Birchland Owner/Directors:

Amber Rosencrans – Owner/Director

It is my privilege to be one of the owners of Birchland Tree House Play Care. I have been the owner since 2007 and I pride my self on continuing the legacy that has made Birchland Tree House Daycare a successful childcare center.  Having worked at Birchland for over 19 years and educated as an ECE’r from Langara College, I value the importance of education, at the same time keeping our centre small to create a community among families. I always look forward to coming to work and not one day passes that the children haven’t made me smile.  I love that my own son and daughter are now old enough to benefit from our loving and caring program.

With the company  – 20 Years

Darlene Poitras – Owner/Director

I have worked at Birchland for over 20 years and now I am an owner. I have raised 4 children of my own and I enjoy passing on my experiences to all the families at Birchland. It is my privilege to take part in the daily lives of so many children. It warms my heart to watch so many children mature into young adults with so much to offer. The children have taught me so much through the years.

With the company – 24 years

3-5 Group Care Staff:

Ana Saadatmand – ECE Supervisor

Being a part of the Early Childhood field has been the most rewarding experience. I adore working with children helping to foster bright little minds for the future of tomorrow. I have been working with children since 2008 and ever since then, it has been such a life changing experience that I wouldn’t change for the world. The thing I enjoy most about my career is that every day is a new and unique experience. Children are masters at keeping things fresh which keeps me on my toes with a smile on my face. I’m grateful to have this opportunity to be a part of Birchland Tree house and being with such a wonderful team.

  Ellie Eom – ECE Teacher

I have always loved children and wanted to be a preschool teacher since I was in middle school. I have worked in different companies, but I realized how much my career as a teacher means to me. This is where I belong and where I can truly be myself. I have been working at Birchland Tree House since 2015 and I couldn’t imagine being a teacher anywhere else. Every child and family I have met here, will be in my heart and memories forever. All the children I get the opportunity to teach, bring me happiness and fulfillment every day, this inspires me to be the best teacher I can. It is such a blessing to be here at Birchland.

With the company – 4 years

 Clymar Sonido – ECE Teacher

I have traveled the world and know living in Canada I have found my true home. I have a son that I love to pieces and I look forward to caring for all the children here at Birchland. Becoming an ECE in Alberta was something I have always wanted to do. Making this change in my career has brought me endless joy. I look forward to seeing all the children every morning and having the opportunity to teach them something new, although most of the time they are teaching me.

With the company – 3 year

Julia Jeon – ECE Teacher

I have been working with children for such a long time and I feel it’s my calling. I love children and they love me as well. Even when I’m down, kids can always make me happy. I am so thrilled at be apart of the Birchland family. It has a great setup and wonderful teachers who are full of experience that I can learn from. Everyday is a new adventure here and I can’t wait to see what each day will bring.

Out of School Program Staff:

Sue Wiens – Out of School Supervisor

I have worked at Birchland Daycare for over 25 years. I consider Birchland daycare my second home. I have helped raise many children in our community and look forward to each new day filled with new adventures. We really do have the best job in the world.

With the company 25 years

Dianne Poitras – Out of School Program Teacher

I have been in the field for over 25 years and involved with Birchland daycare for most of that time. I have two grown children of my own and wonderful grandchildren that bless my life everyday. My experiences with children have taught me to “expect the unexpected”. Everyday is different and I look forward to greeting each meaningful experience, even the challenging ones. I love having the opportunity to get in touch with my creative side, and sharing that with the children at the centre through my decorative boards and weekly crafts.

With the company 26 years

Jacquie Layfield – Out of School Program Assistant

I have worked at Birchland for many years as a program assistant and substitute. I have a special place in my heart for the staff and children at this centre. I would even call this my second home, away from home. Working with children is second nature to me as I have two sons of my own and now a grandchild, that I take care of whenever possible. I look forward to having more grandchildren one day and even perhapes have them attend the centre to benefit from the amazing program.

With the company – 20 years

Laura Hoyos – Out of School Program Assistant

Tree Climbers Preschool Teachers:

Ana – Supervisor 4 Yr old Preschool Teacher

Being a part of the Early Childhood field has been the most rewarding experience. I adore working with children helping to foster bright little minds for the future of tomorrow. I have been working with children since 2008 and ever since then, it has been such a life changing experience that I wouldn’t change for the world. The thing I enjoy most about my career is that every day is a new and unique experience. Children are masters at keeping things fresh which keeps me on my toes with a smile on my face. I’m grateful to have this opportunity to be a part of Birchland Tree house and being with such a wonderful team.

Julia Jeon – 4 Yr old Preschool Assistant

I have been working with children for such a long time and I feel it’s my calling. I love children and they love me as well. Even when I’m down, kids can always make me happy. I am so thrilled at be apart of the Birchland family. It has a great setup and wonderful teachers who are full of experience that I can learn from. Everyday is a new adventure here and I can’t wait to see what each day will bring.

With the company – 5 years

 Ellie Eom – Supervisor 3 Yr Old Preschool

I am really happy to join Birchland Tree House staff, and super excited to get o know all the lovely children and families. I graduated with my early childhood education certificate in 2014 and have been working in this field for about a year. I am married to my lovely husband and a new mom of a beautiful son. I have always loved children and working with children brings me happiness everyday. My greatest passion is to inspire young children and make learning as fun for them as it is for me.

With the company – 4 years

Kitty Wong – 3 Yr Old Preschool Assistant

I am very excited to join Birchland Tree House team, and very happy to work with children and families. I graduated from Douglas College in 2012 and have been in this field for 5 years. I followed my passion throughout an internship in grade 12 working with preschool class in my high school.  My favorite part of working with babies and toddlers is when I take them for walks, and seeing them learn through play.  Being able to see them smile is very rewarding. My hobbies include, I like to make felt stories and enjoy nature walks.I am thankful and honored to be given the opportunity to work with the amazing group of teachers at Birchland Tree House Play Care.

With the company – 2 year

Infant/Toddler Program Teachers:

Gisela – Infant & Toddler Teacher/Supervisor

I am proud to be part of the Birchland Tree House family. I received my licence in 2013 as Early Childhood Educator and then my Infant and Toddler Certificate in 2015. My main goal is to help children grown their self confidence and provide them with a rich environment and activities. I love working with young children and is a pleasure having them if my life everyday.

With the company – 1 years

Mia Jang – ECE Teacher

It is such a pleasure to work with Birchland’s lovely children and amazing staff. I am both a teacher and a mom. I believe teaching children at this stage in their lives, creates a beginning in life’s sketchbook, and it is my pleasure to be apart of that. The children’s bright smiles make me appreciate my work as a teacher.

With the company – 3 year

Kitty Wong – Infant & Toddler Teacher Assistant

I am very excited to join Birchland Tree House team, and very happy to work with children and families. I graduated from Douglas College in 2012 and have been in this field for 5 years. I followed my passion throughout an internship in grade 12 working with preschool class in my high school.  My favorite part of working with babies and toddlers is when I take them for walks, and seeing them learn through play.  Being able to see them smile is very rewarding. My hobbies include, I like to make felt stories and enjoy nature walks.I am thankful and honored to be given the opportunity to work with the amazing group of teachers at Birchland Tree House Play Care.

With the company – 2 year

Limei Fang – Infant & Toddler Teacher Assistant

I came to Birchland Tree House from Kelowna. I got my infant and toddler care and education certificate at Okanagan College. I have been working with children since 2005. I have chosen the field of early learning because I would like to spend my days with little children as my only son is now grown up. I value providing young children with positive learning experiences by modeling respect, patience and care for all the people.

With the company – 1 years