Educators

Who We Are

Saplings educators have shifted their practice toward an ongoing, constantly evolving model of knowledge creation through intentionally attending to the conversations, interests, and needs of students. By paying attention to these emergent moments and the multiple ways in which students can explore their learning, educators welcome multiple perspectives, complexity, and diversity by creating a program that is flexible, responsive, and relevant to our local community. By engaging with the complexities of their practice in a spirit of experimentation, children and adults think and learn together, ultimately guiding one another toward thinking deeply, responding respectfully, and building communities.

Saplings believes that clear communication between educators, parents, and students is an integral part of an educational experience. Educators celebrate, document, and display student work to make learning visible so families may share in the learning journey, and students may gain the skills of self and peer evaluation.Through collaborating to create an evolving student gallery as the year progresses, students can begin to understand the connections between projects, revisit their ideas, and learn to remain open to renovating their thoughts and responses as they go.

HEATHER FRASER

BA, BCYC, RECE, MEd

Program Director & Forest School Educator

A mother of two, I am passionate about working with children and have a love for the outdoors. I have taught in a number of early childhood settings including toddler, preschool, and school-aged programs. I have a passion for nature and I am excited to share that passion with others around me. I spend my time gardening with my two children and exploring the beautiful trails and beaches around our home. I feel that it is so important to get outside whatever the weather and connect with the world around us.

My academic background includes a BA in Child and Youth Care from the University of Victoria, as well as an Early Childhood Certificate. I continue to take many professional development courses in Early Childhood Education to keep up with current information in the field.

My passion for outdoor play and the importance of connecting our children with nature inspired me to build Saplings Outdoor Program. Through our nature based school, I hope to further share my appreciation for nature and a compassion for all living things.

Pronouns: she/her.

CECILY HERAS

BA, BEd, MEd

Head of School, BC Certified Teacher & Forest Educator

In my work as an educator and a mother of three, I draw upon strong personal relationships with both the people and the places around me. Having completed undergraduate studies at UBC and a graduate degree at SFU, I have developed a particular interest in critical and visual literacy, ecological sustainability and education, imaginative educational practices, formative assessment techniques, and in-depth learning and thinking skills. I strive to support students in becoming aware of their own knowledge, thoughts, and motivations in order to share their ideas and creativity with confidence.

I passionately believe that education should help students gain a sense about the goings on in our world, how it is, and how it came to be this way. I also believe that establishing a connection to nature is one way to help humanity to realize a sustainable future for all. I hope to cultivate a love of learning, based in freedom and intellectual security to give students a feeling of accomplishment and a sense of the interconnectedness of everything.

Now rooted in the beautiful North Shore, in my spare time, I can be found in the garden.

Pronouns: she/her.

Meet the Pinecone Team (K-1)

Megan Felton

Lead Teacher

I'm a primary school teacher from the UK, with

a deep-seated passion for positively influencing children’s lives and fostering their growth as independent learners, my commitment lies in ensuring that every child develops a love for learning. While I have experience teaching children of all ages, my expertise predominantly lies in Kindergarten to Grade 1. I have a genuine passion for phonics and early reading. I firmly believe that every child possesses the potential to excel in reading; they simply require the right book to unlock it.

My journey into teaching started with studying Physical Education at university and working as a PE teacher. Later, I decided to dive deeper into education and went back to university to study Primary Education. I've been teaching in a primary school for five years now, and it's been incredibly rewarding. In my spare time you'll find me exploring and hiking the beautiful scenery of British Columbia!

Andra Neculae

Educational Assistant

I am an educator passionate about teaching and engaging children in activities that stimulate their creativity, independent thinking, and learning skills.
My educational journey began in Romania, where I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Romanian and German languages, as well as a Master’s Degree in Philology. I have over 8 years of experience as a head teacher and German language instructor.
I enjoy working with students of all ages and believe there should always be a strong connection between them and their educators.
I love the sea and the mountains, and I enjoy spending time admiring nature. In my leisure time, I prefer to paint, read, or cook. I recently discovered my passion for gardening, which has deepened my respect and care for nature and its gifts

Tanee Doung

Educational Assistant

Bio Coming soon

Cooper

Tuesday EA

Bio Coming Soon

Meet the Cedar Team (Grade 2-5)

Kyra Croft

Lead Teacher

I completed both my Bachelor in Arts (Psychology and French) and Bachelor of Education in French Immersion at the University of British Columbia. I have experience teaching every grade level from K-12, but am particularly fond of our Elementary Level learners. I take a Social Emotional Learning (SEL) approach and Strength-Based approach to my teaching. I am passionate about helping students develop and apply the skills necessary to understand and manage their emotions, set and achieve positive goals, understand and show empathy for others while establishing and maintaining positive respectful relationships. One of my greatest joys as a teacher is connecting with each child and helping them build their confidence and discover the power in their uniqueness.

Having grown up on the North Shore (land of the Tsleil-Waututh and Squamish Nations) , I have a special connection with the beautiful ocean, mountains, and forest that surrounds Saplings. Everyday I am excited by the opportunity to lean into the lessons nature has to offer us and watch the children’s creativity and inquisitiveness bloom as the natural world becomes their classroom.

Andra Neculae

Tuesday Teacher

‘I am an educator passionate about teaching and engaging children in activities that stimulate their creativity, independent thinking, and learning skills.
My educational journey began in Romania, where I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Romanian and German languages, as well as a Master’s Degree in Philology. I have over 8 years of experience as a head teacher and German language instructor.
I enjoy working with students of all ages and believe there should always be a strong connection between them and their educators.
I love the sea and the mountains, and I enjoy spending time admiring nature. In my leisure time, I prefer to paint, read, or cook. I recently discovered my passion for gardening, which has deepened my respect and care for nature and its gifts.’

Trevor Funk

Educational Assistant

Nature has always been my playground, my classroom, and my source of endless inspiration. Growing up amidst the stunning landscapes of Banff National Park, I developed a great bond with the outdoors. My childhood was filled with cross-country skiing adventures, hikes that unveiled hidden wonders, and endless explorations that shaped my love for the natural world.

For the past decade, I've had the privilege of sharing my passion for nature with young minds on the west coast. My journey in education and childcare has been diverse and enriching. From guiding curious preschoolers to organizing engaging after-school activities, designing immersive youth programs, and creating unforgettable camp experiences for kids. Being a part of Saplings Nature School is a dream fit for me. This role allows me to combine my love for the outdoors with my dedication to education and childcare. Supporting the next generation of nature enthusiasts and fostering a deep appreciation for the environment fills me with joy. I believe that nature is the best teacher. It instills a sense of wonder, encourages curiosity, and teaches invaluable life lessons.

Meghan Ormandy

Educational Assistant

My name is Meghan Ormandy I am from the Tseil-Waututh Nation, and I carry my traditional name ʔəy̓wəttənat. I can speak a bit of the Squamish Language and I have taught the language to youth. I also participate in traditional war canoe during the summer. I participate in our longhouse ceremonies in the winter. I also carry knowledge on our traditional medicine and I’m exciting share. I love working with children and youth they are such energy givers.

Meet the Support Team

Lulu Katoh

1:1 Support

'I was born and grew up in Japan. As a child, my parents often took me to our family field, where we grew a variety of vegetables and buckwheat. We would make buckwheat noodles from scratch, a tradition that brought us together and fostered my love for the outdoors.

I worked as a kindergarten teacher in Japan, but I always had a desire to work at a nature school, nurturing young minds in a natural setting. When I discovered nature schools in Canada, my passion for nature education truly bloomed. In 2021, I made the exciting move to Vancouver and have had the amazing opportunity to work at Saplings ever since.

I worked at Saplings Preschool for the first three years, and during that time, I've loved watching children immerse themselves in activities such as mud sliding, jumping in puddles, and being gentle and kind to nature and its creatures. I believe outdoor education is incredibly beneficial for children, helping them develop a sense of wonder, enhancing their physical and mental well-being, and fostering a deep connection to the natural world. The joy and curiosity I see in the children every day reaffirm my belief in the importance of this type of education.

I also love learning about BC's unique and diverse nature, discovering many aspects that we don't have in Japan.

On weekends, you can find me exploring the mountains, as I enjoy hiking and have recently taken up backpacking and kayaking!'

Dayne Sabo

1:1 Support

Raised on Vancouver Island, I have a deep love for the land and the people who uphold it. The older I get the bigger my passion becomes to educate with and through the land that I live on. I got my Bachelor’s of Arts &; Sciences through Quest University where I focused my studies on sexuality and gender identity education.

I have since done a wide range of behavioural support work with neuro-atypical youth in and out of standardized schooling. I believe deeply that a strong education is tied to an understanding of community that includes the people and the land. In my free time I like to read science fiction or learn about something new, I like to write poetry and play cribbage, and I love making food that I can share with my partner and housemates. I am extremely excited to join the team here at Saplings and I look forward to becoming a part of this community.

Cam Hill

1:1 Support

Hello, I’m cam! I discovered my love of teaching through running my own ceramic & art studio in East Vancouver called Swamp Collective. I am a ceramic artist inspired by nature, folk tales, community, and ones inner self. Over the last year I decided to expand my practice by running workshops, events, and teaching, where something immediately clicked in me. My approach is gentle and silly, by supporting children (and adults) to play messy and think freely, while ensuring a safe environment both physically and emotionally. I’m exited to continue learning myself, while taking care and help guide the new generation to love and find inspiration with Mother Nature, especially in the age of technology. I am passionate about using and respecting nature creatively, using art as a way to play and heal, and fostering strong connections to the earth through community.

I grew up in Kelowna, BC, but have found my sense of place on the west coast being surrounded by the big trees, lush greenery, and of course, the ocean. I often go swimming year round to reset my mind and body, and spend weekends going for big bike rides or taking my dog for a walk in the forest.

Ilo Feldman

Classroom Support

Hello! My name is Ilo (pronounced ee-low) and I'm excited to be working at Saplings this year! I have over 6 years of experience working with youth of all ages, from infants to teens, including working with neurodiverse and disabled youth. I am passionate about the importance of kids playing outdoors freely and love to join their outdoor games. In my free time I like to play guitar, bike, and explore the Lower Mainland.

Kayden Kilibaba

OG specialist

Originally from a small town in rural Alberta, I moved to Vancouver in 2010 to pursue post secondary education. After graduating from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelors in Psychology I began working at a school for gifted and twice exceptional students as an education assistant. Three years into this role it became evident that there was a greater need for therapeutic academic intervention for some students. I have been trained in the Orton-Gillingham method and have been working 1:1 with students now for four years.

My pedagogy is child-centered, attachment based, and trauma informed. I pride myself on creating a learning space where students feel confident and empowered in their learning journeys, where they can comfortably make mistakes, ask questions, and learn to advocate for themselves appropriately. I look forward to being a part of your child’s learning team!