Donna Ross-Thengs – Teacher
For more than twenty years I have proudly worked as an Early Childhood Educator in British Columbia. Despite being a vetran in the field of ECE I still feel very much like a student as I am always evolving, growing and asking questions. Each day offers up new mysteries, new challenges and new opportunities.
Through the years I have worked alongside some wonderful collegues and have had many spectacular mentors. Much of my early career focused on the care and concern of infants and toddlers and within that role, on many different levels I’ve acted as a support, an advocate and as a resource to families. While I have also been employed as a private nanny, the bulk of my experience includes working long days as a daycare provider for 2-5 year olds.
I have had the opportunity to be a part of many wonderful childcare programs and childcare settings throughout the cities of Vancouver, Burnaby and New Westminster. Within the field of ECE my roles have included assistant teacher, support teacher, lead teacher, assistant supervisor, supervisor and manager. The common thread running throughout all of these roles and responsibilities is fundementally relationship building and teamwork.
More recently I have had the privilege of working at Queen’s Park Parent Participation Preschool. For the past six years (and counting) I have proudly been a small part of a talented teaching unit that provides an award winning preschool experience for young children. It is my goal to offer stability, groundedness, warmth and nurturing to each and every child I spend time with. I believe that we all matter, we all belong and we all make a positive difference. Together we co-create community.
Personally I endeavor to provide a holistic, developmentally appropriate, engaging program based on learning through play and hands on exploration within a beautiful environment. My passions include literacy, musicality, movement and creativity. Teaching young children is my vocation. Simply put, I love being a preschool teacher.
I hope to bring my energy, experience, interests and talents into the classroom and share my joy of learning with you and most importantly with your children!
Warmly, Ms. Donna
Naho Omura – Teacher
My name is Naho Omura and I am an energetic and enthusiastic Early Childhood Educator. I am originally from Kobe city, Japan, and moved to Vancouver in 2011 to study ECE at Capilano University.
I have worked for a preschool and a daycare for the past 7 years in Vancouver. I have recently moved to New Westminster, and I am thrilled to be a part of the team at Queens Park Preschool!
I believe that children learn through playing and their curiosities. I am always grateful for working with children because they make me realize that I am still learning a lot and I am a person full of curiosities and wonders! I appreciate that I have opportunities to explore our thoughts and ideas with children as a co-learner by exploring and learning together.
I have utilized Reggio Emilia approach in my work since I encountered it at Capilano University. I recognize and appreciate the children as participants in their own learning experiences, and the multiple ways they express themselves. I believe that learning is an active process and not a transmission of pre-packaged knowledge.
In my spare time, I love practicing yoga, hiking, and relaxing in my hammock. I love being in the nature and I am excited to explore the nature surrounded by Queens Park Preschool. I am also excited to share my yoga experience with the children!
I cannot wait for playing and learning together at Queens Park Preschool!
Henda du Preez – Support Teacher
I am an Early Childhood Educator and have been working at Queen’s Park Preschool since 2019.
My family and I moved from South Africa 8 years ago and we currently live in Port Moody. I love hiking and reading, when I am not driving Mom’s Taxi for my 3 children!
I enjoy supporting children to explore and pursue their interests through play. I believe each child is full of curiosity and wonder, and it is our job to help them investigate their world with their bodies and all their senses. I want to give every child the opportunity to express themselves in unique ways. Children learn socio-emotional skills while playing freely in a group setting and I look forward to participating in their journeys.
Queen’s Park Preschool is all about community and families and it is a privilege to be part of the community we create together at QPP!
