Sue – Founder

Since founding Childgarden Preschool in 2007 and expanding to Port Moody Spring St in 2015 with my teaching and business partner Caren, I’ve focused on creating a nurturing, inquiry-based environment guided by the Reggio Emilia philosophy.

My journey in early childhood education, enriched by this philosophy since 2003, has been incredibly rewarding. I’m grateful for the support of dedicated colleagues and honored to have received the 2012 Prime Minister’s Award of Excellence in Early Childhood Education, a career highlight.

In June 2024, I transitioned from teaching preschool to instructing adults in the Early Childhood Education program at Burnaby Community and Continuing Education.. I’m proud of our preschool’s journey and will deeply miss it, but I plan to stay connected.

Caren – Manager/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 love for of working with children and my passion continues to be re-ignited again and again. In 2012, I joined Childgarden Preschool as an educator and in 2015 partnered with Sue to open the Port Moody location.

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.

Geraldine (Gigi) - ECE Teacher

I am a mama to a toddler who is incredibly observant and loves to sing and dance. We like to spend as much time outdoors as we can.
I completed my Early Childhood Education diploma in 2012, which is when I began to work as an ECE in daycares and preschools. In 2019, I completed my Child and Youth Care degree through the University of Victoria and began working as a Family Support Worker, implementing programs for families and their little ones that fostered community belonging. It is through this wide range of meaningful experiences that I developed an appreciation for the Reggio-Emilia philosophy and its emphasis on community and place-based learning. The manner in which children explore the world around them with a sense of wonder and curiosity also inspires me, and I look forward to exploring and learning alongside them everyday. I look forward to meeting everyone!

Ai - ECE Teacher

About Ai:  Ai’s Hopes and Dreams: I am thrilled to be a part of the welcoming community of  Childgarden. Inspired by Reggio Emilia philosophy, I am passionate about co-composing  curriculum with children who are capable, competent, and relational learners. Striving to  be a researcher-educator, I value both children’s and educators’ inquiries and curiosities. Working with tensions and unknowns in our lives is difficult, but I believe it is necessary to  cultivate our relationship with the land, the world, and each other.  

As a recent graduate of Capilano University's Bachelor of Early Childhood Care and  Education program, I am curious to know how theories are practiced in the day-to-day  lives of children. This way of working requires educators to continually challenge their  thinking to deepen their reflective work, but I am committed to professional development and growth to advocate for children, families, the community, and the ECCE profession.  

Before becoming an ECE Educator, I worked as a Japanese Marketing Director/Counselor at  various ESL schools. During those years, I learned to counsel and assist international  students from diverse backgrounds and cultures to make a smooth transition to living in  Canada. As a former international student, I can relate to their experiences and difficulties  to blend into a new country and its culture. I believe this experience aids me to welcome  multiple perspectives and makes it possible to develop collaborative and positive  relationships. 

During my free time, I enjoy reading and teaching new tricks to Easton (our family dog,  adopted from Texas) with my daughter. You might hear some of Easton’s adventure stories  from me and I am excited to get to know you through listening to your/children’s stories. 

Carly - ECE Teacher 

I began working with children in 2020, where I decided to pursue my ECE certification online at Pacific Rim Early Childhood Institute. I realized how dedicated I was to creating a fun, safe environment for children to learn and thrive. I continued working with children in different preschools as an assistant, as I completed my education. Through working with experienced educators that focus on the Reggio Emilia approach, I am inspired to continue learning how to implement these aspects into my own teaching practice. I am incredibly lucky to be working alongside thoughtful, welcoming educators, who continue to explore and learn new ways of reflective education.

I am an artist, and teach drawing and oil painting part time in my community. Art is a huge part of my life, and I love to share my knowledge, and create meaningful first experiences with art and children. I am so excited to work alongside children, they continue to inspire me every chance I connect with them, and truly have taught me to never stop being curious.

Charmayne - ECE Teacher

Charmayne’s Hopes and Dreams:  I am excited to be 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.

Charmayne Shaw - ECE Teacher:  I began working with children of all ages and abilities as a dance and gymnastics instructor. For fifteen years, I have had the opportunity to dance around the world as a professional dancer, teach movement and english 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. After enjoying my second practicum at Childgarden in 2015, I began working as a preschool teacher alongside my mentors. In 2020 I welcomed my daughter and was able to spend her early years alongside her. I love exploring the beautiful surroundings of British Columbia with my dog Bosco, my husband, and my little girl.

Wati - ECE Assistant Teacher

Wati’s Hopes and Dreams “As the world evolves and changes rapidly with its fast-moving gadgets, instantaneous information overload and ever-changing social norms – I would like to think that I am in a position to encourage, guide and inspire children to form connections with their ever changing world as they learn about themselves and others.”

“Most of my career has always involved an element of teaching and training.  I started training with adults in Retail Operations before moving to teaching children.  I have been fortunate to have taught with schools of different teaching philosophies and environments.

I started teaching as a Gymboree Play & Music teacher singing songs & play-acting story time.  After I hung up my Gymbo the Clown suit, I went to ShangHai, China to teach English to preschoolers of all social backgrounds.  After 7 years in China, I returned home to Singapore where I continued preschool teaching in a Dutch school until 2015.

In 2015, I moved to Canada with my son and husband.  Since arriving in Canada, I have done my best to be involved in our community by doing lots of volunteer work.  I joined karate because I wanted to understand what my son was learning.  So presently, we are a Karate family and I help out at my son’s karate class.  And it was through Karate that I met Caren and the Childgarden Preschool Team”.

Nancy - 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 16 years 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 join the team at Childgarden Preschool in 2013.  I have really enjoyed meeting and working with the families of Childgarden. It has been such a great experience”.