We’re proud of our remarkable team of high quality early childhood education specialists. Take a moment to get to know them.
I have been in the Early Childhood Education field for 26 years. During this time, I have had many roles, with each one teaching me new skills. In 2003, I was asked to develop and implement a new program that would be used throughout Canada. That program was a huge success and is now being used across the country, including the LINC program for new immigrants.
As program manager, I have guided staff and families working with children on the autism spectrum, downs syndrome, and other exceptionalities. I have also been an educational assistant and taught sign language to new parents and children. In all my years, I continue to use sign language in all my programs which I have found helps children communicate more effectively and raise their self-esteem.
I have always loved the outdoors and nature and it is not uncommon to see a group of children and myself exploring our environment and bringing nature indoors for further exploration. Children in my care have made stick shelters, animals homes, dams, and ecosystems using materials found on walks or around the child care centre.
As for my family I am lucky enough to have been with my husband for the last 30 years. We have 2 grown children; our son is 26 and our daughter is 21. As a family we enjoy fishing, camping, and 4×4-ing throughout the year.
I have been working here for over four years and absolutely love all the parents and children I have met thus far.
I have sixteen years of work experience beginning as a nanny and teaching a variety of children’s programs. I was a preschool teacher for 7 years, which was a great growing opportunity for me in a classroom setting. I taught Junior Kindergarten but I was looking for a less structured, more Reggio play based program, which is how I ended up at Pebble Lane.
Something I am really passionate about is cooking with children. For the past 15 years I have dedicated my Saturday mornings to teaching a 3-5 program at the YMCA called Little Chefs. I really enjoy cooking and instilling that same wonder and enjoyment in children. I do not have any children of my own however I am a godmother to my niece and nephew, whom I am very lucky to see on a regular basis. In my spare time I love going on outdoor adventures and finding new places to explore with my dog Kaida. I also grew up as a dancer and love to dance whenever I get the opportunity.
I currently hold my ECE License to Practice, current First Aid and have completed my course work in Infant /Toddler however I still need to complete my practicums.
I am an experienced Early Childhood Educator, and have successfully owned and operated my own licensed multi-age child care centre for 11 years. I am also experienced working as an ECE and IT teacher in a variety of well established child care centres in the White Rock area. I have assisted many children in their
development, and fostered countless positive relationships with parents in my community. I have pursued a high level of education in psychology, education, and creative art.
I have spent the majority of my life with children, first with my own son and daughter and then as a certified Early Childhood Educator since 2008. I hold a Bachelors degree, Masters degree, and have a love for classical music, ballet, art, and public speaking that I apply to benefit the children’s learning and growing process. I also have a deep passion to support, respect, and educate young minds to enrich their potential in life.
I am bilingual, and speak both Russian and English. My accent might take a little while to get used to, but I’m always happy to repeat myself.
I also consider myself a potty training and early reading preparation specialist, please don’t hesitate to ask me for tips!
I was born in India and lived there until I was 27, when my family relocated to Vancouver. I obtained my Early Childhood Education diploma and began working in a daycare setting with children ages 3-5, and have been doing so for the last 7 years.
I have two lovely children, my son who is 5 years old and my daughter who is 4 months old. In my spare time I like to be with my family and being a mom of two young children keeps me very busy!
I strongly believe that children are open to learning, imagining and dreaming. All they need is some encouragement that keeps them motivated and moving forward. Children need an environment where they can learn and explore and as adults it is our duty to create that type of environment.
I also believe in Nelson Mandela philosophy that, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
I became an Early Childhood Educator 28 years ago, beginning working at the Surrey Immigration Centre for 6 years, teaching non-English speaking children. I taught preschool for 12 years, then a daycare for 10 years.
A few of the teaching methods that I like to use are music, art and Fun Family Phonics. I strongly believe in open ended and creative art as a way for children to express themselves. My love of teaching and watching the children learn and develop their own personality and skills motivates me every day. I have worked with children from many different cultures and languages and have learned to connect with each child’s individual needs.
In my free time I enjoy spending time outdoors and I really love to paint. I am looking forward to meeting all of the parents and children. My motto is “When you believe in what you do, it never feels like work.”
Currently pursuing her Infant and Toddler Certification, Rachel is committed to ongoing professional development, enhancing her skills to support the needs of the youngest learners. She finds joy in witnessing each child’s milestones and discoveries, knowing she plays a role in their early growth. At Pebble Lane, Rachel values building strong relationships with children, parents, and caregivers, and she looks forward to being an integral part of their early learning journey.