Nicole Crowe

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 attended UFV for elementary education and 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

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.

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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. Ashley

Hi, I’m Miss. Ashley!

This is my second 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

COMING SOON...

Mr. Leo

Hi, I’m Mr. Leo

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This is my third 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 favoured 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. Tanya

.COMING SOON...

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Mrs. Amanda

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

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! 

Mrs. Kylie

Hi, I’m Mrs. Kylie! 

I’ve dreamed of being a teacher since I was in preschool myself. My passion for teaching has led me to pursue the Early Years Education program at UBC. Guiding children along these precious younger years is where my heart lies. After watching my own kids’ amazing experiences at Leap for Joy, it’s an honour to work alongside the wonderful teachers and students here. 

In my spare time, you can find me kayaking, hiking, reading, writing and road-tripping to BC’s islands with my husband and our 3 children. 

Mrs. Andrea

I’m a homeschooling mom of 2 and have tutored elementary kids and ESL for the last 20+ years. My kids have had the privilege of growing up in Leap For Joy program from the time my daughter was 4 and my son was 3.  I have seen first hand how much they have benefited from having the opportunity to be able to learn in nature. As a family we love camping, canoeing, hiking and sitting around the campfire with friends.  I look forward to the adventures that await us in the forest! 

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Mrs. Natasha

Hi, I’m Mrs. Natasha! I grew up in East Sussex, in the UK, where I first worked as a Zookeeper. I discovered my passion for teaching children about the natural world, leading "Zookeeper for the Day".

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This passion led me to teaching in Outdoor education centres and adventure therapy programs. During my studies in Outdoor Leadership and Management, Ilooked at the impact forest schools have on children’s social and emotional development, which deepened myunderstanding of the positive impact of forest schools.

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I moved to Canada in 2017 and had the opportunity to take children from an outdoor after-school program to a Timber Nook Forest School and loved the child-led and restorative nature of the program. 

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I love being out in the forest and connecting with the land. Recently I discovered more about my ancestry, the Khasi tribe in India and how they weave tree roots to make bridges, which has further enriched my curiosity and deepened my connection. I am so grateful to be part of this team!