Meet Our Staff West

Keira Moore (Owner)

Keira graduated from Lethbridge College's Early Childhood Education Program receiving her Early Childhood Education Diploma and her Level 3 Certificate from the Government of Alberta. Keira has worked in childcare for the past 10 years. Keira enjoys spending time with family and friends, walking her dog Rue, hiking, camping, and being outside. Keira chose Early Childhood Education after initially thinking of pursuing an Education Degree. After working in a summer camp at the YMCA she knew she wanted to pursue Early Childhood Education. "What I loves most about working with children is the ability to watch them learn and develop friendships. It is so neat to see children start as infants and progress through the program. One of the most rewarding parts of childcare is the relationships we get the build with the children and families we work with."

Eva Irwin (Owner)

Eva retired from Nursing in February of 2020, and started working at the program full time! She previously would come in regularly and volunteer her time at the centre giving extra attention to all of the children and cuddling babies. She received her Nursing Degree from the University of Athabasca. She is also certified as a Level 2 by the Government of Alberta. Eva enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, she loves reading, and spending time outside. Eva has always had a passion for working with children and is excited to spend her time at the program.

Miranda McLaren

Miranda has completed her Diploma in Early Childhood Education at the Lethbridge College and is certified as a Level 3 by the Government of Alberta. We first met Miranda as our practicum student and were so impressed that we had to hire her! Miranda has been with us since January 2017. She enjoys reading, hiking, yoga, painting, and gardening in here spare time. "I love childcare because I want to be a part of your child's journey through early childhood. I love being able to provide an atmosphere that encourages a healthy growth and development as well as being the loving and caring educator I would want my own child having. I love spending those magical everyday moments with your child and showing them the love and appreciation they deserve as they navigate their early childhood years."

Melanie Nalder

Melanie completed her certificate in Early Childhood Education at the Lethbridge College. She is certified as a Level 2 by the Government of Alberta. Melanie has been with us since January of 2020. Melanie enjoys spending time with family, reading, art, dancing, adventurers and anything creative and imaginative. Melanie dipped her toes into psychology and child and youth care, but chose to train in ECE. She believes in prevention rather than intervention later in life. She enjoys the world of discovery that children navigate, and the co-teaching environment; where you teach children, and they teach you. "It is so exciting and fulfilling to see their progress and see them walking their own path to success". She loves exploring the overlapping creativity and innovation you can find in children’s eyes. This is where children create their own possibilities as well as learn practical life skills. Melanie is currently on maternity leave.

Ara Ko

Ara has completed her Early Childhood Diploma at Bow Valley College and is Certified as an Level 3 Early Childhood Educator. Ara Started with us in November of 2020. She was a preschool teacher in South Korea then moved to Canada in 2010 to study Early Learning Child Care in Calgary. Ara believes in the importance of education at an early age and is dedicated to teaching children. She truly believes

children learn the best through play in a safe environment, and is here to guide them to explore the world. She loves cooking, yoga, playing the piano, also taught herself how to play the ukulele! She cannot wait to get to know everyone and build relationships with families!

Melissa Peters

Melissa completed her diploma in Early Childhood Education at the Lethbridge College. She is certified as a Level 3 by the Government of Alberta. Melissa initially began pursing a career in social work, but after a year at Mount Royal University she decided to switch her focus to Early Childhood Education. Melissa did respite care for five children underneath the age of seven for a year and a half. "Respite has been one of the most rewarding jobs I have ever had". Melissa Started with us in February of 2021. Melissa enjoys spending time with family, hiking, music, and travelling in her spare time.

Hannah Derksen

Hannah is currently enrolled in the Lethbridge College Early Childhood Education Program. She is currently certified as an Level 2 by the government of Alberta. She plans to obtain her Diploma from the College. Hannah Started with us in October of 2021. In her spare time she enjoys painting, singing and board games. Hannah chose Early Childhood Education after growing up as the biological child of foster parents. She had children coming in and out of her home for her whole childhood. This experience showed her how much she loved working with children and swayed her to pursue a career in childcare. Hannah is very excited to further her education and have a career working with children.

Jayden Pyne

Jayden is certified as a Level 1 certified by the government of Alberta. She is a few classes away for obtaining her level 2. Jayden plans to continue to complete her Diploma in Early Childhoood Education. Jayden has a passion for working with young children and watching them learn and grow. Jayden Started with us in April of 2021. In her spare time she enjoys playing with her puppy, camping and being outside!

Sladana Vasiljevic

Sladana is certified as an Early Childhood Educator Level 1 by the Government of Alberta. Sladana started with us in January of 2024. She has been volunteering as an Early Childhood Educator's assistant since 2009 and has enjoyed her work with children. She tries to support children's intellectual, emotional, creative and social development and encourage their independence in everyday activities. She believes that contributing to the development of children's potential and observing their progress are the most beautiful aspects of her job. When she has free time, she enjoys spending time with her daughter and her husband – they go for long walks, to the cinema, to the pool or play board games. She also enjoys reading and cooking for her friends and family.

Martha Reimer

Martha is certified as a Level 1 certified by the government of Alberta. Martha plans to enroll in the Early Childhood Education Program to obtain her certificate in Early Childhood Education. She grew up the oldest in a large family, so has always been passionate about working in childcare. She loves how much She learns from the children every day! Some of her interests are: reading, listening to music, traveling, doing anything outside especially hiking, and spending as much time as possible with my family and friends. Martha started with us in December of 2022.

Michaela has completed her certificate in Early Childhood education at Lethbridge College. She is certified as a Level 2 by the Government of Alberta with plans to obtain her Level 3 starting in September 2024. Michaela has been working at Where the Wild Things Grow since September of 2023. In her free time Michaela enjoys spending time with friends and family, hiking, snowboarding, kayaking, and camping. She is very passionate about all things outdoors and takes any opportunity to spend time outside. Michaela has always been passionate about working with children and from a young age Michaela knew she wanted to pursue ECE as her career. “There is just something so special about being a co-learner and co-imaginer and watching the children carve their own paths and learning to navigate the world. I love being an educator that encourages them by showing them the love, appreciation, and patience they need to be successful and confident through their early years”

Michalea Meldrum

Jessica Primeau

Jessica is a support worker for one of our children with exceptionalities. Jessica graduated from the Early Childhood Education Diploma program at Lethbridge College and is certified as a Level 3 Early Childhood Educator. She was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, and is the eldest of five children in her family. She moved to Lethbridge eight years ago to further her education, starting at Lethbridge College then completing her Bachelor of Arts in psychology at the University of Lethbridge, returning to Lethbridge College to pursue Early Childhood Education. She have chosen to pursue a career in early childhood education because she has always been passionate about working with children and helping them reach their full potential. When Jessica is not working on coursework she enjoys reading, arts and crafts, as well as listening to music and practicing the guitar. Another hobby of hers is travelling; She loves to travel and will take any opportunity she is given to go somewhere new. She has been a member of Girl Guides of Canada for 18 years and enjoys getting to work in the community as well as being able to get outdoors to go camping and hiking. She is excited to see where the future takes her. Jessica has been with us Since April of 2022

Shannon Woodruff

Shannon comes in twice a week to support us in doing dishes. She is always a smiling face and such an important member of our team. When Shannon is not working she enjoys staying active by going for walks and going swimming. Shannon attends art classes in the community and loves to draw. When not at work Shannon is a unit support volunteer at chinook regional hospital. Shannon has been with Where The Wild Things Grow since November of 2017.