Nanaimo Innvation Academy

CHILD CARE FACULTY

At Nanaimo Innovation Academy, we hire professional, experienced ECE and ECEA teachers that are young at heart, excited about teaching and learning, and are creative with how they engage students. Our teachers imagine the future of our students and work with them through trusting relationships that bring out growth and achievement.

Please read more below about our current teachers and their passions...

If you are interested in joining our team, please email your cover letter and resume to admin@nanaimoinnovation.org

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Wen - Pre-K Manager prek@nanaimoinnovation.org

Hello, my name is Wen and I’m a registered early childhood educator in both BC and Ontario. I graduated in 2016 from Conestoga College in Ontario, and have been working in different childcare settings and kindergarten since then. I believe children are competent, capable of complex thinking, curious, rich in potential, and learn best when they construct their own knowledge through playing. As an educator, I enjoy being a lifelong learner and always open to different educational philosophies.

Chloe - IT Manager it@nanaimoinnovation.org

I been interested in child development all my life. I completed my ECE diploma at Vancouver Island University with a specialization in infant toddler/ diverse abilities. Previous to NIA, I ran a multi-aged classroom in a dual language culturally based Childcare Center in Port Alberni. I believe that children are much more capable than they are often given credit for, and I strive to help foster their own independence and learning through play, imagination, and exploration.

Kozue - ECE Teacher

Hello, my name is Kozue, I first came to Canada from Japan with the working holiday program which was an exchange program for young adults. My journey as an ECE started in a small town in Alberta where I met many wonderful children and families. My focus has been creating the environment and relationship for the children to be able to flourish as themselves. I would like children to have the least rules possible. Instead of telling them to be nice, I would like to show them what kindness is.

Varenka - Spanish and Yoga Teacher (ECE Teacher)

Hola! My name is Varenka. I was born and raised in Mexico City, where I obtained a BA in Psychology, with a clinical focus. I moved to Canada 14 years ago. I have been working with children all ages for over 15 years as a teacher, counsellor, psychologist and support worker among other things. I am also a certified yoga teacher for adults and children. I love teaching yoga and breathing techniques to kids. I enjoying Acroyoga, the outdoors, hiking, canoeing, and cooking.

Katy - ECE Teacher

My name is Katy and I graduated from the Early Childhood Education and Care program at VIU in June of 2015. I feel that there is something unique and special about every child and it is important that we cherish and celebrate these qualities. Early childhood is a time for exploring and discovering the world around us. Children should have lots of opportunities to explore materials, their environments and get messy, whether it be mud or paint. The learning opportunities are endless!

Larissa - ECE Teacher

Hi, my name is Larissa. I graduated from the Early Childhood Education and Care program at Vancouver Island University in June 2020. I have always had a passion for working with children of all ages and have spent my high school years babysitting, teaching swimming lessons, life-guarding and teaching CanSkate through Skate Canada. I discovered that this was the right path for me when I began my work experience at the local Strong Start program in Gold River during my last year of high school.

Katie - ECE Teacher

Hi my name is Katie. I’m so excited to be a part of such an amazing team! I entered the childcare field when I was 19 and obtained my ECE in 2017. I’ve worked with children for 10+ years, in preschool settings and out-of-school care. I believe in the power of learning through play, and the best teaching and guidance comes from a mutual respect between the child and teacher. My natural abilities with children and patient nature have been assets to me throughout my career.

Alex - ECEA and Kitchen Assistant

My name is Alex, and I’m thrilled to be a part of the NIA team! I’ve spent the past 15 years pursuing art, and am dedicated to this pursuit. I am in the midst of studying to receive my ECEA, and plan to work towards my ECE in the future. From southern Ontario, I moved to Nanaimo in 2007 to study Jazz at VIU, majoring in Voice. I am a voice teacher, and a co-creator of a comically crafted marionette show called, A Penny a Sketch. I also continue to build my yoga teaching certification for kids.

Lindsay - Academic Coordinator principal@nanaimoinnovation.org

Lindsay grew up on beautiful Gabriola Island and has been exploring nature ever since! She completed her Bachelor of Education degree at Vancouver Island University, with a specialization in Elementary Education and Physical Education and Nutrition. During her lengthy career as a teacher and librarian with SD68, she taught a variety of grades and subjects to students at with varying learning styles, needs, and exceptionalities. She also completed a Sexual Health Educator Certificate in 2013.

Tarena - ECE Teacher

Hi my name is Tarena and I am finishing my ECE certification at Vancouver Island University. I am excited to learn and grow with everyone at NIA! I come from Sri Lanka, where I did a Bachelor of Arts degree in Interior Design. I have over three years of experience co-heading my church’s Sunday School Teens group and volunteering at a Kindergarten in Sri Lanka. I also coordinated the child care program at Project OASIS, for war orphans affected by conflict in Northern Sri Lanka.

Lea - Office Manager office@nanaiminnovation.org

I am happy to be part of the team at NIA. I moved to the island 10 years ago. Prior to coming to Nanaimo, I grew up in Northern Alberta, Fox Creek. I’ve experienced areas of work from retail to crane operator to bookkeeper. Since joining NIA, I have added the Responsible Adult course and Respect in Sports workshop. I enjoy volunteering as a Scouter for Beavers and with various other community programs.

Steve - ECE Practicum Student

Myriam - French Teacher

Keely - Executive Director admin@nanaiminnovation.org

Sarah - Head Chef and Nutritionist

As a long-time Nanaimo resident, I am still in awe of the bounty this island provides us. We truly live in one of the most beautiful places in the world! I believe that what we put in our body can either hinder or help us reach our full potential and help us live our happiest life. `I have been a Red Seal Chef for over 15 years and recently graduated from the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition as a Registered Holistic Nutritionist. I am very passionate about sharing my knowledge of food.