Vanessa discovered at a young age that she was passionate about working with children. Back in 2001, this dream came to life and Vanessa began her career developing young minds. Over the years she has worked in daycares, preschool programs and out of school centres both as a teacher and an Executive Director. After many years of working in these environments, she dreamed of opening her own program where she would be able to provide the highest quality of care to local children. In September 2013, Mindful Moments opened it's doors and Vanessa continues to enjoy each and every smile as the children experience the pure magic of childhood. Vanessa is passionate about learning and attends various conferences in the areas of leadership and child development annually. Some of the training she has taken:

Early Childhood Education with Honours Diploma

Level 3 Certificate from Alberta Government

Early Childhood Montessori Diploma

Certificate in Applied Positive Psychology

Certified YogaKids Instructor

Brain Gym Certificate (helps to support the linking between both sides of the brain)

Kindermusik & Learning Groove Training (music programs for children)

MindUP Mindfulness for Kids Training

Kids Have Stress Too - Facilitator Training (preschool and school aged)

Kimochis Social Emotional Program Training

Handwriting Without Tears Training

Meditation with Children & Teens Training

Lifestyle Meditation 200 Hour Meditation Certification

Principles of Healthy Child Development - HighFive® 

Healthy Minds for Healthy Children - HighFive®

Workplace Wellness - Professional Sustainability

ASQ:3 & ASQ:SE Training (screening for developmental delays)

Belief Re-Patterning in Education Training

Accelerated Leadership Training

Disney's Approach To Leadership Excellence

Disney's Approach To Employee Engagement and

Disney's Approach To Quality Service

NAIT Leadership Certificate

Workplace Wellness Part 1 & 2 - Imagine Institute

Kouzes and Posner Leadership Challenge™

Hanen - Learning Language and Loving It - Facilitator Training

Dr Greene's Collaborative and Proactive Solutions Model - 12 Hour Training

Possibilities for Practice FLIGHT training (exploring Alberta's Early Learning Curriculum Framework)

Wonderled Educator Training

Inspiring Professional Growth Leadership Program with Susan MacDonald

Resiliency Trainer Certification

Positive Education Certification

Certificate in Applied Positive Psychology

Applied Positive Psychology Coaching Certification

Positive Intelligence Coach Training

Rhythm 2 Recovery Certification - Rhythmic Activities to Support Social and Emotional Development

Mental Health First Aid Training

Pyramid Model Training (four courses via GRIT)

Practice Based Coaching Certification

Teaching Pyramid Observation Tool Certification (TPOT)

Inclusion Summit on Early Learning and Care

2024 Annual International Conference on ADHD

Advanced ADHD Coaching

Hello, I am Jason, Husband to Vanessa and Assistant Director at Mindful. I am a Level Two Early Childhood Educator and Assistant Director to Mindful Moments. I am currently in the process of working toward my Level 3.

Many years ago I wanted to pursue a career in a field that would give back to the community. I was inspired to be a paramedic, but shelved the idea after interviewing someone in the field and realizing that I would be unable to witness a child in distress. My path veered into another passion, IT, until I met Vanessa.

Vanessa introduced me to childcare. I knew instantly that this field was the connection to the community I was looking for many years ago. My passion grew deeper as I achieved my Level One, developed relationships with the children in my care & their families, and witness the children explore. I continued to grow my knowledge by attaining my Level Two, while running our day home and assisting at Mindful Moments.

I joined Mindful Moments full-time after we closed our day home and have had the honour of meeting so many incredible families. I look forward to discovering the worlds of each child that attends our programs, building relationships with their families, and working together to bring out the brilliance that is the mind of a child.

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to be a part of your world and welcome to Mindful Moments.

Miss Lori has been working with Preschoolers since 2000 and has been teaching in a Preschool since 2008. Throughout the years she has volunteered in a Hearing Impaired classroom, ran a full time Licensed Day Home, taken Early Childhood Development courses and has taught over 10 years in a Licensed Preschool.


Lori has a loving and playful nature that is always apparent in the classroom. She believes in helping each child find their own strengths and individuality while preparing them for the next stage in their journey.

When Lori isn’t teaching preschool, she is with her husband, 3 teenage daughters, their dog and any foster dogs they have at the time. During the summer months, they all love their lake life in Saskatchewan!

Kathleen’s interest in working with children began in her teens as a summer camp co-ordinator. Almost a decade later her role as a Mom inspired her to study Early Childhood Education, and she obtained a diploma, which gives her a Level 3.

Kathleen’s passion for children has lead her to child care (certified infant through school-age), the public school system, The Jewish Academy and Montessori preschool-kindergarten. She has been privileged to manage and teach a comprehensive Early Learning Program on First Nations Territory, which included a Head Start Program and she is also a co-author of a children’s book.

Kathleen is grateful and excited to be part of the Mindful Moments team, bringing her full circle back to Sherwood Park, where it all began.

Hello all! I enjoy spending my time with my family and friends, traveling, playing board games. 

I grew up outside of the city in a small town north of Sherwood park 2 hours away called Lac La Biche. I feel like I’m a big child at heart. I have started working with children in my late teenager years. My sister was running the summer program in my town for children and I decided to volunteer for it. This sparked my passion to work with our young minds of the future. 

I have been in child care for over 15 years. I have my level 3 supervisor certificate. I’ve completed my schooling through Grant MacEwan for early learning and child care. Working with children brings in so many opportunities of wonder each and everyday!

Hi there! I am excited to be part of the Mindful Moments crew. Working with children has become my passion and I am always looking for ways to further develop my knowledge when it comes to Early Childhood Education.

My career with children began in May 2018. To teach and learn alongside children is something I am most fortunate to experience every day. Most of my experience is among toddler and preschool age groups, however I have worked with every age from newborn to twelve years old. I am a certified level two in early childhood education. I have become very accustomed to the FLIGHT curriculum and refer to it in my everyday practices. Child development through play is truly magical, and it is a good feeling knowing I can play a role in their progress.

I have some career background in personal training, as I have a passion for fitness as well. Yoga, meditation, and holistic wellness are very prominent in my day-to-day life. I am also a wife, mama, and dog person. As you can imagine, in my spare time I am practicing yoga, collecting crystals, and spending most of my spare time with my wonderful family.

Hi everyone! I’m very grateful to be a part of the Mindful Moments family.

I have been working with children in an early learning setting since I was 18 years old and spent most of my teen years babysitting my younger cousins. I have obtained my level 3 certification as well as a certificate in FLIGHT. I have taken many other trainings as well. I've split my years between working with young toddlers, preschoolers and kindergarten age groups. They are all so much fun to watch learn and grow! They amaze me every single day.

I'm from a small town in Saskatchewan but grew up here in Alberta. I spent my childhood climbing the hoods of semi trucks and playing in dirt. My Dad always gave us the freedom to explore our surroundings, trusting us to know our limits. This is something I try to practice everyday with the children in my care.

I have a husband, Chris and our zoo, including a cat (Mullberry) , a leopard gecko (Mcguire) and our wild child chocolate lab (Willow) . We spend our weekend's working on our classic cars, spending time with family and working on renovations in our home.

I’m a Level 3 Educator and I'm so excited to be a part of the Mindful Moments team! Working with children has always been a passion of mine, and I love being able to watch them develop and grow, while supporting them on their journey. I love to bake, hang out with my husband and cat Luna, build legos and do crafts! I look forward to working alongside the children and families here while building meaningful relationships!

I lived in Peru as a child, where I caught the bug to travel the world and learn many languages. Many years later I lived in New Zealand where I worked as a Massage Therapist. I moved back to Canada and became an Early Childhood Educator and currently hold a Level 3.

On my days off you will catch me having fun with my furry four legged child, Trixie, and my husband.

I am super excited to be able to teach and have fun with all of the amazing children, and I thank you for entrusting me with them.

I have always known that I wanted to work with children but it wasn’t until I started working in my first infant toddler program that I realized how much I enjoyed the younger age group. I have spent the last 17 years working with infants and toddlers and I am extremely excited to be able to be a part of this team. I consider myself a lifelong learner and look forward to further developing my skills and taking on new challenges.

I received my Early Childhood Education diploma from Douglas college and my infant toddler certification from Burnaby College in British Columbia.  I currently hold my level 3 Early Childhood Educator certificate as well as my FLIGHT certificate.

I grew up in Vancouver where I spent the first 15 years of my career and recently relocated to Edmonton with my boyfriend, our two boys, and dogs. In my spare time I enjoy baking and before relocating to Edmonton had my own home based cookie business.

I am married and a proud mother of three children. I love to spend quality time interacting with family, friends, and young people.

Along with graduating with a Child and Youth Care Advance diploma, which has also offered me a Level 3, I have 20+ years of experience working with children and their families in different capacities and within diverse communities. I hold a genuine place of love in my heart for children and youth.

I am also dedicated to building up children, their families, and their communities. My goal is to work

to help cultivate supportive, stimulating, and inclusive environments that allow each child to reach

their fullest potential.

I see every day as an opportunity to enhance my skills and abilities to provide exemplary guidance and professionalism and to ensure that no child is left behind.

I value the inclusivity of people and strive to incorporate my interpersonal skills and work collaboratively with others.

Two of my favourite sayings are, "Live, Love, Laugh" and “Each One Reach One". The most motivating

and thought-provoking question that has helped me embark on my career path is “What About the

Children”?

Hi! I am excited to be working with your child at Mindful Moments. 

I have worked with children all my life.  I gained my Early Learning Childcare Diploma in 2012 and have worked in child care centres and in an Early Learning program for children with diverse needs. I love creating relationships with children and meeting them where they are at. I want to see them grow and succeed while enjoying their day to day activities. 

I recently moved back to Sherwood Park. I have two wonderful boys. We love going on outdoor adventures and finding joy in the little moments of life. We also love spending time at the family cabin where water sports and boating are my passion. 

I look forward to getting to know your child and your family. 

I am excited to be part of the Mindful Moments team!

I realized my passion to work with children over 30 years ago when I started working at the Boys and Girls Club in NS. My husband and I moved to AB together in 1990 and I have been building my career ever since. I graduated from the Early Childhood diploma program at Grant MacEwan in 1996 and accepted a position with WIN House, a crisis shelter for women and children fleeing abuse. My role was to provide a safe and supportive environment for the children in shelter and to help them with the transition to their new life. I was with the agency for 26 years and had the privilege of working with a very diverse population during my time there. I have attended many workshops, conferences and training opportunities over the years.

I have a grown daughter who lives in Victoria, BC which makes for a beautiful getaway a few times a year. I have been married for over 30 years and we've had a variety of critters over the years. Currently we have 4 cats, a dog and a turtle. In my spare time I enjoy swimming, walking my dog, camping and photography. I look forward to working with the families at Mindful Moments

Ms. Charma felt drawn to children at very young age. She has been working with children and youth for over 20 years. Prior to joining Mindful Moments, Charma spent 10 years working as a special needs early childhood educator with high needs, at risk preschoolers, at a not for profit agency in Edmonton. 

Nature and sensory play are Ms. Charma's jam, in and out the classroom. 

She grew up on a beef farm 2 hours west of Edmonton. She can often be found there, in the mountains or at the dog park!

I live by the Confucius quote "Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life!"

The field of Early Childhood drew me in from a young age. I have worked in this field for the last 17

years. I love to see the children grow, learn, and thrive in our centres. Being even a small part of that

journey brings me happiness. I believe in the value of child lead experiences, the importance of giving

children the opportunity to connect with nature and building a relationship with children and their

families.

I earned my Early Childhood diploma at Canadore College in North Bay Ontario. I went on to take

additional courses offered in my area, including Self-Reg with Dr. Stuart Shanker and Forest and Nature School through Child & Nature Alliance of Canada.

I am always excited to spend my off time exploring nature, relaxing with family, and creating with my

sewing machine.

I grew up knowing I wanted to feel like I was making a difference in other peoples lives. I started out in the medical field with nursing, but didn’t feel like I was getting the joy and fulfilment I was wanting from a career. I have always been around children and started babysitting at the age of 13 as I have a lot of younger cousins. I didn’t realize how much joy watching and helping them grow brought me until I became a nanny. I then went to school for my educational assistant certificate. I worked in schools with special needs and behavioural children.

When I moved to Edmonton from Saskatchewan I began a position working one on one with children who had speech and language delays. I also obtained my level 1 early childhood educator certificate. I realized how hard it was to only focus on just the one child and wanted to be able to interact with the whole room/class of children, which brought me to Mindful Moments. I plan to obtain my level 2 and then 3. I am always wanting to learn and grow as much as possible.

I am often called a ray of sunshine; known for my fun and bubbly personality, that especially shines through when I’m around children. In my free time you can find me working on art projects, outside, hanging with friends, family and my cat Sassy (who lives up to her name).

I have always had a passion for working with kids. I had worked in childcare at a local gym for almost a decade before starting a family of my own. I grew up and continue to live in Sherwood Park with my two children. I teach dance to the preschool and Kindergarten children at Mindful Moments, and I also teach at Dancefusion Academy of Dance where I teach the majority of all the preschool dance classes.

I am so lucky to be a part of the Mindful Moments team.

Hello everyone! I am excited to be a part of the Mindful Moments team!

I am a level 3 educator and my passion for working with children started at a young age. I am the oldest of 6 grandchildren, giving me the opportunity to be around children all my life. 

Creating strong relationships with the children in my care is very important to me. My favourite part of my work as an educator is seeing a child reach a milestone and sharing that moment of excitement. 

When I’m not at work, I’m spending time with my horse named Rosie or my 2 kitties named Gracie and Gary! I also enjoying doing renovations in my house as well as traveling. 

I look forward to working with you all! 

Bio coming soon

I began my career in Early Childhood in 2016, when I got a part time job at a local preschool program. I was hired to be a teacher’s aide, and assist with a child who had some learning delays. I graduated high school later that year and wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. This resulted in me taking a year off where I became a full-time nanny to a two-year-old boy. After a few months of working as a nanny I stumbled across the Early Learning and Child Care program at MacEwan University. After some research, I decided this was the path I wanted to pursue. I completed the program in 2019, and began working in a child care centre.

I grew up on a farm North of Lamont and I have four siblings. I am an Aunty to thirteen nieces and nephews who range in age from infants to 18 years old. During my free time, I can be found spending time with family, friends, at the lake or outdoors. I am an animal lover, an Edmonton Oilers fan, and a travel enthusiast.

“Don’t give up. I believe in you all. A person’s a person no matter how small.” Dr. Seuss.

This is my favourite quote because I find that people often overlook children and their ideas. However, as an Educator I know children are full of creative ideas and are unique, capable and competent individuals. I strive to provide children the safe, welcoming, and nurturing environment they need to grow and discover themselves.

I am grateful to be a part of this team at Mindful Moments and look forward to meeting and getting to know everyone.

I currently hold an Elementary Education degree with a minor in French, I loved every moment of my time working placements in schools but realized I much preferred the environment of childcare.

I have always had a passion for spending time with children and right out of high school began volunteering in centres and have worked in one ever since.  

I have a strong belief that children learn so much while they play and hope to create an environment for the children to do just that.

When I am not working, I enjoy spending time volunteering as a Girl Guide Leader and planning many adventures with my husband and three children. I also love expressing my creativity through every form of arts and crafts imaginable. In the summer I can always be found in my ever-expanding garden while in the winter I can be found on a sled or on skates.

I look forward to getting to know all the children and their families here at Mindful Moments.

Bio coming soon.

I am originally from Saskatoon, SK, where I graduated high school in 2012. I spent a few years working as a nanny, part time at a before and after school program and as a sub at a childcare centre. I spent two years at Saskatchewan Polytechnic and received my diploma in Early Childhood Education in 2019. Since graduating in 2019, I have worked as an Early Childhood Educator in a preschool classroom at an Early Learning Centre with children aged 3 to 5.

I currently live in Edmonton with my little terrier mix rescue dog from Las Vegas. Her name is Sonoma and we love exploring the city together, especially the various dog parks, dog friendly coffee shops and patios around the city.

I am passionate about providing a caring, supportive, safe, experience-rich environment for all children and I look forward to providing that for the families, in collaboration with the rest of the Mindful Moments team.

I live with my 5 cats, 3 bunnies, 2 dogs and 4 siblings. I am close with my family as they mean a lot to me. They are always there to support my decisions and help me find my way to success. I have a very bubbly personality and am quite easy to talk to. It makes me happy to see children smiling and having a blast; it brightens my day and makes me so excited to head to work daily.

You can find me getting messy painting, cuddling with my cats and spending lots of time playing games with my family.

I have always been very curious and wanting to learn more about the “why” in everything children do. When I was little, my Mom used to work in the infant/toddler room and I would always be so excited to see the little ones. I loved playing babies and reading books to them. I asked my Mom so many questions like, “why are they ripping the paper and not colouring” or “why is that child spinning around and around in circle.” As soon as I was old enough, I started babysitting for family and friends and did some volunteering at a local school. Then 2023 rolled around and I got my level 1 and headed straight to a child care facility to really learn more of the “why”. I plan on obtaining both my level 2 and 3 in the future.

I ask lots of questions and find it to be the best way to learn. I will continue to explore and get more answers to my questions around why children do the things they do, so I can better support them on their journey.

I am very ecstatic to be working with the families and children at Mindful Moments.