Shabnam was born in Iran and is a passionate educator with 17 years of teaching experience, primarily as a first-grade teacher in a bilingual school. She holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from a Canadian university and an Early Childhood Educator Assistant (ECEA) certification. Throughout her career, she has created nurturing and inclusive classroom environments that support children’s early development and bilingual learning. Shabnam’s life has always been closely connected to children; she has grown with them, learned from them, and dedicated herself to their growth and success. She believes that education should be rooted in love, patience, and creativity. Outside the classroom, she enjoys caring for flowers and plants, which, like children, flourish with attention and care. For Shabnam, teaching is not just a profession—it is her heart’s purpose and lifelong passion.

Born and raised in the Philippines, Stef is an enthusiastic educator who believes the best classroom has no walls. With a passion for outdoor nature learning, she inspires children to explore, discover, and connect with the world around them together with Saplings Outdoor Programs. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education at West Visayas State University and has over 7 years of experience with young learners. She is currently taking up her Master’s Degree in Leadership, K-12 Education stream at Trinity Western University. Stef hopes to elevate learning for children beyond textbooks with her warmth and enthusiasm through discovering our natural environment as well as fostering children’s curiosity, creativity, and a deep respect for nature. 

Pablo, originally from Spain, holds a degree in Fine Arts and a Teacher Training Master’s. Now based in West Vancouver and completing his ECE training, he blends his love for art, nature, and education through illustration and forest exploration.