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"Do not teach a child to learn by force or harshness but direct them to it by what amuses their minds, so that you may be better able to discover with accuracy the peculiar bent of the genius in each."
- Plato
"Do not teach a child to learn by force or harshness but direct them to it by what amuses their minds, so that you may be better able to discover with accuracy the peculiar bent of the genius in each."
- Plato
Our Team
Anna Matchneva, M.Ed., BCBADirector
Mrs. Anna received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) and a Master of Education from the University of British Columbia (UBC). She completed coursework in Applied Behavior Analysis and advanced training in Verbal Behavior and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Anna has extensive knowledge and experience in providing effective teaching and meeting the needs of diverse learners. Anna's own children and strong background in education have inspired her to create Smilestones, an inclusive environment where each child is motivated and encouraged to learn, explore, grow, and receive a unique educational experience based on their individual learning style, interests, and talents.
Jolenta Pazura, BA
Manager
Mrs. Jola received her Bachelor Degree from Simon Fraser University where she has finished coursework in Psychology, Linguistics, and Education. Jola is now continuing her studies and is in the process of completing coursework in early childhood education and behaviour analysis. Jola has worked with children for the past 6 years. She has taught language, academics, social, and life skills to children of varying learning abilities. Jola strongly believes in providing children with a safe and motivating environment to learn, so they are able to gain a strong foundation of skills to build on in the future. She recognizes that a child's potential for learning is great in their early years and can be strengthened and developed in a safe, motivating, fun, and structured environment.
Emma Gallop, ECE
Head Classroom Teacher
Ms. Emma has been working with children for nearly 10 years. After graduating from Douglas College with a diploma in Early Childhood Education, Emma worked as a Youth Coordinator for Norwegian Cruise Lines. She enjoyed this job because it allowed her to travel while at the same time doing what she loves most, working with children! Since having her feet back on dry land, Emma has worked as a preschool teacher and most recently taught at a private school for 3 years as a Junior Kindergarten teacher. Emma is energetic and full of fun ideas that she looks forward to sharing with the children at Smilestones.
Megan Pigot, B.Ed., ECE
Head Classroom Teacher
Ms. Megan has completed a Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Education in Australia in 2005 and has since worked with children in Australia and overseas. The most recent position she held was as a center coordinator and a classroom leader for children 3-5yrs in a newly established child care center in Sydney, Australia. Megan holds a license to practice in BC as an Early Childhood Educator. In addition to educational background, Megan brings her energy and bubbly personality into Smilestones. She has built up a range of experiences and knowledge from around the world and looks forward to working together with families and teaching team at Smilestones towards the positive development of each child.
