Meet the Team!

Hi! I'm Dania, owner of  Little Forest Dwellers.

 

I have over 9 years of experience working with children in various settings. I have my Early Childhood Development Diploma and Child Development Supervisor Certificate from Lethbridge college. Prior to that, I used to work as an accountant and I hold a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting from the University of Quebec. I speak 3 languages and love learning about other cultures. I have a passion for working with children and teaching them through play.

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I am also a mother of 2 girls ages 11 and 17.  I have lived in the Springbank community for over 10 years now and love to watch wildlife visiting from my window. I also love to go camping with my family during the summer.

Hello! I'm Larysa, one of your educators at Little Forest Dwellers.

I have my Early Childhood Development Diploma and Child Development Supervisor Certificate from Grant MacEwan in Edmonton. I've worked in many different school type environments as an Educational Assistant. These placements ranged from specific special needs centres, home based therapy and in public and private schools. I have also taken courses and attended conferences to enhance my learning surrounding young children with many needs.

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I am also a mother of 2 older children, and I spends lots of hours in rinks watching them play hockey and ringette. My family and I enjoy camping in the summer, going for walks and spending time with our extended family in and out of town. I also enjoy Ukrainian dancing and ballet classes with an adult group. I grew in a small town where I enjoyed exploring in the forest behind my house. Many days were spent bringing home buckets of rocks, frogs and many other creatures that I had to return to their homes. I am looking forward to explore nature with the children from their perspective of the environment.

Hello! My name is Emelia. I am very excited to be continuing my career in childcare with Little Forest Dwellers. I have been working with children since high school, volunteering and doing summer camps in the summers. I have a diploma in Elementary Education from Red Deer Polytechnic.

I love working with children, they are always so joyful and free, they challenge growth in such a positive way. I think the best part about being an educator is seeing the children learn and grow from the example we set as educators. In my free time I like to watch television, preferably comedy shows and watching football live, I’m a big fan of Calgary Stampeders!

Hi, I'm Lauren, a Certified Yoga Instructor and a Level 1 Early Childhood Educator.

I lead the children in yoga and mindfulness activities (on Friday mornings) and I also help out in the program with regular activities.

I host yoga classes and also provide private child care in my home when I'm not at Little Forest Dwellers.

I have two children, Lana and Jena, who join me at LFD most days I'm in.

 

Hi there! I’m Mia, I have recently finished my certification in Early Childhood Education at Bow Valley College and I’m in my final year to complete my diploma program.

 

I’m originally from a small town in Ontario, but have been living in Canmore for the past two years and just recently relocated to Calgary. I’m Inuit and Italian; my indigenous background is a big reason as to why I believe we are one with nature and that children learn the most when exploring the outdoors.

Hello! My name is Stacey and I am so excited to be joining the team at Little Forest Dwellers! 

 

I have a bachelor of child studies degree majoring in early learning and childcare from Mount Royal University. I have a ton of experience working with children doing respite and inclusion care, nannying, childcare, and most recently I was teaching in a preschool program! 

 

I have loved working with children for as long as I can remember. I love that it is an environment that supports reciprocal learning between educators and children. I love exploring and learning alongside children, supporting them in their interests and creating an environment that is inclusive and supportive of their holistic development. 

 

Being from the Yukon, I have always loved being outdoors and in nature and am happiest outside! I am very passionate about sharing my love for the outdoors with children and exploring alongside them! 

Hi, I'm Sandra.

I'm a casual educator at Little Forest Dwellers and a full time Mom to 3 children and 2 fur babies.

I have an Early Childhood Education Certificate from Mount Royal, a BA from the University of Alberta, and a Petroleum Land Administration Diploma from Mount Royal. Prior to becoming a Mom, I was a Mineral Land Administrator, and before that I was a Before and After School Care Program Coordinator with the YMCA. I am passionate about making a difference in children's lives and believe that by providing them with positive experiences now, it will set the stage for their success and happiness long-term.

A fun fact about me is that I still keep my favorite childhood teddy bear 'Coco' on my bed!