Katie Begley

A lifelong New Tecumseth local, Katie’s role as an instructor at the University of Guelph-Humber (U of GH), helps prepare early childhood educators for their future. Katie completed her Master of Education at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto, and then joined the faculty at U of GH in 2011.

Katie is enhancing the Early Childhood Studies (ECS) program by focusing on food insecurity. She was awarded a Study and Development Fellowship and completed courses from Seneca College's Sustainable Local Food program. Since then, her goal has been to educate future educators on combating child poverty.

Katie emphasizes the role of early childhood educators in driving social change. In Canada, over 1.35 million children and families live in poverty, a statistic Katie is determined to change through education. Katie is known for her dedication and the supportive learning environment she creates. Students appreciate her advocacy for children and her role in shaping their educational journey.

Since the fall of 2020, Katie has volunteered at Support and Hope for Individuals and Families Today (S.H.I.F.T.) She is also a council member of the College of Early Childhood Educators of Ontario, and just opened an e-commerce store called Heart in Home. "My faith is the foundation of everything that I do. It has strengthened immensely over the years and is a large part of how I handle all the roles that I fulfill in my life; as well as the decisions that arise within those roles," Katie says. "My volunteer work within our community is deeply connected to my faith and the importance that I hold for helping those that are in need. I have God to thank for all past, current and future successes that happen along my journey."