+1 403-289-3174
4039 Brentwood Road NW Calgary, Alberta, T2L 1L1

Our Amazing Staff

Caring Teachers & Staff

To nurture is to nourish.  Nurturing a child encompasses all aspects of development: social, emotional, cognitive, and physical.  In every interaction, our staff strives to nurture appropriate growth and development.

Our teachers are required to wear many hats.  As experienced teachers, they are always prepared to be flexible. In most cases, their role as early childhood teachers…

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will be very similar to that of a guide. They will guide your child down new paths, they will allow your child to choose their learning and playing style, they will encourage them to find their own answers instead of providing the answers for them, and they will keep them safe from harm.

As guides, teachers learn with the children and share in their experiences. Documenting, lesson planning, preparing materials and the environment, require our teachers to have strong management skills and a loving commitment to the children.

Teachers also take care to listen to each child, including interpreting words and actions.  Listening carefully helps teachers determine a child’s needs and aids in furthering the child’s development. Documentation is an important part of our day. Staff take pictures and write down the children’s ideas and thoughts. A portfolio of each child’s work, along with photographs and written documentation, is collected throughout the year and given to the children in June.

Our teachers enjoy communicating with many people throughout the day: parents, children, support staff, the general public, and administrators.  We want you, and your child, to feel comfortable asking questions, seeking advice, and sharing your experiences.

We invite you to get to know us. Please use this contact information to let us know of any questions or concerns!

Administration

Jane Yang

Program Director

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M. Ed

Lori Brailsford

Assistant Director

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B. Ed., ECE Dip., ECE 3

I have a Bachelor of Education degree and an Early Childhood Education Diploma from the University of Calgary. Although I have taught children up to Grade Nine, I have always most enjoyed the young children up to the age of six. I love the sense of wonder and excitement they bring to their learning!

I have worked at Great Journeys Learning Center since we opened in 2015, first as a classroom teacher, and now as the Assistant Director of the Center. I enjoy the sense of family that we have here, both with the staff, as well as with the families we serve. I am privileged to work with such a wonderful group of people!

Jitka Smuszko

Director of Business Operations

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B.Ed., ECE 3

jitka.smuszko@thevillagecalgary.ca

Mi Ji

Accountant

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B. Comm.

mi.ji@greatjourneyslc.ca

I was privileged to become a part of the Great Journeys family after my daughter attended the Kindergarten program. I now work as the accountant for Great Journeys.

Teaching Staff

Jan Peterson

Teacher Assistant

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T.A. Certification, ECE 1

I have a Recreation Management Diploma from Mount Royal University and an Education Assistant Certificate from the University of Calgary. I have been with Great Journeys since 2015. With more than 20 years of experience, I couldn’t imagine myself anywhere else.

Araylla Lee

Teacher – Jr. Kindergarten

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ECE 1

I have a passion for working with children who have additional needs. I have worked with this community for 14 years. I am happy to a part of the Great Journeys team.

Irene Song

Teacher – Junior Preschool

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B.Des., ECE 2

I received my Bachelor of Design from Alberta University of the Arts, and I have worked as an art instructor, illustrator and designer. I’ve always had a passionate heart towards young children and this led me into Early Childhood Education. I truly appreciate each child’s uniqueness and their creative spirit!

Carmen Yau

Teacher Assistant

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DSW., ECE 1

I was a Residential and Social Worker in Hong Kong at a hostel and school setting for children with additional needs. I transitioned into Early Childhood Education and I now hold a certificate as a level one early childhood educator. My favorite part about teaching this age group is helping them to learn social skills and emotional regulation.

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