Meet the Team
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Kim – Educator/School Age (Cedars Program)
Hello there and welcome to Hazelwood Early Learning Centre. My name is Kim and I’d like to tell you a bit about myself. I’ve been a resident of Port Coquitlam for approximately 30 years and I love the small-town vibe we have here. I live in the Mary Hill area and both of my sons (Mitchell is 28, Spencer is 25, man am I showing my age here) have been born and raised in Port Coquitlam. On top of this they both attended Hazel Trembath so this neighborhood is very near and dear to my heart.
I live with my husband Ivan and our three cats (yes, I said 3) Dory, Cailee and LeeRoy. What is my background you ask? I’ve been working in daycare now for 3 years as a Responsible Adult, prior to that most of my professional life has been in the medical field- 25 years as a Certified Dental Assistant and 7 years as a Medical Lab Assistant at Eagle Ridge Hospital. Why am I working with children now? You may ask, good question. It’s due to the fact that with every occupation I’ve had my work usually centered around children: I was the first choice every time to clean a child’s teeth or take their blood (yup, I did that too). Due to this, I finally concluded that it was time to work with children full time and I am so happy I have made this decision. Working with children is so gratifying and I love it.
I’m more of an out-doorsy type of person, I love camping in our tent trailer we call Timmy, riding my bike around and just hanging in the great outdoors. I used to be a CanCan dancer in Port Moody so if you ever went to the May Day parade or to July Ist festivities you may have seen me at my “best” (lol). I have an out-going personality, and am looking forward to meeting everyone, so let’s have some fun!!
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RJ Norbe – Educator (School Age Program)
Hi!
I’m RJ. I am from the small and humble town of Binalbagan in the Philippines. I moved to Canada as a student in January 2023 and reside in Port Coquitlam which I find is a very peaceful and relaxing neighborhood here in the lower mainland. I live with my supportive, loving, and caring uncle, aunt and cousins.
I have always been an outdoor person. Being with nature provides me so much joy and relaxation and when I moved to Canada, I fell in love with nature and all the experiences it can provide. This year is my first summer here in Canada and I spent most of my weekends outdoors with friends to do hiking, camping, and backpacking which I really enjoy – also I love cooking!
I am currently enrolled in a Certificate program in Childcare and Language Assistant with Pacific Link College. Before that, I was a public high school teacher in the Philippines for 5 years and have been working with children with different ages and backgrounds since 2017 as a volunteer and parish leader in our church. I always love to impart something valuable and meaningful to all of my students and provide them a chance to emotionally and socially grow. I also enjoy learning from the children each day and that’s what I always look forward to!
I am really excited to be working and learning with all the amazing, warm and passionate educators of Hazelwood and also to get to know all the children and families that are part of the Hazelwood Community!
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Kiana Shakiba – Educator (School Age Program)
Hi there, I’m Kiana! I’m thrilled to have joined the wonderful team at Hazelwood and I can't wait to embark on this exciting journey with all of you!
Four years ago, I made the big move from Halifax, Nova Scotia to beautiful Port Coquitlam, British Columbia. The 6-day drive from coast to coast was an incredible adventure, filled with breathtaking landscapes. Nature has always been my sanctuary. I feel a deep, almost magical connection to the natural world and all its creatures. Whether I'm journaling about a serene forest walk or snapping photos with my trusty Samsung camera, I love capturing the beauty around me. I find my hobbies reflect my dynamic and creative spirit: I love reading, biking, drawing, and transforming thrifted items into unique, new creations.
Currently, I’m in my third year of a Bachelor of Science program in Behavioral Neuroscience at SFU, and I’m passionate about merging my love for science with my dedication to working with children. Ever since I was 13, volunteering with kids has brought me immense joy. As a former camper, I know firsthand how transformative these experiences can be, and I’m committed to bringing that same joy to others. My fascination with children's development and psychology drives my ambition to make a positive impact in their lives. Their boundless curiosity and enthusiasm inspire me every day, fueling my own imagination, creativity and learning.
I’m beyond excited to collaborate with the amazing educators at Hazelwood. I look forward to getting to know all the wonderful children and families that make up this vibrant community. Together, we'll explore, learn, and grow, fostering imagination and a love for the natural world in every child!
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Bryan Chan – Educator (School Age Program)
Hi! My name is Bryan. I graduated from Simon Fraser University with a Bachelor in Computing Science. I enjoy learning about different cultures, foods, languages and history. In my spare time, I'm an avid media consumer when it comes to movies, shows and games. I also enjoy playing badminton and going on hikes.
I have been a mentor, tutor and teacher in multiple points in my life. In high school, I taught children First Aid at the Port Moody St. John Ambulance. I have taught children Python Programming on Zoom. I have also spent 6 months in the jungles of Borneo teaching Math, English and Programming at a post secondary institute in West Kalimantan.
I love watching children grow, learn and live life in their own way. We've all been there - being a kid. And it would be a privilege to participate in that process and work with all of you here at Hazelwood.