Saplings Outdoor Program
Our Management Team
OWNER & FOREST EDUCATOR
Med BCYC, ECE
A mother of two, I am passionate about working with children and have a love for the outdoors. I have taught in a number of early childhood settings including toddler, preschool, and school-aged programs. I have a passion for nature and I am excited to share that passion with others around me. I spend my time gardening with my two children and exploring the beautiful trails and beaches around our home. I feel that it is so important to get outside whatever the weather and connect with the world around us.
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HEATHER FRASER | She/her
My academic background includes a BA in Child and Youth Care from the University of Victoria, as well as an Early Childhood Certificate. I continue to take many professional development course in Early Childhood Education to keep up with current information in the field.
My passion for outdoor play and my understanding of the importance of connecting our children with nature inspired me to build Saplings Outdoor Program. I hope through this program to share our appreciation for nature and a compassion for all living things.
PRESCHOOL MANAGER / PEDAGOGISTA
ECE
Hi all! My name is Shannon (pronouns she/her) and I’ve been with Saplings going on my fourth year now.
After leading the Pemberton Heights program for the past three years, I’m excited to be taking on the role as
preschool manager and pedagogista for our younger years programs! I have worked with young learners in one capacity or another for the past 12 years, from preschool aged all the way through into the high school years!
SHANNON EMERY | SHE/HER
They teach me so much for which I am forever grateful; naturalobservers, curious and full of wonder, there is truly never a dull moment. I cherish storytelling, and building asense of community through a sharing of experiences. We haveso much to learn from one another, and I love all of the little reciprocal moments we get to experience together,whether that be with fellow educators, the students, their families, or our greater community. I look forward toconnecting with you all, in whatever capacity that may look like!
SCHOOL AGED MANAGER
ECE
My name is Cait (she/her). I hold a degree in Early Childhood Education from Capilano University and have been working in childcare since 2018. I've had the privilege of working with Saplings for two years, where I've developed a deep passion for creating enriching programs that foster children's natural curiosity and integrate the great outdoors, not just as a setting, but as an essential character in our journey.
Growing up in the sunny Okanagan Valley, I spent much of my life exploring the outdoors, which has profoundly influenced my approach to education. At Saplings,
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Cait Norlin She/Her
I am honored to co-construct curriculum with both staff and children, encouraging deeper connections with the forest and our community. I am truly grateful to have found a role where I can combine my two greatest passions: nurturing children's learning and embracing the wonders of nature.
CHEIF LEARNING OFFICER
ECE
I grew up in Ontario where I learned a great fondness for nature and the outdoors through
family camping adventures. I recently moved to BC from the UK where I worked as a
primary school teacher. Whilst working in education for the past 7 years, I have hiked,
camped, and travelled in numerous countries including the mores, peaks and highlands of
the UK, Iceland, Norway, Georgia, Turkey, and Greece. I and I am so happy that I have found such a friendly and nature loving community at Saplings.
Kathryn She/Her
When I’m not teaching, I am usually hiking or camping with my partner, cycling around Stanley Park, reading a book on the beach, or baking a tasty treat! I’m looking forward to meeting all of you!
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ADMIN
ECE
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I was fortunate to have been raised in a large, connected family and developed a passion for teaching and learning with children at a young age.
My love for the outdoors has guided my various teaching experiences in diverse environments over 30+ years, through exploration of mother nature, plants, food, science, as well as standard curriculum, which has helped me to gain an increased knowledge and understanding of how children learn and thrive.
I am always fascinated how nature presents a beautiful canvas for exploration and learning.
Sandy Hanson | SHE/HER
I feel privileged and continuously strive to encourage children, families, colleagues and my community to realize their potentials. I enjoy hiking, biking, gardening, reading, cooking, the arts and music. My background is ECE, Management & Human Resource. I am grateful and excited to be part of the Saplings team!