Meet Our Team
We can think of ourselves not as teachers but as gardeners. A gardener does not grow flowers; he gives them what he thinks they need and they grow by themselves. - Holt
Vanessa Pearson
Owner/ Educator
B. A / B. Ed
Primary and Kindergarten teaching experience
Early Childhood Training and Experience
Forest School Training at Fresh Air Learning and Forest School Canada
First Aid and CPR
Kaleigh McGinnis
Educator
ECE
Many years experience in Early Childhood Educator and Kindergarten.
First Aid and CPR Certified
Lisa Salken
Educator Assistant
ECEA
Experience in a variety of early childhood education programs, inlcuding working with children with unique abilities.
Training in non-violent crisis intervention , medication administration and intercultural awareness
First Aid and CPR Certified
Hayley Mangles
Educator
Montessori (NAMC) trained
Four years of Nature Education experience
Professional Photographer
Yoga and Travel enthusiast
First Aid and CPR Certification
Myriam Verzat
Educator
M. ED/ B.S Life Sciences
Environmental Education Training
Native French Speaker, Physical Theatre/ Dance Improvisation Training
Non-violent communication facilitator, First Aid and CPR Certified
All Nanaimo Forest Kids staff have a clear criminal record check specific to working with children and Nanaimo Forest Kids is insured for the safety of all participants.