Our Amazing Staff!

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. I am currently completing my ECE Level 2 training and have four years of experience working in daycare settings. I enjoy working with children and creating a warm, safe, and caring environment where they feel comfortable to learn and grow. I believe every child is unique, and I enjoy supporting their individual needs, interests, and development. My favorite part about teaching this age group is helping them to learn social skills and emotional regulation.

I am excited to continue learning and growing as an early childhood educator while building positive relationships with children and their families.

Araylla Lee

ECE 1
Teacher

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 be a part of the Great Journeys’ team.

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.


Darllea Radauer

T.A. Certification, ECE 2
Teacher Assistant

Teaching has always held a special place in my heart. I find joy and purpose in nurturing young minds and supporting each child’s journey of growth, discovery, and learning.

I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the Philippines and an Early Childhood Education Level 2 Certificate from Bow Valley College. My teaching career began in 2014 and has included a range of subjects and age groups. In the Philippines, I taught German, Technology and Livelihood Education, Culinary Arts, and Entrepreneurship to junior and senior high school students.

Now in my second year at Great Journeys Learning Center, I serve as the lead teacher in junior kindergarten. I believe children thrive in nurturing, compassionate, play-based, and child-led environments—spaces where they feel empowered to explore, wonder, create, discover, and express themselves with confidence.

Every child is unique and capable. Meaningful learning takes place when educators patiently nurture children’s curiosity, independence, creativity, imagination, and natural desire to explore. As I look forward to pursuing my Early Childhood Education Level 3 in 2027, I remain committed to growing as an educator. Teaching young children is more than a profession I love; it is a privilege, a passion, and an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the earliest chapters of their lives.

Carly

McLuskey-Kemp

T.A. Certification, ECE 3
Teacher

I’m a Level 3 Early Childhood Educator who works with toddlers and preschoolers through calm, play-based, relationship-focused learning. My experience includes teaching swimming lessons, raising my own family, and volunteering regularly in my children’s school community.

I specialize in creating hands-on, sensory-rich environments where children feel safe, confident, and curious. I believe children are capable learners, and I support them by offering choices, encouraging independence, and trusting their natural curiosity.

Juvelyn Abalayan

T.A. Certification, ECE 3
Teacher

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!

Jane Yang

M.Ed., ECE 3
Director of Programs
jane.yang@greatjourneyslc.ca

Jitka Smuszko

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

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 Learning Center.