Our Team

Cathi is a founding member of the Berry Family Child Care Society.  She is compassionate, honest, highly motivated and patient with a history of innovation and dedication.

She has been working on the North shore with children and families for over 20 years, both in administrative and teaching roles.

She received her Early Childhood Teaching degree in 1992 from Christchurch Teachers College in New Zealand, as well as her Early Childhood Education Degree with, Infant, Toddler and Special Needs Certification from Capilano University in 1993.

Cathi continuously reflects on her practices and is always expanding her knowledge and skills.

She is passionate about nature, our connection to the land, environmental sustainability, as well as Indigenous teachings.

She is responsible for overseeing all programming and mentoring the staff at Berry Family Child Care Society.

Cathi is a visionary in the child care industry and is the Heart and Soul of the Berry Family.  She has a work ethic that is unmatched.  Her unwavering commitment to quality childcare is the legacy that we at Berry Family Child Care Society strive to create for our community each and every day.

Cathi lives with her husband, two sons and their three dogs.  When she is not trail running or hiking you can find her in her garden or a hockey arena.

Olá, tudo bem? (Hi there)
My name is Antonia Cecília Oliveira, and I am an Educator on the Berry Family Team.
I was born in the northeast of Brazil, Paraíba, but I moved to São Paulo when I still was a
little child, one of the largest and most important Brazilian cities and I lived there for almost
my entire life.
I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Pedagogy, and I also studied Psychology, and today I am
looking to further improve my background by studying Early Childhood Care and Education
at Capilano University.
I have worked in the education field for over 6 years, and I have worked with different age
groups, from Preschool to Middle School, also I have been working with children with
disabilities and cognitive difficulties.
I always dreamed of working in education, due to the influence I had from my grandmother
who was a teacher, and since then, everything related to reading, studying, and discovering
new cultures has become my passion, which is why I love traveling with my husband and
discovery new places and new experiences, and during one of our trips to London and
Portugal, I decided that I would like to live in a place where I could be more in touch with
nature and still be able to continue studying something that I love so much and Canada it was
my choice.

Julia has been living and working on the North Shore for the past 15 years. She immigrated to Canada when she fell in love with our beautiful city.

Julia graduated from Capilano University in 2017 with an Early Childhood Education, Special Needs and Infant Toddler degree.  Since then, she has had the opportunity to work in a variety of childcare settings.

Julia has a family of her own with two children, age four and ten. Being a mom herself, she recognizes the value of a loving, quality childcare environment.  This is what she saw in the Berry Family centres, and why she was so keen to join our team.  Julia looks at all children as full of potential and creativity with a love of learning together.

She approaches each day as a new adventure.  She thoughtfully prepares rich early learning experiences that honour the unique growth of all children holistically.

She uses everyday moments to inquire and wonder and encourage children to explore their interests.

She has a big heart and warm smile that sets each child at ease when they arrive at the centre. Julia loves to explore the outdoors while going camping, hiking or walking with her dog.

Carolina and her family moved to Canada in 2008. With a background in Occupational Therapy and additional training in education and community service, she brings a rich blend of knowledge, experience, and dedication to her work with children and families. She enjoys working independently but thrives in a team, believing that collaboration leads to the best outcomes—especially when everyone’s voice is heard. At Berry Family, her focus is always on the children. She is committed to providing them with the best care and support, helping each one grow at their own pace while respecting their unique personalities and ways of learning.
Carolina sees every child as a capable, curious individual. She believes in hands-on learning, play, and giving children the right tools and environment to explore the world around them. She encourages routines, independence, and freedom within limits—skills that help children grow with confidence and joy.
Her own family—her husband and two daughters—are the heart of her life. Raising them has inspired her work, and she’s passionate about sharing that joy and experience with others. Her warmth, compassion, and love for children shine through in everything she does. For Carolina, every moment with a child is a chance to learn and grow together.
She’s grateful to be part of the Berry Family team and thanks all the parents for trusting the centre with their little ones—it’s truly a gift to be part of their journey.