Our Staff
Rena Mills
Teacher (RECE)/Supervisor
Rena is a Registered Early Childhood Educator with an additional two years of child and youth studies at Brock University.
In 2004 she was awarded the Niagara Early Childhood Educator Award of Excellence.
She has enjoyed 40 years of developing, teaching and supervising the programs at TCNS.
In 1990, she was the driving force behind the relocation of the school to its current facility. Today, we continue to enjoy the beautiful facility and exceptional programs offered by TCNS.
Rena and her spouse Brady have two grown children, Evan and Kailey. They are also proud grandparents to Dax, Lennon and Brooks.
She takes tremendous pride in the Nursery School and will continue to nurture this program with lots of love.
Katie Klassen
Teacher (RECE)
Katie is a Registered Early Childhood Educator and has been with Thorold Co-Op Nursery School since the beginning of 2025 after finishing a contract at North-End Co-Op Preschool. Previously, she has been in the field working privately with families since 2003, and graduated as an RECE in 2020.
Katie lives in Welland with her husband Iain and 3 children, Emma-Quinn, Andrew and William, and rescue dog Luna. As a family, they love going on adventure walks, gardening, watching movies and listening to David Bowie together, and Katie enjoys making miniatures in her down time.
Katie is thrilled to be part of the Thorold Co-Op family, and is very excited for a fun and inclusive school year!
Liyan Ouyang
Teacher (RECE)
Liyan is a Registered Early Childhood Educator and has been a teacher at the school since April 2024. While teaching at the nursery school, Liyan is also a registered full-time student in the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education Program (asynchronous on-line program) at Brock.
Liyan is a mom of two girls and a boy. Her oldest daughter is a grade 8 student at Jeanne Sauve French Immersion Public school, her second daughter is in SK at Richmond Street Public School, and her son is enrolled in a Kinder Forest Program at daycare.
Liyan continues to be an educator who strives to create a caring, nurturing and inclusive learning environment for the children.
Denise Iliffe
Teacher (RECE)
Denise is a Registered Early Childhood Educator and has been a teacher at the school for 25 years.
She has enjoyed many positions in our Nursery School over the years. She has served on our board, planned our Annual Auction and provided Resource Support for students.
Denise and her husband Chad have two children, Kierra and Logan whom have both attended the school for 4 years.
Kierra had graduated from Niagara College in the Human Resource program and Logan is enrolled in Niagara College for the Automotive Technician program. Denise continues to be a positive and warm caregiver to all children.
Nikki Russell
Teacher Assistant
Nikki is currently enrolled in the RECE PACE program with Niagara College.
She has a daughter who attended Thorold Nursery School and is now in S.K. On weekends Nikki and her family enjoy hiking with their dog Loki, reading books, cooking food and spending time together.
Nikki is excited to be part of the team and learn from all the amazing staff at the Nursery School.
Pamela Campbell
Teacher Assistant/Resource
Pam began working at the nursery school in 2019 as Resource Support.
Before having kids of her own, she provided resource support at YMCA daycare centres and camps for many years. She has first-hand experience in the world of special needs as she is the parent of an Autistic child.
Pam and her husband Dave have two children, Clare and Marco, who both attended Thorold Co-Operative Nursery School. Clare is now a student at Brock University and is taking the Studio Art program. Marco is also attending Brock University and is taking the Business Communication Program and is on the Cross Country Team!
Pam continues her role at the nursery school as a Teacher Assistant and Resource Support.
Yissel Reyes
Teacher Assistant
Yissel joined the nursery school team in 2025. She spent many years helping at her mother’s nursery school in the Dominican Republic, which sparked her passion for working with young children.
She speaks English and Spanish and loves connecting with families from different cultures.
On weekends, she enjoys reading a good book or going for long bike rides around the city.
Board Members
Wendy Medeiros
President
Wendy joined the board in April 2024.
As president she supports and promotes the school, encourages board and parent participation and works with the school supervisor to oversee the general operations of the school.
She is a Non-Profit professional with over seven years’ experience in facilitating and coordinating, multi-stakeholder projects and discussion with over 80 agencies across Niagara.
Her oldest daughter currently attends the preschool and will be followed by her son in the coming year.
Breanne Vendetti
First Vice President
Dina Ottaviano
Treasurer
Dina has been a board member since June 2023.
She works as an Investment Associate at RBC Dominion Securities and is currently on maternity leave with her second child, Andre.
Her oldest daughter, Gia, attends Thorold Co-operative Nursery School.
Edith Matuch
Financial Administrator
Edith has been involved with the Nursery School for over 30 years. She started out as Treasurer while her children, Michael and Katrina attended the Nursery School. Then took on the position of Financial Administrator.
Edith oversees and administers all the financial aspects of the Nursery School.
You will also find her and her husband, Brian volunteering their time at the school for maintenance and various activities, especially fundraising events.
Edith was an active member of the Building Committee that oversaw the building of our present facility. The school moved from classroom space in Westmount School to the beautiful building we occupy today.
She and Brian are semi-retired and are now experiencing the joys of grandchildren.
Lisa Tota
Secretary
Lisa is an Interior Designer and owner/ operator of a local painting and hardwood floor refinishing company.
Lisa and her husband Grant have 3 kids; Summer (Thorold coop graduate), Kendrick (current student) and Ellis (soon to be enrolled) and an energetic dog Maverick.
Lisa came across the preschool years ago when her company was hired for a paint job in the school and knew it was the perfect place for her children to attend.
Samantha Girhiny
2nd Vice President
Samantha has just joined the school Board of Directors this year.
She works as a payroll specialist.
Samantha has two daughters Cora and Francesca, who are currently enrolled in the nursery school program.