Meet the Saplings Family
We are proud to have built a diverse and dedicated team of educators who share a deep passion for the outdoors and our place within it. Each member of our staff brings a strong foundation in both outdoor education and child development, with extensive training that supports the unique needs of nature-based learning. From early childhood education certifications to wilderness safety and forest school pedagogy, our educators are equipped with the knowledge and experience to guide children safely, confidently, and joyfully through their outdoor learning journey.
Management Team
Heather Fraser
Founder and Program Director
She/Her
A dedicated educator, program director, and mother of two, Heather Fraser brings a deep passion for outdoor learning and a lifelong connection to nature to her work. With extensive experience across early childhood and school-age programs, she is committed to fostering meaningful, place-based learning experiences that cultivate curiosity, resilience, and community.
Heather holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership, a Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care from the University of Victoria, and an Early Childhood Education Certificate. Her leadership in the field is grounded in the belief that learning thrives in relationship—with people, places, and the natural world.
As the Founder and Program Director of Saplings Outdoor Program, Heather leads a team of educators in creating innovative, nature-immersed learning environments where children grow through exploration, inquiry, and play in all seasons. She continues to pursue professional learning in outdoor education and early years leadership, ensuring that Saplings remains at the forefront of progressive, nature-based education in British Columbia.
When not at Saplings, Heather can often be found gardening with her children, hiking local trails, or exploring the coastlines that inspire much of her work. Her vision is to nurture in every child a lasting love of nature and a compassionate connection to the living world.


Kathryn Derler
Chief Learning Officer
She/Her
Kathryn joined Saplings Outdoor Program in 2022, beginning her journey as an educator on the forest floor before becoming a certified Early Childhood Educator and later stepping into a management role. She brings with her several years of experience working in educational settings, where she developed a strong foundation in creative and child-centered learning.
She holds a BA in Drama and Music from Royal Holloway University in the UK and is ECE-qualified in British Columbia. With a background in teaching drama, music, and visual arts, Kathryn is passionate about weaving the arts into outdoor, play-based education. Her personal love for nature - shaped by years of hiking, trekking, and exploring the outdoors - deeply informs her approach to teaching and leadership. She is committed to nurturing children’s creativity, confidence, and connection to the natural world.
Odessa Anderson
Accounts Manager
She/Her
As the Accounts Manager, Odessa oversees tuition management and ensures operations run smoothly behind the scenes. A firm believer in the power of a good cup of coffee, she enjoys going for runs to boost energy and clear the mind. Outside of work, Odessa loves spending time with her husband and their one-year-old daughter, jamming out to music, exploring new playgrounds, catching up with friends and their little ones, and discovering delicious new spots to eat along the way.


Shabnam Golafshan Mohammareh
Vancouver After School Care Programs Manager
She/Her
With over 18 years of experience in education, Shabnam brings extensive knowledge and a strong commitment to supporting young learners. Her professional background includes working primarily as a first-grade teacher in bilingual school settings, as well as experience working with toddlers, where she has supported early development through play-based and responsive learning approaches.
She holds a Master’s degree (MBA) from Canada and is certified as an Early Childhood Educator Assistant (ECEA).
Throughout her career, Shabnam has been dedicated to fostering nurturing and inclusive learning environments that promote early childhood development and bilingual education. She believes that effective education is grounded in patience, creativity, and a genuine respect for each child’s individual learning journey.
Outside of her professional role, she enjoys caring for flowers and plants, reflecting her appreciation for growth, care, and attention in all aspects of life.

Stephanie Beattie
Enrolment Administrator
She/Her
Stephanie grew up on Bowen Island, where her deep connection to the outdoors, the ocean, and nature first began. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree and has traveled extensively, including spending ten years living in Australia. Surrounded by beautiful beaches and an active outdoor lifestyle, her time there further ignited her passion for nature and exploration.
A committed community member, Stephanie has dedicated many hours to volunteering/coaching soccer, serving on BMX and swim club boards, and actively fundraising for school and local events.
Now based in Lions Bay with her husband and two adventurous kids, Stephanie continues to embrace a vibrant, nature-filled life with her family, always on the go and always exploring.
Our Educators
For full educator bios, please visit the specific program pages.

Jacqueline Kerr
Early Childhood Educator

David Han
Early Childhood Educator IT

Sepideh Ansari
Early Childhood Educator

Ann Louise Filbert (Alf)
Early Childhood Educator

Chia-Chi (Kelly) Lu
Early Childhood Educator

Lena Xue
ECE Assistant

Grace Sarlandie
Early Childhood Educator

Lulu Chiharu
Early Childhood Educator

Devora Laye
Early Childhood Educator

Mojgan Nazemian
Early Childhood Educator IT

Kazuna (Kazy) Yamazaki
Early Childhood Educator

Phillip Mooder
Educational Assistant

Stefanie Zaldarriaga
Outdoor Educator

Mahboubeh Shafiei Alavijeh
ECE Assistant

Parisa Alvarzandi
Educational Assistant

Candice Montomery
Early Childhood Educator

Tina Le
Early Childhood Educator

Pablo Muniz Martinez
Early Childhood Educator

Alejandra Gonzalez
Early Childhood Educator

Emma Daly
Early Childhood Educator

Austin Merenyi Amuchastegui
Outdoor Educator

Julia Lotz
Outdoor Educator

Mikayla Pez
Outdoor Educator

Gill Thompson
Outdoor Educator

Richa Sharma
ECE Assistant

Sara Sharafi
ECE Assistant

Arsh Sandhu
ECE Assistant

Parmis Naemi
Outdoor Educator

Evan Hancock
ECE Assistant

Grim Volkanova
Outdoor Educator

Rajina Shaikh
ECE Assistant

Katheryne Nguyen
ECE Assistant

Sarvenaz Allahyari
ECE Assistant

Amatullah Al-Asima Rahim
ECE Assistant

Rebecca Fernandes
Outdoor Educator

Ashley Perron
Outdoor Educator

Antonette Ramos
ECE Assistant

Keane Vallis
Outdoor Educator

Stephanie S Veltheer
Outdoor Educator

Rho Pylypenko
Outdoor Educator
