Who We Are

Maria Samuels

Executive Director

Maria Samuels was brought on as Executive Director in April 2023. With over 10 years of experience as a Supervisor,believes as an educator there is great importance in fostering the continued growth and instilling confidence in the children in her care. Maria oversees the day to day operations of the daycare, including the oversight of 150 children at two locations.

Over the course of her Early Childhood Educator years, Maria has shared her passion for learning and development with children from infant to grade 6. ,

Maria holds a Diploma in Early Childhood Education from Seneca College.

Marilyn Samuel

Program Manager

Marilyn was appointed Program Manager at South Drive Children’s Circle in January 2023. In this role, Marilyn oversees the classroom programs to ensure the educators are providing an enriching program for all the children, including the oversight of 150 children at two locations.

For over 25 years, Marilyn has brought her passion for child development and working with families in the community as a daycare leader.  She has spent the last 15 years of her career at South Drive Children’s Circle, most recently as a Preschool Teacher in the program. 

She is a certified Laboratory Technician with a Diploma from Career College and a Registered Early Childhood Educator with a Diploma from George Brown College.

Our Staff

Committed, experienced, caring

South Drive Children’s Circle staff consists of an Executive Director, Program Manager along with teaching and support staff with many years of experience in the field.

South Drive Children’s Circle has a total of 16 staff, 11 of whom are registered ECE and certified with the College of Early Childhood Education. Two are currently working towards these qualifications.

South Drive Children’s Circle is also a Co-operative Learning Centre for the Toronto Board of Education and we train students in Early Childhood Education programs from Centennial, Humber and Seneca Colleges. Students participate in our program in two placement schedules per year: September to December, and January to April.