At bambini, we believe in the power of people and the strength of community. Our bambini famiglia includes not only our educators, leadership, and creative team, but also the families who walk this journey with us. Together we create warm, inspiring spaces where children feel seen, supported, and free to grow.
We’re bringing back the joys of childhood through connection, care, and shared purpose.
We’re bringing back the joys of childhood through connection, care, and shared purpose.
Leadership Team
Teresa Anselmo
Founder & CEO
With over 25 years in early learning, Teresa has been a driving force in bringing meaningful, child-centered care to Alberta. As Founder and CEO, she leads bambini’s vision and long-term direction – ensuring all programs reflect the brand’s values and philosophy. Inspired by the challenges families face today, Teresa is passionate about building a culture of holistic care, wellness, and support that truly transforms the experience of childhood.
Megan Riley / Dip.ELCC
Executive Director
With over 14 years in early childhood education, Megan is passionate about transforming children’s and families’ lives through high-quality care. She joined bambini in 2021 and now oversees operations across all centers, ensuring alignment with bambini’s philosophy and standards. Megan supports directors, mentors teams, and ensures licensing and health compliance, while staying closely involved at the center level to uphold bambini’s culture and values.
John Anselmo / BCom, AACI, P.App.
Chief Operating Officer
John oversees operations, finance, and marketing at bambini, building systems that support meaningful family connections and consistent quality across all centers. His service-focused approach ensures each space is welcoming, well-run, and aligned with bambini’s values. John also leads site selection for new locations and helps guide branding and marketing to reflect bambini’s voice. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Alberta and an AACI designation from UBC.
Kara Chwaklinski
People & Culture Lead
Kara supports the operational and strategic functions of people and culture across all bambini centers. With HR experience in manufacturing, retail, and finance, she’s passionate about building strong HR practices in growing organizations. Kara is committed to reflecting bambini’s holistic, child-centered values in every process and communication. She holds a Bachelor of Management from Concordia University of Edmonton.
Alyssa Anselmo / BAHSA, Dip.ELCC
Interior Architect & Creative Director
Alyssa is an award-winning designer who brings the bambini vision to life through warm, innovative spaces that are gaining global recognition. With a background in interior architecture from Florence, Italy, she blends natural materials, graphic elements, and fine detailing to create environments that feel both elevated and welcoming. Alyssa has worked internationally in cities like New York, Stockholm, and Milan, and continues to lead creative direction at bambini through her design studio, Studio Anva.
Kitty Leung
Area Pedagogista
Kitty began her journey in early childhood education nine years ago and became a certified Child Development Supervisor in 2019. She will begin her Master of Early Childhood Education in 2025, bringing new insights into her work. Rooted in Reggio Emilia and RIE philosophies, Kitty supports educators in delivering high-quality programs and environments. She sees children as capable, unique citizens and is passionate about growing alongside them and the teams she mentors.
Support Team
Xiaowen Lei
Accounts Administrator
Xiaowen joined bambini in March 2024 and brings a thoughtful, detail-oriented approach to supporting both families and the organization. She manages invoicing, payroll, and ensures accuracy in subsidy and affordability grant processing. By handling the behind-the-scenes financial details with care and precision, Xiaowen helps take the stress off families, allowing them to feel at ease and fully enjoy their time in the bambini community.
Laura Hannah
Enrollment Specialist
Since joining bambini in July 2023, Laura has played a key role in welcoming families into our community. She guides families through the entire enrollment journey – from tours to first-day readiness – with warmth, clarity, and care. Known for her approachable nature, Laura builds lasting connections and helps families feel informed, supported, and at home at bambini.
Adonis Balay
Maintenance & Repair Manager
Adonis supports all bambini centres in Edmonton and St. Albert by ensuring each space is safe, functional, and well-maintained. With hands-on expertise in carpentry, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical work, he handles everything from wooden toy repairs to playground inspections and larger facility needs. Adonis works primarily evenings and weekends to minimize disruption and keep environments running smoothly, helping create welcoming and secure spaces for children, educators, and families.
Ezra Bitangcol / B.Com. – Marketing
Photographer & Videographer
Ezra joined bambini in 2023, bringing over 11 years of experience in visual storytelling and media production. He has worked with organizations across Canada and now visits each bambini centre to capture the joy, learning, and connection that define our community. His work brings our story to life across social media – and he might just catch a special moment featuring your child!
Educators
As bambini continues to grow, it’s not always possible to capture all of our incredible educators in one photo. but each one is a vital part of our bambini famiglia.
Rooted in our Reggio-inspired, holistic approach, our educators support each child’s journey through curiosity, creativity, and connection. They are co-learners and guides, thoughtfully creating environments where children lead their own learning, explore deeply, and feel truly seen.
We’re grateful for the passion, care, and intentionality they bring to bambini every day. They are the heart of our classrooms and the reason our spaces feel like home.
Rooted in our Reggio-inspired, holistic approach, our educators support each child’s journey through curiosity, creativity, and connection. They are co-learners and guides, thoughtfully creating environments where children lead their own learning, explore deeply, and feel truly seen.
We’re grateful for the passion, care, and intentionality they bring to bambini every day. They are the heart of our classrooms and the reason our spaces feel like home.
