Presenter/Facilitator Profiles

Faith Hale is a graduate from Wayne State University M.Ed., BA. Soc., Brock University, B.Ed., St. Clair College RECE.  As a certified Trainer of Trainers in the High/Scope Curriculum Approach focusing on Aboriginal culture and education, she has trained numerous Registered Early Childhood Educator’s in the High/Scope Approach on and off reserve.  

She is currently the Executive Director of the Ska:na Family Learning Centre (SFLC), the first Aboriginal owned childcare centre in Windsor.  As a founding member of SFLC, she has been instrumental in the ongoing success of SFLC which has evolved into four fully operational and profitable child care centre’s in Ontario.  With her twenty-nine years of experience in the fields of Early Childhood Education, Children and Youth Programming, Community Development, and Aboriginal Adult Education, she has been recognized as a significant contributor in advancing the vision of leadership in both the Aboriginal and mainstream organizations.

Furthermore, Ms. Hale is passionate about Urban Aboriginal leadership and the advancement of Aboriginal people in all levels of government. 

Stephanie Michano-Drover, RECE, is an Ojibway educator from Biigtigong Nishnaabeg First Nation, Ontario. She is the early childhood supervisor at the Biigtigong Nishnaabeg Children and Family Learning Centre. With many years in the early learning sector, Stephanie has experience designing and building culturally responsive child care programs and supporting educators, children, and families living in her First Nation community.

Debbie Crosson – RECE – is from Biigtigong Nishnabeg First Nation.  She is the Family Outreach Worker at the Children & Family Learning Centre.  Debbie has many years working with families in the early years sector, from the Aboriginal Head Start On Reserve to the Community Family Learning Centre.  Debbie has many years of experience working with and supporting the children and families living in her First Nation community.

Meagan McLeod, MEd, BEd, HBA

Indigenous Child Education Programs Coordinator

Oshki-Pimache-O-Win: The Wenjack Education Institute

I am from Thunder Bay. I discovered my love for learning as I studied History, Women’s Studies, and Education at Lakehead University. I am passionate about education and supporting others in their own learning and goals. I’ve been working at Oshki-Wenjack since 2019 and have been inspired by the stories and successes of our students. I am a very busy and very happy mom of 3 kids, ages 6, 4 and 2.

Boozhoo, Mooshkine Waasigek indigoo. Maang nindoodem. Fort Frances indaa. Couchiching nindoonjii. 

Darcy Jones is the Gaa-wiiji’odaamin’aad Abinoojiiya’ Ji-Anishinaabemonid with Waking Up Ojibwe, a role that translates to “the one who helps children learn language through play.” Darcy’s work focuses on revitalizing and teaching Anishinaabemowin to children aged 0-6, emphasizing culturally grounded language learning through play. She visits early childhood centers and Anishinaabemowin classrooms of the local school boards, creates engaging books, games, songs, and resources in Anishinaabemowin with the help of translators and fluent speakers. Additionally, Darcy substitutes in local schools, supporting language and cultural programming in classrooms. 

A graduate of the Indigenous Teacher Education Program (ITEP) at Queen’s University, Darcy is currently completing their Bachelor of Education. Before working, Darcy’s career began with Aboriginal Head Start and the United Native Friendship Centre in Fort Frances, where she gained invaluable experience working with young children and their families. Committed to lifelong learning, she continues to deepen her knowledge of Anishinaabemowin through classes, conversations with elders, and fluent speakers, ensuring that her work remains rooted in cultural authenticity and growth.

Outside of work and studies, Darcy is a proud parent to two sons, ages 10 and 11. Much of her free time is spent cheering on her sons at the hockey rink or relaxing at her cabin on Rainy Lake.