Teachers

All teachers are passionate, enthusiastic, and dedicated to providing a safe, fun, play and learning environment for your child. They work on developing strong relationships with your child to build a foundation of trust. Our award winning teachers are experienced, certified, Early Childhood Educators or Assistants with First Aid certificates background and health checks. 

Sue Woodward – Director/ ECE Teacher:
My work with children began first with parenting three sons, then, as a family child care provider for twelve years. I realized that working with young children was a strength that became stronger through the Early Childhood Education program at Burnaby Continuing Education. Here I gained a deeper love, enthusiasm and passion for a field I feel so fortunate to be involved in, as well an introduction to the Reggio Emilia philosophy which immediately clicked and felt so right for me. 

I opened Childgarden Preschool in September 2007. Greatly inspired the Reggio Emilia philosophy, I strive to operate a preschool of excellence that listens to the children, and motivates learning through a inquiry based curriculum that is relevant to them in an environment that is stimulating, safe, warm and fun. I am blessed to work with other teachers who share the passion for the field and commitment to this community. 

I was very honoured to have received The 2012 Prime Minister’s Award Of Excellence in Early Childhood Education. To be recognized through nomination for this Award by Parent’s of the preschool is very special and a dream come true. 

 Caren Eigenmann – Director/ECE Teacher With Special Needs Dilpoma: 
I am the proud mother of a daughter and son, and have many years experience working with children of all ages. Over the last 15 years I have been an out of school care supervisor, preschool teacher, support teacher, and have owned and operated my own multi-age family childcare facility. I have my black belt in Karate and teach Karate part time in the community. I have pursued many workshops and courses which have inspired me to embrace the Reggio Approach, this continues to drive my passion and drive for the love of working with children is re-ignited again and again. 

In 2017 it was a very humbling experience to be nominated for the Prime Minister's Award of Excellence in Early Childhood Education.  It was truly an honour to be recognized at this level and to meet other passionate educators from across the country.

I love working with the passionate teachers of Childgarden which continuously inspires me to do my best with the children and families of the preschool.

Charmayne Shaw–ECE Teacher:

I began working with children of all ages and abilities as a dance and gymnastics instructor. For the last fifteen years, I have had the opportunity to dance around the world, teach movement classes in China, and work with many local companies as a coach, administrator, and support teacher. Once I settled in the beautiful city of Port Moody after retiring my dance shoes, I knew that I wanted to specialize and continue to pursue my passion for teaching the early years. I was introduced to the Reggio Approach through the dedicated teachers at Burnaby Continuing Education and from there I was instantly inspired and knew that Early Childhood Education was the right path for me.

I love being a part of the process of creating life learning experiences alongside the children, families, community members, and team at Childgarden that we can cherish and celebrate together.

Vivian Leung-ECE Assistant Teacher:

I have two children, a daughter Hailey, and son Ryan.  Both of my kids attended a Parent Participation Preschool in Coquitlam where I participated regularly. There I worked together with the Preschool teacher and other parents on the daily curriculum for the children. I was able to gain insight into the working of a preschool and gained valuable experience working with other children.

I recently went back to school at Capilano University to achieve my ECE Assistance License.   This has been a long-time dream of mine to work with children.

In my spare time my family and I enjoy camping, biking, kayaking and other outdoor adventures. We also spend our time on the soccer field as both of my kids are avid soccer players.I also love to spend time in the kitchen cooking and baking with my kids.

Nancy Trasolini-Classroom Support Teacher:

I am a mother of 3 beautiful children, Anthony, Gianluca and Talia.   I have spent the last 11 years watching my children grow, volunteering at their schools , managing my son’s soccer team and coaching my daughter’s soccer team.  I knew at 16yrs of age that I wanted to work with children.  My first job was at a Before and After school daycare, working with children ages 5-12.  While at the daycare I worked with a couple children who had multiple disabilities.  I knew then that I had found my passion. While I went to Douglas to pursue my career, I taught preschool for 4 years with the City of Burnaby Parks and Recreation Department. After receiving my diploma and degree in the Community Support Work Program, I began to work for the Burnaby School District.  I was a full time EA for 7 years.  I loved my job and all the boys and girls that I had the opportunity to work with.  After having my second son, my husband and I decided that I would become a stay at home mom. It wasn’t until September of 2013, that I decided to get back into the field.   I had the opportunity to work at Childgarden Preschool for the 2013/2014 school year.  I really enjoyed meeting and working with the families of Childgarden. It was such a great experience.