Our Team
Admin Staff
Natalie Robinson
Executive Director
Natalie has a passion for engaging with community and building connections. She has a keen interest in supporting families and finding long-term solutions to help our littles thrive, for generations to come. She also loves the passion that each of her teachers brings to their programs and is very inspired by her team’s educareing approach. She looks forward to getting to know new families each year and watching them flourish throughout their time in our organization.
Rebecca Kleinman
Childcare Manager
Rebecca’s experience encompasses over 20 years in caring for children and 15 years teaching early childhood education in a child care setting. Her most recent position as Administrative Assistant and Head Teacher at Mountain Minis Childcare in Whistler for 5 years has prepared her for this role. Since completing a Diploma in Early Childhood Education in 2010, she has been constantly advancing her knowledge in the field through hands-on work in the classroom and professional development including her RIE Foundations training.
Young Parent Program
Ainslie Patteson
Young Parent Coordinator
Ainslie grew up in Toronto but has since spent time in many cities across the country. She has always had a keen interest in working with children and youth, and has explored this through various positions from nanny, to Mad Science teacher, to a youth motivational speaker, and to being a summer camp coordinator. Most recently, Ainslie has been working in the field of mental health and addictions while completing her Bachelor of Social Work. She may already be a familiar face to some of you as “Jude’s mom “, however her first hand experience as a single mother and her familiarity with our society as a parent of a child in our toddler program are already great assets towards a seamless transition to the position. Ainslie brings a wide breadth of life experience and passion towards her new role within TNTLS family and through her work with the Young Parents, looks forward to making a positive impact in our community.
Vanier 6-36 Months Teachers
Rae
Site Supervisor
Where are you from?
I moved to the island from small town Alberta in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and I love it here!
What do you love about working with children?
I love watching them learn and grow right before your eyes.
What do you enjoy doing in your downtime in the Comox Valley?
I like to walk my dog, cook, and I am currently learning how to mountain bike!
Rizza
Where are you from?
I was born and raised in the Philippines. I have been in Canada for the last 3 years. I am still learning and enjoying the beautiful country.
What do you love about working with children?
Working with children means getting to know them (likes, dislikes, personality) and in that way I can understand more and learn more about them. I learned a lot whenever I work with children. I love their sense of curiosity.
What do you enjoy doing in your downtime in the Comox Valley?
I have only been here for a week! I am planning to go on some new activities (hiking etc.) for the next few weeks. People in Comox have been so warm and friendly since I moved here.
Jillian
Where are you from?
I have just recently moved home to the Comox Valley from the mainland.
What do you love about working with children?
I love everything about it! My favourite part is when the lightbulb goes off. Knowing I was a part of that moment is incredibly rewarding. I feel strongly about being present in each moment with the child and providing them with the best individual care and support.
What do you enjoy doing in your downtime in the Comox Valley?
I like to spend time with family, do crafts, go for walks, and sit on the beach listening to the waves.
Angela
Where are you from?
Taber, Alberta
What do you love about working with children?
They are so full of love! I love how the children love to learn about their environment. Providing them opportunities to express themselves and discover.
What do you enjoy doing in your downtime in the Comox Valley?
I enjoy going to the lakes, beaches and rivers with my husband and fur baby Jax. I also enjoy gardening! I love to read, watch movies and enjoy spending time in our backyard.
Tisha
Where are you from?
A little bit of everywhere. I’m from Bella Bella BC (up North). I’m also from Kingcome inlet; but primarily grew up on Vancouver Island/Bella Bella.
What do you love about working with children?
I love being able to learn from the children as much as I have the opportunity to teach them something new. Seeing a child’s developmental journey is the most beautiful journey to witness.
What do you enjoy doing in your downtime in the Comox Valley?
If I’m not reading a book, I’m most likely listening to one! While listening to books, I’m either cooking, beading or crocheting. I also spend as much time with my younger sibling as I can.
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Hope
Where are you from?
I was born in North Vancouver, my family and I moved to the Comox Valley when I was 5. My extended family all lives on Vancouver Island. I spent my childhood here; after graduating high school I traveled the world and lived in Texas for 7 years, where I met my husband. We eventually moved to the valley to raise our children. Family is very important to me, and I feel very lucky to have mine so close.
What do you love about working with children?
Children teach us patience, love, empathy and compassion every day. To be able to make a positive impact on a child’s life, build memories that both the child and I will cherish forever, and help them develop and grow is something I feel proud to be a part of. I love that I can support families and provide a nurturing and safe environment for their child. Building strong relationships with families is very important to me!
What do you enjoy doing in your downtime in the Comox Valley?
I enjoy taking my children to the beach, rivers and lake. We own 3 dogs, 2 cats and 2 horses. I love riding my horse when I have time, cooking, gardening and spending time with my family.
Brigida
Where are you from?
Hello, my name is Brígida, Bri for short. I am Brazilian, from a city called Vitoria.
What do you love about working with children?
I am passionate about child development and I love to see their learning through their stages. Ever since I was young, I loved to watch children discovering new things in life, especially in nature, and their relationship with the world. I’m proud to see them grow and get their independence, being a support for them to explore their interests.
What do you enjoy doing in your downtime in the Comox Valley?
In my free time, you’ll probably see me trying new restaurants around the valley, seeing what’s new in the art gallery and exploring the beautiful outdoors we have in the island! I’m honoured to be here in this land.
Lake Trail 6-36 Months Teachers
Jessie
Where are you from?
I am originally from Montreal, which is where I completed my Early Childhood Education training in 2007. Since then I have lived in New Zealand, Australia and then made Vancouver Island home. I have gratefully been living here on the traditional unceeded territory of the Komoks First Nations for the last 6 years.
What do you love about working with children?
What I love most about children is the way they notice the smallest details in the world. Children help us live in the present, and pay attention to the subtle changes with such curiosity. Having worked in nature based programs, I’d say my favorite place to learn and connect with children is outdoors.
What do you enjoy doing in your downtime in the Comox Valley?
In the last year, I’ve begun mountain biking. Being in the forest makes me feel like a child again. I also really enjoy swimming, whether at the pool with my two kids or in the rivers, ocean and lake we can easily access. I’m also a bit of a gardening fanatic. I could happily be out digging in the dirt, trying to grow all the flowers, veggies and fruit possible. Beyond these personal interests, my children who are 7 and 3.5, and my partner and old rescue dog are my favorites to be around!
Sharyn
Site Supervisor
Where are you from?
Originally from England, I emigrated to Canada in 2005 and lived in the Okanagan until 2023, when I then moved over to the island and made the Comox Valley my home.
What do you love about working with children?
I can’t think of anything more fulfilling than being able to witness and share in the joy, excitement, discovery and wonder that each day brings; and to have the unique opportunity to be apart of a child’s everyday learning and watch them grow and develop into confident, self-sufficient learners.
What do you enjoy doing in your downtime in the Comox Valley?
I enjoy walking and exploring all the spectacular beaches and trails. one of my favorite pastimes is photography, so I spend a lot of time out and about with my camera.
Tara
Where are you from?
Winnipeg, Manitoba
What do you love about working with children?
I love that everyday is different. The children are constantly changing and growing. And I absolutely love seeing a child understand or accomplish something that they’ve been working on for the first time! Sharing in that joy fills my heart!
What do you enjoy doing in your downtime in the Comox Valley?
I love getting outdoors. I can often be found at the ocean or in the forest, appreciating the things I never got to see growing up. In the summer my wife & I do a lot of camping. I also love to cook and bake.
Kate
Where are you from?
I was raised in New Brunswick. I’ve been fortunate to explore and live in Nova Scotia as well as the interior of BC. Four years ago, I made a permanent move to beautiful Vancouver Island.
What do you love about working with children?
I love being a part of children’s learning experiences as they discover and investigate the world around them and as their individual personality and uniqueness develops!
What do you enjoy doing in your downtime in the Comox Valley?
In my downtime I enjoy walking and biking in the forest, hiking, and being by the water. Otherwise, I am spending time with my family, playing guitar and singing, reading or knitting!
Hailey
Where are you from?
I was born in Seoul, South Korea. I wanted to explore more countries to learn more cultures and English, so I stayed in Australia for two years when I was 22. Eventually I decided to live abroad and landed to New Brunswick. I lived all around in Canada over years, I finally moved to the valley.
What do you love about working with children?
I love being a person who can influence to children’s early experience. It motivates me to be a better person. It is also a great happiness to see children grow and change because of the influence I have given them.
What do you enjoy doing in your downtime in the Comox Valley?
I enjoy exploring the valley because I am still new in this town! Especially, I love drinking coffee! I am trying to visit cafes as much as I can in the valley.
Nicole
Where are you from?
Born and raised here in the Comox Valley.
What do you love about working with children?
I love knowing that the work I do with the children in my care makes an impact on their lives, helping them grow and learn about the world around them. I enjoy the time I spend with children and how much i learn from them.
What do you enjoy doing in your downtime in the Comox Valley?
When I get the chance to do something for me, I enjoy being in the outdoors, dancing, crafting and reading a good book.
3-5 Years (Vanier)
Amber
Site Supervisor
Where are you from?
I am from the Okanagan.
What do you love about working with children?
Every day is new and exciting and I am always laughing when working with children!
What do you enjoy doing in your downtime in the Comox Valley?
I love to cook and spend time with my kids. I am really excited for walks with my future puppy.
Cheyenne
Where are you from?
The Okanagan. My family and I moved to the Comox Valley in 2021.
What do you love about working with children?
I love experiencing the learning journey with children as they explore their worlds, learning from them along the way.
What do you enjoy doing in your downtime in the Comox Valley?
I enjoy spending time outdoors with my family. Skiing in the winter, hiking, paddling in the spring and summer. My family and I love travelling both on the island and beyond.
Joli
Where are you from?
Born in Quebec, I moved to the island 2 years ago in search of new experiences. It is a privilege for me to be able to call this wonderful place home.
What do you love about working with children?
As an educator, I find it rewarding to see children grow emotionally, applying advice learnt from teammates and I overcoming obstacles. I am incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to spend quality time with your tiny humans.
What do you enjoy doing in your downtime in the Comox Valley?When I’m not spending time with your precious little one(s), you can find me on a mountaintop, reading on a beach or on the road exploring.
Heidi
Where are you from?
Born and raised in the Comox Valley.
What do you love about working with children?
I love that everyday is a new adventure, they’re all such natural explorers so it makes the day exciting. I admire how they find joy and magic in life’s simplest forms like sticks and sand balls.
What do you enjoy doing in your downtime in the Comox Valley?
In my downtime I enjoy going to Milanos for a warm vanilla latte and taking my children to the local trails. In the summer months, you’ll be able to find us out camping or enjoying all the ocean fishing there is to offer.
Jasmeet
Where are you from?
I am from Punjab, a beautiful state in the northern Punjab. It is a place full of culture, enrich food and a place full of Love. I love my Punjab!
What do you love about working with children?
I love to see these tiny humans growing, asking questions. I feel not only they learn from us but we learn a lot from them.
What do you enjoy doing in your downtime in the Comox Valley?
As of now I am exploring around, seeing things. I love to go on beaches.
Substitute Teachers
Karissa
Where are you from?
I am originally from Vancouver and I am new to Vancouver Island.
What do you love about working with children?
I love that they teach me something new every day. My mom was an Early Childhood Educator and I have always admired the drive and passion she had for her career. Her and my 4-year-old son are the reason I chose this path for myself. I want to provide the children I work with everything they need to succeed in life and foster each and every one of their different personalities as best as I can.
What do you enjoy doing in your downtime in the Comox Valley?
I enjoy spending time with family and going for walks and hikes and exploring the island, general.
Leanna
Where are you from?
I grew up in Surrey, BC where I remained for the first 30 years of my life. I began my own family in 1994 & 1995 when I had my two daughters. My husband and I bought our first house in Maple Ridge in 2006 and we watched our children grow, graduate and move away. Now I am so proud of the women they are and the mothers they are becoming.
What do you love about working with children?
I love how each day is new. children change, grow and learn new things each and everyday. Their joys is contagious and their cuddles are so precious. I so enjoy watching the changes especially when they learn something exciting and their face beams with pride.
What do you enjoy doing in your downtime in the Comox Valley?
in the downtime I spend most of the time with my family, spouse and dog. I enjoy going on date night each week and going to the movies. I love a great rock concert and music in general. I also love my quiet time reading my books or binging a show or series. I have lots of fun camping or hiking although I haven’t done it as much this past year. Time to get back to nature for sure!
Mckayla
Where are you from?
I have lived on the island my whole life! I am from Union Bay and was born at the Comox hospital in 2003. I graduated from G.P Vanier in 2021!
What do you love about working with children?
Everything about it:) My passion in life is making all children happy & smile, as well as feel loved and cared for. Knowing I am responsible for and trusted with someone’s child means a lot to me and I feel blessed to get to do so. I love and am grateful to be apart of their growth and to be able watch their achievements.
What do you enjoy doing in your downtime in the Comox Valley?
I enjoy working out and doing yoga in my free time. As well as spending time with my family and friends. My favourite hobbies are baking & cooking, fishing & relaxing by the water. When I can I love to visit my brother and his family at their home in Vietnam!