Meet Our Team
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under 3 teamShirleyYears of Service: 26
Education: Child and Youth Care Degree, Behaviour Interventionist Certificate, Applied Behaviour Analysis, Early Childhood Education, Infant Toddler and Special Needs Certificates Languages Spoken: English I have been in the field for 34 years and have worked at St Barnabas for almost 26 years. In my earlier years when I was a single parent the help in the community was always there when I needed it. Since then my passion was always to work with young children and families. There is no greater joy that I get than watching the world through the eyes of children. And I know I am doing something right when they are excited to see me or when I am in the community and families still remember be 20-30 years later! Amazing! I have three children of my own plus two grandchildren. I enjoy gardening, running, hiking skiing and gardening. |
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under 3 teamIrinaYears of Service: 14
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. |
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under 3 teamJing
Years of service: 5
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. |
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small 3-5 teamSylvia
Years of Service: 20
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. |
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large 3-5 teamJane
Years of Service: 20
Education: Early Childhood Education, Special Needs Certificate, Bachelor Education (Philippines) Languages Spoken: Tagalog, English I migrated to Canada with my Bachelor Degree in Elementary Education, and was a full time Mom until the youngest of my three children attended Kindergarten. I pursued a Canadian career as an Assistant Nursing Aide and was able to fulfill my passion for children earning my ECE and Special needs certificate soon after. In this adventure, children can teach us a great deal about life. There is no effective attitude that can counteract a child-like trust, simplicity and open spirit. They are full of wonder and awe that we as adults, have lost or take for granted. It’s my inspiration in life knowing that parents trust you with their precious children. Special Talent: I can play the Ukulele. |
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large 3-5 teamJuliet
Years of Service: 14
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. |
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large 3-5 teamRajYears of Service: 6 **CURRENTLY ON LEAVE**
Education: Early Childhood Education Languages Spoken: Punjabi, English I am an organized and creative individual with a positive attitude and have a great passion towards working with children. I have two and a half years of education in the Early Childhood Program along with practical experience as an Early Childhood Educator. I am a dedicated and qualified early childhood educator with a passion for children’s learning and care, and have experience working with children from infants to school age. I have completed my Early Childhood Certificate with Douglas College and am delighted to be part of the staffing team with St. Barnabas. |
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large 3-5 teamJannelleYears of Service: 1
Education: Early Childhood Education, Special Needs Certifcate 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. |
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large 3-5 teamBriannaYears of Service: NEW
Education: Early Childhood Education Assistant Languages Spoken: English I started volunteering with children when I was 13 and have since found a love and passion for what I do. Watching children grow and play is such a joy. I was born and raised here in BC but spent some time in Alberta. I have two dogs that mean the world to me. I love watching all kinds of movies and camping and spending time with my nieces and nephews. I am one of five children, and have a twin brother. |
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large 3-5 teamBrian
Years of service: 8
Languages: English, Basic French Education: Hons. Bachelor of Commerce, Post Graduate Commercial Property Valuation Diploma, Level 3 Soccer Coach Six years ago, eighteen months before I retired, I began an excel list of the places I could invest my free time. The list included Canadian University Services Overseas, where I began my post-college life as a teacher in Ghana. I included Medicins Sans Frontier, CIDA, and two UN organizations and Canadian volunteer based organizations. When retirement drew near, I found that I would prefer to live in Canada, rather than take on, as a senior, the health risks associated with overseas life. I came to New West from Moncton 15 years ago. Early in my days here, I was introduced to St. Barnabas Church. Sometime later, the church offered me a board position at St Barnabas Daycare, where I eventually accepted chair. It was through the Daycare, I came back in touch with younger families. The experience mirrored a fulfilling time in my life. Also I came to know and admire the caring-professionals working at St Barnabas. Dropping into St Barnabas, I would be lifted by the relationships, the cheer and the love expressed by all. I have to admit, I enjoy child play and especially the way the St Barnabas kids do it. I’ve always experienced a very positive play interaction with children, we have fun together. With the perspective of a father, neighbor and coach, I decided to approach St Barnabas as a volunteer. The role allows me to continue to be a contributor in my community as I age. A three day per week commitment allows me to enjoy friends, and madly pursue outdoor passions, particularly as a cross-skier, a novice instructor and as treasurer of the “Vancouver Skiers”. |
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Out of School CareAnna In Years of Service: NEW
Education: Early Childhood Education Languages Spoken: English, Spanish I was originally going to study to be a youth care worker, hoping to make an impact on children in need, but after some thought I felt like early childhood was a better fit for me. I was born here in Canada but my mom is from El Savador and my Dad is from Mexico. I enjoy painting, drawing, makeup, horror movies. |
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directorJill
In Years of Service: 9
Education: Early Childhood Education, Infant and Toddler and Special Needs Certificate, Human Service Counselling Diploma Languages Spoken: English 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 have been managing large multi license centers for over 13 years. The culture and community feel in New West has given me an opportunity to use my social service background and love for children and combine them into a job that I love in an office surrounded by children. Lucky me. My interests include photography, travel and beach exploring. |