Jacqueline is a certified Early Childhood Educator and Forest School Practitioner with a rich background in outdoor education, ecology, and the arts. She holds a diploma in Parks and Outdoor Recreation from Sault College and has worked as a Forest School Educator for several years, drawing on her experience in field botany, land stewardship, and children’s wellness. Passionate about fostering early connections to nature, Jacqueline brings creativity, curiosity, and a deep respect for the natural world to her work at Saplings.

David is an Early Childhood Educator with a background in Social Sciences from the University of Toronto and a deep-rooted passion for the outdoors. His early experiences exploring the forests of Stanley Park sparked a lifelong love for nature, which continues to shape his educational philosophy today. With experience tutoring students in multiple subjects and working with infants and preschoolers, David is committed to learning alongside young children and inspiring a strong connection to the natural world during their formative years.

Chia-Chi, also known as Kelly, was born and raised in Hualien, Taiwan, surrounded by the mountains and forests of the East Coast—landscapes that remind her of British Columbia’s Sea to Sky Corridor, where she has lived since 2012. Her journey into early childhood education was inspired by her own daughter and the joy she observed in children’s natural curiosity and learning. After enrolling her daughter in Saplings Preschool, Kelly was deeply moved by the school’s nature-based philosophy and knew she wanted to be part of it. Now an Early Childhood Educator, she brings a strong appreciation for both nature and cultural diversity, often sharing her Taiwanese heritage with the children and learning from theirs in return.

Lena is an ECEa who is passionate about supporting children’s growth in creative and nurturing environments. Her interest in education began in high school, where she spent over a year volunteering with children and helping newcomer families adjust to the local culture. She later completed her degree in Architecture and Visual Studies at the University of Toronto.

In her free time, Lena enjoys creating art, gardening, hiking, and exploring nature. She strongly believes in Saplings’ approach to outdoor learning, having seen firsthand how time in nature sparks children’s curiosity and fosters creativity. She values how outdoor experiences build physical confidence, flexibility, and a sense of adventure as children explore the world around them.

Alf is an ECEa with a diverse academic background and a strong commitment to supporting children’s growth through play and exploration. She holds an Early Childhood Education Assistant Certificate, Childcare First Aid and CPR, and Indigenous Cultural Safety Training from PHSA. She also completed a BSc in Applied Mathematics at York University and an EMBA at Simon Fraser University.

Children have always been an important part of Alf’s life. She is motivated by their unpredictability, natural curiosity, and the thoughtful questions they bring to each day. She values creating environments where children can learn, explore, and reach their fullest potential.

For Alf, the best part of working at Saplings is the team. She appreciates their respectful, inclusive approach and their shared commitment to working in partnership with families to support each child’s development.