Suman Takhar
Founder & Director
Suman’s journey into early learning is deeply rooted in care, connection, and a genuine love for children and families. With a background in social work, she spent years supporting families through vulnerable and transitional moments—experiences that shaped her belief that feeling safe, seen, and supported is the foundation for all growth.
In 2015, guided by her heart and a calling to be closer to children during their earliest and most formative years, Suman returned to school to pursue her education in Early Childhood Education. This allowed her to thoughtfully weave together her social work background with early learning practice, creating an approach that is nurturing, intentional, and deeply responsive to each child’s unique needs.
Suman believes that childhood should be filled with warmth, trust, and meaningful relationships. She is passionate about creating environments where children feel deeply loved, emotionally secure, and confident in who they are. Her philosophy centres on connection—connection to self, to others, and to a community that celebrates kindness, empathy, and belonging.
As Founder and Director, Suman leads with compassion and heart, striving to create a space where children flourish, educators feel valued, and families feel supported and at home. Connections is not just a centre to her—it is a reflection of her values and her belief in the power of love, presence, and intentional care in the early years.
"Our mission is to foster an environment where children aren't just taught, but are understood, respected, and empowered to explore their world with confidence."
Resilience
Equipping children with the emotional strength to navigate life's challenges with grace.
Mindfulness
Creating calm, present environments that respect the rhythm of each child.
Relationships
Prioritizing the primary connection between educator and child as the basis of all learning.
Personalized Learning
Tailoring our approach to fit the unique curiosity and development of every individual.
The Heart of Our Classrooms
Our teaching staff are more than educators; they are nurturers, co-explorers, and lifelong learners. Meet the dedicated team committed to your child's daily growth and discovery.
Program Support Educator / Assistant Director
Ms. Rootuja
Program Support Educator / Assistant Director (In Training)Ms. Rootuja doesn’t walk into a room to be the grown-up in charge; instead, she walks in as the friend who understands just how big the world feels when you are still so small.With over seven years of experience in early childhood education, including time as an inclusion specialist, Ms. Rootuja focuses on building deep, motherly bonds that help every little superstar feel safe, secure, and whole. Her heart has always been magnetically drawn to the newest arrivals on our planet, and she sees it as an honour to be their “handbook” through life’s first big adventures.Throughout her journey in Montreal, Winnipeg, and now Calgary — the place she proudly calls home — Ms. Rootuja has always worked to create a true “village” atmosphere where families feel they belong and children never want to miss a single day. She leads with a mother’s intuition and an educator’s knowledge, specializing in understanding child psychology and behaviour.To Ms. Rootuja, every child is family. She pours the same nurturing love into each little one as she would her own. Her goal is simple: to build a foundation of love so strong that years from now, a child looks back and remembers that the world was a kind place before they ever knew how big it was.
Infant Educators
Ms. Kat
Infant EducatorMs. Kat brings a deeply nurturing and loving presence to our infant classroom. With over six years of experience in the field of Early Childhood Education, she has worked with children of all ages and holds a strong passion for early brain development and responsive care in the earliest years.As a mother of three, Ms. Kat brings a natural understanding, empathy, and patience into her work each day. She is known for her gentle, compassionate approach and her ability to truly tune in to each child’s individual needs. Ms. Kat is highly creative and loves designing thoughtful, out-of-the-box activities that support children’s development in meaningful and age-appropriate ways.Ms. Kat is a strong advocate for children’s rights and believes every child deserves to feel safe, respected, and deeply cared for. Her loving personality and calm presence help create a warm environment where infants feel secure, connected, and supported.Outside of the classroom, Ms. Kat enjoys spending time outdoors—going for hikes and drives, camping, and making memories with her children.
Ms. Jasika
Infant EducatorMs. Jasika brings warmth, joy, and a deep sense of care into her work as an Early Childhood Educator. She believes that children learn best through their environment and the world around them, and that with gentle guidance and compassion, educators can support children as they grow with confidence and curiosity. Being surrounded by little learners and the happiness they bring each day is where Ms. Jasika feels she truly belongs.Her background includes studies in both Culinary Management and Early Childhood Education, allowing her to bring creativity, nurturing, and intention into everything she does. Through her volunteer work with NGOs and orphanages in India, Ms. Jasika deepened her passion for supporting children and helping them feel safe, valued, and inspired.Ms. Jasika truly believes that “childcare is hard work, but it’s also heart work,” and she pours her whole heart into caring for the children in her classroom. Her loving nature, positive energy, and thoughtful presence help create an environment where children feel happy, supported, and encouraged to be themselves.Outside of the classroom, Ms. Jasika loves dogs and enjoys singing, dancing, and learning new things—interests that reflect the joy, curiosity, and enthusiasm she brings into her work every day.
Toddler Educators
Ms. Annie
Toddler EducatorWith a background in expressive arts, Ms. Annie brings creativity and joy to the toddler room, helping little ones find their voice through music and movement.
Ms. Jas
Toddler EducatorMs. Jas specializes in sensory-based learning, creating immersive environments where toddlers can safely explore textures, colors, and the natural world.
Junior Preschool Educator
Ms. Leslie
Jr. Preschool EducatorMs. Leslie brings a gentle, loving presence to our Junior Preschool classroom. With over eight years of experience running her own home daycare and additional experience working in childcare centres with children of all ages, she has a deep understanding of early childhood and family care.She is passionate about the joy children bring and the meaningful impact educators have during the early years. Ms. Leslie has extensive knowledge of Montessori principles, movement-based learning, and early brain development, which she thoughtfully weaves into her calm, nurturing approach.Known for her patience and kind heart, Ms. Leslie creates a safe, supportive environment where children feel confident, cared for, and free to explore. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys farm life, spending time with her animals, and making special memories with her grandchildren—often riding horses together.
Senior Preschool Educator
Ms. Alina
Senior Preschool EducatorMs. Alina brings a wealth of knowledge, creativity, and warmth to our preschool program. She holds a Master’s degree in Education/Pedagogy and has extensive experience working with preschool-aged children, where she is known for creating engaging, meaningful learning experiences that support each child’s growth and confidence.In addition to her classroom experience, Ms. Alina brings valuable international experience from working at summer camps across Europe. These experiences strengthened her ability to connect with children from diverse backgrounds and inspired her play-based, creative approach to learning. Ms. Alina believes that children learn best when they feel safe, joyful, and supported, and she thoughtfully creates environments that encourage curiosity, collaboration, and self-expression.Ms. Alina is deeply committed to fostering a nurturing classroom where every child feels seen, capable, and celebrated. Her calm leadership, thoughtful planning, and genuine care help children build strong foundations in both learning and social-emotional development.Outside of the classroom, Ms. Alina enjoys camping, skiing, and spending time outdoors—interests that often inspire her appreciation for exploration, resilience, and connection within her teaching practice.
Want to meet our team in person?
We'd love to show you our classrooms and introduce you to the educators who make Connections ELCC a special place for children.
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