

MEET THE TEACHERS
Here at Leap for Joy, our goal is to make sure each child feels safe, loved and included. To do this we have an incredible team of educators who have a wild love for the outdoors and the ability to engage each child and welcome them into the forest pedagogy.

Nicole Crowe
Owner
Rotary/Browne/Friday
Hello, I'm Ms. Nicole and I am the owner of Leap for Joy Outdoor Academy. I am so excited to see where the next years take us as we grow and learn in the forest.
I grew up right here at Culus Lake and attended UFV for elementary education but made the switch to outdoor learning a few years ago.
In my spare time, you can find my little family and me on the trails or curled up with a book and drinking ample amounts of coffee.
I'm very stoked to meet all our new forest friends and welcome back our old ones.
See you in the forest!

Miss. Celia
ECE Teacher - Rotary/Friday
Hi, I’m Miss. Celia!
I am a recent graduate of the ECE program at UFV. I am super excited to be continuing my work here at Leap for Joy and I couldn’t have found a better team or environment to work in.
I love to surf in the summer and snowboard in the winter, although teaching is my passion. Nothing compares to all of the special moments we get to share and experience with the children. I think we have just as much fun as they do!

Mrs. Rae
Manager
ECE Teacher - Fairfield/Browne/Friday
I feel so grateful to be a part of this amazing outdoor program! I was a yoga teacher, specializing in kids’ yoga for many years. In 2020 things changed and I needed a new path. I have always had so much fun working with children, so that led me to outdoor ECE.
I love seeing children connect with nature and become invested in protecting the Earth and all creatures. Being in nature is an integral part of my life and well-being and I love being able to share that with others.
I enjoy hiking and camping with my family and friends. My husband and I grew up in rural and wild spaces in the Cariboo Interior. We often go “home” for visits. We absolutely love Chilliwack and have lived here for 16 years, raising our two children who are now teenagers

Mrs. Ashley
Child Behaviour Specialist - Teacher
Rotary
Hi, I’m Mrs. Ashley!
This is my third year working for Leap for Joy. I have previously worked as a behaviour interventionist with children on the autism spectrum. I love finding different ways to connect and build relationships with each child. One of my favourite things is to help and watch the kids get comfortable to come out of their shell. Also, to see them grow in their social skills and play skills.
I spend most of my free time at the Vedder river! I love river walks, bike rides, hiking and just laying in a hammock in the trees. It’s been so wonderful to watch the kids explore the outdoors and to share this love I have for the outdoors with them.

Mrs. Hannah
ECE Teacher - Summer Camps
Coming Soon...

Mr. Leo
Teacher
Rotary/Monday/Friday
Hi, I’m Mr. Leo
This is my fifth year involved with Leap for Joy.
My favourite part of this program is helping the kids learn through play. Games, climbing trees, archery and swimming are some of my favourite activities.
In my spare time, you can catch me riding my bike, enjoying a good bite to eat and hanging out with my friends.
I look forward to seeing everyone in the forest!

Miss. Eden
Teacher
Rotary/Friday
Hi, my name is Miss. Eden!
I recently came back from a 6 week outdoor program in New Zealand. I am passionate about exploring nature, hiking mountains and enjoying time at a river, lake or ocean! I have worked as a lifeguard and swim instructor for the last two years and enjoy teaching children. In my spare time, I can be found climbing with my family, hiking, fishing and biking.

Mrs. Amanda
Teacher
Fairfield/Browne Creek/Friday
Hello, I'm Mrs. Amanda!
I grew up back east in a small town, always outside exploring.
After college, I moved west and was amazed by the scenery. I spent my free time camping or hiking in the mountains.
While working with kiddos who needed support in schools and their homes, I noticed a huge change in everyone, including myself when we headed into nature, whether it was a walk on a forest path or a picnic in the park, being outside brought calmness and curiosity.
After I met my husband we moved to British Columbia, and we eventually settled in Chilliwack. We have two kiddos and in our free time, you can find us deep in the forest on our ATVs finding muddy trails and breathtaking views, hiking to waterfalls with our boxer Moose or catching a baseball game.

Miss. Samantha
One-on-one support Teacher
Rotary/Browne creek
Hello, I'm Miss. Sam!
I am a one-on-one support teacher here at the Outdoor Academy.
This year has been amazing! I love seeing each child learn and grow while connecting to the outdoor space around them.
I have always loved outside adventures, whether it is camping, hiking with my dog or enjoying a cup of coffee outside with the trees.
I'm excited to see where this year leads me!

Ms. Jasmine
Teacher
Sub-Rotary
I’m Ms. Jasmine!
I am super excited to be apart of Leap for Joy’s summer camp program!
I have a degree in Ecology and love all things outdoors! Recently I transitioned into being a teacher on call for the chilliwack school district which I have found great joy in sharing my love of birds, plants and all things wild with my students whenever I can!
In the summer you will likely find me (accompanied by my adventurous Husband, Greg) on a mountain, rock climbing, biking or in my garden! In the winter, we backcountry ski every spare minute we have!
I am so stoked to spend the summer outside with kids discovering more wonderful things nature has to show us!

Mrs. Kylie
ECE-Teacher
Fairfield Island/Friday
Coming Soon...

Mrs. Mikkayla
Teacher
Monday/Friday
Hi friends! My name is Mrs. Mikkayla, and I’m so happy to be apart of Leap For Joy Outdoor Academy! I’m a mom of three kids, and we love spending time outside.
Some of my favorite things to do are going for walks and exploring by the river. I also love reading books, thrifting and doing crafts. I’m really excited to go on adventures and have fun learning together this year!

Mrs. Mahria
Child psychologist - Teacher
One-On-One Support
Rotary/Friday
Hello, I'm Mrs. Mahira.
I am a mother to 1 child and a recent graduate of a Professional Counselling program. I bring both compassion and enthusiasm to my work with children and love creating supportive, joyful environments where kids can explore, grow, and build confidence in themselves. At Leap for Joy Outdoor Academy, I am excited to combine my passion for working with children with my skills in listening, guiding, and encouraging young learners. In my free time, I enjoy camping and spending time outdoors with my husband and son.

Mrs. Darcie
Teacher
Friday
Coming Soon...

Miss. Sofia
Teacher
Friday
Coming Soon...

Miss. Selina
Teacher
Rotary/Browne Creek/Fridays
Hi my name is Miss Selina!
I grew up on a farm in Chilliwack and recently graduated from high school.
I had the privliage of doing my work experience practicum with the Outdoor Academy last year and I am so happy to be back.
In my free time I enjoy hanging out with my friends and family.
I’m really exited to see what this year brings!
























