Michelle Kelsey – Founder
In 2001, Michelle launched a small nanny referral service with one pager, five nannies and a determination to never find herself without reliable childcare. Nannies on Call is now a bi-coastal company with over 400 nannies.
In 2007 Business in Vancouver highlighted Michelle as one of Vancouver’s brightest stars in 40 UNDER 40, and in both 2008 and 2009 Nannies on Call was ranked #14 on the list of “Biggest Women-Owned Businesses in BC”. In 2009 Michelle co-founded and joined the board of the Nanny Angel Network, a non-profit created to provide childcare relief for women with breast cancer. Michelle trains Pacific Assistance Dogs and lives in West Vancouver with her husband and two daughters. She is still trying to decide how she feels about Twitter. (Follow her @michellekelsey!)
Susan Lee – Client Services Manager
Susan joined Nannies on Call in 2005. Originally a much-loved on call nanny, Susan also managed the on call team before taking her current position as Client Services manager. The position was created specifically for Susan to highlight the sincere, gentle touch she brings to all her relationships with Nannies on Call families. Susan may or may not be reading her favorite book for the fourth time. But she will happily tell you about it.
Lisa Bruce – Placement Manager
The oldest of five siblings and mother of two, Lisa joined Nannies on Call in April of 2007 bringing a wealth experience from her background in hospitality and tourism. Lisa is famous for answering emails at all hours, every day of the week. We had to promise her husband we’d hide her blackberry in the delivery room for the birth of her daughter.
Kate McGeachin – Placement Manager
Kate has travelled to more than 50 countries and we think that if we keep asking she might cave and sing the entire list to the Alphabet Song. Kate is originally from Ottawa – she holds a degree in Psychology and is a seasoned nanny herself, having held positions in Banff, Sydney and London. Kate returned to Canada after six years as an executive-level placement consultant for London-based Kensington Nannies – where we’re pretty sure they didn’t badger her to sing.
Christa Melancon – Placement Assistant
Christa is the newest member of Nannies on Call and we couldn’t be happier to have her. She loves to channel her inner Lucille Ball, Ethel Merman and Julia Child. Christa likes to cook, no she LOVES to cook, especially for her friends and family. Christa now spends her days being a mother to an adorable little boy (when he’s not hungry), chipping dried mud from boots and baking cookies.
Lara Varona – Human Resources Manager
Lara has worn all sorts of hip and handy hats at Nannies on Call: from managing operations to placements, Lara knows our agency inside-out (and your family’s nanny needs top to bottom). Since originally joining the Vancouver team in 2004 Lara took a hop, skip and a jump over to school and work in the non-profit sector – returning to the agency in 2010 as Nannies on Call’s Manager of Human Resources. We’re very excited.
Dylann Herron -Human Resources Manager Assistant
Dylann joined the Nannies on Call office team in 2011. Although she was born and raised in the Lower Mainland, Dylann admits that she is still getting used to the hustle and bustle of downtown Vancouver – she’s still using restaurant land marks to find her way around! Dylann loves scary movies (she’s basically seen every scary movie ever made!), there isn’t a moment you’ll find her without some form of caffeine (her current fave is a soy green tea latte – yum!) and she loves creating odd combinations of foods (and making her always willing yet very brave loved ones try ‘em out!).
Silvana Felix – Team Leader, On Call Bookings
A certified elementary school teacher, Silvana graduated from the University of Toronto with a Master of Teaching. Having spent her childhood traveling throughout North and South America, Silvana is able to happily chat with you in English, Spanish or (slightly less quick) French. Oh, and her voice is like a cozy hug.
Katie Gilligan – On Call Booking Agent
Originally from Australia, Katie has traveled to over 30 countries – including London, where she delighted little minds as a part-time nanny. Cheerful Katie holds a Bachelor of Social Science from Newcastle University and does love you more if you feed her.
Jin Cha – On Call Booking Agent
Although a local Vancouverite, Jin admits she’s still perplexed by UGG boots and $5 lattes. Jin previously toiled at the University of British Columbia as a Fine Arts and Literature major. She is currently reveling in her love of Pixar animated films and slightly obsessive need to glue glitter onto well, everything.
Danita Tetrault – Branch Manager, Calgary
Danita has been making families smile as an Extraordinary on call nanny since the summer of 2008 and breezily managing our Calgary branch since 2009. Danita previously helmed offices for Calgary-based interior design and custom furniture companies – but her favourite credit (hands-down)? Being mom to her two amazing teenage boys.
Lindsay Laurence – Toronto Regional Manager
Lindsay joined Nannies on Call after nannying as far as Copenhagen (along with being a youth coordinator, an art teacher, and a Mad Science instructor!), and brings with her a degree-and-a-half in Biochemistry and Pharmacology. Always lovely to talk to, she now spends her free time renovating her beloved old house with her partner and their black lab, Molly, in tow.
Tara Beninger – Victoria Manager
Tara joined Nannies on Call as a nanny in 2011 after living and travelling (and diving and climbing!) in Asia. She has since taken on the role of Victoria City Manager, which is perfect because loves meeting nannies to chat about kids! Tara has enjoyed working in childcare for many years, including working as a teacher, piano instructor and outdoor experiential educator; she’s always looking for the most positive style of communication possible with children (and loves any opportunity to make use of her French degree). Tara enjoys volunteering in her spare time and when she grows up, she would like to be a kid… or a mom!
Linh Tsiu – Nanny Payroll Accountant
Linh is a Certified General Accountant with over 15 years of expert accounting, payroll and tax experience in major cities across Canada. Linh lives Vancouver with her husband, their two lovely children and their much-adored nanny – who has the most beautifully constructed payroll plan you’ve ever seen.
