
Inclusive Education Specialist
Meet Nerissa Henry
(ECE)
Nerissa is an Early Childhood Educator and Inclusion Specialist with more than two decades of experience in child care, early learning, and inclusive practice. She began her career working with children in 1998 and graduated with High Honours in Early Childhood Education in 2003.
Throughout her career, Nerissa has held a variety of roles, including ECE, Assistant Supervisor, Program Director, Preschool Program Supervisor, and Resource Consultant. Her experience supporting medically fragile children and children with diverse needs deepened her expertise in inclusive practice, Special Needs Resourcing, visual supports, regulation, accessibility, and collaborative work with families and community partners.
As a Resource Consultant, Nerissa works alongside educators and teams to identify barriers to participation and develop practical strategies that help children engage, connect, and thrive. She is passionate about creating environments where educators feel equipped to support every child while reflecting on the perspectives and biases that can shape their practice.
Nerissa believes inclusion is for everyone—not just children with diverse needs. At the heart of her work is a simple belief: every child deserves to feel that they belong, and every educator can play an important role in making that happen.
I was drawn specifically to child care because it allowed me to be creative and make learning fun. As a naturally curious person, it allowed me to ask questions, to dig for the children’s interests and be able to find fun ways to build experiences and learning using those interests.
When it comes to learning, the most memorable educators were the ones who brought laughter and fun to their classrooms and lesson plans, the ones who really got to know the children, who truly cared about the children’s well-being and that was the kid of educator I wanted to be.
I also knew how it felt to be excluded for being who I was, and imagined a future where that didn’t have to happen… and wanted to be able to do my part to move in that direction.
nerissa's ECE "Why"
"Making learning fun, makes people want to learn more!"
Here's More from Nerissa!
A few fun facts
She loves to travel
Nerissa has been to 20 different countries and hoping to add to this list!
A Tim Hortons regular
Nerissa is a regular at her local Tim Hortons. While others need to start their day with a coffee… she prefers a French Vanilla!
A social butterfly
Nerissa is a very social person and loves to get out and do things with friends and family.


