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.

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.

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.

Oakley is a passionate leader in early education, with decades of experience in both early learning and as a dance instructor. She earned her Elementary Education degree, which focused on Early Childhood Education and Inclusive Education practices. Following that, she taught kindergarten in the public school system for 3 years. Oakley also managed an early childhood inclusive education program for 2 years, as well as created and taught a physical literacy program for 4 years. Her son, Keenan, attends Kepler Academy!

From an early age I had a passion for working with children. I firmly believe that the first 5 years of a child's life are the most important in setting up a foundation for them to succeed throughout their lives. I also believe that nature is the third educator and that children should be given as much opportunity to explore the world around them as often as possible. I completed my Level three in Early Learning and Child Care. I have also attended NAEYC conferences in New Orleans and San Francisco. I have had the pleasure of meeting and learning from Barbra Keiser, Dr. Jody Carrington and Dr. Gale Gorke. All of whom have been impactful in Early Childhood Education. I also have over 100 hours of professional development and 20 years of experience in field. I strive to continue to learn each day. Whether it’s from my peers or the children that I am so lucky to spend my time. I am grateful I get to explore the world through their eyes; to watch them learn, grow and create! “Our task regarding creativity, is to help children climb their own mountains, as high as possible. No one can do more.” -Lori Malaguzi

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.

Andrea Browne is our Director of Finance

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).

Samantha is our Client Experience Lead (CEL) which ensures current and new clients (families and children) of Kepler Academy have a positive overall enrollment experience.

Omid manages digital marketing for Kepler Academy. Omid also runs Q Filmz Media, a video production company. 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.

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. Rebecca’s classes involve singing, moving and dancing to music, learning about and playing instruments, exploring music styles of all kinds from around the world, ear training games, musical stories, dramatic play, composing and creativity, learning foundational musical concepts including beat, rhythm, dynamics and tempo, and above all, fun and connection.

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!

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.

Coming Soon

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.