Children's Garden Day Care

Our Team

A Word About The Staff

All staff at the daycare are required to sign an agreement that they have read and understood our Behavior Management policy posted on both levels of the preschool. This Behavior Management Policy outlines the expectations of the Children’s Garden’s staff particularly how they relate to children. The Staff Manual contains a more detailed procedure that will be followed if the Behavior Management Policy is not adhered to.

We have a wonderful staff who work very hard every day. A lot of time behind the scenes is spent preparing quality programs for the children. We see our staff as an extension of your family. One big, happy family!


		Owner Trudy Needler has her Business Degree from Mount Saint Vincent University. She owned and ran French Magic Preschool in the South End for 5 years. She is the founder of The Children’s Garden and has been running the daycare since 1999.

		Director/Sr. Preschool Teacher Mari Gay, our Director, has her Child & Youth Studies from the MSVU with over 8 years experience. Mari started with us in August 2002.

		Jr. Preschool Teacher Angela MacIsaac has her Child Development Certificate from the Teacher’s College with over 13 years experience. Angela started with us in September 2003.

		Jr. Preschool Teacher Annemarie Emberly has her E.C.E. from the Teacher’s College. Annemarie comes with over 25 years experience. Annemarie started with us in Sept. 2004.

		Sr. Toddler Teacher Heather Bennett has her Child & Youth Studies from the Mount with over 10 years experience. Heather started with us in April 2003.

		Sr. Preschool Teacher Sean Gay has his Psychology degree from St. Mary’s as well as his ECE Equivalency from St. Joseph’s College. Sean started with us in October 2003.

		Sr. Preschool Teacher Erin Callan comes to us from MSVU with a degree in Child and Youth Studies. Erin started with us in May 2008.

		Jr. Toddler Teacher Dana Saunders comes to us with many years experience from caring for children in her home. She is currently working toward her ECE Equivalency. Dana started with us in January 2008.

		Sr. Preschool Teacher Vanessa Brothers is currently enrolled at MSVU, working toward her Child and Youth Studies Degree. Vanessa started with us in September 2009.

		Jr. Toddler Teacher/Assistant Director Laura Thompson has her ECE Equivalency with a minor in Child and Youth Studies from MSVU. Laura started with us in January 2007.

		Sr. Toddler Teacher Lee Marryatt has her ECE from St. Joseph’s College and comes with over 10 years experience. Lee started in September 2008.

		Sr. Toddler/ Music Teacher Sherea Cullen comes to us with great musical ability. She not only has a class of toddlers but she teaches our music program. Sherea started in September 2008.

		Support Staff Rebecca Horner comes to us with her Early Childhood Education from MSVU. Beckie started with us in July 2009.

		Cook Joey Ross comes to us with many years experience running his own dining establishments. Joey has done many years at a fast pace with long hours and in an effort to enjoy a bit slower pace he has settled down with us. Joey started with us in October 2009.