About Kids U McKnight

Kamini Kishore

Program Supervisor

Ms. Kami’s entire career post schooling has been as an educator. With a Bachelor’s degree in Social Science and a Master’s in English Literature, Ms. Kami immigrated to Canada in 2017 and followed her passion for teaching into the field of Early Childhood Education.  She has an Early Childhood Education diploma and a Montessori education diploma. Ms. Kami truly finds joy in working with children, and watching their growth and development on a daily basis. Her warm personality and dedication to providing the very best for the students in her care, are a wonderful addition to the Kids U McKnight team as Program Supervisor.

Jotinder Waraich

Program Supervisor Assistant

As Program Supervisor Assistant at Kids U McKnight, Jot Waraich has expertise in a variety of areas. She began her early learning journey with Kids U as a Lead Movement Teacher in Kids U McKnight’s Junior Preschool program, then took over as the acting program supervisor at the Kids U Bridgeland infant centre, before transitioning into her current role. With a Child and Youth Worker diploma, an Early Learning Childcare diploma, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Biotechnology, Jot has over 10 years of experience in the education field. She also has a passion for photography, which is evident in the beautiful photos she captures of the children in her care.

Gerda Valik

Senior Preschool Movement Lead Teacher

A former competitive volleyball player, Gerda Valik has been interested in sports and both indoor and outdoor physical education at a young age. Gerda is educated in Social Psychology, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Children, Young People and Families, as well as a Brain Story Certification from the Alberta Family Wellness Initiative. Combined with a passion for working with young children that stemmed from her years working as an au pair, Gerda is a bright and knowledgeable presence at Kids U McKnight as their Preschool program’s Lead Movement Teacher.

Alena Kuznetsova

Infant Lead Teacher

Originally from Kyrgyzstan, Alena Kuznetsova was first educated in Psychology in her home country. Upon moving to Canada, she tried many different fields where she accumulated many amazing life experiences. After getting her Early Learning and Child Care diploma from Bow Valley College, Alena’s journey with early childhood education began. She found her true passion working with infants, and enjoys her role as the Lead Teacher in Kids U McKnight’s Infant program, where she can learn and grow alongside them, and viewing the world through their eyes.

Mae Hartmann

Junior Preschool Movement Lead Teacher

Mae Hartmann was drawn to Kids U because of its unique Movement program, as she holds a passion for dance and foundational belief that children need to move.She has worked with children all her life, in various capacities, and is currently completing her Early Childhood Education Certificate from Red Deer College. As Kids U McKnight’s Junior Preschool Movement Lead Teacher, Mae imbibes her love of dance (especially ballet) to the introduction of physical literacy to the toddlers in her class.

Beenum Junaid

Senior Preschool Left Brain Lead Teacher