Meet Holly
Holly Marcellus’s love for caring for children began early. Throughout high school, she spent her time caring for neighbourhood children and later worked as a nanny for many families. What started as a natural instinct to care for children grew into a deep passion for supporting families and creating safe, nurturing environments where children could thrive.
Holly’s desire to help others eventually led her into a career in emergency services. She worked in the emergency room at Foothills Hospital for three years before becoming an Emergency Medical Technician. This experience shaped her strong sense of responsibility, calm leadership, and commitment to safety, qualities that continue to influence the philosophy behind Discovery Tots today.
After the birth of her first child, Holly knew she wanted to spend as much time at home during those early years as possible. She made the decision to return to childcare, combining her professional care background with her passion for early childhood development. In 2010, she opened what would become the very first Discovery Tots dayhome in Calgary.
As word spread and demand for high-quality, licensed home childcare grew, Holly officially formed Discovery Tots Dayhome Ltd. in 2014. With a growing waitlist of families and a desire to support more children, she expanded the program by bringing on like-minded educators who shared her values and dedication to quality care.
Today, Discovery Tots operates multiple licensed dayhome locations across Calgary. Each program is guided by the same philosophy, standards, and commitment Holly established from the very beginning: to provide safe, authentic, and devoted care for children, while supporting educators and families with trust, consistency, and heart.