Our Teachers
Centre Managers
Maude Ash - Manager Pemberton Children's Centre
My name is Ola K Perkins and I am the co-manager of the Pemberton Children's Centre. I graduated from the Early Childhood Education program at Capilano College in 1989. I started with the Whistler Children's Centre in the fall of that year. While I was working at the centre I began my post basic training for my Infant Toddler and Special Needs certification.
Teacher Qualifications
Our staff is trained in Early Childhood Education and other related child care courses as well as experience working with children. In our under 3 programs we have staff who have completed their Infant/Toddler training as well as Special Needs courses. Staff also maintain a valid First Aid certificate and have had a criminal record review.
The staff work as a team to provide a balanced program that meets the changing needs of the children and families. Staff also work with other professionals in the community to enhance the services we provide.
Our staff is trained in Early Childhood Education and other related child care courses as well as experience working with children. In our under 3 programs we have staff who have completed their Infant/Toddler training as well as Special Needs courses. Staff also maintain a valid First Aid certificate and have had a criminal record review.
The staff work as a team to provide a balanced program that meets the changing needs of the children and families. Staff also work with other professionals in the community to enhance the services we provide.
My name is Laura Beks. I am head teacher in the Dragonflies program. I graduated from the Early Childhood Education program at the Ts'zil Learning Centre in Mt Currie. I have worked at the Whistler Children's Centre before starting at the Pemberton Children's Centre.
My name is Erica Cuthbert. I work in the Dragonflies program. I am currently completing my Early Childhood Education diploma with Northern Lights College. Currently on Maternity Leave. Congratulations Erica!
Hi, my name is Miho Shimmura. I completed my Early Childhood Education License in Japan and am currently taking my Early Childhood Education course in BC. I've been working at the Pemberton Children's Centre since 2010.
My name is Emi Yoshihara. I graduated from the Nova Saho College and Osaka University of Arts Junior College in Japan. I have worked in licensed centres in Japan and the Whistler Children's Centre before starting at the Pemberton Children's Centre.
My name is Christel Rabung. I work in the Beetlebugs program. I am currently taking Early Childhood Education courses through Northern Lights College. I have worked at the Whistler Children's Centre before starting at the Pemberton Children's Centre.
My name is Caroline and I have been working for the Pemberton Children's Centre since August 2016 and really enjoy it. I moved to BC 4 years ago from Montréal and while working as a ski instructor I realized that working with children is my passion. I am now studying to become a special needs teacher assistant. I enjoy making all kinds of art and crafts, mountain biking, yoga and more.
Hello, my name is Christine Spierings and I work in the Crickets program. I graduated from the Early Childhood Education program in 1996 and have been working with children and families in a variety of ways ever since. This includes becoming a certified Birth Doula in 2014. I love how these two careers compliment each other and bring my love of working with families full circle. I have lived in Pemberton since 1997 and I have two kids of my own.
My name is Lucy and I grew up in Whistler. I have been working in childcare for the past 9 years. I have a degree in Elementary Education from the UBCO and an Early Childhood Educator Assistant certificate. I am currently working on my Diploma in Special Education from UBC. I enjoy spending time outside playing in the sun and snow, exploring different places and learning from the world around us. I am now happy to call Pemberton my forever home and look forward to getting to know all of the families that make up this wonderful community
HI! My name is Natasha Smith. Most people call me Tasha.I graduated from Northern Lights College in 2012 with my ECE, Infant/ Toddler and Special Needs Diploma. I worked at the centre from 2011-2013. I then went on an extended maternity leave and had two children. Both of my children attend the centre. I am a teacher in the Beetlebug program. My hobbies include knitting, baking and reading fiction books. If you have any great book suggestions, I'm all ears!
Hello, I'm Rachel. I am originally from England, but have been in Canada for 11 years now. I moved to Pemberton with my husband a little over 3 years ago and have worked at the Children's Centre since August 2015. I have my Bachelor of Education with additional qualifications in Special Education and Kindergarten and am currently doing me ECE.
.Hello my name is Sammy Losee. I am a certified "Responsible Adult" working towards my ECE license. I work in all programs and love it! I get to know all of the children that attend the Pemberton Children's Centre, watch them learn, help them to grow, keep them safe and learn from them every day. They make me laugh, keep me believing in magic
and every day is brand new. All of these things make this job the most rewarding one I've ever had. I myself am a
wife and a parent. I've been married to my husband Cookie since 1999 and we have two beautiful children named
Marley(age 14) and Charlie Parker (age 9).
and every day is brand new. All of these things make this job the most rewarding one I've ever had. I myself am a
wife and a parent. I've been married to my husband Cookie since 1999 and we have two beautiful children named
Marley(age 14) and Charlie Parker (age 9).
My Name is Iwona Smazynski. I am an Early Childhood Education licensed teacher working in the Beetlebug program at the Pemberton Children's Centre.
My name is Julliana August. I have Early Childhood and Infant/toddler certificates and have worked with children for fifteen years. I have experienced working with children from zero to five years old. They are fun, inspiring and all so unique in all their experiences while learning to master their skills. I am married and have eight children and seventeen grandchildren. I enjoy going for walks, watching my children play sports, watching the grandchildren grow, and a lot of family time.
Our other teachers include Ayaka Nakajima and Sabrina McDermott