The AECEO Board of Directors is very pleased to introduce Rachel Lafferty as the AECEO’s Executive Coordinator.

Rachel Lafferty is a Registered Early Childhood Educator with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Health Science and a Bachelor of Education degree with an Ontario College of Teachers registration in addition to a Master of Education graduate degree with a specialization in Distance Education.

She was the first member of her immediate and extended family to earn postsecondary credentials and did so while owning and operating a small business full-time. Rachel has experience teaching in early learning, elementary school, and college settings. While coordinating an Indigenous Early Childhood Education program for nearly seven years, she wrote ECE curriculum with an Indigenous focus and established successful partnerships with various stakeholders and community organizations. This included the establishment of a partnership with Contact North to provide an online ECE program that would allow students who would otherwise not have the opportunity, due to geographic and other barriers, to earn their ECE credential.

Rachel has extensive experience teaching children and adults in both face-to-face and online classrooms in addition to part-time ECE Professorships in the college system. She believes strongly in professional advocacy and is looking forward to working with the Association of Early Childhood Educators as Executive Coordinator.

Ms. Lafferty currently resides in Peterborough with her spouse and family.

Farewell to Alana Powell

The Board would like to thank Alana Powell for her outstanding work in the role of Interim Coordinator of the AECEO.

Alana stepped up to taking on a temporary role at the AECEO and brought with her an intimate understanding of the child care landscape in Ontario as well as an extensive background in community-building and leadership with early childhood educators. Her passion and dedication to the early childhood sector has been a huge asset to the AECEO over the past 5 months as she has led and powered the Association’s work. We wish her all the best in her next journey! Thank you Alana!

A note from Alana

"It has been a great pleasure and privilege to have had the opportunity to work with the AECEO as Interim Coordinator. I'm truly astounded by the the staff, board, partners, and all the volunteers who contribute to the amazing work happening at the AECEO and all the ECEs across Ontario raising their voice for change. While I will miss it greatly, I am very excited to take on a new journey as my family and I welcome a new baby in the next few weeks. I am excited to welcome Rachel Lafferty as Executive Coordinator, and look forward to the diverse experience and passion she will bring to her work at the AECEO."

Alana Powell, Interim Coordinator