MOTHER. EDUCATOR.

I am a Biracial Canadian who was born, and raised in downtown Toronto, Ontario. My faith, and children have been the greatest joys in my life. My family and I believe strongly in the importance of God, family, and meaningful relationships in our lives. I believe that every child deserves safety, stability, warmth, and kindness, and an environment that will help them thrive.

I am a first-generation graduate who completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts Spec. Visual Arts Honours Degree at York University in 2012. After exploring various employment opportunities, I realized very quickly that my heart lay in education, and providing inclusive, welcoming classrooms for all children. I completed an Early Childhood Education Diploma through Seneca College where I was able to develop a deeper understanding into childhood development and the early years. 

I later returned to York University where I completed a Bachelor of Education Degree in Catholic Education 2024, and have since returned to complete a Master's of Education(Expected convocation June 2026). During the day I work as an Ontario Certified Teacher with Durham Catholic District School Board where I am in my first long-term assignment teaching grade 5. 

I have worked for over ten years in the child-care sector as an Early Childhood Assistant before becoming an Educational Assistant for the TCDSB. I also volunteered for many years for VIBE Arts(formerly Arts for Children of Toronto) as the President of the Youth Board of Directors, and the BIG BAM BOOM Youth Arts Committee. I would later on volunteer as President of a Not-For-Profit Parent Board of Directors where I received valuable experience in the operations of a childcare centre, management, and bargained for their first collective agreement.  I believe in the integral importance of the arts as a foundation for learning, and that when we create spaces where children can freely explore materials it will establish new information in the brain, and make those necessary connections that are so important for learning. 

I have a passion for Special Education, and working with disabled children specifically those with Autism, Pervasive Delayed Development, Down Syndrome, ADHD/ADD, Selective Mutism, and Learning Disabilities including Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, and Dysgraphia.  I also believe in a trauma-informed approach when connecting with my students, and their families to recognize that we are all coming from diverse walks of life, and are co-collaborators to your child's success. I have experience working with children with anxiety, severe separation anxiety, and childhood abuse. My experiences have given me a unique perspective into the barriers that parents of disabled children face everyday to ensure the best quality of life for them. I aspire for my classroom to be a safe space that is welcoming, and establishes trust for all.

I believe that families come in a variety forms, and no matter how different they're all to be celebrated. Children bring a unique experience to parenthood, and joy to those who provide a stable, loving, and permanent home. I am passionate about parental rights, co-parenting, blended families, and adoption. I feel strongly that all children are deserving of love, care, and that their well-being is to be held in the highest regard at all times. 

As a Catholic educator I enjoy spreading the love, and word of God to my students. I aspire to be a force of knowledge, compassion, and understanding for them so that they too can develop a relationship with God, and discover their own meaning of the Catholic Faith. I want them to know that prayer can help them to stay grounded, and that in both pleasant, and difficult times it is ok to talk to God, and to turn to him in times of need. That we can show kindness to others, and find ways to help those in need in our community. 

I hope that you enjoy visiting MrsSoaresTeaches.com and know that it was created with Univeral Design in mind to create a space that is accessible to all. This was a guiding force in my layout, and design. 

Thank you,

Mrs. Soares