DOREEN Ng

Owner/Director/Early Childhood Specialist

This journey started when I was looking for a daycare for my first child and was unsatisfied with what was being offered for the price and quality of care. Being a teacher and a mom, I had certain expectations of what a daycare should offer. After talking to many parents, I found they struggled with the same problem and a lot of moms also had a hard time adjusting to the huge change of putting their baby into the care of others.

This inspired me to create Little Heartprints Academy, where I could continue my passion for teaching and help families feel comforted and excited to leave their child in a loving and thriving environment.

BACKGROUND

I hold a Masters degree in Education with a minor in Applied Psychology. I have over 15 years of experience with working with children. Before starting my career as a teacher with the Calgary board of Education (CBE), I worked in daycares and volunteered in a variety of roles where I worked with young children.

During my 10 years with the CBE, I taught Kindergarten-Grade 6. I spent the majority of my career teaching Grades 1 and 2 which helped me to develop my skills in Early Childhood Education (helping students develop core skills in reading, writing, numeracy development, emotional regulation and interpersonal skills).

After having my first son, my fascination with the early developmental years grew. That is when I started learning more about Montessori practices to incorporate at home. It was amazing to see my son develop and learn so quickly in a short amount of time. With my knowledge and experience in Early childhood education and development, I felt like this was the natural next step in my career.

I am excited to meet all the amazing children that will touch my heart and leave a special heartprint!

Dakota DIEBOLD

Early Childhood Educator/Assistant Director

Toddler Room

My path to working in early childhood education began at an early age. Growing up, both of my parents worked outside of our home, but always ensured that we were provided with the best possible care during that time. Some of my fondest memories from my childhood were spent at daycare. Learning through play, discovering and creating were the activities that I remember most. I knew from a very early age that when I grew up, I wanted to work with young children. Although I had many other interests along the way, my passion always held true. I consider myself so fortunate to have had such positive role models, that fueled my interest and understanding as to the importance of the first few years of each child’s life.

I am very proud to have two wonderful sisters and we share close relationships. I hold the middle position and was happy to become a big sister when I turned seven. Imagine my joy in having a new baby in our home at that age! We all enjoy being together when we are able. In my spare time I enjoy practicing yoga, hiking, reading and watercolour painting. Decorating and creating transitional spaces for each season and occasion is another favourite activity.

BACKGROUND

I have completed my Early Learning & Child Care Diploma and I have taken my Foundations in Montessori Course through the Montessori Learning Centre. I will continue to take my Advanced Courses as they become available. When I was introduced to Montessori pedagogy, I knew that I had found a perfect fit that reflected my own goals of child-led learning. Having spent years babysitting, volunteering and now working in child care, my hope is to continue expanding my knowledge and to remain a lifelong learner. I believe that it is very important to never stop growing. I look forward to building relationships with each child and their family and know that each one will hold a special place in my heart.

Michelle CHong

Early Childhood Educator

Toddler Room

I am a mom of a very lovely boy Julian.  I found inspiration for cooking when my son was born and wanted to provide him with a well balanced diet.

Before moving to Calgary and starting my own family, home was then in a small town on a land very far away and very sunny on the other side of the globe. Being the only gal among 4 brothers, I assumed the role as my mom’s young apprentice and learned the ropes on how to maneuver around the kitchen.

I started as a Chef with Little Heartprints Academy and I have recently finished my Level 1 Childcare Certificate! I am now working in the toddler classroom to gain more skills to help young children grow, develop and thrive in this environment.

BACKGROUND

Graduating from college with Business Administration and Secretarial certifications, and with vast experiences in the administration sector throughout my career, I am thrilled and happy to move on to a different sector where I get to mingle and be surrounded by sweet little cuties throughout the day!

I recently finished my Level 1 Child care certification and I am excited to be working with your children!

Fabiola Barrios-Salas

Early Childhood Educator/ Reggio Emilia Specialist

Preschool Room

My journey as an early childhood educator started in the fall of 2012 when I visited for the first time, the municipal schools of Reggio Emilia. During my first Study Group, I was deeply touched by the image of the child, reflected in the incredible pedagogical documentation that educators at Reggio Emilia shared with us, as well as the magical learning environments I experienced firsthand while visiting their schools. What I learned there became a new passion and professional career in my life. Reggio materialized some of my most important beliefs about education like the relevance of creativity, innovation, personalized learning, multiple intelligences, art as a language for learning, and the value of an unscripted curriculum. In addition, I connected my art and interior design passion with the aesthetic learning environments and the role of the Atelier proposed by Reggio.

As an educator, I believe that learning is a natural process for all human beings. We are born with the capacity, eagerness, and curiosity to discover and make sense of our world. What I love about teaching in a Reggio Emilia-inspired program is that adults and children embark on a learning journey together where the focus is not on transferring knowledge but on co-constructing a learning path for life. Children are capable learners and citizens with the right to be listened to and participate in their learning process. Adults are part of the learning process by reflecting constantly on what, and how children learn, and they become co-learners and co-researchers together with the children.            

BACKGROUND

I have more than 15 years of experience working in Early Childhood Education as a Director, professional development facilitator, learning coach, and preschool teacher. I have a Bachelor’s in Science Communication and a Master's in Education. Recently, I completed a Certificate in Early Childhood Education, and the training Exploring Early Childhood Curriculum: Flight Alberta´s Early Learning and Care Framework. Because I believe that learning is a lifelong principle, I am constantly taking courses, reading, and facilitating learning experiences for colleagues. Nowadays, I am pursuing a Visual Design Certificate, and I am a member of the Board of Directors of the Calgary Reggio Network Association.

suhaira Qureshi

Development Coach/ Early Childhood Educator

 Preschool Room

Teaching is my passion. As an early-years teacher, I have learned that each child is unique. My roles as a teacher, and as a mom have taught me that there is a connection between children's well-being, behaviour, and their early years experiences. As an early childhood practitioner, I support the whole child, which includes areas of child's development: physical, social, emotional, and cognitive. In my daily practice, I strive to remember the three R's: respect for the uniqueness of the individuals, responsiveness to the children's and family needs and reciprocity of learning interaction.

In my free time, I read books about ECE, I enjoy cooking, travelling and spending time with my beautiful family.

BACKGROUND

I hold a B.A. degree, and a diploma in Early Childhood Education and Development. I am a certified Level 3 Early Childhood Educator from the Government of Alberta. I also have achieved a Montessori Early Childhood Teaching Diploma (3-6 years old children).

I have been in the teaching profession for more than 15 years, and have worked with the YWCA of Calgary for 12 years. As a pedagogical leader, my goal with the YWCA organization was to teach young children through Reggio Emilia's approach and coach Bow Valley College students from the Early Childhood Education Program. Now at Little Heartprints Academy, my priority as a lead teacher is to teach Pre-K students through Montessori/Reggio Emilia approach and to train teachers at school, incorporating topics of: "Emergent Curriculum", "Children have stress too!", "Importance of attendance in Early Childhood Programs", are some of the examples.

 "The secret of good teaching is to regard the child's intelligence as a fertile field in which seeds may be sown, to grow under the heat of flaming imagination." (Montessori, M., To Educate the Human Potential, Chapter, The Right Use of the Imagination, 1973)

Camilla Casallas

PROFESSIONAL CHEF

My passion for cooking starts since when I was a kid. I was always around of special woman that teach me the art of cooking and nurturing based in the local  ingredients. When I was at the university, I had the opportunity to study anthropology and I found an interest the relation between "power and food" thought the history of the humans. I get deep in the the learning and understanding of the food practices, ingredients, cultures, ancestral knowledge and the actual power of the food in our social, political, economic relations. 

My professional career as a chef started when one day my dad asked me for help in the family business (a very popular restaurant in my town). I felt the need to understand the professional way to run a food business so I decided to study something related. I won a scholarship to study Culinary Arts in Colombia and Argentina. Since then I have been working in the industry for more than 10 years in differents roles.In the past 5 years that I have been working in Canada. I had the opportunity to work as a manager in well-know restaurants and institutions in the city. However, as mom and wife it has been very difficult to find a balance with the restaurant demands so I decided to open new opportunities and now I am working in LHP. I am very grateful with this opportunity because I feel very fulfill in my personal and professional career.  I loved share my knowledge in the cooking activities with the kids.  I enjoyed cooking and bring new flavours, ingredients and experiences in every meal. 

I truly believed that we are what we eat so I tried to cook as Healty and tasty as possible.  I love cook with high quality and fresh-local ingredients. 

BACKGROUND

I have more than 10 years of experience working in the food industry as a Cook, Chef and Manager. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology and a Technician Diploma in Culinary Arts. I had different courses and certifications in business management and food handling. I am pursuing start my professional education in Canada as well.