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 and Lennon.
She takes tremendous pride in the Nursery School and will continue to nurture this program with lots of love.
Denise Iliffe
Teacher (RECE)
Denise is a Registered Early Childhood Educator and has been a teacher at the school for 23 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 is attending her third year at Niagara College in the Human Resource program and Logan is enrolled in grade 12 at Eden High School. Denise continues to be a positive and warm caregiver to all children.
Linda Hicks
Teacher Assistant
Linda has been working as a teacher’s assistant since September of 2020. She has two daughters who attended the Nursery School many years ago. During that time she was the Secretary and then the following year she was President of the Nursery School. She is now the proud Grandmother to Avery and Liam.
Rusul
Teacher Assistant
Rusul has been working as a teacher’s assistant since October of 2022. She has obtained a certificate of achievement completing English Language Training for Childcare, Home Daycare and Children’s Programming in January of 2021. She was a supervisor at Isheq Daycare in Iraq for one year.
Rusul is the proud mother of Remina, Ronia, and Talin who are currently enrolled in a private school. Rusul continues to be a supportive teacher’s assistant and takes pride in her responsibilities and job.
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 Marco is in grade 12 at Sir Winston Churchill S.S.
Pam continues her role at the nursery school as a Teacher Assistant and Resource Support.
Board Members
Kristie Mahler
President
“Kristie joined the board in October 2021. As president she supports and promotes the school, encourages board and parent participation and oversees the general running of the school in its day to day activities.
Kristie is a mom of three girls and a boy. Her 2 oldest daughters have graduated from the Nursery School, while her third daughter is graduating in June of 2024.
Melissa Clark
First Vice President
Melissa has been a member of the board since June 2020. She is responsible for assisting the president with tasks and organizing the yearly fundraiser.
She has three children Remy, Quinn and Levi. She enjoys spending time outside, hiking with her dogs and spending time with friends and family.
She is a Thorold Co-Op and Ms. Rena alumni.
Nikki Butters
Treasurer
Nikki has been on the board since March 2019 and is responsible for managing all of the membership fees and works closely with the Finance Administrator.
Nikki is a teacher and has 2 children. Her youngest attends Thorold Co-operative Nursery School and her oldest is a graduate of the school. Her husband has also attended the school with Mrs. Rena 30 years ago.
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.
Danielle
Mahler
Danielle recently joined the board in October of 2022 and is enjoying being a part of the TCNS community.
As Secretary, her main responsibilities are to ensure monthly board meetings are documented accurately and creating the school newsletter
Danielle and her husband are lifelong Thorold residents and have two daughters, Lily and Emma. Lily currently attends TCNS and Emma will hopefully be joining in 2024!
Meredith Fick
2nd Vice President
Meredith has been a part of the nursery school for 4 years and served on the board for 2.5 of those. She has two young boys, both who have attended and continue to attend the school. She loves to volunteer and help in her community as much as she can.She is a mother and Thorold small business owner of her own company, Salon Meredith.