Deanne Piticco

Deanne discovered Emmanuel through friends and like so many she was drawn to the various outdoor play and learning spaces.  Lucky for her, Laurier secured a childcare partnership with Emmanuel at the same time as her first child was eligible to attend - sparing her the infamous overnight line-up! That was in 2014, when Emmanuel celebrated 50 years of providing phenomenal childcare in the community and she’s been an Emmanuel parent ever since. Her three children have developed meaningful connections to staff members and strong relationships with forest school pals that have resulted in family friendships. Strategies (rocket ship breathing) and language (“listen to my words”) used by the incredibly talented staff have become part of everyday home life.  

Deanne, her partner Drew and their kids live in downtown Kitchener and can frequently be found taking up too much space biking along the Iron Horse Trail or eating doughnuts in front of City Café. Deanne is passionate about education. She completed her MA Leadership and works to engage Laurier alumni in the life of the university. Having grown up on the shores of Lake Huron in Kincardine, she spent much of her childhood outdoors and at the beach. Now, raising kids in a downtown urban setting, appreciating and spending time in nature is a family value and priority each day.  

Deanne is very keen to learn from board colleagues, expand governance knowledge and enhance the network and connection people feel to the centre.