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Oakville woman admits it's nice to feel appreciated by Abigail Cukier Special to the Beaver 5 | Thursday, May 15, 2014 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Kim Ross jokes it's her dislike for change that's kept her at the West Oakville Preschool Centre for so long. But dig a little deeper and the true reason is clear -- it's where she belongs. "I never felt this as work. It's like my family. I've loved the kids. I've loved the staff. I've made great friends and had some great mentors," said Ross, who is celebrating 25 years as an educator at the centre. "My favourite thing is going out in public and running into a mom or a former student and they are 18 now." Recently, Ross met a former student with Down syndrome. As a student, he was nonverbal. "He is now 18 in high school and doing a work placement. He remembered me and we talked and he gave me a big hug. That's why I do it." In the beginning Ross started working at West Oakville Preschool in 1989 when it was at Oakwood Public School. When it moved to St. Volodymyr Cultural Centre in 2000, she moved with it. "Kim is a natural in the childcare field. She has a passion for children's learning and West Oakville Preschool Centre Supervisor Marissa Pinto, left, presents Kim Ross with a plaque at West Oakville Preschool Centre to honour her 25 years of dedication to childcare. | photo by Nikki Wesley ­ Oakville Beaver (Follow on Twitter @halton_photog or facebook.com/ HaltonPhotog) developmental growth. You can always hear Kim singing and laughing with the children. Kim is a great role model for all the staff here at West Oakville Preschool and is always willing to help," said co-worker Nicole Poirier. Ross organizes many of the centre's fundraisers, such as Hop for Muscular Dystrophy and Bowl for Big Brothers and Big Sisters and heads the centre's training for Quality First. Centre supervisor Marissa Pinto loves Ross' sense of humour and her compassion for children. "I started in the classroom with her for three or four years. She was a great inspiration and taught us a lot. We are like a married couple. We know what we are thinking without having to say anything." Recently, Ross came to work and was surprised by a celebration in her honour "It is nice to feel appreciated. I just do what I do because I do it. So it's very humbling," Ross said. "Many parents have also Kim is a natural in the childcare field. She has a passion for children's learning and developmental growth. You can always hear Kim singing and laughing with the children. Kim is a great role model for all the staff here at West Oakville Preschool and is always willing to help. Nicole Poirier co-worker been saying beautiful things about me. It is embarrassing and humbling. " I am just looking forward to the next 25 years." Interlocking Tumblestone, Retaining Walls, Garden Installation, Sodding & Excavating, Call for FREE Estimate plus more (905) 827-8158 · www.rogerslandscaping.org Finest Lighting Store in Oakville INJURED? I Can Help! YOU DON'T HAVE TO PAY UNLESS I GET YOU MONEY My team of experienced lawyers can help you with: · Car accidents · Slip and Falls · Disability Claims (Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, CPP) · Wrongful Dismissal OFFICES IN OAKVILLE AND TORONTO For a free consultation call: Oakville: 905.842.2022 or Toronto: 416.351.9222 email: sspadafora@slspc.ca CONCEPT LIGHTING GROUP Suppliers of fine lighting to Casa Loma, North America's largest castle PLUS FREE LIGHT BULBS FOR LIFE* *See store for details SALE INSTALLATION * Oakville 243 Speers Rd. · 905-849-LITE (5483) Mississauga 5980 McLaughlin Rd. #3 NEAR BRITANNIA 905.712.4548 · Burlington 1515 N. Service Road 905.331.7444 Sam Spadafora Injury and Employment Law www.conceptlighting.ca