Support Team

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 Mutchler is Vice President of Kepler Academy. She joined the leadership team in May 2019, bringing three decades of high-level operational and strategic leadership experience. Mary was a nominee for the 2025 Dr. Sherill Brown Award of Distinction through the Association of Early Childhood Educators of Alberta (AECEA), which reflects her dedication and contributions to the field of early learning and childcare in Alberta. Having owned and operated many successful programs, she brings unmatched knowledge and mentors many of our up-and-coming leaders.

Oakley Martin 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. After graduation, she 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.

Rachel Jones is our Director of Marketing, bringing 17 years of experience in public engagement, marketing, business planning and communications. She began her journey with Kepler Academy in January 2018, opening our flagship centre. Rachel has a niche knowledge in new parenthood resources and services, holding strong connections in the parenting and entrepreneurial communities in Alberta. After having her first child, this spurred her advocacy for new parents. Rachel holds a Bachelor of Arts (Communications) with Distinction from the University of Calgary.

Courtney Proulx is our Director of Human Resources, joining Kepler Academy in June 2024. She holds a Bachelor 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.

Kyle Sabo is our Controller at Kepler Academy, and oversees financial reporting, budgeting, and strategic planning to support the organization’s continued growth and long-term success. As 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.

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.

Coming Soon!

Omid Qaderi is a contractor working with Kepler Academy, through his company QFilmz. He manages digital marketing for Kepler Academy. Combining a passion for creative storytelling with strategic marketing acumen, Omid exemplifies a dedication to excellence in media production and marketing. Previously serving as Digital Marketing Manager at Next Equities, he excelled in driving innovative strategies and optimizing digital campaigns, significantly contributing to corporate growth.

Maria Fossi has worked with Kepler Academy on the Marketing and Client Experience Team for over three years. She serves as our Client Experience Specialist, supporting parents with enrollment at our new academies, as well as expansions. Maria has 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). She loves supporting professional parents in their search for top quality childcare in Alberta.

Hannah graduated from Concordia University of Edmonton in the spring of 2025 with a Bachelor’s of Management, with a 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.

Thais Souza serves Kepler Academy's team as our Payroll Manager. She recently received her Payroll Compliance Practitioner Designation and has been working in Payroll for the last 3 years. Supporting over 350 staff, Thais is a detail-oriented and organized professional. She 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.

Sam Bashry is Kepler Academy's Staff Accounting Associate, holding a bachelor’s degree in finance and accounting. He has over 9 years of experience, working in Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable, as well as investment accounting. He is also certified of international financial reporting standards (IFRS). He has many years of experience working with multinational companies, financial institutions and asset management companies.

Hamzah Zia is Kepler Academy's 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.

Megan Wallace serves as Kepler's in-house Registered Dietitian, owning her own practice called Sprout Nutrition. As a mom of three, she knows the value and strength of coming together as a family, especially in the way families come together to share a meal. Her passion and specialty really shines through when she gets to work with the whole family, especially the kiddos. Megan offers Family Nutrition Consulting, helping parents to plan and prepare meals for the whole family, that are healthy, enjoyable and stress free. It is her role to help empower children to have a healthy relationship with food.

Wynne Vokins supports programming and curriculum implementation at Kepler Academy. She joined the support team in July of 2024. If you're a parent, you may see her around at your centers through out the month. Wynne has worked in the childcare field for almost 22 years, and although she does miss working directly with little ones, she as been enjoying her new role in supporting ECE's with bringing Kepler's curriculum to life. Wynne ensures that quality is consistent across all locations. In her spare time, she enjoys hanging out with her friends, watching her husband's band, Five on the Side.

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.

Madi Tarkowski grew up in St. Albert and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and Media Studies from the University of Calgary.

With a strong background as a competitive dancer, she developed discipline, resilience, and creativity, and further expanded her training through travel across the United States and at Alberta Ballet Edmonton Studios.

Fitness and wellness are an important part of Madi’s daily life. As a certified yoga teacher, she enjoys guiding others through movement while also sharing the science behind the practice. One of the most meaningful parts of her journey has been teaching young children ballet, where she discovered a passion for mentorship and helping build confidence.

Her background in communications, dance, and wellness allows her to connect with others in a positive, engaging, and supportive way.