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 IT, Special Needs
How long have you worked in the 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 a good book.
Kelsey Meadows
Manager
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!
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
Assistant Manager
Early Childhood Educator
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?
6 years.
When did you start at FCCS?
April 2019
Why did you choose this work?
Jenny has been working with children for much of her adult life in a multitude of capacities- play facilitator, camp counsellor, and a nanny. She doesn't remember a time where she wasn't drawn to children
What do you enjoy most about your work?
Their innate sense of wonder and awe reminds her to enjoy the simple things in life. She strives to nurture their curiosity, their interests and to meet every child where they are at.
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.
Qualifications/Education:
Bachelor of Education in elementary education from University of Alberta. Responsible Adult course
How long have you worked in the ECE field?
3 months and counting
When did you start at FCCS?
June 2024
What do you enjoy most about your work?
I love watching children learn, grow and develop. I also really enjoy being able to play, laugh and create with them.
What are your hobbies/interest outside of work?
I really enjoy going to the lake, ocean or beach. I also enjoy travelling and anything related to soccer
Kya Soper
Responsible Adult
Fun Facts: I have traveled to 19 countries, and my favourite colour is yellow because its a happy colour
Jenny Turnbull
Early Childhood Educator
Fun facts: I grew up on a farm in Ontario. I have 3 older brothers. My favourite band is Vulfpeck, and I have seen them 3 times.
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:
Early Childhood Educator
How long have you worked in the ECE field?
3 years working in a child care facility, with many more years caring for children.
When did you start at FCCS?
March 2021
Why did you choose this work?
Due to the child care shortage and needing care for my own child I decided to become an early childhood educator. It was a happy coincidence that I fell in love with the work.
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?
I have lived in Fernie for nearly a decade with my Husband and 5 year old son. Together we enjoy all the Elk Valley has to offer. We love exploring new places and making lasting memories
Samantha Caravetta
Early Childhood Educator
Fun facts: I am originally from the East Coast, Newfoundland and grew up next to the Atlantic Ocean. I love an impromptu dance party. I feel most at home in any body of water, but always miss the ocean
Qualifications/Education:
Early Childhood Education Assistant, currently enrolled at College of the Rockies to become a fully certified ECE
How long have you worked in the ECE field?
Just starting career in ECE
When did you start at FCCS?
July 2024
What do you enjoy most about your work?
I have chosen this line of work because I really enjoy supporting children with their growth and development. Seeing the children reach each of their developmental milestones is really exciting and fulfilling.
What are your hobbies/interest outside of work?
I really enjoying spending time with my friends and family.
Kelly Graham
Early Childhood Educator Assistant
Fun facts: My favourite seasons are summer and fall, I have always wanted to travel to Bora Bora and my favourite tv show that I can watch multiple times is Superstore
Qualifications/Education:
Early Childhood Educator Assistant
How long have you worked in the ECE field?
New to the field of ECE
When did you start at FCCS?
October 2023
Why did you choose this work?
Being a mother of two I discovered my passion for this line of work. Feeling support by family, friends and the community I felt the desire to give back, leading me to this fulfilling role.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
Spending quality time with children is invaluable, providing me with boundless energy and unexpected discoveries.
What are your hobbies/interest outside of work?
When I am not working I enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, camping and cross-country skiing with family and friends. Indoors, you will find me indulging in sewing, knitting, and various crafting projects
Azumi Saito
Early Childhood Educator Assistant
Fun facts: Azumi is the tallest woman in her Japense Family at 152 cm. Her daily piano practice is focused on mastering 'fur Elise' Beethoven
Qualifications/Education:
Early Childhood Educator Assistant
How long have you worked in the ECE field?
One year
When did you start at FCCS?
January 2024
Why did you choose this work?
After becoming a mom I decided to pursue a career in Early Childhood Education because of my deep connection with children.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
truly believe that each child is unique and capable, this motivates me to be a part of their growth and early experiences. I take great pleasure in supporting their learning experiences, and learning alongside of them.
What are your hobbies/interest outside of work?
When I have time I enjoy many outdoor activities including biking, hiking, running and skiing.
Early Childhood Educator Assistant
Ray Kanai
Fun facts: I grew up on a farm in Thailand with no electricity until I was 5. I had a T.V. but it was hooked up to a battery
Qualifications/Education:
Early Childhood Educator, Infant Toddler, Special Needs
How long have you worked in the ECE field?
4 Years
When did you start at FCCS?
May 2024
Why did you choose this work?
I was initially interested in becoming an early childhood educator when I did a co-op in high school. During this co-op I immediately loved working with children and seeing them grow everyday.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
I enjoy watching children grow and learn new things every day.
What are your hobbies/interest outside of work?
Outside of work I enjoy weightlifting and going for an occasional hike. I also really enjoy reading.
Courtney Wieland
Early Childhood Educator/ Infant Toddler/ Special Needs
Fun Facts: I have 6 tattoos and always want more, I enjoy making fancy string bracelets
Qualifications/Education:
Early Childhood Educator Assistant
How long have you worked in the ECE field?
5 years
When did you start at FCCS?
October 13, 2023
What do you enjoy most about your work?
I have always known that I wanted to work with children and help them reach grow and learn. I really enjoy working with children and their families and fostering the development of the whole child. I enjoy planning new and fun activities that keep the children engaged.
What are your hobbies/interest outside of work?
Aside from working with children, I am a busy mom of two children. My family lives in Baynes Lake and we spend the majority of our time outdoors. We enjoy camping, hunting and exploring the back roads together.
Haylie Kons
Early Childhood Educator Assistant
Fun Facts: I love trying new cooking and baking recipes
Qualifications/Education:
Early Childhood Educator, Infant Toddler, Special Needs
How long have you worked in the ECE field?
1 year
When did you start at FCCS?
December 2023
What do you enjoy most about your work?
Interacting with young children brings me immense joy. Evoking cherished memories and creating heart warming moments are my favourite. I really enjoy planning activities that are child led and allows the children to explore and develop as the whole child.
What are your hobbies/interest outside of work?
Outside of work I enjoy spending time with friends and family. I also really enjoy reading a good book and interior decorating.
Amandeep Kaur
Early Childhood Educator/ Infant Toddler/ Special Needs
Fun facts: I believe pineapple does not belong on pizza, I am not fond of chocolate, and I am a vegetarian
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.
Liz Rhodes, Chair
Jolanda Björkman, Vice Chair
Anna Bjorklund Roberts , Treasurer
Corrine Hoetmer, Secretary
Rob Weitemeyer, Director
Greg Allan, Director
Cristiana Eaves, Director
Kate Hindlet, Director
Niki Fernier, Director
Shannon Widdifield, Director