The Little Badger Educator Team
We are proud of our dedicated teachers and support workers at Little Badger Early Learning. We have worked hard to create a positive work place culture but our team of educators truly makes Little Badgers a place we are all proud of.
Meet our team!
Carrie Rickards
Executive Director
Carrie started as the General Manager of the Eva Joseph Learning and Cultural Society in 2014. She is also involved with Aboriginal Headstart and the Community Playgroup, which the Society piloted as part of the first offering of the Entry to Early Childhood Education program.
Kara Rosenkranz
Inclusive Child Care Coordinator and Badgers Afterschool Manager
Kara loves the outdoors and enjoys the many activities the Columbia Valley offers. She is passionate about getting our kids outside and inspiring them to be active.
Kara is currently on parental leave.
Olivia Rasilainen
Inclusive Child Care Coordinator
Olivia has strong family values and recognizes that families come in all shapes and sizes. She is honored that families trust us with their children and works hard to ensure each child is nurtured and loved in our programs. Olivia is an advocate for indigenous learning and strives to bring cultural appropriate practices into her teachings.
Summer Dixon
Afterschool Manager
Summer enjoys working with kids and brings great energy and creativity to every day. She recently stepped up as the Badger Afterschool Manager, where she’s thriving in her role.
Summer especially loves exploring with the kids—whether it’s through hands-on activities, outdoor adventures, or simply encouraging their curiosity and imagination.
Christine Wheeler
Early Childhood Educator
Infant-Toddler
Christine grew up in Victoria BC and moved to the Columbia Valley in December of 2022 with her partner and daughter. Christine has always known that she wanted to work with children and completed her Early Childhood Education in 2017.
Casey Schoeler
Early Childhood Educator
Casey enjoys learning each child’s individual personality and finding the best way to help them learn.
Casey loves to explore new learning opportunities and find ways to expand on children’s play and interest.
Courtenay Meekes
Early Childhood Educator
Courtenay is eager to share her love for the valley with the children and families in our programs. She has a passion for adventure and a strong belief that not only does nature calm the soul, but it is the best teacher for young children.
Prabhjeet Kaur
Early Childhood Educator
Prabh is a loving educator who enjoys finding new songs and stories to share with her class!
Prabh loves adventures and travel and is always ready to take the kids out exploring!
June Sievenpiper
Early Childhood Educator
You may know June from the local Strong Start programs!
June is the master of Storytime and loves introducing new activities to the children she works with!
Grace Curley
Early Childhood Educator
Grace is a passionate educator committed to providing quality care and programming to the Badger Cubs. When not at work you can find Grace out on the trails and seeking adventure.
Grace is currently on parental leave.
Kim Dyck
Early Childhood Educator Assistant
Kim brings a passion of play to the center and is eager to explore the surrounding area with the Badger crew.
Kim is working to complete her ECE certificate and considers herself a lifelong learner.
Emma Bensemann
Early Childhood Educator Assistant
Emma is from New Zealand, she moved to Canada in April 2023 with her husband and daughter. She is passionate about giving young children the best start in life. She aims to make the children feel nurtured, so they feel confident to explore, create and learn through play.
Jade Fong
Early Childhood Educator Assistant
Jade is currently completing her Early Childhood Education online. Jade loves the outdoor and when not exploring around Little Badgers she is adventuring with her family!
Enya Elliston
Inclusive Child Care Worker & Badgers Afterschool
Enya is a dedicated support worker who brings warmth, patience, and compassion to her role each day. She works closely with children with diverse needs, creating a safe and supportive environment where every child can thrive.
Enya also lends her caring spirit to the Badgers After School Program, where her kindness and calm presence make her a favorite among the kids.
Jane Herman
Substitute Teacher,
Early Childhood Educator
Jane retired to the Columbia Valley with her husband and brought a her experience in child care and management with her. We are extremely blessed to have her calm and kind presence within our programs.