About our StaffAdministration:
Evelyn Tsai
Director of Curriculum
- Early Childhood Educator (E.C.E.)
- B.A. (Communications)
- 14+ years childcare experience as an educator, manager and ECE program coordinator
Miss Evelyn is one half of the “Two PoCo Moms”, bringing her love of children and vast ECE experience to our centre. Circle time, curriculum development, management, teaching at post secondary colleges and evaluating other daycares • she has done it all. After cheering on her daughters at their various sporting events, Evelyn loves to “relax” at home with DIY home projects.
Carol Wiens
Director of Administration
As the other half of the “Two Poco Moms”, Miss Carol is also a mother of teens. She values the potential and uniqueness of all children and is excited about applying her business background to a childcare environment. Additionally, Carol is eager to finish off her last course for her ECE designation. Carol enjoys reading and photography in her spare time and has spent countless hours creating family memory books.
Director of Administration
- Early Childhood Educator (E.C.E.) (in-progress)
- B. Comm.
- 14+ years experience in childcare, school volunteer and small business management
As the other half of the “Two Poco Moms”, Miss Carol is also a mother of teens. She values the potential and uniqueness of all children and is excited about applying her business background to a childcare environment. Additionally, Carol is eager to finish off her last course for her ECE designation. Carol enjoys reading and photography in her spare time and has spent countless hours creating family memory books.
Mia Saulog
Principal/Facility Manager- Riverwood Gate Campus
Miss Mia's love for children started at an early age as she was the oldest of about 20 cousins! She loved family gatherings as she would be "in charge" of all the little ones. She started her ECE career in 2004 and has been involved with opening and operating daycares for infants, toddlers and 3-5 year olds. In the last few years, she took a little break to start her family and is now a proud mama of two children, who both attend BrightStart! You will probably see their family around Vancouver taking in the sites; they like playing tourist in our own beautiful city. On the weekends though, the Disney Jr. Channel is always on and there is lots of pancakes to go around.
Principal/Facility Manager- Riverwood Gate Campus
- Early Childhood Educator (ECE)
- Infant Toddler Educator (ITE)
- 10+ years experience in management and child care
Miss Mia's love for children started at an early age as she was the oldest of about 20 cousins! She loved family gatherings as she would be "in charge" of all the little ones. She started her ECE career in 2004 and has been involved with opening and operating daycares for infants, toddlers and 3-5 year olds. In the last few years, she took a little break to start her family and is now a proud mama of two children, who both attend BrightStart! You will probably see their family around Vancouver taking in the sites; they like playing tourist in our own beautiful city. On the weekends though, the Disney Jr. Channel is always on and there is lots of pancakes to go around.
Cindy Carkner
Administrative Assistant - Westwood Plateau Campus
With her ever-present smile and "can do" spirt, Cindy answers phones, gives tours, answers every possible question and is also known to make the occasional "Starbuck's run". Cindy's willingness to solve problems and go the extra mile are appreciated by all. Cindy joins the "all girls club" with three daughters of her own; in fact the 8 daughters of Cindy, Carol & Evelyn were all school friends during their elementary & high school years.
Administrative Assistant - Westwood Plateau Campus
- Assocciate Arts (TWU) & Interior Design (BCIT)
- 10+ years experience in office management
With her ever-present smile and "can do" spirt, Cindy answers phones, gives tours, answers every possible question and is also known to make the occasional "Starbuck's run". Cindy's willingness to solve problems and go the extra mile are appreciated by all. Cindy joins the "all girls club" with three daughters of her own; in fact the 8 daughters of Cindy, Carol & Evelyn were all school friends during their elementary & high school years.
Nila Habib
Infant and Toddler Educator(ITE )
Infant Program
Miss Nila, along with her sister, Rebeka, comes to us from Sweden, where she lived for 13 years, and worked with preschool aged children for 5 years. While living in Sweden, Nila bicycled everywhere. That’s a good thing, because Nila has a bit of a “lead” foot while driving her car and incurred stiff fines of 200 Swedish Kroner ($30) per kilometer over the posted limit! Nila loves all type of music, especially ABBA and Celine Dion. She is hoping to get in shape with some yoga and take some more time to explore Vancouver.
Infant and Toddler Educator(ITE )
Infant Program
Miss Nila, along with her sister, Rebeka, comes to us from Sweden, where she lived for 13 years, and worked with preschool aged children for 5 years. While living in Sweden, Nila bicycled everywhere. That’s a good thing, because Nila has a bit of a “lead” foot while driving her car and incurred stiff fines of 200 Swedish Kroner ($30) per kilometer over the posted limit! Nila loves all type of music, especially ABBA and Celine Dion. She is hoping to get in shape with some yoga and take some more time to explore Vancouver.
Nina Shehadeh
Eaarly Childhood Educator (ECE)
Infant Program
With 10 years of ECE experience from Ontario to Alberta and now in BC, Miss Nina joins our Infant Room. She has worked in large facilities out East and brings her love of books and creative art projects to our Academy’s youngest children. She is a Brampton, Ontario native and a busy mother of 3 children; a 5 year old boy and twin 3 year old girls who has just moved to BC in the Fall of 2012 as her husband’s Coquitlam childhood family home become available for them to take on, it was an easy decision to move to here. Having family around her is a plus to the beautiful mountains BC has to offer. An advocate of Alzheimers, Miss Nina does the Alzheimer Walk every year in memory of her grandma.
Eaarly Childhood Educator (ECE)
Infant Program
With 10 years of ECE experience from Ontario to Alberta and now in BC, Miss Nina joins our Infant Room. She has worked in large facilities out East and brings her love of books and creative art projects to our Academy’s youngest children. She is a Brampton, Ontario native and a busy mother of 3 children; a 5 year old boy and twin 3 year old girls who has just moved to BC in the Fall of 2012 as her husband’s Coquitlam childhood family home become available for them to take on, it was an easy decision to move to here. Having family around her is a plus to the beautiful mountains BC has to offer. An advocate of Alzheimers, Miss Nina does the Alzheimer Walk every year in memory of her grandma.
Priya Park
Infant Toddler Educator (ITE)
Toddler Program
Getting hugs from the children is the best part of Miss Priya's day. She values earning the children's trust and love as to her, this is what makes a solid foundation for the teacher-child relationship. She comes from a large extended family in South Korea and with her two younger sisters also being ECEs! She dreams of retiring in Korea where she can continue her knitting and sewing hobbies. But for now, she is doing her best to be a good role model for the Toddlers at BrightStart by being active (she would love to learn to swim and play tennis) and eating healthy. To relax, Miss Priya enjoys classic novels like The Little Princess.
Infant Toddler Educator (ITE)
Toddler Program
Getting hugs from the children is the best part of Miss Priya's day. She values earning the children's trust and love as to her, this is what makes a solid foundation for the teacher-child relationship. She comes from a large extended family in South Korea and with her two younger sisters also being ECEs! She dreams of retiring in Korea where she can continue her knitting and sewing hobbies. But for now, she is doing her best to be a good role model for the Toddlers at BrightStart by being active (she would love to learn to swim and play tennis) and eating healthy. To relax, Miss Priya enjoys classic novels like The Little Princess.
Julia Tesan
Infant Toddler Educator (ITE)
Special Needs Educator (SNE)
Toddler program
Miss Julia has a natural ability to work with children, she has volunteered for a few years before she decided to go to school to be an Early Childhood Educator. She enjoys the outdoors and also loves being out with the children, seeing how excited they get when they run around and explore the world around them. She gets down to their level to listen about their discoveries and answer their questions about the critters and sounds they see and hear outside. Miss Julia reads mystery novels in her free time and spends her weekends enjoying her family’s company.
Infant Toddler Educator (ITE)
Special Needs Educator (SNE)
Toddler program
Miss Julia has a natural ability to work with children, she has volunteered for a few years before she decided to go to school to be an Early Childhood Educator. She enjoys the outdoors and also loves being out with the children, seeing how excited they get when they run around and explore the world around them. She gets down to their level to listen about their discoveries and answer their questions about the critters and sounds they see and hear outside. Miss Julia reads mystery novels in her free time and spends her weekends enjoying her family’s company.
Rebecca Habib
Infant and Toddler Educator(ITE)
Infant Program
Miss Rebekah, along with her sister Nila, comes to us from Sweden, where she lived for 13 years. There she worked for 5 years with preschool aged children in a Förskola. In Sweden, children of all ages are together in a smaller ”family” grouping. Besides her family and friends, Miss Rebekah misses the mid-summer celebration known as, Midsommardagen, a major holiday in Sweden. Rebeka enjoys the four seasons of Canada and appreciates the nice & hot summers. She would love to learn another language and learn to sing!
Infant and Toddler Educator(ITE)
Infant Program
Miss Rebekah, along with her sister Nila, comes to us from Sweden, where she lived for 13 years. There she worked for 5 years with preschool aged children in a Förskola. In Sweden, children of all ages are together in a smaller ”family” grouping. Besides her family and friends, Miss Rebekah misses the mid-summer celebration known as, Midsommardagen, a major holiday in Sweden. Rebeka enjoys the four seasons of Canada and appreciates the nice & hot summers. She would love to learn another language and learn to sing!
Neda Salari
Infant and Toddler Educator (ITE)
Special Needs Educator (SNE)
Toddler Program
Miss Neda comes to us with 20 years of experience working with children. She raised two children of her own and also helped to raise her niece and nephew. At a young age she knew she wanted to teach children how to experience new things. She is always observing to see what children are interested in and then thinks of creative ways to engage their interests. You can often see her making big batches of colourful play dough for the children to play with. She loves all children but adores working with the infants. She is particularly good at telling stores and singing songs, she uses lots of action and movement to interest the children. Always with a smile on her face, Miss Neda often says that she gets her energy from the children.
Infant and Toddler Educator (ITE)
Special Needs Educator (SNE)
Toddler Program
Miss Neda comes to us with 20 years of experience working with children. She raised two children of her own and also helped to raise her niece and nephew. At a young age she knew she wanted to teach children how to experience new things. She is always observing to see what children are interested in and then thinks of creative ways to engage their interests. You can often see her making big batches of colourful play dough for the children to play with. She loves all children but adores working with the infants. She is particularly good at telling stores and singing songs, she uses lots of action and movement to interest the children. Always with a smile on her face, Miss Neda often says that she gets her energy from the children.
Estera Mladenovici
Early Childhood Educator (ECE)
Infant and 3-5 Group Programs
Armed with 10 years of ECE experience, Miss Estera joins the BrightStart team, helping out in both the Infant and 3-5 Rooms. And what perfect timing it is, as she loves teaching the children thier colours, and Fall is full of rich deep colours. She takes pride in seeing how much the children have grown and developed at the end of the school year. Miss Estera just visited Romania, her home country, this summer and memories of swimming in the river with her 9 brothers and sisters in her youth came to mind. In her spare time, she enjoys reading inspirational books as she wants to learn more about life through other people's experiences. She dreams of buying her own house one day where she can make lots of traditional Romanian Cabbage Rolls!
Early Childhood Educator (ECE)
Infant and 3-5 Group Programs
Armed with 10 years of ECE experience, Miss Estera joins the BrightStart team, helping out in both the Infant and 3-5 Rooms. And what perfect timing it is, as she loves teaching the children thier colours, and Fall is full of rich deep colours. She takes pride in seeing how much the children have grown and developed at the end of the school year. Miss Estera just visited Romania, her home country, this summer and memories of swimming in the river with her 9 brothers and sisters in her youth came to mind. In her spare time, she enjoys reading inspirational books as she wants to learn more about life through other people's experiences. She dreams of buying her own house one day where she can make lots of traditional Romanian Cabbage Rolls!
Heather Campbell
Early Childhood Educator (ECE)
Special Needs Educator (SNE)
3-5 yr old program
Miss Heather joins our 3-5 year old team bringing 16 years of teaching experience from preschools and daycares in the Maple Ridge area. She has a real heart for children and desires to build into their lives. Miss Heather loves country dancing and is an advocate of alternative medicine. Her backyard has been turned into a vegetable garden and she enjoys eating the fruits of her labour (although the yams are not a hit with everyone). Mother of 4 and grandmother of 5; Miss Heather brings caring, creativity, imagination and energy to the classroom.
Early Childhood Educator (ECE)
Special Needs Educator (SNE)
3-5 yr old program
Miss Heather joins our 3-5 year old team bringing 16 years of teaching experience from preschools and daycares in the Maple Ridge area. She has a real heart for children and desires to build into their lives. Miss Heather loves country dancing and is an advocate of alternative medicine. Her backyard has been turned into a vegetable garden and she enjoys eating the fruits of her labour (although the yams are not a hit with everyone). Mother of 4 and grandmother of 5; Miss Heather brings caring, creativity, imagination and energy to the classroom.
Jacqui Hombrebueno
Early Childhood Educator (ECE)
3-5 yr old program
Miss Jacqui brings warmth and a quick smile to children and co-workers alike. Well loved for her motherly & nurturing ways - children love to come to Miss Jacquie for their hugs. As a mother of 4 children (from university age to kindergarten) Jacquie has always loved children and loves to see each and every child feel special. When she can, Jacqui loves to bake - especially a Filipino desert called biko (rice cake with coconut cream.)
Early Childhood Educator (ECE)
3-5 yr old program
Miss Jacqui brings warmth and a quick smile to children and co-workers alike. Well loved for her motherly & nurturing ways - children love to come to Miss Jacquie for their hugs. As a mother of 4 children (from university age to kindergarten) Jacquie has always loved children and loves to see each and every child feel special. When she can, Jacqui loves to bake - especially a Filipino desert called biko (rice cake with coconut cream.)
Rowena Romero
Early Chidlhood Educator Assistant
3-5 year old program
Miss Rowena brings dedication and commitment to the children of our 3-5 yr old program. She is a strong family advocate and, for numerous years, has volunteered with children and families. Originally from the Philippines, Miss Rowena moved with her family to Saudi Arabia for 7½ years before coming to Canada. Her work at the palace hospital was rewarding, but initially she experienced great culture shock, seeing all of the covered woman. She loves to cook; family favourites include traditional Filipino dishes along with Middle Eastern fare, including hummus, kabobs and roast lamb. She finds great satisfaction in being a part of a child’s growing years. Miss Rowena truly believes that “Children are a blessing."
Early Chidlhood Educator Assistant
3-5 year old program
Miss Rowena brings dedication and commitment to the children of our 3-5 yr old program. She is a strong family advocate and, for numerous years, has volunteered with children and families. Originally from the Philippines, Miss Rowena moved with her family to Saudi Arabia for 7½ years before coming to Canada. Her work at the palace hospital was rewarding, but initially she experienced great culture shock, seeing all of the covered woman. She loves to cook; family favourites include traditional Filipino dishes along with Middle Eastern fare, including hummus, kabobs and roast lamb. She finds great satisfaction in being a part of a child’s growing years. Miss Rowena truly believes that “Children are a blessing."
Christie-Lee McKee
Before and After School Care Program
An original Tri-City resident, Christie-Lee has been working with children for 11 years. The love of her life is her 4 year old daughter Mya; together they enjoy camping at Summerland, card games and crafts. Known for her spontaneity and energy, Christie-Lee loves to just “have a laugh” with the children. She is relaxed, patient and a very good listener/ problem solver. Growing up, she was involved with baseball for 8 years and all aspects of dance (jazz, tap & ballet).
Before and After School Care Program
An original Tri-City resident, Christie-Lee has been working with children for 11 years. The love of her life is her 4 year old daughter Mya; together they enjoy camping at Summerland, card games and crafts. Known for her spontaneity and energy, Christie-Lee loves to just “have a laugh” with the children. She is relaxed, patient and a very good listener/ problem solver. Growing up, she was involved with baseball for 8 years and all aspects of dance (jazz, tap & ballet).
Isabel Jordan-Yassan
Early Chidlhood Educator Assistant
Before and After School Care Program
Miss Isabel joins our team with 10+ years experience working with children of all ages. She has experience as a preschool teacher assistant, organizing volleyball for children and a special needs assistant. Her enthusiasm is infectious and she loves to share laughter and play with the children. She is an avid volleyball player (indoor or beach) and also enjoys yoga and oil painting. Isabel is very multicultural, born in Mexico, a citizen of both Iran and the USA and now a Canadian resident. We welcome Isabel and hope that our “liquid sunshine” will be as refreshing to her as the Arizona sun of the last 10 years.
Early Chidlhood Educator Assistant
Before and After School Care Program
Miss Isabel joins our team with 10+ years experience working with children of all ages. She has experience as a preschool teacher assistant, organizing volleyball for children and a special needs assistant. Her enthusiasm is infectious and she loves to share laughter and play with the children. She is an avid volleyball player (indoor or beach) and also enjoys yoga and oil painting. Isabel is very multicultural, born in Mexico, a citizen of both Iran and the USA and now a Canadian resident. We welcome Isabel and hope that our “liquid sunshine” will be as refreshing to her as the Arizona sun of the last 10 years.
Lesley Croze
Early Childhood Educator (ECE)
Preschool Program
Miss Lesley comes to us with 17 years experience as a preschool teacher, primarily in North Vancouver and the Tri-Cities. She is a certified High Scope Preschool Curriculum Specialist, which focuses on active participatory learning. She loves this profession because every day is new and exciting especially when she is a part of a child’s joy in learning. Miss Lesley will always be remembered for the day that she came to preschool in her wedding dress! Her preschoolers were delighted and the idea of marriage & family was integrated into her curriculum. Yoga, running, gardening and reading are past-times that provide Miss Lesley with a lot of enjoyment. With a French Canadian connection through her husband, the whole family enjoys poutine and the Montreal Canadiens!
Early Childhood Educator (ECE)
Preschool Program
Miss Lesley comes to us with 17 years experience as a preschool teacher, primarily in North Vancouver and the Tri-Cities. She is a certified High Scope Preschool Curriculum Specialist, which focuses on active participatory learning. She loves this profession because every day is new and exciting especially when she is a part of a child’s joy in learning. Miss Lesley will always be remembered for the day that she came to preschool in her wedding dress! Her preschoolers were delighted and the idea of marriage & family was integrated into her curriculum. Yoga, running, gardening and reading are past-times that provide Miss Lesley with a lot of enjoyment. With a French Canadian connection through her husband, the whole family enjoys poutine and the Montreal Canadiens!
Amy Reid
Early Childhood Educator Assistant
Preschool Program
A natural with children, she is known for her calm and loving nature. Miss Amy has two daughters of her own, and along with the neighbourhood children, she has helped them with crafts, sewing and baking. Actually, ever since the birth of her girls, Miss Amy has been contributing back to the community starting with La Leche League (breastfeeding support for new moms), school volunteering and past coordinator for the Coquitlam Skating Club.
Early Childhood Educator Assistant
Preschool Program
A natural with children, she is known for her calm and loving nature. Miss Amy has two daughters of her own, and along with the neighbourhood children, she has helped them with crafts, sewing and baking. Actually, ever since the birth of her girls, Miss Amy has been contributing back to the community starting with La Leche League (breastfeeding support for new moms), school volunteering and past coordinator for the Coquitlam Skating Club.
Mary Anne Bronfen
Early Childhood Educator
Preschool
Originally from the Philippines, Miss Mary Anne joins us with her ever present smile. She is a passionate care-giver and teacher and very gentle with young children. She studied Communications, but now she is busy raising her two sons and working part-time for BrightStart. She brings lots of energy to our Preschool class. Mary Anne loves to spend time with her family along with watching good movies, playing outside and bird watching.
Early Childhood Educator
Preschool
Originally from the Philippines, Miss Mary Anne joins us with her ever present smile. She is a passionate care-giver and teacher and very gentle with young children. She studied Communications, but now she is busy raising her two sons and working part-time for BrightStart. She brings lots of energy to our Preschool class. Mary Anne loves to spend time with her family along with watching good movies, playing outside and bird watching.
Amanda Slavin
Infant Toddler Educator (ITE)
Tiny Tot Program
Miss Amanda is new to the field of Early Childhood education. She has completed both her Early Childhood certificate and her Infant /Toddler designation. She is the mother of a 2 ½ year old daughter. She loves her family time when she is not working and also loves to bake. (Yummy, maybe we will be able to sample some goodies!) Working with young children is something Miss Amanda loves to do and feels it comes naturally to her. She enjoys interacting and being with the children.
Infant Toddler Educator (ITE)
Tiny Tot Program
Miss Amanda is new to the field of Early Childhood education. She has completed both her Early Childhood certificate and her Infant /Toddler designation. She is the mother of a 2 ½ year old daughter. She loves her family time when she is not working and also loves to bake. (Yummy, maybe we will be able to sample some goodies!) Working with young children is something Miss Amanda loves to do and feels it comes naturally to her. She enjoys interacting and being with the children.
Rebecca Baltasar
Infant Toddler Educator (ITE)
Infant and Toddler Program
Miss Rebecca was born in Manila, Philippines, and is the oldest of four children. We had the privilege of having Miss Rebecca do her infant/toddler practicum with Brightstart and now she’s back teaching. Miss Rebecca has had ten years of experience teaching young children. She has taught preschool, and Kindergarten age children and most recently infant and toddlers. Her warm caring personality and good sense of humor makes her a good fit for our infant and toddlers. When she is not working she enjoys spending time with her family and two children. She also loves relaxing and reading decorating and organizing magazines.
Infant Toddler Educator (ITE)
Infant and Toddler Program
Miss Rebecca was born in Manila, Philippines, and is the oldest of four children. We had the privilege of having Miss Rebecca do her infant/toddler practicum with Brightstart and now she’s back teaching. Miss Rebecca has had ten years of experience teaching young children. She has taught preschool, and Kindergarten age children and most recently infant and toddlers. Her warm caring personality and good sense of humor makes her a good fit for our infant and toddlers. When she is not working she enjoys spending time with her family and two children. She also loves relaxing and reading decorating and organizing magazines.
Emma Gaciu
Early Childhood Educator(ECE)
3 - 5 year old Program
With 4 years experience Miss Emma brings backgrounds in Montessori and play-based curriculums. She looks forward to integrating the best of both styles at BrightStart • allowing her to get on the floor with the children, as well as encouraging them in their early learning. As a sister to 5 brothers, Emma has always loved children and knew that working as an ECE teacher would give her a job that she loves coming to every day. Miss Emma loves to cook • especially cuisine from other cultures. She is currently discovering some of her Italian heritage, learning about different types of pasta dishes. Interestingly, Emma was born in Romania and moved to Canada at 2 years of age. She is looking forward to a large family reunion in Europe 2012 - meeting family in Romania for the first time. And, yes, the curls are natural!
Early Childhood Educator(ECE)
3 - 5 year old Program
With 4 years experience Miss Emma brings backgrounds in Montessori and play-based curriculums. She looks forward to integrating the best of both styles at BrightStart • allowing her to get on the floor with the children, as well as encouraging them in their early learning. As a sister to 5 brothers, Emma has always loved children and knew that working as an ECE teacher would give her a job that she loves coming to every day. Miss Emma loves to cook • especially cuisine from other cultures. She is currently discovering some of her Italian heritage, learning about different types of pasta dishes. Interestingly, Emma was born in Romania and moved to Canada at 2 years of age. She is looking forward to a large family reunion in Europe 2012 - meeting family in Romania for the first time. And, yes, the curls are natural!
Lidia Cholewinski
Early Childhood Educator (ECE)
3 - 5 yr program
Miss Lidia’s love for children is why she is so excited to work at BrightStart. She has worked as a teacher for 18 years. Helping children learn and grow is what inspires her. It the last couple of years she has worked in a Montessori environment. She will bring a different dimension to our Group 3-5 classroom. In her spare time Miss Lidia loves to cook and read. She apparently makes great pirogies! When she is spending time with her two daughters and husband, they enjoy boating and camping in our nearby parks and lakes
Early Childhood Educator (ECE)
3 - 5 yr program
Miss Lidia’s love for children is why she is so excited to work at BrightStart. She has worked as a teacher for 18 years. Helping children learn and grow is what inspires her. It the last couple of years she has worked in a Montessori environment. She will bring a different dimension to our Group 3-5 classroom. In her spare time Miss Lidia loves to cook and read. She apparently makes great pirogies! When she is spending time with her two daughters and husband, they enjoy boating and camping in our nearby parks and lakes
Andrea Yuill
Early Childhood Educator(ECE)
AM/PM Preschool
Miss Andrea has been working with children for 10 years. She loves planning programs and implementing ideas that will help children learn and grow. She feels every child needs both individual and group attention in order to feel special and fit into a group and is also strongly influenced by the Reggio Emilia approach (emergent/responsive curriculum). Miss Andrea enjoys being outside and being active, she likes to spend time doing activities with her children. She also enjoys being inspired by a good recipe.
Early Childhood Educator(ECE)
AM/PM Preschool
Miss Andrea has been working with children for 10 years. She loves planning programs and implementing ideas that will help children learn and grow. She feels every child needs both individual and group attention in order to feel special and fit into a group and is also strongly influenced by the Reggio Emilia approach (emergent/responsive curriculum). Miss Andrea enjoys being outside and being active, she likes to spend time doing activities with her children. She also enjoys being inspired by a good recipe.
Mari-Ellen McCartney
Early Childhood Educator (ECE)
AM/PM Preschool
Miss Mari-Ellen has been working with children for over 20 years. She still keeps her passion for teaching by always learning and getting her inspiration from the children. She has a wonderful sense of humour and a gentle spirit which works well with young children. One of the areas she loves to teach is reading and exploring different books with the children. She has studied some ESL and Phonics classes as well. Miss Mari-Ellen is a music enthusiast, everything from big band, hymns, rock, and some country music.When she has time she also enjoys cooking and baking.
Early Childhood Educator (ECE)
AM/PM Preschool
Miss Mari-Ellen has been working with children for over 20 years. She still keeps her passion for teaching by always learning and getting her inspiration from the children. She has a wonderful sense of humour and a gentle spirit which works well with young children. One of the areas she loves to teach is reading and exploring different books with the children. She has studied some ESL and Phonics classes as well. Miss Mari-Ellen is a music enthusiast, everything from big band, hymns, rock, and some country music.When she has time she also enjoys cooking and baking.
Aliya Nurani
Infant & Toddler Educator ITE
Infant &Toddler Program
Miss Aliya is known for her love and commitment to children under her care. She has been working with children professionally for almost 12 years and was always told by others that “does so well” with children. Toddlers are her passion and she loves to share her love of books and music with them. She loves to visit large cities such as New York, Washington (DC) and London England and has been known to spend a whole week just visiting museums. Her smile is contagious as well as her obvious delight in children; we welcome her to the team!
Infant & Toddler Educator ITE
Infant &Toddler Program
Miss Aliya is known for her love and commitment to children under her care. She has been working with children professionally for almost 12 years and was always told by others that “does so well” with children. Toddlers are her passion and she loves to share her love of books and music with them. She loves to visit large cities such as New York, Washington (DC) and London England and has been known to spend a whole week just visiting museums. Her smile is contagious as well as her obvious delight in children; we welcome her to the team!
Deborah Fowler
Eaarly Childhood Educator (ECE)
Infant & Toddler Program
Miss Deborah is a woman that successfully wears many different hats, she is a mother of two, runs a merchandising and mystery shopping business and has worked for over 10 years with children - teaching and care giving. She brings with her a love for children and lots on positive energy. We look forward to her contributions here at BrighStart
Eaarly Childhood Educator (ECE)
Infant & Toddler Program
Miss Deborah is a woman that successfully wears many different hats, she is a mother of two, runs a merchandising and mystery shopping business and has worked for over 10 years with children - teaching and care giving. She brings with her a love for children and lots on positive energy. We look forward to her contributions here at BrighStart
Connie Lee
Infant Toddler Educator (ITE), Special Needs
Infant and Toddler Program
Miss Connie joins our team with many years of teaching experience. Miss Connie taught writing and literature in middle school and high school in Korea before moving with her husband and family to Canada six years ago. Miss Connie is often seen with a guitar in her hand, playing and singing with the children. She is a busy mom with two children of her own - a son in grade 3 and daughter in grade 6. Miss Connie’s gentle spirit and love for children will be a wonderful addition.
Infant Toddler Educator (ITE), Special Needs
Infant and Toddler Program
Miss Connie joins our team with many years of teaching experience. Miss Connie taught writing and literature in middle school and high school in Korea before moving with her husband and family to Canada six years ago. Miss Connie is often seen with a guitar in her hand, playing and singing with the children. She is a busy mom with two children of her own - a son in grade 3 and daughter in grade 6. Miss Connie’s gentle spirit and love for children will be a wonderful addition.
Peachie Salonga
ECE-Assistant
3-5 year old Program
Miss Peachie joins our team with 5+ experience as a elementary school teacher in the Philippines. She loves to teach and watch a child’s character development - we look forward to her showing our little ones their Ps & Qs. Miss Peachie’s name is actually Eufrocina, which provided her with a nickname of "Peshie" however in Canada it slowly evolved into Peachie. Cooking is a passion including traditional Filipino as well as some international cuisine for her children. Meat filled empanadas are a favourite. In her spare time, Peachie loves to walk or run along the PoCo Trail with her husband. Interestingly, in addition to teaching elementary school, Peachie also studied Food Technology - maybe she will give some cooking lessons in the evening!
ECE-Assistant
3-5 year old Program
Miss Peachie joins our team with 5+ experience as a elementary school teacher in the Philippines. She loves to teach and watch a child’s character development - we look forward to her showing our little ones their Ps & Qs. Miss Peachie’s name is actually Eufrocina, which provided her with a nickname of "Peshie" however in Canada it slowly evolved into Peachie. Cooking is a passion including traditional Filipino as well as some international cuisine for her children. Meat filled empanadas are a favourite. In her spare time, Peachie loves to walk or run along the PoCo Trail with her husband. Interestingly, in addition to teaching elementary school, Peachie also studied Food Technology - maybe she will give some cooking lessons in the evening!
Bahareh Bahraminejad
ECE Assistant
Out of School Care, Program Assistant
Affectionately known as “Miss B”, Bahareh brings her warmth and smile to our facility. She was born in Tehran, the capital of Iran, and is the oldest of two girls; her younger sister is her best friend. (that’s wonderful) She has her Masters degree in English and has a natural gift of teaching. She continues to teach and help adults with English. Miss B also enjoys teaching young children, having one young child of her own - she has lots of patience. She says that the kids make her laugh and bring a young innocence to our lives that she finds inspiring. When she is not working, she relaxes at home with her family and may finding her watching reality T.V.
ECE Assistant
Out of School Care, Program Assistant
Affectionately known as “Miss B”, Bahareh brings her warmth and smile to our facility. She was born in Tehran, the capital of Iran, and is the oldest of two girls; her younger sister is her best friend. (that’s wonderful) She has her Masters degree in English and has a natural gift of teaching. She continues to teach and help adults with English. Miss B also enjoys teaching young children, having one young child of her own - she has lots of patience. She says that the kids make her laugh and bring a young innocence to our lives that she finds inspiring. When she is not working, she relaxes at home with her family and may finding her watching reality T.V.
Michelle Mullin
Early Childhood Educator (ECE)
Infant and Toddler Program
Miss Michelle brings 13 years of experience working with children of all ages. She is known for her warmth, compassion and great program ideas and she is a great supporter of responsive/emergent curriculum. Even as a young girl, she has always had that nurturing touch with children and was known as a “kid magnet” - children just seemed to be drawn to her. Michelle is an avid outdoors person - enjoying canoeing, kayaking and hiking with her family. She is a mother of two daughters and two pet dogs. Michelle enjoys baking and taking every opportunity to make a recipe nice and healthy.
Early Childhood Educator (ECE)
Infant and Toddler Program
Miss Michelle brings 13 years of experience working with children of all ages. She is known for her warmth, compassion and great program ideas and she is a great supporter of responsive/emergent curriculum. Even as a young girl, she has always had that nurturing touch with children and was known as a “kid magnet” - children just seemed to be drawn to her. Michelle is an avid outdoors person - enjoying canoeing, kayaking and hiking with her family. She is a mother of two daughters and two pet dogs. Michelle enjoys baking and taking every opportunity to make a recipe nice and healthy.
Laurie Shute
Infant and Toddler Educator (ITE)
Special Needs Educator (SNE)
Infant and Toddler Program
Miss Laurie joins our Toddler program with 11 years of experience as an infant and toddler educator - as a senior teacher within CEFA’s junior kindergarten as well as a play-based facility in Langley She is absolutely passionate about this age group and, as one parent says, “absolutely amazing with the kids.” When not working, scrapbooking is her passion - in fact she can be found at Precious Memories in Langley sharing her enthusiasm with others. Additional hobbies include cake decorating, card making and photography - great skills if she wants to branch out into children’s birthday parties. Commuting from Langley for now, we look forward to her eventual move into the Tri-Cities.
Infant and Toddler Educator (ITE)
Special Needs Educator (SNE)
Infant and Toddler Program
Miss Laurie joins our Toddler program with 11 years of experience as an infant and toddler educator - as a senior teacher within CEFA’s junior kindergarten as well as a play-based facility in Langley She is absolutely passionate about this age group and, as one parent says, “absolutely amazing with the kids.” When not working, scrapbooking is her passion - in fact she can be found at Precious Memories in Langley sharing her enthusiasm with others. Additional hobbies include cake decorating, card making and photography - great skills if she wants to branch out into children’s birthday parties. Commuting from Langley for now, we look forward to her eventual move into the Tri-Cities.
SoYoun (Rebekah) Jung
Early Childhood Educator
ITE (in-progress)
Infant and Toddler Program
Known for her beautiful smile, SoYoun joins our “wee ones” after a time of subbing at our Riverwood Gate facility. She brings brings 4 years experience as a Middle School Educator and a great love and passion for the young ones. Right after work, she goes to school to complete her Infant and Toddler credentials. She loves to get to the children’s level and enthusiastically join in with their play. During her spare time, she enjoys the outdoors, reading & travelling.
Early Childhood Educator
ITE (in-progress)
Infant and Toddler Program
Known for her beautiful smile, SoYoun joins our “wee ones” after a time of subbing at our Riverwood Gate facility. She brings brings 4 years experience as a Middle School Educator and a great love and passion for the young ones. Right after work, she goes to school to complete her Infant and Toddler credentials. She loves to get to the children’s level and enthusiastically join in with their play. During her spare time, she enjoys the outdoors, reading & travelling.
Jessica Charlton
ECE (Early Childhood Educator)
School Aged Program
Miss Jessica joins us with 7 years of experience ranging from school age all the way to infants and toddlers. Additionally she worked as an au pair to a Swiss family for 1.5 years, caring for a 6 mos and 3 yr old. While in Switzerland she enjoyed learning French at the University of Geneva. Ten years later, Miss Jessica has completed her ECE, CYC and has almost completed her Bachelor of Arts. Her ultimate goal is to work as a kindergarten teacher. Recently married, Jessica shares a love of sports (gold, skiing and swimming) and international cuisine with her husband, Mike
ECE (Early Childhood Educator)
School Aged Program
Miss Jessica joins us with 7 years of experience ranging from school age all the way to infants and toddlers. Additionally she worked as an au pair to a Swiss family for 1.5 years, caring for a 6 mos and 3 yr old. While in Switzerland she enjoyed learning French at the University of Geneva. Ten years later, Miss Jessica has completed her ECE, CYC and has almost completed her Bachelor of Arts. Her ultimate goal is to work as a kindergarten teacher. Recently married, Jessica shares a love of sports (gold, skiing and swimming) and international cuisine with her husband, Mike
