Our Staff

Kindergarten

Junior Kindergarten

Aisha Ahmed

*Dip.Ed., ECE 3*
***Teacher - Jr. Kindergarten (4-5yrs)***
I have been teaching preschoolers for 18 years and feel truly lucky to do my job! Teaching is my passion and I believe every child is special. A mixture of structured activities and free creative play allows optimal learning. Every child is different with unique needs, and my program plans enable each individual to learn at their own pace. My goal has always been to provide an environment that enhances self-esteem and self-confidence in each child.

Muna Goswami

M.A., ECE 1
***Teacher - Jr. Kindergarten (4-5yrs)***
I am from Nepal. I came to Canada in 2017 with my family. I completed a Master of Arts (M.A) in English literature from Tribhuvan University. In Nepal, I worked as a High School teacher for six years and as a Junior High school teacher for two years. I love reading books, travelling, listening to music and singing. I am so grateful to be the part of this institution with friendly environment.

Amy Vila

ECE 3
***Teacher - Jr. Kindergarten (4-5yrs)***

Carmen Yau

*DSW., ECE 1*
***Teacher Assistant***
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.

Preschool

Shamayl Khan

B.Ed., M.A., ECE 1
***Teacher - Jr. Kindergarten (4-5yrs)***
I have a Masters in Islamic Studies and a Bachelor in Education. I moved to Canada in 2014 with my family. In my free time I love to spend time with my family and go to mountains. I like having the experience of working with children every day.

Araylla Lee

ECE 1
***Teacher - Jr. Kindergarten (4-5yrs)***
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

B.Des., ECE 2
***Teacher - Junior Preschool***
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!

Esther Chun

B.Music, ECE 1
***Teacher - Music Specialist, Junior Preschool Teacher***
My name is Euikyung (Esther) Chun. I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Piano Performance and studied Music Education in graduate school in South Korea. I have a Secondary School Teacher's Certificate and a Diploma in Counselling. I enjoy traveling and listening to music. I have two adult sons and one granddaughter. After becoming a grandmother, I became more excited about working with young children.

Jan Peterson

T.A. Certification, ECE 1
***Teacher Assistant***
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.

Administration

Lori Brailsford

B. Ed., ECE Dip., ECE 3
***Assistant Director***
lori.brailsford@greatjourneyslc.ca
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!

Mi Ji

B.Comm.
***Accountant***
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.

**Jitka Smuszko**

B.Ed., ECE 3
***Director of Business Operations***
jitka.smuszko@thevillagecalgary.ca

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 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!