STAFF

Leslie: Director/Owner

Hello, my name is Leslie.

I delight in children. They always lighten the day and bring sunshine to my life! I greatly appreciate the many relationships I’ve enjoyed over the years, with staff members, parents and children in our care.

I have spent forty rewarding years working with children. I raised five of my own, taught school for ten years and have owned and operated the Fun Farm for the past sixteen years.

I strongly believe in the benefits of outdoor activity for children. I love hiking, kayaking, beach-combing, and just being outside! I do my best to provide a myriad of healthy outdoor activities in our programming, and in the the ongoing physical development of our acreage.

We seek to foster happiness, health and a love of nature in our children at the Fun Farm!


Karen: Early Childhood Educator

Hello, my name is Karen.

I am very grateful to be a part of your child’s journey as they grow and develop during these early years of their lives.

I graduated from the ECE Program at Ridge Meadows College in 2017, but I have experience working with children ages 3-5 in childcare centres since 2011. I also worked in The Mother Goose Program and did some child-minding in Cythera programs.

My passion for this age group comes from my experience with my own children. They are so inquisitive, imaginative, and free spirited at this age.

I am looking forward to building relationships with your children and you during these most important, valuable years of development.


Linda: Early Childhood Educator

Hello, my name is Linda.

I have always surrounded myself with children because they bring so much enthusiasm and joy into my life.

Every day is filled with excitement and I enjoy providing opportunities for the children to explore,
create, play, discover and learn new things. Their curiosity, wonder and creativity inspire me. I also feel privileged to be a part of a community where I see the children building a connection and friendship with one another and their teachers.

I have thirty years of experience working with children. I cared for children In my home for fifteen
years and worked in various childcare centres as an Infant/Toddler Assistant, and as a preschool/childcare educator for fifteen years.

I also love spending time with my family, especially my grandchildren. I enjoy playing games, baking, bowling, going to the park, or doing art activities with them. Volunteering at my church is another part of my life.


Aman: Early Childhood Educator – Assistant

Hello, my name is Aman.

I just love kids! I have dedicated myself to many happy years of childminding for my large family and I now have a son of my own and enjoy raising him.

While living in India, I taught primary school. I have a master’s degree in education and my dream has always been to work with and educate children. I speak three languages and enjoy sharing them with the children in my care.

Since coming to Canada, I have acquired an Early Childhood Assistant certificate which enables me to continue teaching and working with children in my new home country.

I am working towards obtaining my Early Childhood Education certificate and excited at the prospect of becoming a preschool teacher in the future.


Lydia: Early Childhood Educator – Assistant

Hello, my name is Lydia.

I am so blessed that I get to be apart of so many wonderful children’s lives and experience their growth. As I am very passionate about art, I aim to spark your children’s creativity and imagination.

I used to teach Martial Arts classes for children ages 5 to 12 and I created my own Summer Day Camp program through my gym. I was also a behaviour interventionist for 2 years. Autism runs in my family and so I have gained a lot of personal experience with special needs.

Fun Farm is the first centre I have worked at and I am so happy to be working on my full ECE!


Carla: Early Childhood Educator – Assistant

Hello, my name is Carla.

I was born and raised in Brazil and moved to Canada 14 years ago. I am a mother of 2 wonderful and energetic boys, ages 6 and 2.

I first worked with children during my studies in Japan, where I was as a swimming instructor to children ages 3 and up. I truly enjoyed being around children and watching them progress on their skills.

Although my academic background is in Business Administration, after having children of my own, I made the decision to change career paths and started working as an ECE assistant in 2016, at The Fun Farm.

I have worked in both after school care, as well as the 3-5 room. I have learned from and enjoyed working with each child; teaching, playing, and watching them learn and grow.

I look forward to getting to know your children and having lots of fun exploring the outdoors at the Fun Farm.


Mariann

Hello, my name is Mariann.

I have always wanted to work with children. It was a dream of mine to become an elementary school teacher. I believe that if kids have a strong foundation in the beginning, they will succeed later on in life.

When someone is able to put their own time aside to help you with a problem or to simply join in your excitement with something so small as a gold star, it can mean a lot to a child. I want to be that person who children can come to with any question and give a response in love.

I have my responsible adult certification and first aid certification. I have worked at the Fun Farm since January and this has been my first official job at a daycare which I am so thankful for. In the past I’ve helped my mom out with her daycare and have babysat on the weekends for years.

I love nature, music and art. When your kids come to me with a drawing addressed to, “Miss Mariann,” it warms my heart. I believe this beautiful world was created so we can enjoy and explore it.

As for music, it is such a powerful tool to express someone’s true emotions without even having to say a word. Your child is a gift , so thank you for letting me be apart of their journey.