About Gayle Widdop, RECE

Executive Director, Mattawa Child Care Centre

Gayle Widdop, RECE, has been the Executive Director of the Mattawa Child Care Centre since February 2018. She brings more than three decades of experience in early learning, inclusion support, and community services.

Before joining the centre, Gayle spent 18 years with Community Living North Bay as a Resource Consultant in the Inclusion Support Program, supporting both children and adults with diverse needs. Her career began after graduating from Canadore College in 1992, leading her through a variety of childcare programs and early learning environments.

Gayle has always known she was meant to work with children—a passion that began in her teenage years and has guided her professional path ever since. She is a lifelong learner who is deeply committed to supporting educators in their professional growth and fostering high‑quality, inclusive care for all children.

About Cassidy Anderson, Program Supervisor

Cassidy has been working in the childcare field since 2019, gaining valuable hands-on experience supporting and caring for young children. With a strong passion for early childhood development, Cassidy recently completed the Child Development Practitioner program and is currently working toward an Early Childhood Education (ECE) diploma to further expand her knowledge and skills. From an early age, Cassidy has had a genuine interest in working with children and helping them learn, grow, and thrive. She finds the work both rewarding and fulfilling, especially when creating supportive environments where children feel safe, valued, and encouraged to explore their curiosity. Cassidy is dedicated to continuing her professional growth in the field and making a positive impact on the lives of the children and families she works with.

Management

Gayle W. - Executive Director 

Cassidy A. - Program Supervisor 

Samantha R. - Director Approved/Admin Support

Registered Early Childhood Educators

Lindsay G. 

Destiny S. 

Sree V.

Ammy S.

Educators

Sandi K. 

Brittany W.

Carole M.

Megan B.

Lindsay T.

Jayde M.

Kitchen Staff

Renee J.

Jodi L.

Custodian

Kelly S.

Fundraising/Newsletter Support

Mel M.

Board Of Directors 2025-2026

Chairwoman: Bev Bell

Secretary-Treasurer: Cynthia Perreault

Directors: Tammy Adjoudj, Angie Cotnam and Connie Lamarre

We are accepting new Board Members! 

If you are interested, please contact the executive director at gwiddop@mattawachildcare.ca. You will be invited to attend the next meeting (in person or virtual), and complete a letter of intention to join the Board. 

Our staff at the Mattawa Child Care Centre have all been specially chosen and trained to ensure that your child receives the best possible care and education.  Our staff recognizes that children have individual rates of development, as well as individual interests, temperaments, languages, cultural backgrounds, and learning styles.  They have the personal qualities of friendliness, warmth and the skills necessary to interact positively with the children, their families and outside professionals supporting children with special needs.

All full time program staff in our Centre (Toddler Program, Preschool Program and After-School Program), have their Early Childhood Education credentials or are Director Approved. Part time staff and those currently completing the apprenticeship program are supported as they gain experience in Early Childhood Education. 

Our kitchen team are certified with a Food Handlers Certificate, ensuring safe food practises.

All educators have their CPR and St. John’s Ambulance certificate and all staff attend professional development workshops throughout the year to upgrade their skills.  Our educators also attend monthly staff meetings and in-services offered by our community partners to keep them informed of the various programs offered to families in the District of Nipissing.

Ongoing evaluation of staff and programming ensures that your child is respected as the individuals they are and that they are exposed to learning opportunities that are developmentally appropriate for their skill level. 

We are involved with colleges in the area and accept students enrolled in Early Childhood Education, Child and Youth and Recreational Assistance programs by welcoming them to our Child Care Centre to complete a placement.  We also accept co-op students, volunteers and summer student employment programs.

In addition, we welcome individuals participating in the apprenticeship programs and who are interested in gaining experience in childcare. If you would like to get involved, please contact us.