PLAY IN THE PARK starts today and continues all summer long. Beginning in June, we will be taking our family time drop in outside once a week. We’ll have 5 locations around Caledon to choose from, with a variety of days and times too! Get in on the fun! Bring blankets, warm weather gear and join us as we play, learn and grow in the great outdoors!

Our Team

Learn more about our staff, Board of Directors, volunteers and placement students.

Staff member Kelly Rumney and two of our BrightStart kids take a look at a garter snake from a safe distance.

Qualified and Caring Staff

Our programs and services are delivered by a team of qualified and caring staff who pride themselves on continuous learning based on research and evidence-based practice. We pride ourselves on a strong organizational culture that embraces diversity, equity and inclusion.

We are proud to participate in the Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) model. This quality initiative aims to create a common understanding of quality, define the key elements of quality programming, establish quality standards, and provide indicators that demonstrate what the standards look like in practice.

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Our Leadership Team

You can learn more about Management Team members by clicking on their photo to read their biography.

Teresa Colasanti, a staff member at BrightStart, is standing in a classroom setting, smiling and wearing a black short-sleeved shirt. The background features various children's play equipment and furniture, creating a cheerful and educational environment.
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Teresa Colasanti
Executive Director
Tracey Stewart, a staff member at BrightStart, stands in a classroom setting with a calm and friendly expression. She is wearing a maroon top and a navy floral cardigan. The room behind her is brightly lit, featuring children's educational toys and furniture, with family-themed framed pictures on the wall. The environment appears warm and welcoming.
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Tracey Stewart
Program Manager
Shelly Ives, a staff member at BrightStart, is smiling and standing in a classroom setting. She is wearing a black top adorned with vibrant floral patterns in shades of pink, orange, and purple. The background features children's toys, learning materials, and framed family photos on the wall, giving a welcoming and educational environment.
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Shelly Ives
Community Engagement Manager
Susan Partyka, a staff member at BrightStart, stands in a classroom setting. She is wearing a white blouse with textured details and glasses, giving a confident yet approachable expression. The room behind her is set up with children’s toys and furniture, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with family-themed photos on the wall.
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Susan Partyka
Finance Manager
Lisa Chin, a staff member at BrightStart, smiles as she stands in a classroom setting. She is wearing a light yellow button-up shirt over a matching top. The background features children's toys and learning materials, with family-themed photos on the wall, creating a warm and engaging atmosphere.
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Lisa Chin
Development Officer
Diane West, a staff member at BrightStart, is standing in a classroom environment, smiling and wearing glasses and a light denim shirt. The background includes various children's play items and furniture, creating a bright and welcoming learning space.
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Diane West
Operations Manager
John-Paul Bertone, a staff member at BrightStart, is smiling and standing in a classroom setting. He is wearing a blue striped polo shirt with a relaxed and approachable demeanour. Behind him, the room is brightly lit with educational toys and furniture, creating a warm and engaging environment. The wall behind features a small gallery of family-themed framed pictures.
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John-Paul (JP) Bertone
Program Supervisor

Board of Directors

We are governed by a diverse and highly effective Board of Directors comprised of a knowledgeable and dedicated group of individuals reflective of our community who are committed to supporting Caledon families as we connect, learn and grow.

Want to learn more about our Board members? Click on each photo to read individual bio’s.

Carine, a member at BrightStart
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Carine Strong
Board Chair
A professional headshot of Lynn Baker, a staff member at BrightStart Caledon Family Centre. She is smiling warmly, wearing glasses and a black and grey plaid-patterned top. Her blonde hair is styled down, and the background is a simple light grey.
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Lynn Baker
Vice Chair
Abidemi Olaniyan headshot
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Abidemi Olaniyan
Board Treasurer
Joanne, a member at BrightStart
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Jo-Anne Fiore
Board Secretary
A professional headshot of Faizan Bari. He is wearing glasses and a dark suit with a white collared shirt, looking confidently at the camera. The background is a simple light grey.
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Faizan Bari
Director
Shawn Ferriera, Board member at BrightStart, smiling in a professional headshot wearing a blue collared shirt.
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Shawn Ferriera
Director
A professional headshot of John Heuer. He is wearing glasses and a blue checkered shirt, with a friendly smile. John has a bald head and a white beard. The background is light grey.
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John Heuer
Director
Arno, a member at BrightStart
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Arno Ilic
Director
Nikita, a member at BrightStart
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Nikita Mann
Director
A professional headshot of Leo Rebello. He is smiling, wearing a dark blue suit, a white shirt, and a patterned beige tie. His hair is neatly styled, and he has a short beard. The background is a light grey, giving the image a polished and professional appearance.
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Leo Rebello
Director

If you are interested in applying for a position on our board, please send a resume with cover letter to sives@brightstartcaledon.com

“I have had the privilege of volunteering as a board member for almost 10 years, and during that time I have seen how valuable BrightStart Caledon Family Centre has been for so many children, their families, and the Caledon community.

BrightStart Caledon Family Centre staff provide a welcoming, home-like environment for families. It is a safe space where children and their families can thrive, and experience a sense of connection to their community.”

~ Lynn Baker, Board Member

A caregiver and a young child sit at a small table in a bright playroom, engaging in a pretend tea party with toy food and kitchen items. The child smiles as they interact with the caregiver. Surrounding them are play kitchen appliances, a playhouse, and shelves filled with children's books and toys. The environment at the BrightStart Caledon Family Centre is designed to encourage imaginative play and nurturing interactions.

Volunteers

We are fortunate to have a team of dedicated volunteers who help support staff on the front line, work quietly behind the scenes providing leadership and support, sit on various committees and much more. Our volunteers are one of our most valuable resources and they play a large role in enriching the lives of the families and children we serve. We are proud to celebrate their caring spirit and honour the positive impact of their contributions.

Volunteer with Us
A group of little children is activity engaged in songs with actions at BrightStart with caregivers.

Placement Students

We provide rich career-related experiences for future educators, social service and child care professionals by offering placement opportunities for students to gain and build skills. This practice reflects our commitment to help build a new generation of professionals in education, family support and social services.

Note: We are currently unable to offer paid internship opportunities.

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