Our Leadership and Administration Team

Lesley Massey

Executive Director/Early Childhood Educator III

Lesley is a highly accomplished leader in the field of Early Learning and Child Care, with a career spanning over 4 decades. She earned her diploma in Early Learning and Child Care from Red River College, a degree in Developmental Studies from the University of Winnipeg, and a Certificate in Management from the University of Manitoba. Since 1995, Lesley has served as the Executive Director of S.P.L.A.S.H. Child Care Inc., where she has been a driving force for positive change. Her leadership extends to active representation on numerous influential committees and coalitions, including the Anti-Gang Coalition, Parent Child Coalition, Manitoba Child Care Association, and the Government’s Regulatory Review Committee to name a few. Lesley’s dedication to improving the lives of children is further evidenced by her consistent involvement in various committees aimed at enhancing early learning and child care initiatives. She has also volunteered her expertise to empower community organizations. In recognition of her exceptional contributions, Lesley was honored with “The Director of the Year” award.

Tara Richliwski

Assistant Director (South End)/Site Lead/Early Childhood Educator II
Splash Early Learning Centre

Tara has worked at S.P.L.A.S.H. Child Care Inc. since October 1996, and has been in the child care field since 1991 working in both preschool and school age centres. Tara has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Winnipeg majoring in Psychology and Developmental Studies. Tara’s interests include the artistic side; such as gardening, cooking, listening to music, or seeing live shows. Tara enjoys being in the outdoors, so she likes to swim during the summer, or just chill out with her dog in the back yard. Tara has come to develop many relationships over the years with the children and their families, coworkers, and community mentors and is very thankful to have and continue to have developed those relationships.

Amber Renaud

Assistant Site Lead/Early Childhood Educator II
Splash Early Learning Centre

Amber began her career in child care in 2006 and joined Splash in 2024. She remembers her own experiences in child care, these memories influenced her life. She believes all people are worth the same and deserve to be treated so! Inclusion for everyone! Some of Ambers interests are: Art therapy and the creative process, animals, outdoors and history. Some other notable influences in Amber’s life are: The Hilarious House of Frightenstein, Bob Ross, The Muppet Show, Mr. Dressup, Sesame Street, and Ms. Frizzle. Remember we can always try again, mistakes are how we learn! We have the rights to our feelings! Be you, be weird!

Educator Amber Renaud standing in front of a graffiti wall.

Janel Wotton

Assistant Director (North End)/Site Lead/Early Childhood Educator III/Forest School Practitioner
Splash Child Enrichment Centre

Janel’s passion for childcare developed early in life, fostered by growing up in a home where her mother operated a daycare. She has dedicated over 15 years to the childcare profession and recently earned her Early Childhood Educator (ECE) Level III certification. As a proud mother herself, Janel is eager to contribute her expertise to a team within the North End community. She firmly believes that all children deserve access to high-quality childcare and education, and she is honored to be part of that journey. Janel looks forward to meeting her new colleagues and making a positive impact.

Jaimie Emberhawk

Assistant Site Lead/Early Childhood Educator II
S.P.L.A.S.H. Child Care Inc.

Jaimie first encountered the Splash team during her pursuit of an Early Childhood Education diploma. She was particularly drawn to their Forest School program and emphasis on community involvement, recognizing these as fundamental to her own teaching philosophy. Jaimie has been a dedicated member of the Splash family since the summer of 2018.

Her keen interest in Emergent Curriculum and Child-led Discovery made Splash an ideal environment for her to cultivate meaningful relationships with families and the local community. Additionally, Jaimie’s extensive experience as a lifelong volunteer with the Winnipeg Folk Festival has fostered a deep appreciation for the power of people to forge beauty and connection across diverse backgrounds. She integrates this appreciation for diversity into the classroom through music, storytelling, and art, encouraging children to explore the world with enthusiasm and an open heart, and highlighting our interconnectedness with each other and our shared planet.

Milexa Morales

Site Lead in Training/Early Childhood Educator II
Urban Learning Centre

Milexa is an Early Childhood Educator II, who has been in the field since 1996. She loves building relationships with the children and families of the centre. Creating teachable moments, adventuring outdoors and creating memories. In her spare time she loves travelling to new places, spending time with her family and on cool summer nights watching movies in her backyard.

Sharon Desamero

Supervisor/Early Childhood Educator II
Splash Child Enrichment Centre

Sharon recently rejoined the Splash family in 2024. She has been working in the childcare field since 2005 and have experienced working with different age groups. She is a graduate of University of Santo Tomas in the Philippines with a degree in Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and has majored in Behavioral Science. She is currently enrolled in the Early Childhood Education program at Robertson College. As an educator, she enjoys the outdoors and values the connection of nature to early learning and development, which is reflected in her way of teaching and engaging with the children. She is a firm believer in the importance of relationships, culture, and inclusion when it comes to children and families. Sharon a mother of 3 boys who she call “The Tres hermanos”. Her household loves sports particularly volleyball, football and basketball. Sharon has two dogs named Rayne and Mochi who like to run all over the place and play. 

 

Heather Gravito

Infant Supervisor/Early Childhood Educator II
Splash Early Learning Centre

Heather joined Splash in May of 2022. She has been in the field since 2010 and went to the Louis Riel Arts & Technology Centre in 2012 for the Early Childhood Program followed by Red River College in 2015 in the Early Childhood Education Program. I Officially became an Educator in 2017. Heather is passionate about learning with children, being able to teach them because they are our future & she believes that the experiences we plan for them should be memorable. She loves to explore new things, spending time with family and friends, traveling, and I am very passionate about sustainability and what I can do to make the world a better place.

Jasmin Laroco

Preschool Supervisor/Early Childhood Educator II
Splash Early Learning Centre

Hello! My name is Jasmin, and I am the Preschool Supervisor at Splash Early Learning Centre. I have been working in the early learning field since 2019. I began my journey at Splash as a Child Care Assistant and later pursued my studies to become an Early Childhood Educator at Robertson College. It is a privilege to work with our families and children and to continue growing within this amazing team. Everyday, I learn something new from the children, and being able to guide and support our educators has strengthened my leadership and passion for early learning education. Outside of work, I enjoy taking spin classes, staying active at the gym, going for walks with my dogs, and travelling to nature-filled destinations. 

Ashmeen Kaur

School Age Supervisor/Early Childhood Educator II
Splash Urban Learning Centre

Ashmeen is a dedicated Early Childhood Educator with 5 years of experience fostering nurturing and stimulating environments for children. She holds an Early childhood Educator Diploma from Confederation College, Thunder bay, Ontario. She is passionate about building strong, collaborative partnerships with families and making early years of children memorable. I find inspiration everyday through working with the children and knowing that I am part of their first school experience. I feel that it is a gift to me to help them explore the world around them. She believes children’s childhood experiences are the foundation of a great life ahead of them. In her spare time, she loves to go for nature walks, be outside , and spend time with her family and friends.

Michelle Droux

Senior Administrator/Early Childhood Educator II

Michelle has worked in the field of Early Childhood Education since 2001. She graduated with Honors in 2009 with her ECE II Diploma from Red River College. She started working for Splash Child Enrichment Centre in 2010 as a group leader for the Eagle Group. In 2016, she transferred to the office to become a part of the Administrative Support Team. She is now the Administrative Assistant for all of our current locations. Michelle loves travelling to tropical places, listening to music and spending time outdoors on her deck with her dog and family. She believes in quality care for all children and that children learn best through play.

Dj Gauthier

Administrative Manager/Child Care Assistant

Dj has been a dedicated member of the Splash organization since 2009. Initially joining Splash Child Enrichment Centre, Dj transitioned to S.P.L.A.S.H. Child Care Inc. after two years. Currently, Dj serves in an administrative capacity at the Splash Early Learning Centre.

Dj is known for a warm and welcoming demeanor, which greatly contributes to the positive atmosphere at Splash. As a proud non-binary individual, Dj is a strong advocate for inclusivity, consistently encouraging children to embrace and accept others for who they are. Dj often encounters Splash children and their families in the community, always greeting them with a friendly “Hello.”

With a background in computers and electronics, coupled with a resourceful and crafty nature, Dj is a valuable asset in inspiring children’s creativity, particularly when developing new ideas for crafts and games. Dj also has a deep appreciation for nature, finding it a calming influence. Dj shares this passion by helping children discover the quiet beauty and tranquility that nature offers.

Andrea Nguyen

Bookkeeper

Andrea graduated with Honours from Red River College in 2020, achieving a diploma in Business Administration – Accounting. She joined S.P.L.A.S.H. Child Care Inc. in March 2020 and has since served as the organization’s dedicated bookkeeper. Andrea works on financial functions including payroll, financial reporting, accounts payable, and accounts receivable. She is committed to contributing to the ongoing growth and success of SPLASH, while also building positive relationships with staff and the children in the centre. Andrea enjoys spending free time with her daughter, traveling with her family, and capturing special moments through photography.

Andy Nguyen

Bookkeeper

Andy graduated with a Business Administration bachelor’s degree. He has more than 6 years of experience as a staff accountant in the oil and gas industry in his country. He took over the bookkeeper position when Andrea went on maternity leave and continued to work at SPLASH, where he is responsible for financial accounting and related tasks for S.P.L.A.S.H. Child Care Inc., Splash Child Enrichment Centre, and the opening Mino Pimatisiwin Children’s Centre. Andy loves children and hopes his experience and knowledge will bring valuable contributions to SPLASH. He is currently pursuing the CPA program and aspires to become a registered professional accountant in the future. In his free time, he enjoys playing soccer, riding bicycles with his family, and fishing during the summer.