CONSULTANTS

Managing Partner

Dr. Evelyn Kissi is an esteemed African scholar and strategic consultant. She specializes in the intersection of Black Critical Disability Studies, Black Global Health, and Critical Childhood Development Studies. Her work is deeply rooted in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA), guided by anti-colonial and decolonizing perspectives.

My commitment to decolonizing early childhood education is both deeply professional and profoundly personal. As a black woman, educator, and mother, I have witnessed and experienced the cultural disconnects and systemic exclusions that affect children and families navigating mainstream early learning systems. These experiences have fueled my passion for engaging in constructive conversations around colonial frameworks and advocating for educational practices rooted in African, Indigenous, and community-based worldviews. I believe every child carries innate brilliance shaped by their language, identity, and lived experience. and our responsibility as educators is to nurture that brilliance through inclusive, affirming, and culturally grounded pedagogies.

This commitment led me to establish Dr. Kissi & Partners Consulting Limited, an initiative dedicated to supporting educators, families, and community organizations through equity-driven training, research partnerships, and curriculum development. Through this work, I have collaborated with both local and international stakeholders to build more inclusive learning environments, from grassroots programming in Ghana to professional development workshops in Canada. Whether I am training early childhood educators, supporting family-led initiatives, or consulting on inclusive frameworks with NGOs and government bodies, my work centers on one goal: to build liberatory learning systems where all children and those who love and care for them, can thrive. This is not just what I do. It is who I am. 

Academic & Professional Background

• Doctorate in Critical Disability Studies – York University, Toronto
• MA in Critical Disability Studies - York University
• Bachelor’s Degree in Health Studies - York University 
• Diploma in Early Childhood  Education - Humber College

Leadership in Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion (EDI)

• Former Vice Board Chair for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) at the Children’s Aid Society of Toronto (CAST), the largest child welfare system in North  America.

Alicia Simpson 

Child Care Leadership & Program Quality Specialist.

With over a decade of experience in early childhood education, I bring a deep commitment to enhancing the quality of care and learning environments for children, families, and educators. As a consultant specializing in childcare leadership, program development, and quality improvement, I work collaboratively with childcare centers, educators, and organizations to create responsive, inclusive, and high-performing early learning spaces.

My background includes extensive hands-on experience in child care supervision, curriculum planning, team training, and operational compliance. I have a thorough understanding of key frameworks such as the Child Care and Early Years Act (CCEYA), How Does Learning Happen? Think, Feel, Act, and the City of Toronto’s Assessment for Quality Improvement. I specialize in supporting teams through licensing preparation, policy implementation, and strategic program alignment.

Throughout my career, I have led professional development workshops, coached educators in best practices, and created tools and templates to support consistent, high-quality programming. My approach focuses on building strong, collaborative relationships and equipping teams with the knowledge and confidence to meet both regulatory standards and the evolving needs of children and families.

As a consultant, I am committed to promoting inclusive leadership, reflective practice, and child-centered approaches that empower educators and enrich the early learning experience.