Meet Our Team
under 3 teamShirleyYears of Service: 29
Education: Child and Youth Care Degree, Behaviour Interventionist Certificate, Applied Behaviour Analysis, Early Childhood Education, Infant Toddler and Special Needs Certificates Languages Spoken: English Hello, I am Shirley and I have dedicated 35+ years of my life to the field of Early Childhood Education. For 3 decades, I have had the pleasure of working for St. Barnabas Daycare, a place I hold close to my heart. In my earlier years, as a single parent, I experienced incredible support of my community when I needed it most. This experience ignited my passion for working with young children and families. There is no greater joy for me than seeing the world through the eyes of children, witnessing their boundless curiosity and wonder. I know I'm on the right path when children are excited to see me or when families still remember me, even 20 to 30 years later, it is truly amazing! In addition to my professional life, I am a parent to three children and grandparent to five. Beyond my work I find solace in gardening, running, hiking, outback camping, and skiing. |
under 3 teamIrinaYears of Service: 16
Education: Early Childhood Education & Infant and Toddler Certificate, Bachelor of Economics (Russia) Languages Spoken: Russian, English I have always loved kids which is why I chose to become a daycare teacher 20 years ago when we immigrated to Canada. I began my career in Early Childhood Education in 2006 when I started working here at St. Barnabas. I love the cohesiveness and comradely we feel as a staff and especially appreciate the connection we have with our children. Working with young children inspired me to take my infant and toddler training in 2012. Some of my strengths are that I am hard working, responsible and a very patient teacher. In my spare time I like to try new recipes, travel and play ukelele. |
under 3 teamJing
Years of service: 8
Education: Early Childhood Education, Infant Toddler and Special Needs Certificate, Bachelor Accounting. Languages Spoken: English, Mandarin. I graduated from Douglas college ECE with a specialty in special needs and infant toddler training in 2015. I like gardening, reading and hiking. I believe children are competent, capable and unique with their strength and interests. My goal for children is to ensure that they develop strong sense of themselves and reach their full potential physically, emotionally socially and intellectually. |
small 3-5 teamSylvia
Years of Service: 23
Education: Early Childhood Education, Medical Office Administration Languages Spoken: Tagalog, English I have been working at St Barnabas Daycare since 2000. I worked in Singapore for three years before I migrated to Canada in 1992. I went to school for medical office assistant and got my certificate soon after. I received my ECE training in 1998 and have been at St. Barnabas ever since. Working with children is very challenging and yet very rewarding. They motivate me to live a happy life. |
centre float - all programsEmilyYears of Service: 4
Education: Early Childhood Education, Infant Toddler and Special Needs Certificate Languages Spoken: English, Mandarin It has been 20 years since I started my ECE journey. I was inspired by by my niece to be an Early Childhood Educator when I used to take care of her. Being with children brings so much joy in my life! I truly appreciate every opportunity to be a part of children's learning and growing stages. Outside of work I like to be in nature especially by the water, such as near oceans, rivers and lakes. Lastly, in my spare time I enjoy baking, cooking and going for walks with my family. |
large 3-5 teamJuliet
Years of Service: 16
Education: Early Childhood Education, Bachelor Electronic Engineering Languages Spoken: English, Mandarin, understanding of Cantonese I am proud of being an ECE teacher because it makes me feel accomplished, happier and younger by fulfilling the needs the children by helping them become more intelligent, confident and to help them grow healthier and happier each day. Coming from a Chinese Canadian background my Chinese language skills also helps create multiculturalism and is beneficial in assisting Chinese families in the neighborhood. |
large 3-5 teamMichal KiflomYears of Service: New
Education: Early Childhood Education Languages Spoken: English I am passionate about creating a safe and inclusive learning environment for children. There is no greater joy than working with children as we teach them to reach for the stars. It is with great privilege that I work in such a rewarding field in a team and center that I love. |
large 3-5 teamJannelle Years of Service: 4
Education: Early Childhood Education, Special Needs Certificate Languages Spoken: Tagalog, English I am in this field because I see the importance of children in our society. I would like to make a positive impact on the children I come across. I enjoy spending time with them, helping them, nurturing and educating them. I believe in the power of creative play and exploration. Young children are learning their best when they are within a safe environment where their creativity is stimulated. I enjoy working with the staff of St Barnabas, watch of them bring in their own strength where we can all learn from each other and work within a team. |
large 3-5 teamJoseahYears of Service: 1 Year
Education: Early Childhood Education Assistant Languages Spoken: English and Tagalog Taking my ECE diploma is one of the best decisions of my life as it has always been a passion of mine to work with young children, to view the world through their eyes and to see them grow. I am so grateful to get the opportunity to do what I love with a team that has helped shape the Early Childhood Educator that I am today. I am passionate about positive motivation in the classroom, as well as life because I believe that positivity can help children reach their full potential. |
Out of School CareDavidYears of Service: New
Education: Responsible Adult, Master of Theology Languages Spoken: English, Cantonese and Mandarin I have dedicated my self to education since graduation from University. I am glad to join the team at St. Barnabas, I strive to cultivate every child's unique personality and potential. |
directorRaj Years of Service: 10
Education: Early Childhood Education Certificate, Languages Spoken: English and Punjabi I knew at an early age that I wanted to work with people to make a difference and support them during their life adventures. I started working with children straight out of high school and fell in love with their enthusiasm, silliness and honesty. I believe that the early years are the most important years in a child’s life to learn, which is how I ended in early childhood facilities. We have such a huge opportunity at this age to teach children while they are at play, and we are so fortunate to be a part of that. I am committed to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and engaging space where your child can explore, discover, and flourish. I am dedicated to working collaboratively with the New West community and the talented staff here at St. Barnabas to ensure the best possible experience for your little ones. |