Our Teachers

Our Staff

Lindsay

I am a second generation Early Childhood Educator and knew at a very young age that working with children is what I would do as a career. As I grew up with my Mom teaching I would often want to take a day off school to join her at the preschool where she has been teaching for over 30 years.

Naturally when it was time for me to attend college the ECE program was a natural fit. I graduated from Douglas College ECE program in 1999 with a diploma in Early Childhood Education with a Special Needs Citation. I actually completed my final college practicum at Friendly Forest Preschool and was inspired by the teachers, environment and curriculum. I was hired at Friendly Forest preschool in September 2000.

I am married and live in Maple Ridge with my husband Colin and our 3 children, Shaemus, Brielle and Callum.

I feel very proud to teach at Friendly Forest Preschool. I am inspired by my co-teachers and our support staff. I have always been inspired by the way children think and how they often seem awestruck by nature and their environment. They remind me every day that we can not take these things for granted.

 

Ruth

I graduated in 1997 with my Early childhood education and infant toddler diploma. I have lived in Port Coquitlam for 20 years with my husband Kirk and now growing family of three boys, Markus Aiden and Elliot.

I started teaching at Friendly Forest in 2008. My passion is to spend time with children while they discover, explore and learn. And I love working in my own community.

At Friendly Forest, we provide children with a safe nurturing environment where children and families work together to build a better community.

 

Oliwia

I was born in Poland and immigrated to Canada in 2009.  I am married and live in Port Moody with my husband Kuba and our two boys Antek and Jasiu.

I earned a degree in Education and Sociology in Poland and had worked as an educator for many years. Inspired by my own young children I decided to go back to school here in Canada and obtained an ECE Certificate at Burnaby Continuing Education. I started with Friendly Forest preschool in 2017. I am proud to be a part of this unique community of children, educators and parents. Inspired by children, their curiosity and their need to make sense of the world around them I am always ready to embark on the journey of discovery, exploration and in-depth investigation.

 

Glenda – Substitute Teacher

I was born in South Africa and Immigrated to Canada in 1978. I am married with two children , a son and a daughter , and have lived in Anmore since 1986.

I studied Early Childhood Education in South Africa, Calgary , and here at Douglas College.

I have a diploma in Early Childhood Education with a Special Need’s citation. I have worked at Friendly Forest Preschool Since 1986. I am also a recipient of the Prime Ministers Award for Excellence in Childhood Education.

I am happy to work in a non-profit , parent co-operative preschool, where both teachers and parents are involved and invested in the children’s education. Our preschool is a place where children have the right to play.

 

Supported Childcare Program Assistants

Joanne

I moved to Port Moody from Winnipeg in 1997. I am married with three children. My children all attended Friendly Forest Preschool. I have an Early Childhood Education Assistant Certificate, and my son was diagnosed with Autism during his preschool years, which enabled me to also have specialized training in Autism and Special Needs Supports.

I joined the staff as a Program Assistant in April of 2006, and I am the regular Substitute Teacher. As a previous parent of the school, I fell in love with the school philosophy, the teachers, and my children were truly enriched!

Now I get to work at this special Preschool and help facilitate the same enriching experiences for new children and their families.