”

Within a year, Sumita’s dedication led her to a new opportunity: a Case Manager role in Hamilton, supporting YMCA educators and families through inclusion programming.

“I’ll never forget what my supervisor, Sue, told me,” Sumita says. “She said, ‘If this is what you’re passionate about, give it a try. And if it doesn’t work, that’s okay, I’ll help you get there.’ That meant everything. It made me feel like I mattered, like my growth mattered.”

Helping others succeed

Today, Sumita’s role allows her to bridge two worlds, the classroom and the broader system of care around each child. She helps families navigate support, builds individualized plans, and works closely with educators to ensure every child is meaningfully included.

“My educator background helps me understand what staff are feeling,” she says. “I’ve been there. I know how challenging it can be. Now, I get to help bridge that gap, connecting with families, schools, and educators to make sure every child has what they need to thrive.”

She finds joy in seeing educators grow in confidence and watching their care transform children’s experiences. She remembers one school where staff initially struggled to support a child with complex needs.

“At first, there was hesitation and fear,” she says. “The staff weren’t sure if they could manage the situation. But we worked together with lots of communication, reassurance, and coaching. Over time, I saw a complete shift in how they approached things. They became confident, proactive, and deeply connected to the child.”

“When I see that child now, it’s incredibly heartwarming. But the real success belongs to the educators. They’re the ones who made that difference. My role is just to help them see their own potential.”

Sumita describes her work as both challenging and deeply fulfilling. “I can’t imagine doing anything else,” she says. “This is my second career, but it feels like my calling.”

When asked what keeps her grounded, she shares a simple motto that guides her every day.

“It’s the word hope—it stands for Hold On, Pain Ends. It may sound simple, but it’s powerful. Every day I meet children and families who are navigating hard things. Sometimes, holding on and believing things will get better is what keeps us going.”

For Sumita, working at the YMCA is more than a job; it’s a purpose.

“Working at the Y gives me meaning,” she says. “Here, inclusion isn’t something we talk about once a year, it’s something we live every day. This is my work. This is my life. This is what I do.”

This week and every week, we celebrate child care professionals like Sumita — the educators, mentors, and advocates who help children grow into confident, compassionate, and curious people.

Thank you for helping every child feel that they belong. 

#ECEAppreciation #CareCounts #GreaterTogether #YMCAChildCare