About Me

I am originally from the UK but have been in Calgary for almost 12 years. I am a scientist by trade, having completed a PhD in the UK

before coming to Calgary. The majority of my background has been in researching lung disease, in particular the relationship between asthma and the common cold. I have also spent many hours teaching students within the lab both here and in the UK, along with tutoring grade 4 – 9 students in science and math. This is the part I really enjoy: helping people learn about what I am doing  and helping them understand the world around them. So with the recent cuts in funding and my new baby I decided to start a new venture by opening a day home with a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) theme. In my spare time I enjoying hiking, spending time at the lake with my family, exercising and I have begun to learn to crochet.

My home consists of my husband, 3 children, and our 3 crazy but super friendly cats.

My Values and Beliefs

I believe that children should be raised in an honest and open environment where they are encouraged to learn through play. Good communication, trust, and respect are all values which are important to me and help build strong relationship between the day home educator, parents, and children.

The children will be encouraged to learn to do things for themselves even at times when they feel it is too difficult for them, this may range from feeding themselves, to doing up their coat or shoes ready to go out for the day, or learning to write their name. Enough time will be allowed for each child to be able to achieve these things and to allow for encouragement and support when they are getting frustrated with a task. I will encourage and support the children in problem-solving tasks for themselves and stepping in when a helping hand is necessary. I believe that by letting children figure tasks out for themselves they will become independent learners and thinkers with great problem solving abilities.

In regards to discipline good behaviours are always praised. If unwanted behaviours are not harming others then they will be ignored. When the child then stops the unwanted behaviours and joins back in with the other children the good behaviour will be praised. If the unwanted behaviours are causing harm to other children or the other children are becoming upset, the situation will be dealt with accordingly. This may consist of discussing the behaviours with the child, giving them time to calm down, finding different activities for them to do to help them calm down, giving the child strategies to help them understand why that behaviour is unwanted and what behaviours would be better to help them join in with the other children.