Nicole Crowe

Hi, I’m Ms. Nicole!

I’m the very proud owner of Leap for Joy Outdoor Academy, and getting to spend my days learning, laughing, and exploring alongside our forest kiddos is truly one of my favourite things.

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I grew up right here at Cultus Lake and attended UFV for Elementary Education before finding my heart in outdoor learning. There is something so special about watching a child fall in love with the forest, the excitement of finding a tiny frog, discovering animal tracks, or realizing that the forest they play in is also a home to so many amazing creatures.

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You’ll often find me leading our kiddos on beaver hunts, searching for salmon, or heading out on a frog-spotting adventure!

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When I’m not in the forest, you can usually find my little family and me exploring the trails or curled up with a good book and plenty of coffee.

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Leap for Joy holds such a special place in my heart, and I feel incredibly lucky to watch our little forest community continue to grow. I can’t wait to welcome our new forest friends and, of course, see all those familiar faces returning for another year of adventures.

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See you in the forest!

Miss. Celia

Hi, I’m Miss. Celia!

This is my fourth year here at Leap for Joy. I am super excited to continue my work here after graduating from UFV, and I couldn’t have found a better team or environment to work in!

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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

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

Miss. Eden

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. Emily

Hi there! My name is Emily, and I am so excited to be part of Leap for Joy Outdoor Academy! I’ve been an ECE for almost 10 years, and I truly love what I do. I feel so lucky to have found a career that means so much to me.

Being outdoors is a huge part of who I am. The river is my happy place! Getting to combine my love for nature with working with children feels really special. I love adventuring, exploring, getting messy, and learning right alongside the kids! 

Miss. Samantha

Hello, I'm Miss. Sam!
I am a one-on-one support teacher here at the Outdoor Academy. 

 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! 

Mr. Leo

Hi, I’m Mr. Leo

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This is my sixth 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!

Mrs. Ashley - On Maternity Leave

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.

Ms. Melissa

Hi, I’m Ms. Melissa!

I was lucky enough to do my ECE practicum with Leap For Joy last year and quickly realized my affinity for teaching outdoors. I am so grateful for the opportunity to connect, wonder and explore alongside the children. 

I get messy, am silly and have fun all while creating a safe space for children to learn and grow. 

When I’m not out traipsing through the forest with Leap For Joy, you can find me going on walks with my family, cross-stitching, thrifting or having a dance party with my kids. 

Mrs. Darcie

Hi I'm Mrs. Darcie!

I am so excited to continue into my second year here at Leap for Joy. My children have attended the program for many years, and it's been wonderful stepping into a leadership role. 

I am most excited to watch the kids learn and grow in the forest!

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In my free time, you can catch me with my little family, adventuring, hitting up the BMX track and loving life.

Mrs. Mahira

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.

Miss. Selina

Hi my name is Miss Selina!

I grew up on a farm in Chilliwack and recently graduated from high school.

I had the privilege of doing my work experience practicum with the Outdoor Academy two years ago, and I am so happy to be back.

In my free time, I enjoy hanging out with my friends and family.

I’m really excited to see what this year brings!

Mrs. Mikkayla

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!

Miss. Kenzie

Hello,

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I am Miss. Kenzie and I am a staff in training at Leap for Joy. My favourite part of forest school is playing in the dirt, going down mud slides, playing with my friends and building forts.
 

When I'm not in training, you can catch me with my mum on the trails, learning at school or swimming.

Mrs. Brandi

Hey, I am Mrs.Brandi! 

I could not think of a more fulfilling environment for me to work. I am very passionate about kids learning hands on, exploring all of their "why" questions and helping them foster deeply rooted relationships. 

When I'm not at forest school, you can find me canning, gardening, foraging, hiking and exploring new things. I believe strongly that to teach someone well, you need to always be a learner of new things yourself! I look forward to a year of your children teaching me as much as I teach them.

Miss. Lucia

Hi, I’m Miss Lucia! 

I am so grateful to be a part of the Leap for Joy community! As a second-year education university student, I am passionate about teaching and working with children as they embark on their learning journeys. I also love how we get to spend time together outside at Leap for Joy! Watching the students explore the natural world around them brings me so much joy. 

When I’m not teaching, you can find me travelling Europe, reading novels, spending time with the people in my community, or working on my education classes. I also love hiking, exercising, and spending time outside at lakes and rivers.  

Mrs. Kylee

Coming Soon...

Ms. Tammy

Hi, I’m Ms. Tammy!

I’m originally from Winnipeg and am a proud Mama of two amazing kids. We love animals, cooking and baking, gardening, and exploring the outdoors on adventures together. We’re also big hockey fans in our house and especially love cheering on the Winnipeg Jets!

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I absolutely love spending time with kids and seeing the world through their eyes. There’s something so special about watching their excitement over the simplest things, whether it’s finding a cool bug, discovering something new in the trees, splashing in a puddle, or getting a little muddy along the way!

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I’m so excited to be part of Leap for Joy and can’t wait to explore, learn, laugh, get outside, and make some wonderful memories with the kids!

Mrs. Joanne

Hello, I'm Mrs. Joanne,

I’m young at heart and absolutely love working with children as an Early Childhood Educator. 

I’m passionate about providing children with quality, meaningful care and creating an environment where they feel supported and free to learn and grow. I also believe we never stop learning, and I love learning alongside the other wonderful educators around me.

I’m originally from Zimbabwe, and although Africa will always hold a very special place in my heart, I’m also incredibly proud to call Canada home. My family is a very important part of my life; we especially love spending time with my grown daughters on the weekends.

When I’m not working with children, you’ll often find me out walking in nature with our much-loved dog. Being outdoors is one of my favourite ways to slow down, recharge, and feed my soul.

I’m so happy to be part of Leap for Joy and to share my love of children, learning, and nature with our wonderful little community!

Mrs. Lauren

Hello! I'm Mrs. Lauren,

I am ecstatic to join the Leap for Joy team!  My children have been in the program for quite a few years & we love being a part of the L.f.J. family.  

My favourite things to do with my family are gardening, cooking, eating & being outside.  Add in a good cup of coffee, and I am in paradise!  

I am excited for the adventures this year has in store.  

Ms. Kelly

Coming Soon...

Miss. Carly

Coming Soon...

Mrs. Kim

Hello, I'm Mrs. Kim,

I began my journey working with children in rural Alberta, where I started a day home caring primarily for children under the age of five. Seeing a need for quality childcare in our small community, I started a not-for-profit daycare, creating a welcoming space where local children could learn, play, and grow.

After moving to British Columbia, I continued my work with children through the Chilliwack School District, gaining new experiences and further developing my skills along the way.

I’m so excited to begin this next chapter with Leap for Joy Outdoor Academy! I look forward to learning and growing alongside the children, connecting with nature, and being part of a community that encourages curiosity, adventure, and hands-on learning. I can’t wait to see where this new adventure takes us!

Mrs. Ava

Hi everyone, my name is Miss Ava and I’m excited to be joining Leap for Joy Academy! 

I’ve always loved being outdoors and exploring the world around me. In my free time, you can find me outside hiking, kayaking, or camping. I also have a big love for art and science, and I enjoy being creative, curious, and discovering how things work around us. I’m looking forward to getting to know the children, learning alongside them, enjoying lots of fun, learning experiences, and outdoors adventures together!