About Us
Greenbelt Academy and Early Learning Centre is brought to you by:
Tiffany Tierney, RECE
Director of School Age Programs / Forest School Practitioner
Tiffany is a Registered Early Childhood Educator and Forest School Practitioner who has gained experience working in Kindergarten classrooms with the DSBN and preschools throughout the Niagara region. Tiffany followed her passion for Environmentalism, Nature, and Education to join forces with like-minded educators to support the Child & Nature movement and offer Nature-based education to their community. She is a Certified Yoga Instructor and an advocate for living a healthy, balanced lifestyle. Tiffany is excited to share her love of the outdoors while inspiring children to gain knowledge, empathy, and confidence through the world around them, helping them to grow into adults that care for the Environment and their Community.
Joelle Kanakis, RECE
Director of Preschool Programs / Forest School Practitioner
Joelle has always been drawn Nature and the outdoors which started when she was young, spending time outdoors with her three younger sisters going on backyard adventures or spending time in the summer camping with her family. It wasn’t until she became a mother that she really saw the importance of sharing this love of Nature with her two daughters. Staying home for 6 years to raise them and opening a successful home daycare during this time, she successfully incorporated nature in her program for learning, arts and crafts with the children in her care. While completing her Early Childhood Education Diploma in 2018 she was drawn to a space where Education and the natural environment overlap. Joelle is excited to be an Educator for the Preschool programs at Greenbelt Academy and Early Learning Centre where she will continue to develop lifelong connections to the natural world for the children in her program.
Jaclyn Giesbrecht, OCT
Director of Operations / Forest School Practitioner
Jackie is an Ontario Certified Teacher and Forest School Practitioner, with a background in History and English, and experience with outdoor education. She started working with children as a day camp instructor and program facilitator, which then led her to pursue her passion to become an educator. She has a passion for teaching outdoors, and engages with students in a genuine way while recognizing the learning/teaching opportunities that occur in such a rich and diverse setting. She hopes that Greenbelt Academy and Early Learning Centre will inspire young minds to take an avid interest in nature, which will then open up various avenues for learning and inquiry.
Ms. Stephanie, OCT
Kindergarten Educator
Ms Stephanie is an Ontario certified teacher with a focus in teaching English, English as a Second Language, and is also currently studying for Montessori certification. She spent nearly a decade teaching abroad in South Korea and the United Arab Emirates. Always a lover of the outdoors, one of her favourite weekend activities in Dubai was desert camping under the stars. She has also traveled the world exploring the Amazon rainforest, the salt flats of Bolivia and even spending a summer camping with lions and elephants in Botswana and Namibia. She is very excited to continue her adventures with the students at Greenbelt Academy.
Miss Claudia, RECE
Kindergarten Educator
Claudia is a former Kindergarten teacher who immigrated to Canada in 2017. Her educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and courses toward a master’s degree in Psycho-Pedagogy, which she completed in Mexico.
After she moved to Canada, she worked as an ACE at childcare centers and school age programs. Following her passion for the early years field, she attended Sheridan College and graduated with Honours from the Intensive ECE program. As a RECE, she is committed to plan and implement curriculum that is challenging yet age-appropriate and inclusive.
Nature has always been an important part of her life; she grew up surrounded by trees, rivers, lakes, animals, and farms. Most of her childhood memories involve playing outside on a sunny day, digging holes, climbing trees, collecting rocks, getting wet in the rain, and observing insects and bugs. Claudia believes that being exposed to nature from an early age, contributed to her love and appreciation for the natural world. She finds nature fascinating; for her, there is nothing a long walk can’t fix.
Therefore, she believes that an educational approach that involves the outdoors benefits children in their holistic development; not just academically. Claudia is excited to be part of the Greenbelt Team, where she hopes to foster a welcoming environment, so children can grow and develop to their full potential. She cannot wait to learn and thrive with the children and Educators at Greenbelt Academy.
Miss Teresa, RECE
Kindergarten Educator
Ms. Teresa is a RECE, with a Bachelors of Arts and Sciences from the University of Guelph. She is bilingual, speaking French and English, and loves to share her love of language with the children under her care. She is passionate about educating and empowering young people, and is so excited to be a part of a team dedicated to the growth and wellbeing of children. Teresa fondly remembers hiking and camping with her family growing up, and believes that this access to natural spaces at a young age was instrumental to her growth, strengthening her independence and empathy. She loves to sing, dance, act, play the ukulele, and go for hikes with her husband and their dog, Boone. She is so excited to be a part of the Greenbelt Team!
Ms. Yvonne
Program Support / Forest School Practitioner
Yvonne is a certified Forest School Practitioner, who, from a young age, spent a lot of time outdoors, from family hikes with her family and just playing outdoors, exploring the land between the surrounding greenhouses and orchards where she grew up just outside of St. Catharines, Ontario.
She has an advanced diploma in Ecosystem Management Technology from Fleming College, an undergraduate degree in Environmental Studies from York University, and a Masters degree in Environmental Studies, specializing in Sense of Place and Belonging from York University with a diploma in Sustainable Education.
Throughout her time in academics, Yvonne also provided child care for families, and took the children outside as much as possible because of how beneficial it is for children. In her Dutch background, ‘uitwaaien’ means to refresh oneself in the wind, a practice that she believes is important for everyone.
Between degrees, Yvonne lived for almost two years in France and the Netherlands, to explore her family background and land a bit more thoroughly, mostly by bike! In her free time, Yvonne continues to be curious about the world around her through hiking, camping, or canoeing, and creates watercolour paintings inspired by the natural world.
After spending two years in Parry Sound at the Parry Sound Forest School, Yvonne is excited to be back in Niagara, and share her forest experience with the children of Greenbelt Academy!
Mr. Jordan
Program Support / Forest School Facilitator
Growing up on a 100 acre mixed farm, Jordan had the privilege of spending countless hours exploring the surrounding fields and forests, creating stories, and wondering endlessly about the mysteries of the natural world. Jordan has always been passionate about creative expression, a love matched only by his desire to help others recognize their own potential and place in the web of life. As an undergraduate at the University of Guelph, Jordan spent a co-op semester working at Mono Cliffs Outdoor Education Centre where he experienced firsthand the transformative power of outdoor education and nature connection. After graduating with a BA in English and Psychology, Jordan worked for Community Living Guelph-Wellington helping people with disabilities connect with their communities through social and recreational activities. He directed several plays, ran a music improv workshop, and also taught private art lessons during this time. In 2019, Jordan participated in a year-long nature connection course for adults through the Guelph Outdoor School. This experience prompted him to pursue a career in the field of outdoor education and Jordan subsequently worked at the Guelph Outdoor School until July of 2023 when he and his partner decided to move to the Niagara region to raise their daughter closer to family. Jordan is thrilled to be a part of the Greenbelt family and is excited to learn, explore, and create alongside some of the youngest human inhabitants in the beautiful Niagara region.
Miss Taylor
Part time Program Support / Forest School Facilitator
Hello, I’m Miss Taylor.
I’ve been at Greenbelt Academy since January 2024, supplying occasionally and supporting the Kindergarten class. I am excited to be a part of this year’s Forest Saturday program, and occasionally supplying and supporting programs.
I am currently enrolled at Brock University working to obtain my undergraduate degree in child and youth studies, then I will be getting my bachelor’s of education.
I love being a part of Greenbelt Academy, and I am a big believer in education rooted in nature. It has been such a treat watching kids play outside, experiencing and learning the world for the first time, and re-living my childhood as well.
I am grateful for the experience and skills I have learned from Greenbelt, especially from the children, and I look forward to continuing to grow and learn.
Miss Amanda, RECE
Toddler Room Educator
Amanda graduated from Mohawk College as a Registered Early Childhood Educator in 2021. There is not a memory Amanda has as a child that does not involve the outdoors from camping with her family, ATVing, fishing and going on hikes in spring to fall to snowmobiling and tobogganing in the winter.
Amanda has experience working with various age groups, and she is looking forward to learning alongside the children as they explore the world and develop new skills. She is excited to join our seeds program and share her passion for the outdoors with the children and her colleagues.
Miss Trenell
Toddler Room Educator
Hello, my name is Trenell. Growing up in the Caribbean, being surrounded by nature is where I learned to embrace nature and learned the importance of it. I have always had a passion for working with children and see myself as a co-learner. I have so much love and kindness to share with the children and see each day as an opportunity to share the joy with the children in my program. I have over 4 years of experience working with children; including working and volunteering in daycares and summer camps in both Toronto and in Halifax, Nova Scotia. I believe when children are exposed to nature at a young age they feel a deeper connection to the natural world and grow up to be more confident and resilient people.
Miss Alycia
Toddler Room Educator
Miss Alycia has been working with children as a toddler and preschool educator for almost 2 years. She has always had a love of working with little ones.
She has helped run a dance studio for over 5 years, working with young children’s classes and administration. She is very excited to be a part of Greenbelt Academy and is looking forward to exploring and watching the students learn and grow.
Miss Kiki
Toddler Room Educator
Hi Greenbelt Friends and Family! My name is Miss Kiki.
I graduated with honours from Niagara College as a Registered Early Childhood Educator in 2017.
I have many years under my own "greenbelt" working with children of all ages and abilities. I strongly believe that every tiny human has the ability to grow and become amazing in their very own, beautiful way! I support each child's individuality to help them become confident and capable. My personal belief is that nature holds a strong importance in development. We all come from the earth, therefore we should explore it to flourish in our understanding. I can't think of a time growing up when I wasn't outside. If there is one motto I live by, it's what Miss Frizzle said, "Take chances, make mistakes, and get messy!"
Ms. Ranjeet, RECE
Preschool Room Educator
I am Ms. Ranjeet. I am new to Canada from India and teaching was my profession and passion back home. I have 2 bachelor degrees; one in Medical and the other in Education. I also have one master degree in Botany (study of plants). I have 2 years experience of teaching in India and taught science for children in grades 5 to 10. To continue this profession, I studied Early Childhood Education at Mohawk College in Hamilton and graduated in April 2023.
Working at Greenbelt Academy has been such a pleasure so far because it blends my passion for Education with my background in Botany.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending quality time with my daughter and husband. I enjoy cooking and watching my daughter’s favourite animal shows with her. I love to spend time in nature and study the biodiversity of plants in Canada because they are so different from the plants back home in India. I also enjoy the weather patterns/seasons in Canada that I have experienced over the past 2 years. I love learning new things and also love learning alongside the children in my program.
Ms. Rachel, RECE
Preschool Room Educator
Rachel has been a registered early childhood educator since 2014 and is working towards her degree for autism and behavioral sciences. Rachel has an inside view into children on the autism spectrum and has experience working with children with exceptionalities. Rachel follows her passion through teaching children of all developmental levels. She loves all types of plants and animals and enjoys being in nature to soak up the world around her. Rachel takes a lot of additional courses throughout the year to continue to stay on top of the newest research and teaching strategies. Rachel is excited to thrive and explore nature with all the children in the roots program and see where this year takes us.
Ms. Sarah, RECE
Preschool Room Educator
Hello, I am Ms.Sarah and I am so excited to be a part of the Greenbelt teaching family. I graduated from Mohawk college with my ECE diploma in 2014 and have taken professional learning courses over the years. I live here in Grimsby with my husband and three children. I am very passionate about our community and teaching our students about Grimsby’s rich heritage and beautiful nature. I look forward to many years with our students.
Miss Ceci
Preschool Room Educator
Hello, Greenbelt Academy community, my name is Ceci, and I am a happy, friendly and caring Educator from Mexico.
I completed my bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Educator in 2018. I have more than 5 years of experience working with children. I had the opportunity to live abroad in the States as an Au Pair, through which I gained a better understanding of American culture and improved my English skills.
Following my passion and interest in child development, I moved to Canada in 2022 to upgrade my studies. I graduated from the Educational Support Program, at Mohawk College in 2024, to become an EA. This program brought me the tools to assist and support exceptional students facing physical, emotional or behavioural challenges, which I am confident will be beneficial during my time at Greenbelt Academy.
Growing up in Veracruz, Mexico, surrounded by tropical weather, beautiful beaches, and diverse flora and fauna, filled me with a sense of wonder, love and appreciation for nature from an early age. I strongly believe that Forest Education can allow children to grow with a different perspective, one that is more conscious, free and full of lasting memories.
I am very excited for all the learning and growth that will come from our time together, I am ready to start this journey and create unforgettable memories and adventures at Greenbelt Academy.
Miss Nadine
Program Support / Forest School Facilitator
Miss Nadine completed an Honours Bachelor of Science in Biology at Carleton University in 2018, while pursuing her passion and admiration for the natural world. Native to the Niagara region, she has always spent her free time hiking and bird watching within our diverse ecosystems.
Nadine has 5 years of experience working as an entomologist, and a decade of experience volunteering at various animal shelters and hospitals, as well as wildlife gardens. Through volunteering experience, she discovered her passion for educating and empowering young minds and has been working with children ever since. She has 2 years' experience working as the lead classroom teacher in a forest school setting and has taken additional courses to support the child-led learning methodology that forest schools have to offer. Miss Nadine is very excited to be a part of Greenbelt Academy and Early Learning Centre as it plays an important role in inspiring and educating young minds to foster a relationship and understanding of the natural world.
