Susan reflects on personal growth over time, sharing how facing new challenges built confidence, resilience, and pride in how far they’ve come since starting
In Conversation with Educators
Watch the Full Conversations
Explore the full episodes of our In Conversation with Educators series and hear authentic stories about growth, connection, and what it means to make a difference.
In this 22-minute episode, YMCA educators Petra Singh, Denzel Kelly, Janice Garraway, Alyssa Ellis Almeida, Shianne Bailey and Valerie Inglis share authentic stories of growth and connection, reflecting on the meaningful moments that shape their work with children, youth, and families.
In this 30-minute episode, YMCA leaders Vanessa Ramlakhan, Jennifer Kwan-Santos, Susan Clarke, Natasha Rajaratnam, and Chantol Jackson discuss their leadership journeys and the values that guide their commitment to strengthening community impact across the GTA.
See Our Favourite Moments
Catch inspiring highlights from our conversations. Moments of laughter, connection, and insight that showcase the heart of YMCA Child Care.
Petra reflects on her journey from India to Europe to Canada and how the YMCA helped her build confidence, connection, and a meaningful career in early childhood education.
Janice describes her shift from graphic design to early childhood education, discovering her passion for helping children learn and grow through the support of the Y.
Valerie shares how joining the YMCA after working in the private sector allowed her to find humility, teamwork, and the space to bring her authentic self and shine.
Denzel reconnects with a former student years later and learns he inspired his love of football, a powerful reminder of the lasting impact educators can have.
Something that started as a job became a career. Chantol studied HR, became an early childhood educator, then returned to HR in a YMCA recruitment coordinator role.
An educator shares how feeling supported by supervisors and teammates creates a strong sense of belonging, helping educators thrive and children feel it every day.
Natasha Rajaratnam
“I found my voice, I found my place and there was purpose in my work.”
Natasha talks about growing up with the Y and arriving in Canada as a newcomer, and she smiles as she explains how the YMCA helped her build confidence, find her purpose, and grow into the leader she is today.
Petra Singh
“It doesn’t matter what your background is, or what your history is, you are welcome.”
In the video, Petra shares how she came to Canada from Austria, and how the YMCA felt like a warm, familiar place where she could belong again—full of friendly faces that made her feel right at home.
Susan Clarke
“I’ve grown to be great.”
Susan shares how she joined the YMCA right out of high school and slowly grew her confidence over the years, and now proudly leads multiple child care sites with the same kindness and encouragement she once needed herself.
Vanessa Ramlakhan
“My confidence has grown exceptionally, and now I love being a leader.”
Vanessa speaks with excitement about her rare journey from supply staff to supervisor in only four months, sharing how someone believed in her and how that support helped her confidence bloom.
Read More about Working at the Y
Thinking about a career in child care? These articles offer guidance, insights, and real experiences from our YMCA team.
What it’s like to start as a supply staff educator
Starting as a supply staff at the YMCA offers practical experience and a clear way to learn about working in child care settings.
How to build your child care career as a newcomer
Newcomers can build a child care career at the YMCA with supportive training, hands-on experience, and opportunities to grow professionally.
How the apprenticeship program supports educators
Newcomers can build a child care career at the YMCA with supportive training, hands-on experience, and opportunities to grow professionally.
How mentorship helps educators grow into leaders
Mentorship at the YMCA helps child care educators build confidence, grow professionally, and step into leadership through support and career guidance.
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