Support Team

Sikandar has an extensive background in operations, finance, and disruptive technology, and helps lead the strategic growth of Kepler Academy.  For his past entrepreneurial and business accomplishments, he has been recognized as a Next 10 Rising Star, a Global Shaper by the World Economic Forum, and is a member of the Young Presidents’ Organization.  Sikandar received his B.Comm with Distinction from the University of Alberta, and his MBA from New York University where he was an InSITE Fellow.

Robert Gare is the President of Kepler Academy, where he leads a talented team dedicated to redefining childcare through innovation, quality, and exceptional early learning environments. With a strong background in business development, real estate, and operations, Robert has been instrumental in expanding Kepler’s network while ensuring its commitment to excellence in care and learning remains at the forefront. A proud parent and community advocate, he believes early education is the foundation for lifelong success and is dedicated to shaping a brighter future for Alberta’s youngest learners.

Mary joined our team in May of 2019 and brings almost three decades of high-level operational leadership to Kepler Academy. Having owned and operated many successful programs, she brings unmatched knowledge in early childhood education to the team and mentors many of our up-and-coming leaders.

Oakley brings over 15 years of experience in early childhood education, with a strong foundation built through a variety of roles across early learning environments. She holds a Bachelor of Education degree and began her career as a teacher, where she developed a deep understanding of child development, curriculum design, and the importance of building meaningful relationships with children and families.

Oakley oversees the operational excellence of all our childcare centres ensuring each one meets the highest standards of safety, quality, and care. Her background in teaching gives her a unique perspective when supporting educators and creating environments where children can thrive.

Rachel began her journey with Kepler Academy in January 2018, opening our flagship centre! She's been with Kepler for almost 7 years, and has two children that both attend our programs. She brings 16 years of professional experience in sales, marketing and business planning. Rachel has a niche knowledge in new parenthood resources, holding strong connections in the parenting and entrepreneurial communities in Edmonton. She uses her talents in communications and community relations to support Kepler's families across the Greater Edmonton Area.

Courtney is our Director of Human Resources, joining Kepler Academy in June 2024. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management from MacEwan University, specializing in employee relations, performance management, talent acquisition, and policy development and implementation. Courtney uses a hands-on approach to cultivate a vibrant and collaborative culture where individual talents are recognized and leveraged for success.

We are pleased to introduce Sunita Sharma, our Area Director, Edmonton South.

Sunita brings in diverse experience and knowledge to the childcare industry, after working in the field for more than 9 years, with all age groups. Sunita is from India; there, she worked as a Pediatric Nursing Clinical Instructor, training junior nurses in the program. When she moved to Edmonton, she earned her Early Learning & Childcare Diploma from Lakeland College in Vermillion. She joined Kepler Academy in March of 2018.

Her teaching philosophy coincides with Kepler’s Exploratory Education approach. She believes in learning through play. She loves the quote, “In teaching we learn, and learning we teach.” There is so much we learn from kids every day. They help us to see things differently. Her aim is to provide quality care, teach and shape their children to bring out the best in them, and provide a safe, engaging learning environment to set them up for success at Kepler and beyond. Her passion is in connecting with parents, children, and her incredible team.

In her free time, Sunita loves to be with her husband and her son, Ganeev. She loves poetry, singing, and reading, and being involved with the community. She especially loves hosting and joining social events and celebrations. Sunita loves being a part of the Kepler Family and looks forward to meeting you!

Rod brings a wealth of hands-on experience and a strong work ethic to his role as Maintenance & Fleet Coordinator. He ensures that all Kepler facilities and vehicles are operating safely, efficiently, and up to standard. With a keen eye for detail and a problem-solving mindset, Rod plays a key role in keeping our operations running smoothly. 

Jordi graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Education (Elementary Route/Educational Psychology) in 2003. She spent time working for non-profit organizations, substitute teaching, and raising her two children before landing in the Early Learning and Child Care sector over a decade ago. She has been a Program Director for the YMCA of Northern Alberta and a Senior Consultant for an Edmonton-based Day Home Agency. She has also worked as Project Coordinator for Government of Alberta funded grants supporting Early Childhood Educators with both MacEwan University and the Alberta Home Visitation Network Association.

Jordi’s passion is supporting ECEs at all levels to grow their professional knowledge and confidence, encouraging them to create supportive environments and relationships with children and families. She has worked in providing training in Early/Youth Mental Health, Social-Emotional Learning, Inclusion, and Culturally Sensitive Practices. Outside of work Jordi enjoys spending time with her husband, teenagers, dog, & three cats.

Omid manages digital marketing for Kepler Academy, through his company Q Filmz Media. Q Filmz specializes in video production and online marketing needs. He has more than a decade of cinematography experience with projects ranging from commercials to branded content. He has led diverse projects, including impactful commercials and brand videos for top-tier corporations, garnering recognition such as prominent features on CTV during the 2019 Super Bowl halftime.

Maria is our Customer Service Representative with over 15 years of experience in internal communications in the world of corporate business banking. Maria is certified by the European School of Coaching (ACTP).

Hannah graduated from Concordia University of Edmonton in the spring of 2025 with a Bachelor’s of Management, Marketing Emphasis. She is passionate about creating connections with people, making them feel valued, and helping them live wholeheartedly. She loves to be creative, both in problem solving and in creating art! Hannah has years of experience volunteering at her church with children and youth, which has been a deeply rewarding journey. Being a part of the Kepler Academy team is an honour!

Kayi brings over 10 years of diverse experience in various HR functions, holding credentials in CPHR and RPR. She is deeply passionate about empowering others to reach their full potential. In her role as a Human Resources Generalist, Kayi supports the Director of Human Resources in fostering a positive workplace culture. Before joining Kepler, she worked across several industries, including dental, energy, and the camp sector, where she specialized in sourcing culture-fit candidates and enhancing employee well-being.

Outside of her professional career, Kayi is committed to community service and actively participates in social enrichment programs, supporting the non-profit sector.

Introducing Thais Souza, our Payroll Manager

She recently received her Payroll Compliance Practitioner Designation and has been working in Payroll for the last 3 years.

Thais loves to travel and has visited over 60 countries. She comes from tropical and sunny Brazil and enjoys her Summers in Edmonton along her family and friends.

Her favorite pastimes are dancing, volunteering (she was the president of the Brazilian Society for 4 years), travelling and board games.

Kyle is the Controller and oversees financial reporting, budgeting, and strategic planning to support the organization’s continued growth and long-term success. A Chartered Professional Accountant, Kyle brings extensive experience across the start up and professional services industries. He is passionate about building efficient financial systems that enable innovation and operational excellence. Kyle holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting from the University of Alberta.

Sam Bashry is an Staff Accountant with a bachelor’s degree in finance and accounting. With over 9 years of experience, working in AR/AP and investment accounting. He is also certified of international financial reporting standards (IFRS). Working with a Multinational companies, financial institutions and Asset management companies, Sam is the Staff Accountant with the company.

Hamzah is the Accounts Receivable Associate joining us with 3 years of experience in public practice accounting, now working in industry. In his current role, he specializes in managing billing and payment processes, streamlining financial operations, and reconciling accounts to ensure smooth cash flow. Passionate about financial accuracy, Hamzah is dedicated to providing timely solutions to accounting challenges.

Hi! I’m Megan Wallace, Registered Dietitian of Sprout Nutrition. As a mom of three, I know the value and strength of coming together as a family, especially in the way we come together to share a meal.

My passion and speciality really shines through when I get to work with the whole family, especially the kiddos. Family Nutrition Consulting helps you plan and prepare meals for the whole family that are healthy, enjoyable and stress free. It is our role to help empower our children to have a healthy relationship with food and their bodies by creating a space of patience and positivity.

Kyla Smail grew up moving throughout Western Canada with her parents and older brother, eventually settling in Leduc at the age of 10, where she has lived ever since. From a young age, she developed a love for the outdoors and continues to enjoy being active outside, especially during the summer months.

She began dancing at the age of four, and it quickly became a central part of her life. Through dance, Kyla recognized the powerful influence that physical activity educators can have on children’s development. After graduating high school, she spent a year teaching dance, which inspired her to pursue a career in Kinesiology.

In 2021, Kyla moved to Lethbridge to complete a Bachelor of Kinesiology at the University of Lethbridge. Upon graduating in April 2025, she returned to Leduc to be closer to her family and is excited to join the Kepler team as the Fitness Teacher.

For Kyla, the greatest reward in teaching is seeing children grow, develop confidence, and thrive through physical activity. She looks forward to helping all the Kepler kiddos discover new skills and enjoy the benefits of an active lifestyle.

Hello! My name is Wynne and I am so lucky to be a part of our support team! I joined the support team in July of 2024. You may see me around at your centers through out the month. I have been in the childcare field for almost 22 years and although I do miss working with your little ones I have been enjoying my new role! In my spare time I enjoy hanging out with my family and friends. My husband has a band so I enjoy getting to watch them too! I do enjoy traveling and exploring but I also enjoy staying home too! I look forward to seeing you as I go to each of the centers!

Rebecca teaches music to all age groups across Kepler’s ten centres. In addition to her Bachelor of Music in voice, her Bachelor of Education and ECE level 3, she has nine years of experience working with children in both public and private schools as a certified teacher and preschool music educator. Music has always been an essential joy in her life, and it is her passion to share that joy with her students.