INTUITIVE. RESPECTFUL. FUN.
OUR TEAM
All of our staff are qualified Early Childhood Educators who are passionate about childcare and education. Although it may look like our centre is just a lot of fun (and it is!) everything we do is related to learning. Children are constantly exploring, questioning and trying to make sense of their world and understand society. We love to include the community in our program and routines - this is reflected in our planning and we try to go on outings as often as possible.
Qualifications/Education:
ECE A
B.A. Sociology
Certificate in Spanish
How long have you worked in THE ECE field?
4 years this November
When did you start at FCCS?
October 2017
Why did you choose this work?
Working with children is such a rewarding experience! I have had the privilege to watch so many of our kids grow and learn. It's quite amazing when a child shares their world with you through their stories and wonderment.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
The people! It's great to come to work every day and work with such a wonderful team. The passion and enthusiasm make it a great environment to work in.
What are your hobbies/interest outside of work?
Spending time with my family, singing, writing and playing music, painting, walks, biking, and cooking.
Erin Luna
Program Manager
Fun facts: Owner of both the Elk Valley Pizza Shoppe and Chilango! have lived in Mexico City, and am a Singer/Songwriter.
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Qualifications/Education:
ECE
How long have you worked in the ECE field?
8 and a half years
When did you start at FCCS?
July 12 2021
Why did you choose this work?
I wanted a career that would be rewarding but challenging. Something to fulfill my life with in many different ways. I'm always learning new ways of programming and so far it has never been a dull moment.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
I enjoy seeing the world through the eyes of a child when I am working. I love seeing children's imaginations at large, its just a really good life I get to live.
What are your hobbies/interest outside of work?
I love hiking, swimming in the coldest water I can find. Camping, kayaking and hunting are huge parts of my life. I love to read and draw. Embroidery is something I took up last year and I love to that in my spare time.
Megan Boardman
Early Childhood Educator
Fun facts: There is a road named after my family in Fernie.
Qualifications/Education:
ECE A (ECE in progress and then IT)
How long have you worked in ECE field?
3.5 years.
When did you start at FCCS?
2017
Why did you choose this work?
I needed a change from commercial insurance and I've been interested in early childhood education ever since I graduated from high school.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
When the children show proof that they’ve learnt what you taught them. Like snow leopards, ABC’s in French, and the solar system!
What are your hobbies/interest outside of work?
Exploring my community of Baynes Lake, history and hiking, snowshoeing in the winter, mountain hiking in the summer. Spending any time with my husband, Lewis and the dogs Hunter and Ash.
Shelby Dominick
ECE Assistant
Fun fact: I love random fun facts, which actually comes in handy teaching 4-5 year olds and I love summertime the most!
Qualifications/Education:
ECE A
B.A. Sociology
Certificate in Spanish
How long working in ECE field:
4 years this November
When did you start at FCCS?
October 2017
Why do you work in ECE (why do you choose this work)?
Working with children is such a rewarding experience! I have had the privilege to watch so many of our kids grow and learn. Its quite amazing when a child shares their world with you through their stories and wonderment.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
The people! Its great to come to work everyday and work with such a wonderful team. The passion and enthusiasm make it a great environment to work in.
What are your hobbies/interest outside of work?
Spending time with my family, singing, writing and playing music, painting, walks, biking, and cooking.
Qualifications/Education:
ECE & years of experience working with children in many different settings.
How long have you worked in the ECE field?
2 years and counting.
When did you start at FCCS?
April 2019
Why did you choose this work?
I have always enjoyed working with children. As my knowledge grew, I realized how important the early years are and how much I wanted to be a part of it. To assist children in empowering themselves to be their best, true selves.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
Seeing life through a child’s eyes. Learning from the children about patience, presence, and enjoying the little things. Watching the child light up as they learn something or figure something out for themselves.
What are your hobbies/interest outside of work?
I really enjoy hiking in the great outdoors with my dog Wilson. I love snuggling up with a good book especially on cold nights. I also enjoy gardening – slowly learning the ropes.
Jenny Turnbull
Early Childhood Educator
Qualifications/Education:
ECE A (ECE certification completion Fall 2021)
Bachelor degree of Zoology
Masters' degree in Nature Conservation
How long have you worked in the ECE field?
October 2019
When did you start at FCCS?
October 2019
Why did you choose this work?
Early childhood is such an important stage in a child’s life. After having children of my own, I decided I wanted to help make a positive difference in the lives of young children, equipping them with the skills and capacity to learn and thrive.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
Every day is a new adventure! The enthusiasm and energy of the children is contagious. I love watching and nurturing their innate curiosity for science and the natural world.
What are your hobbies/interest outside of work?
Adventuring with my husband and two young boys. Hiking, mountain biking, skiing, yoga and running.
Corinne Hoetmer
Early Childhood Educator
Fun Facts: I taught ESL in South Korea to both children and adults, I worked as project coordinator for the South Rockies Grizzly Bear Project, and I spent 8 years studying, working, and travelling overseas.
Qualifications/Education:
ECE A
B.A. Sociology
Certificate in Spanish
How long working in ECE field:
4 years this November
When did you start at FCCS?
October 2017
Why do you work in ECE (why do you choose this work)?
Working with children is such a rewarding experience! I have had the privilege to watch so many of our kids grow and learn. Its quite amazing when a child shares their world with you through their stories and wonderment.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
The people! Its great to come to work everyday and work with such a wonderful team. The passion and enthusiasm make it a great environment to work in.
What are your hobbies/interest outside of work?
Spending time with my family, singing, writing and playing music, painting, walks, biking, and cooking.
Qualifications/Education:
ECE
How long have you worked in the ECE field?
I'm just starting my career but have provided child care for several families over the years.
When did you start at FCCS?
March 2021
Why did you choose this work?
After becoming a mother, I became fascinated by child development and realizing I was entirely ill-educated regarding the topic. I decided to further my education and enrolled in the Early Childhood Education program. With the current childcare situation in the Elk Valley, I knew my career choice would not only allow me to continually provide for my family, but also help alleviate the over burdened childcare system and ease the stresses for many families.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
Establishing relationships with the children and getting to know all of their different personalities is truly remarkable. Being able to cater to their individual needs and facilitate their growth and development is endlessly fulfilling. Being able to positively impact children’s lives is a joy like no other.
What are your hobbies/interest outside of work?
My husband, son, and I take every opportunity to enjoy all the Elk Valley has to offer while making the most of every single day with our family and friends. Disc golfing, river floats, kayaking, bike-joring with our husky Mya, swimming, hiking, fishing, BBQs, backyard fires etc. We love it all!
Samantha Caravetta
Early Childhood Educator
Fun facts: I am originally from the East Coast, Newfoundland and grew up next to the Atlantic Ocean. And while I miss it terribly, the mountains make me feel at home!
Qualifications/Education:
ECE IT, Special Needs
How long have you worked in the ECE field?
7 years in June
When did you start at FCCS?
October 2019
Why did you choose this work?
I have always loved being around children whether its being an auntie, counselling a cabin of girls at summer camp or leading Sunday School/Nursery – I love it. When I realized I could do it as a career I was on board! There is something special about working with children, even on the crazy days! I wouldn’t trade it.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
Building the relationships with the children in my program, and seeing them implement things I’ve helped teach them – even if it is as small as putting their lunch in the fridge. And of course, I love all the hugs and smiles and being called “Maree” “Malee” etc.
What are your hobbies/interest outside of work?
Jigsaw puzzles, painting, playing my trumpet, adventuring with family, biking and snuggling my cats/taking them for walks.
Qualifications/Education:
ECE IT, Special Needs
How long have you worked int he ECE field?
6 years
When did you start at FCCS?
September 2020
Why did you choose this work?
For as long as I can remember I’ve always wanted to make a positive impact in other people’s lives and within my community. Also growing up I was very engaged in my younger sisters life, as well as a consistent babysitter. I always felt so much joy when being with the children; their laughter, the way they view the world around them, their endless curiosity, and love they shared made me realize at a young age that I wanted to be apart of shaping children’s lives and helping them grow and develop along the way.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
I really enjoy walking into my classroom and being greeted with all the smiles and hugs from the children. I love creating relationships with not only the children but also their families. Also I love being able to adventure and explore with the children while watching them grow and develop. I love being a part of shaping these little lives.
What are your hobbies/interest outside of work?
Camping with friends, hiking all year long, reading books – romance novels, thrillers, personal development.
Mallory Gordon
Early Childhood Educator
Fun Facts: I'm a proud Auntie of 11 nieces/nephews! I moved here from Ottawa after visiting my sister twice and falling in love with the mountains! I'm a huge Christmas fanatic!
Kelsey Meadows
Early Childhood Educator
Fun Facts: I was born and raised in Sparwood; I have a large loving family; I am the middle child; and I don’t believe pineapple belongs on pizza!
THE BOARD
Our Society is governed by a Board of Directors. Individuals elected to serve on the Board of Directors have a significant interest in furthering the mission and goals of FCCS and early childhood education in Fernie.
The Board is accountable to the members, staff, and parents at FCCS and shall fulfill the governance role for the society. Only the Board can establish governing policy to provide direction for the organization. To do this, it takes into account the mission, values, beliefs, guiding principles, and the objects under which FCCS was established.
The Board also focuses on strategic planning and considers how it can best achieve organizational goals while using resources wisely. The Board monitors the performance of the organization as a whole; they focus on the "bigger picture" of organizational achievement.
We would like to extend our gratitude to our board members for making FCCS what it is today.
Karen Tse, Chair
Jennifer O'Donnell, Treasurer
Katie Young, Secretary
Amanda Green, Director
Samantha Caravetta, Director
Stephanie Aubin, Director
Melissa Fleischacker, Director
Kaye Cusa, Director