Carrie’s Story: 20 years of Helping Children Shine

For Carrie, a career in child care just made sense. 

“I became an aunt at a fairly young age of 11, so I babysat my nieces as often as I could,” says Carrie, a RECE at Arrowsmith Child Care Centre. “I just found myself naturally drawn to children.” 

That early connection eventually led her to study Early Childhood Education at Mohawk College. During her studies, she often heard about the YMCA and the difference it was making for children and families in the community. 

“I learned that it was one of the largest not-for-profit child care organizations, and I just felt like that's something that I wanted to be a part of,” she says. 

After graduation, Carrie applied to the YMCA. Twenty years later, she's still here. 

Today, she works with toddlers, an age group she describes as her favourite. Ask Carrie what keeps her passionate about the work after two decades, and her answer comes quickly: it's the children. 

“I enjoy watching them learn and explore,” she says. “Their little faces light up when they master a task or do something they've been working on. Being able to experience that every day is really fulfilling.” 

For Carrie, some of the most rewarding moments come from helping children build confidence and a sense of belonging. 

“When children first start, they can be nervous or anxious about separating from their parents,” she explains. “Then you get to watch them become comfortable, make friends, and settle in. When they see you and their face lights up, or they call out your name, you know you've built that relationship. That's a really special feeling.” 

Those everyday moments may seem small, but Carrie knows they can have a lasting impact on a child's development. 

“You realize you've helped create a place where they feel safe,” she says. “They're comfortable spending the day with you, learning, playing and growing. That's really rewarding.” 

While the relationships and joyful moments are what many people see, Carrie says there is another side to the profession that often goes unnoticed. 

“I think people don't always realize how much goes into being an educator,” she says. “We're constantly learning, adapting and trying new things to support the children in our care.” 

“Throughout her 20 years, Carrie has continued to show passion, dedication and genuine care for the children and families she supports,” says Nicole Barahona, centre supervisor at YMCA Arrowsmith Child Care Centre. “Her positive energy and commitment to making a difference are truly appreciated and deserve to be celebrated.” 

As Carrie reflects on her career, it isn't awards or milestones that stand out most. It's the children whose lives she has been fortunate enough to be part of, and the trust families place in her each day. 

After 20 years with the YMCA, that feeling hasn't changed. 

"It's rewarding to watch children grow," she says. "To know you've been part of their journey, even for a short time, is really special.” 

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