Chelsea’s Story: A place to grow with YMCA Child Care

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 Chelsea’s Story.

When Chelsea Brown first stepped into a YMCA Child Care centre, she wasn’t expecting it to change the course of her career.

“I remember walking into Belleview for the first time,” she says with a smile. “You could feel it right away. The warmth, the energy, the laughter of the kids, the friendly faces. It was just such a welcoming space. I thought, this is good…this is where I want to be.”

Chelsea’s journey with the YMCA began as a passionate Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) in one of our classrooms, a role that quickly revealed her natural leadership and deep care for children and families.

“Her talent and leadership shone through right from the start,” says Samantha Granby, Manager of Early Learning and Child Care in Brantford. 

“Chelsea quickly moved into an Associate position, and for the past two years, she’s been thriving as a Centre Supervisor for Noah's Ark YMCA Child Care Centre in Brantford. She’s known for creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere for children, families, and staff alike—the kind of environment that instantly puts people at ease when they walk through the door.”

That warmth is something Chelsea works intentionally to nurture every day.

“For me, relationships are everything,” she says. “Families are trusting us with the most important people in their lives. I want them to know that their children are not only cared for, but loved. We get to know the families, their pets, their stories—it’s not just a surface-level connection. It becomes a home away from home for everyone.”

Samantha agrees that Chelsea’s approach to relationship-building is what sets her apart. “Relationships matter deeply to Chelsea,” she says. “She’s built strong bonds with her team, offering daily support and mentorship, and she’s earned the trust and appreciation of the families she serves. She takes pride in her centre and leads by example, ensuring both children’s learning and staff well-being are top priorities.”

Chelsea’s leadership extends beyond the walls of her centre. She’s an enthusiastic participant in YMCA and community committees, where she shares her ideas, listens deeply, and contributes with genuine joy. “She brings not only her expertise, but a true passion for collaboration and learning,” adds Samantha. “She’s always eager to grow, and she encourages that same spirit in others.”

Chelsea says the YMCA has helped shape who she wants to be in her career. “I started in a privatized centre before joining the Y, and while it was a good experience, this place is just…different. Here, it feels like a family. You can be yourself. You can grow, thrive, and learn alongside the children. Everyone’s here for the right reasons.”

She laughs as she recalls one of her favourite memories, when a little boy in her baby room accidentally started calling her “Mama.”

“At first I panicked. I thought his mom would be upset! But when I told her, she said, ‘That just means he feels safe with you.’ And that’s what it’s all about,  creating a space where children feel loved, seen, and secure.”

Years later, Chelsea still keeps the children’s artwork pinned to her office wall—colourful reminders of the many little lives she’s helped nurture along the way.

“I’ve seen them take their first steps, say their first words, and now some of them are in school,” she says. “Watching them grow up—it’s bittersweet, but it’s the most rewarding thing in the world.”

Samantha sums it up best: “Chelsea’s impact goes far beyond her centre walls. She’s helping shape a culture of care, respect, and belonging that touches everyone around her. She embodies what YMCA Child Care is all about.”

For Chelsea, being an Early Childhood Educator isn’t just a job, it’s a calling. 

“It’s an honour to do this work,” she says. “We get to shape the early years, to help children see their own value, to support families, and to build a community where everyone belongs. The YMCA allows us to do that in the best possible way, together.”

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