by CHRIS BARRY

Name: Katina Theologou

Age: 27

Occupation: Daycare worker

Bio: This dedicated Laval newlywed has been caring for toddlers at her mother's daycare centre ever since she was a teenager. Looking after more than 100 kids at the Happy Face daycare in Verdun, this sultry goddess did her undergraduate degree in educational psychology at McGill, and is absolutely thrilled about her present occupation, stating that, "Hopefully, I'll be doing this work for the rest of my life." She drives a 2001 Nissan Pathfinder.

Do parents often try to bribe her to get their kids accepted into the Happy Face daycare? "Oh absolutely yes, all the time, but I won't take them. It's not fair and word would get out pretty soon if I did."

Her best bribe yet: $500 from an individual looking to be put at the top of the waiting list.

Are the parents of children with chronic potty problems expected to pay more for daycare? No.

Is it sometimes difficult breaking the news to a proud parent that their little angel likes to smear faeces on his face and go around trying to kiss all the girls? "Yes, it's a bit difficult but behaviour problems have to be dealt with and I wouldn't be doing my job right if I ignored them. You know, their kids are with us five days a week, anywhere from eight to 10 hours a day, so the key to success is that the parents and educators work together. And that's our big focus, communication with parents."

Do many parents see her as nothing more than a glorified babysitter? "Yes, many do. I think a lot of them misunderstand what's involved, and think that daycare workers are kind of like just another kid, playing and joining in all the fun with their children, but that's not it at all."

Does she often come across suspicious workmen types whom she isn't comfortable having around the kids? "No, because everyone we hire is somebody we've known for several years, precisely for that reason."

One thing some parents would like to see that would no doubt turn Katina's life into a living hell: Video cameras placed all around the daycare and hooked up to the Net so interested parties can monitor the goings-on of the Happy Face children all day long.

One song she is somewhat less than crazy about but sings almost every day: The Barney theme song.

Does she think that the kids might be a lot easier to deal with if she got drunk on the way to work in the morning? No.

Last book read: The Nanny Diaries: A Novel, by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus.

Favourite film of all time: Dead Poets Society.

Television preferences: Friends, Third Watch.

Musical preferences: Bryan Adams, John Mayer.

Words of wisdom: "Appreciate the people around you every day. Focus on the good things that they do, and what you can take from them, rather than fault them."

Comments? dimwit@openface.ca