Laurel joined our staff in February 2002. She comes to us with experience from Southside Mother’s Day Out as well as a before and after school care program which she ran from her home. Laurel also works part-time for Edmonton Public School Board as a substitute teacher. She has been an active member of the Alberta Playschool Association and attended many playschool inservices over the years.

Laurel graduated from the University of Alberta Elementary Generalist program with a minor in English as a Second Language. From as far back as she can remember, she has always wanted to be a teacher. She enjoys children of all ages, but especially enjoys working with preschoolers. Laurel is a strong believer in using play as a teaching strategy, for she feels in this way they can best explore their world in a safe, non-threatening manner. She thinks that through collaborative play, children are able to develop important social, emotional, physical and intellectual skills in ways that are fun and exciting. She also enjoys creating theme-based centres which enable the children to explore art, music, science, books and drama.

A native of south Edmonton, Laurel currently lives in Riverbend. Her family consists of her husband, Jim, a pharmaceutical representative and three boys, Graydon, Nolan and Liam (Nolan is a 4 year old Riverbend Playschool alumni). When she is not working, she enjoys traveling, reading, in-line skating, skiing and spending time with her family. Her goals for the future include taking some computer courses and becoming as proficient on the computer as her children!