West Oakville Preschool’s mission is to create a nurturing, inspiring and engaging childcare centre that delivers loving care and enriching development for all children and their families. West Oakville Preschool Centre is a non-profit community based childcare centre focused on fostering and encouraging the growth and progressive development of the children in the community. West Oakville Preschool is a place where your child will feel nurtured, safe, secure and cared for in an environment that inspires and fuels curiosity. We provide a stimulating educational experience for your child to drive emotional, social and intellectual development. West Oakville Preschool’s quality service includes:

• Childcare Programs designed to support your child’s stages of development through play and inquiry in a diverse, enriching and engaging environment in an age-appropriate manner
• Scenic, natural and safe location/environment that captures and stimulates your child’s imagination. We are conveniently located minutes away from 3 major highways, Sheridan College, the Oakville Go Station and the Oakville-Trafalgar Memorial Hospital.
• 30+ years of experience nurturing the growth and development of children in the community.
• Highly qualified Registered Early Childhood Educators who provide nurturing learning environment for your child to develop at his / her own pace.
• Nourishing meals in a nut-free environment.
• Various enrichment programs offered throughout the year (Yoga, Music, Sports, Interactive Story Telling, etc.).
• Convenient operating hours: 7:00 am to 6:00pm.
• Supports and resources available for children with special needs.
• Family events and opportunities for parent involvement throughout the year

West Oakville Preschool Centre is a licenced, non-profit child care centre, governed by a volunteer Board of Directors which consists of 9 members; including parents and community members. WOPC hosts monthly Board meetings and an Annual General Meeting each fall, for all parents, employees, community partners and board members to attend.

PAULETTE JERVIS – PRESIDENT

Paulette Jervis, Chair of West Oakville Preschool Centre, is a business administration professional with over 25 years of experience in the financial services sector.

Her expertise includes investment fund administration, fund accounting, tax reporting, audit management, new business development and project management.

Paulette, a long-time Oakville resident is married with 2 children.  She is Treasurer and Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee of Link2Care, a non-profit organization that supports healthy living and foster independence for people in the community.

Paulette is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) works at Investment Planning Counsel in Mississauga and is  a member and club executive of Own the Moment Oakville Toastmasters.

AM BADWALL – MEMBER AT LARGE

Am Badwall is the owner and Clinical Director of Missing Links: Filling the Gaps to Autism, a leading organization dedicated to providing comprehensive support for individuals with autism. With over 25 years of experience in the field of education, Am has devoted her career to enhancing educational outcomes and behavioral interventions for children and adults on the autism spectrum.

Am holds a Ph.D. in Education, is an Ontario Qualified Teacher, and a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).  Her extensive expertise encompasses both academic and clinical realms, allowing Am to bridge gaps and implement effective strategies for diverse learning needs.

Throughout their career, Am has successfully led a dedicated staff, demonstrating exceptional leadership and management skills. Her understanding of the complexities involved in running a school, combined with their commitment to fostering inclusive educational environments, has contributed to the success and growth of her team and organization.

Residing in Oakville with her family, Am is a proud mother of two beautiful daughters. Her personal experiences as a mother enhance her professional insights, allowing her to connect deeply with the families she serves. Am is a passionate educator, advocating for evidence-based practices and creating supportive, inclusive spaces for all learners. Her leadership and dedication have made a significant impact on the lives of many individuals and families.

ROBERT HYMANS – MEMBER AT LARGE

Robert Hymans brings over 15 years of experience in operations, finance, and community leadership as the Manager of a private clubhouse and homeowners’ association in Etobicoke. In his role, he oversees all aspects of day-to-day operations, including financial management, programming, staffing, and long-term planning, while working closely with a volunteer board of directors.

Robert has extensive experience managing budgets, coordinating large-scale community programs, and navigating governance processes such as AGM planning, proxy voting, and bylaw development. He is passionate about building strong, connected communities and creating meaningful experiences for families. As a father of four young children, Robert values the importance of early childhood education and is committed to supporting organizations that provide nurturing, high-quality environments for young learners.

NASHEMA DA ROCHA – MEMBER AT LARGE

My name is Nashema da Rocha. I am a psychotherapist with experience supporting children, adolescents, adults, and families navigating emotional, behavioural, and relational challenges. My work is deeply rooted in compassion, structure, and a commitment to helping clients feel truly seen, heard, and respected. I bring extensive experience working with children and youth with disabilities, as well as families managing complex developmental, mental health, and systemic challenges. My practice is grounded in a culturally responsive and anti-oppressive framework. I recognize how lived experiences, systemic barriers, culture, and family dynamics shape mental health and well-being. This lens allows me to meet clients where they are and support them in ways that are both respectful and empowering.

In addition to my clinical work, I bring over 15 years of experience in early learning and education. I am a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) and hold a bachelor’s degree in learning and leadership, a master’s degree in psychology, a graduate diploma in creativity, and a diploma in event management. I am also a certified lay counsellor and drug addiction and settlement counsellor. I am currently pursuing my doctorate at Edgewood University, further deepening my commitment to evidence-based, impactful practice.

At the heart of my work is a simple yet powerful belief: “Every child deserves to be a child.” This guiding principle shapes how I support not only children but also entire families in fostering connection, resilience, and emotional well-being.

Outside of my professional life, I enjoy spending time with my cockapoo, Apollo, who brings joy and balance to my days. I am proudly from the beautiful Caribbean island of St. Kitts and Nevis, and I carry the warmth, culture, and strength of my roots into the work I do every day.

I believe therapy is not just about insight—it is about transformation. My goal is to support individuals and families in building lasting resilience, confidence, and meaningful connections that extend far beyond the therapy room.

DEBRA MCLELLAN – BOARD MEMBER Debra brings over 20 years of experience in strategic planning, relationship building, and fostering impactful change. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Science in Psychology and French from the University of Toronto and is fluent in both English and French.

Debra is passionate about giving back to her community and looks forward to using her expertise to empower others and support WOPC initiatives. When she’s not volunteering, she loves spending time with her family and her dog, Ruby.

SABEEN ISHTIAQ – BOARD MEMBER Sabeen is a financial professional with over 10 years of experience in accounting, financial reporting, and strategic analysis. She specializes in managing internal controls, liaising with auditors, and improving compliance processes.

Sabeen’s strong financial expertise will be a great asset to WOPC as we continue to grow and enhance our programs.

ANKIT VERMA – PARENT MEMBER Ankit is a Strategy and Management Consultant with over 16 years of experience in the financial services sector.

He has worked with numerous banks globally and has expertise in business strategies, operating and governance model designs, business case development, and project management. He is passionate about enabling organizations through technology transformations and has an in-depth understanding of FinTech in Canada.

Ankit lives in Oakville with his wife and son. He continually looks for opportunities to engage with the community and has a positive impact through contributions.

ASH DOMI Ash is a distinguished finance executive and business strategist based in Edmonton, Alberta. Recently concluding his role as Finance/ Business Manager at The Salvation Army’s – Edmonton Centre of Hope on May 31, 2024, Ash brings over 15 years of extensive experience in financial management across various industries. He is currently pursuing his CPA designation, further enhancing his expertise in accounting and finance.

With a proven track record of improving productivity, accuracy, and cost savings, Ash has successfully transformed underperforming companies into highly profitable firms through innovative financial strategies and effective team leadership. His core competencies include financial accounting, SOX compliance, budget management, internal controls, and risk management, with a strong command of GAAP and IFRS standards.

Ash holds a Master of Accountancy (MAcc) degree and a Bachelor of Accounting degree. He is passionate about mentoring and training staff, fostering superior morale and performance within his teams. Ash is excited to bring his expertise in finance and organizational leadership to the Board of Directors at West Oakville Preschool Centre Inc., supporting the Centre’s mission and contributing to its success.

.