MILEZERO
STAFF
CHELSEA BUCHAN
CHILDCARE MANAGER
EARLYCHILDHOOD EDUCATOR
SPECIAL NEEDS EDUCATOR
I grew up on a farm an hour away on the other side of the Alberta border. I started babysitting at 11, and always knew I wanted to work with children. I met my husband in high school, and we have two children, who are now teenagers. I have been in the ECE field for 15 years! I ran a childcare in my house when my children were small, spent some time in preschool, and have been managing at Milezero Academy since 2020. In my free time, I live outdoors. I love to hike, camp, fish, geocache, kayak, ski, snowshoe, and explore. My heart is happiest when I get to be outside; the mountains call to my soul and the sun and trees feed it. My favourite thing to do in the summer is to retreat to the mountains and breathe.
BRITTANY KEEN
OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR
RESPONSIBLE ADULT EDUCATOR
My name is Brittany Keen. I am 37 years young!
I am a mom to my beautiful daughter Jada.
My hobbies are: Camping, hiking, rock picking, and metal detecting. Anything outdoors fills my soul. I have a passion for cooking and spending time with family is my favourite.
JANET REININK
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR ASSISTANT
PROGRAM: PRESCHOOL
My name is Janet Reinink and I have lived in Dawson Creek for 13 years. I have five kids, two of whom are still at home. I have always enjoyed working with children and am happy to be working in this field. I have worked as an aide in several local schools and for the last four years I have worked in preschools. I received my certificate as an aide in Early Childhood Education and have plans to further my education in this field. I love seeing a child’s creative mind at work and am very happy that I can be a part of this!! I look forward to working alongside your children as they grow and learn many new things!
JAYDEN MIEDEMA
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR
INFANT TODDLER EDUCATOR
PROGRAM: INFANT / TODDLER
Hello, my name is Jayden Miedema (or Miss Jayden)! I am an Early Childhood Educator, and I have been working at Milezero Academy since 2020. I love it here! I love being around children and I am very lucky to be able to observe and take part in their learning journey as we pour knowledge and positivity into their curious minds. I have lived half of my 20 years of life in Fort St. John, and the other half here in Dawson Creek! I love going quadding, dirt biking, swimming, camping, canoeing, hiking, road trips, or any kind of adventuring, I love gardening and fun fact: I have 16 house plants in my room alone. I love nature elements in the daycare as it is very grounding. I love it when I can sit down with a few children and be a part of their play, adding new knowledge and teachings into what they are interested in.
MELISSA WAINWRIGHT
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR
INFANT TODDLER / DIVERSE NEEDS EDUCATOR
PROGRAM: INFANT / TODDLER
TEAM LEAD / MENTOR
Hello! My name is Melissa Wainwright. I have 3 children of my own aged 27, 22, and 14. I have been an Early Childhood Educator for 23 years. I specialize in under 3's but I have experience over all age groups. I enjoy the outdoors by camping, hiking, & swimming. I also enjoy the winter months with ice fishing and small hiking trips.
CASEY DUBOIS
RESPONSIBLE ADULT EDUCATOR
PROGRAM: AFTER SCHOOL CARE
Hi! My name is Casey, I was born and raised in Golden, B.C. I moved to Dawson Creek 10 years ago and been here ever since. I'm currently working for SPCRS as a support aid and substitute for Mile Zero Academy. I've been working with children with diverse abilities and behaviours for the past 5 years. I'm a mom to 3 daughters. Arwen 3, and Zara 1, and a stepmom to a 14 year old. I'm currently a certified RA and plan on continuing my education in the near future. I'm always learning new things, and new things about myself. I love working with children as it allows me to be silly and be myself, and that feeling of nostalgia from my own childhood, make sharing my knowledge with your children as well as my own that much more fun, as I get to relive all the things I enjoyed doing while growing up.
I enjoy reading non-fiction, being outside and sharing my passion for insects and plants. I also enjoy arts and crafts and spending time with my own children. You will rarely catch me kid free!
I look forward to working with your children, and building connections with families
SWATI SWATI
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR
INFANT TODDLER EDUCATOR
PROGRAM: INFANT / TODDLER
Hi, I am Swati. I am 23 years old. I moved to Canada in 2019. I ma from India. I mostly work with the Infant & Toddler and 3-5 age group. I graduated from Northern Lights College in 2021. I am an Early Childhood Education and I did my specialization in Infant & Toddler. I really enjoy working with children and got an opportunity to work with them. I love seeing a child's daily growth, their creativity, and I am glad that I am part of it. I am looking forward to providing your child a safe and fun environment while that are at daycare!
LUCIA CORTES - GONZALEZ
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR
INFANT & TODDLER EDUCATOR
PROGRAM: 3 - 5 CHILDCARE
My name is Lucia Elizabeth Cortes Gonzalez, and I am from Mexico City. I moved to Canada in 2021 as an international student to learn more about this amazing country. I have a masters degree in Education and a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care at Northern Lights College. As an enthusiastic teacher with over twelve years of professional experience, I believe children are unique, creative, and competent learners capable of exploring the world. I really enjoy working with children and this is a great chance for me to do what I love. I am working as an Early Childhood Educator Assistant at Milezero Academy, and I have completed my education and am waiting for certification. I love working and engaging with children in this community.
ALANAH TAVAGLIONE - DEANS
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR ASSISTANT
PROGRAM: 3 - 5 CHILDCARE
Hi, my name is Alanah, or as some of the kids would say Tanner’s mom. I’ve been working in childcare for the last 6 years now, specifically working as a support worker for children with diverse abilities or as a sub in the daycares. I’ve always loved what I do, everyday is completely different with children. I’m energetic, outgoing, patient and creative. I look forward to taking part in crafts, circle time, going on adventures/field trips, but most importantly being able to provide your children a fun and safe place to be in while they’re away from home.
HARLEEN KAUR
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR ASSISANT
PROGRAM: INFANT / TODDLER
COMING SOON.
ALYSHA POTRATZ
RESPONSIBLE ADULT EDUCATOR
PROGRAM: AFTER SCHOOL CARE
My name is Alysha or Miss Aly! Im 20 years old. I grew up in Gordondale most of my life, then I moved to Dawson in 2022. I have got blessed with a job at Milezero Academy working with children, and look forward to being apart of there learning and growth! On my free time I love to ski and in the summer i love to garden, take care of all my pets and my plants!
LAYNE PATTERSON
RESPONSIBLE ADULT EDUCATOR
PROGRAM: AFTER SCHOOL CARE
TEAM LEAD
My name is Layne Patterson I’m 22 years old and I work at the Milezero Academy in the ASC program and Gymnastics Programs. I work hard to ensure the children have a fun and positive experience within the classroom and gym and encourage them to explore new ideas! In my free time I love to coach and compete in figure skating.
MAGDA POTEMPSKI
RESPONSIBLE ADULT EDUCATOR
PROGRAM: AFTER SCHOOL CARE
Heya! I'm Magda, I am 26 years old and I'm originally from Ontario. I've been working with children since I was twelve years old, babysitting and nannying. I've recently just finished school for Early Childhood Education and have applied for my ECE certificate. I have also taken a few workshops regarding inclusion for children with support needs! I plan on furthering my studies and focusing my career towards children with support needs!
KYLEY BARBELER
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR ASSISTANT
PROGRAM: INFANT & TODDLER, 3 - 5 CHILDCARE, AFTERSCHOOL
My name is Kyley Barbeler and I’m 25 years old! I’m originally from Australia, I moved to Canada with my parents & my 2 sisters in 2012 and we moved to Dawson Creek in 2018 when we became permanent residents. I’ve been working with school age children since 2021 and since starting at Mile Zero I’ve been working with I/T, 3-5 and preschool as well as school age. I’m currently an ECEA and I’m in school to get my full ECE. I love working with children of all ages, watching them grow and become their own little person makes me super happy! In my free time I spend it with my family and my pets. I look forward to being part of your child’s learning adventure!
DAYLENE FULLERTON
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR ASSISTANT
PROGRAM: INFANT & TODDLER & 3 - 5 CHILDCARE
My name is Daylene. I currently have my Early Childhood Educator Assistant. I have two boys of my own, who are 12 & 10. In my free time I love to be outside riding horses, camping, hiking, or just sitting by the camp fire with friends and family.
ELIZABETH SQUIRES
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR ASSISTANT
PROGRAM: INFANT & TODDLER
COMING SOON
KENDRA LETENDRE
RESPONSIBLE ADULT
PROGRAM: INFANT & TODDLER, 3 - 5 CHILDCARE
COMING SOON
ALEJANDRA CRUZ-MILANO
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR
PROGRAM: PREKINDER, 3 - 5 CHILDCARE
Ms. Ale was born in Caracas, Venezuela. Ms. Ale loved to travel and she would often accompany her grandma during the summer to visit her uncle in Louisiana, USA. This made Ms. Alejandra’s love for travelling and adventure blossomed. Following her dad’s advice, that inspiring and great teachers were needed in the world, Ms. Ale earned a Bachelor degree in Elementary and Early Years Education. In 2004, she embarked on her first overseas teaching post as a Spanish teacher in New Jersey, USA. Next, she returned to her home country and worked as an Early Childhood Teacher. Alejandra’s international teaching career started in Dalian, China, where she met Graham, her spouse. She also taught in India, South Korea, and Dongguan, China. After so much travelling Ale is very happy to be rooted in Canada with Graham, and their sweet dog Violet. Alejandra, Graham, and Violet spent 2 years in Chetwynd and fell in love with this beautiful Northern countryside Canadian town. Even though she misses her Venezuelan family she is grateful to have Graham’s family and her local friends be her adopted family. Ms. Ale is excited and ready to help young children in their education and holistic development. In her free time Ale enjoys hiking, camping, doing yoga and pilates, reading, cross stitching and all sorts of arts and crafts.
ALEXANDRIA CALLAGHAN
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR
PROGRAM: PREKINDER
I am Miss Alex! This is my third year working in a preschool setting and I have recently graduated from Northern Lights College as an Early Child Educator. I am thrilled to have the chance to get to know and work alongside your children! A little about me: I am a mom of
three boys and we love to stay busy in our little community. We spend as much time as we can adventuring outdoors in the summer, but you will catch us living in the hockey rinks all winter long!