Another preschool year is in full swing here at St. Catherine's and the first month has flown by really quickly with gradual entry, meeting friends old and new, and getting to know teachers, classrooms and routines. For some of you this will be your first preschool experience and for others not so much! No matter what, we hope to make your time here at St. Catherine's special, rewarding and memorable.
As I walk through the hallways it's wonderful to hear the happy hum of chatter, songs and laughter coming from the classrooms and if I'm lucky I might just get a little visitor or two to my office throughout the day!
If you have any questions or concerns please talk with your teachers, Marion, Tina or myself (Jen). We are really lucky here at St. Catherine's to have so many people available to help with any issues that arise. Communication is so important and helps us to all be on the same page with regards to your child's preschool experience.
Jen McEneany Staff and Program Coordinator
Hello and welcome to St. Catherine's Preschool. I came to St. Catherine's in October 2008 as a practicum student, and from the moment I walked through the doors I knew that I didn't want to leave (luckily I didn't have to!) I have since worked in the Discovery 2's and 3 year old programs before taking on the role of coordinator in 2012. I feel very lucky to work in such a caring, compassionate and supportive environment and I hope that you and your children will feel that same love and care during your time here at preschool.
I have two daughters Ayla who is 10 and Kaitlyn who is almost 7. We live in a little apartment here in North Van and feel very lucky to live in such a beautiful city. I love to spend my free time with friends and family, hiking local trails, swimming, dancing and reading.
Tina Spencer Administrator
This is my fifth year at St. Catherine's Preschool, and I really enjoy being here. My job consists of all the registration, licensing issues and grants as well as serving on the board for several ECE related committees in the community. In addition to this I run a small business called Little Giant in which I make and sell felt board stories as well as teaching felt board story workshops.
I have lived and worked on the North Shore for 45 years, I have two sons Spencer and Jack and I love to spend my spare time playing baseball, camping and taking photographs.
Marion Porter Developmental Resource Teacher
I became part of the St. Catherine's family in 1997 and since that time have taken on a variety of roles from Support Teacher and Team Teacher to Coordinator before settling into my current role as Developmental Resource Teacher in 2003. My position is very unique to a preschool setting. I am the .5 teacher in all the classrooms and a liaison between community services, parents and children. For the past 15 years I have been part of the teaching team during the Summer Program in July.
Cheryl Hebb Music Director and 402
This year is my 21st year at St. Catherine's and I wouldn't change a moment. I love this preschool, the wonderful staff and board. I look forward to sharing your children's hard work and having lots of fun in the Christmas and Easter services.
I live in a little house in the woods with my husband Jim, our 11 year old son Nathan, and our dog Indi. In my spare time I am involved in several community theatre groups.
Permjit Kaur 301, 403
I was born in Birmingham and spent most of my adult life in London. Thirteen years ago I moved to Vancouver with my husband and three wonderful children. Although I missed London at first, the beauty of Vancouver’s mountains makes me very glad to be here. I have two daughters and a son. My oldest daughter graduated from Queen’s University and is now living and working in London. My son graduated with a BSc in Genetics at University College London (UCL), and my youngest daughter is in her third year at the Sauder School of Business at UBC. I like to hike, run and vegetate with a good book!
I completed my ECE, special needs and Infant toddler training in England. I worked and supervised for a variety of childcare organisations mostly in inner city London. I have worked in childcare for the last 27 years and at St. Catherine’s for the last 9 years. I have worked with the 3's and 4's and am happy to be working with Gabi and Stephanie this year!
I feel very privileged to witness your children's enthusiasm to new things and experiences, and I look forward to teaching your children and having lots of fun this year.
Danielle Moore 201, 202, 204
My name is Danielle and I was born in Perth, Western Australia. Twenty years ago I travelled to Canada and fell in love with Vancouver and my husband Rick. We now have three lovely children Alyssa who is 17, Rhys who is 15 and Haylee who is 11. We love to go for walks in the North Shore mountains with our dog Shadow. My spare time is consumed with my children's activities especially soccer, as it is a big part of our weekend. We also love to watch movies and go swimming.
I look forward to a fun filled year with your children and can't wait to see the little two's blossom and grow as the year goes on.
I was born and raised in the Fiji Islands and moved with my family to Toronto when I was 15. I completed my Early Childhood Education there before moving to Vancouver in 1995. I am married and my husband and I have a beautiful daughter Ria, who was born in 2002.
Sali Chippett 302, 401
I have worked in the field of Early Childhood Education for over 20 years. I have my Early Childhood Educator licence and Infant/ Toddler licence. I have also had experience supporting children with differing abilities.
Karen Hamfeldt 204, 401, 402
I have wanted to work with children since I was in elementary school, but my path took a different route when I was sixteen and I fell in love with cooking. I attended VCC to take the Culinary Arts program and enjoyed every minute. I went on to work in restaurants and then to catering on movie sets.
Rachel Deakin 401, 302
I graduated from the ECCE program at Capilano University in 2008 and I have enjoyed working with children in various capacities in both preschool and daycare for the past eight years. I currently work with both the 3's and the 4's here at St Catherine's and I enjoy every minute!
Stephanie Mah 201, 304, 402, 403
I completed my Early Childhood Education, Special Needs and Infant Toddler Programs at Capilano University.
Gabi Pasek 301, 302, 304, 403
My name is Gabriella Pasek (Gabi) and I was born and raised in Hungary and lived in Austria for a year before I moved to Canada more than 15 years ago. I have a 13 year old daughter Rebecca who is also my fashion adviser, language pathologist and event planner!
E.C.E. is my new field, although I took courses in teaching before the adventure of moving over to this side of the world. I spent the 5 years prior to taking my E.C.E. working in the financial sector, before faith helped me to realise that I should be doing something that makes me happy.
I've been married to my husband for 8 years now and we have 2 beautiful children. Our daughter Lara is 7 years old and just started grade 2 and our 18 month old son Luca keeps us busy and on our toes!
I have been the reverend here at St. Catherine's for seven years now and I thoroughly enjoy my work. I am originally from the UK and have called Canada home since 2000 when I arrived here with my husband (who is also a priest) and our three wonderful children.
St. Catherine's Preschool was founded in 1990 as a mission of St. Catherine's Anglican Church and we continue to share our values of love and care for families especially in this community. The Preschool and Church enjoy many close links, and these are especially apparent during the Christmas and Easter services when the children are able to spend time in the Church, and then share their talents for us. This is a very special experience for the children, families and for members of the Church congregation.
Marion Porter Developmental Resource Teacher
I was raised in Montreal, moved to Newfoundland in the early 70's and then drove across Canada in 1978. Met and married my husband Jim and had our three wonderful boys Richard, Stephen, and Derek. We are now empty nesters and enjoy taking off camping whenever we can. For over 30 years I have worked with children, especially those requiring extra support.
I became part of the St. Catherine's family in 1997 and since that time have taken on a variety of roles from Support Teacher and Team Teacher to Coordinator before settling into my current role as Developmental Resource Teacher in 2003. My position is very unique to a preschool setting. I am the .5 teacher in all the classrooms and a liaison between community services, parents and children. For the past 15 years I have been part of the teaching team during the Summer Program in July.
I look forward to coming into work each day and seeing all the little faces and how excited they are to learn through play.
Cheryl Hebb Music Director and 402
I am so excited to begin another year at St. Catherine's! This year as well as my role as Music Director, I am also aiding one day a week in 402. It's so much fun to be working in both the music program as well as in the classroom!
This year is my 21st year at St. Catherine's and I wouldn't change a moment. I love this preschool, the wonderful staff and board. I look forward to sharing your children's hard work and having lots of fun in the Christmas and Easter services. Permjit Kaur 301, 403
I was born in Birmingham and spent most of my adult life in London. Thirteen years ago I moved to Vancouver with my husband and three wonderful children. Although I missed London at first, the beauty of Vancouver’s mountains makes me very glad to be here. I have two daughters and a son. My oldest daughter graduated from Queen’s University and is now living and working in London. My son graduated with a BSc in Genetics at University College London (UCL), and my youngest daughter is in her third year at the Sauder School of Business at UBC. I like to hike, run and vegetate with a good book!I completed my ECE, special needs and Infant toddler training in England. I worked and supervised for a variety of childcare organisations mostly in inner city London. I have worked in childcare for the last 27 years and at St. Catherine’s for the last 9 years. I have worked with the 3's and 4's and am happy to be working with Gabi and Stephanie this year!
I feel very privileged to witness your children's enthusiasm to new things and experiences, and I look forward to teaching your children and having lots of fun this year.
Danielle Moore 201, 202, 204
My name is Danielle and I was born in Perth, Western Australia. Twenty years ago I travelled to Canada and fell in love with Vancouver and my husband Rick. We now have three lovely children Alyssa who is 17, Rhys who is 15 and Haylee who is 11. We love to go for walks in the North Shore mountains with our dog Shadow. My spare time is consumed with my children's activities especially soccer, as it is a big part of our weekend. We also love to watch movies and go swimming.
I have been working at St Catherine's for over 8 years now and I first worked in the 4 year old program before working with the Discovery Two's for the last several years. I really enjoy watching the youngest members of the preschool develop over the 10 months they are here.
Estelle Stojcic 202, 204
I completed my basic certificate in Early Childhood Education in 1993 before going on to do my Infant/Toddler and Special Needs in 2004. I've been here at St. Catherine's since 2005 and really enjoy my job!
I have two children; Angelique who is seven and Liliana who is four. In my spare time I like to knit, go to the park with my daughters, and shop!
Vibha Sisodraker 201, 202, 204
I was born and raised in the Fiji Islands and moved with my family to Toronto when I was 15. I completed my Early Childhood Education there before moving to Vancouver in 1995. I am married and my husband and I have a beautiful daughter Ria, who was born in 2002.
Yoga, reading and Bollywood dancing are my favourite hobbies!
I joined St. Catherine's Preschool in 2006 and am thrilled to be working with the 2's this year!
Sali Chippett 302, 401
My name is Sali Chippett. I was born in England and have lived in Canada for 22 years. I have two children, a son aged 15 and a daughter aged 18, who both attended St.Catherine's preschool! I have lived near Edgemont Village for 19 years and know many families in the area. My hobbies include reading, hiking, camping, swimming, and hanging out with my kids. I also love to cook and bake.
I have worked in the field of Early Childhood Education for over 20 years. I have my Early Childhood Educator licence and Infant/ Toddler licence. I have also had experience supporting children with differing abilities.
I started working at St. Catherine's in the Spring of 2012 and am very happy to be back for the new school year. St. Catherine's is a great place to work, the teachers are a great support to one another and there is always a lot of fun and laughter. I enjoy helping children develop skills such as independence, co-operation and self confidence. I love watching the children's faces as they create a piece of art, when they hear a song, or read a story that they are really excited about! I am looking forward to a great new school year and getting to know the children and families.
Karen Hamfeldt 204, 401, 402
This is my second year as part of the staff here at St. Catherine's, however I have been part of the St. Catherine's family for many years as my three children Connor, Alexis and Amanda all attended the preschool.
I thought my time at St. Catherine's was finished but it seems I just can't leave! The preschool has been a big part of my life and my children's, and I feel very fortunate to be working in a place that I feel so comfortable.
I have wanted to work with children since I was in elementary school, but my path took a different route when I was sixteen and I fell in love with cooking. I attended VCC to take the Culinary Arts program and enjoyed every minute. I went on to work in restaurants and then to catering on movie sets.
When I got pregnant I had to put the catering on hold as I was working 16 hours days. To make a long story short I never really got back into it seriously as the hours are not good for family life! So after being a stay at home mom (eating Bon Bon's all day for 9 years!) I decided to go back to school (with a push from a former St. Catherine's employee) and pursue a career in ECE.
I should have done this sooner as enjoy every day with your children. I think as I am a bit of a kid still myself that this is the right place for me!
I am looking forward to a wonderful year working with your children and meeting all the families too!
Rachel Deakin 401, 302
I graduated from the ECCE program at Capilano University in 2008 and I have enjoyed working with children in various capacities in both preschool and daycare for the past eight years. I currently work with both the 3's and the 4's here at St Catherine's and I enjoy every minute!
I am married to my wonderful husband Ryan and we have two beautiful daughters Havana who is in the 4's program here at St. Catherine's and Aaliyah who is in the Discovery 2's program.
During our spare time we like going to local parks, beaches, the aquarium and travelling.
Hi my name is Stephanie Mah. I live in Vancouver with my mom, dad, and brother. During my free time I like to bake, roller blade, and spend time with my family and friends. I also have two dogs that I enjoy taking out for walks; a Pomeranian named Chi Chi and a Labrador named Shadow.
I completed my Early Childhood Education, Special Needs and Infant Toddler Programs at Capilano University.
This is going to be my eighth year working at St. Catherine's Preschool and over the years I have had the pleasure of working with the amazing staff and wonderful children in the 2's, 3's, 4's, drop-in, and summer programs. I have learned and experienced so much in the years that I've been here and I am looking forward to many more to come!
Gabi Pasek 301, 302, 304, 403
My name is Gabriella Pasek (Gabi) and I was born and raised in Hungary and lived in Austria for a year before I moved to Canada more than 15 years ago. I have a 13 year old daughter Rebecca who is also my fashion adviser, language pathologist and event planner!
E.C.E. is my new field, although I took courses in teaching before the adventure of moving over to this side of the world. I spent the 5 years prior to taking my E.C.E. working in the financial sector, before faith helped me to realise that I should be doing something that makes me happy.
I have always enjoyed the company of young children. I love to watch how smart, independent, lovable and unique each of them is. I like to observe the interaction between them; some of their conversations are priceless! I admire their simple (and if not hungry or tired!!) usually happy outlook on life.
I feel privileged, accepted and welcomed in the St. Catherine’s community, where I have met loving families and witnessed amazing teachers plan and implement programs and activities just the way I imagined that one day I would do!
In my spare time I like reading, hiking, biking and snowboarding.
I also enjoy spending time with all age groups when I volunteer my time at folk-dance events, swim meets or theatrical performances.
Arsi Amirians 402
Arsi Amirians 402
My name is Arsi and I am so very delighted to be in the field of Early Childhood Education and Care. I graduated the ECE program with the additional certification of Infant Toddler from Capilano University. I have been working in this field for over 6 years now and look forward to many more years of playing, learning and teaching!
I've been married to my husband for 8 years now and we have 2 beautiful children. Our daughter Lara is 7 years old and just started grade 2 and our 18 month old son Luca keeps us busy and on our toes!
During my very rare spare time, I enjoy reading mystery books, surfing the net, and catching up with my friends.
I'm looking forward to a fun filled new preschool year and getting to know all the wonderful children and families!
Christine Rowe Reverend at St. Catherine's Anglican Church
I have been the reverend here at St. Catherine's for seven years now and I thoroughly enjoy my work. I am originally from the UK and have called Canada home since 2000 when I arrived here with my husband (who is also a priest) and our three wonderful children.
St. Catherine's Preschool was founded in 1990 as a mission of St. Catherine's Anglican Church and we continue to share our values of love and care for families especially in this community. The Preschool and Church enjoy many close links, and these are especially apparent during the Christmas and Easter services when the children are able to spend time in the Church, and then share their talents for us. This is a very special experience for the children, families and for members of the Church congregation.
One of the highlights of my day is peeking out of my office and seeing all the little faces on their way to the gym or music class and hearing their happy chatter. Truly the children and their families bring this space to life with warmth and happiness and it is an honour to be so connected with such a wonderful part of the community as St. Catherine's Preschool.
I would like to let each family know that they are welcome to attend a Church service or to meet with me in person at any time and for those families with new babies come and talk with me about baptism. My door is always open!
