I’m the owner of Leap for Joy Open Air Learning. My program is my pride and joy. A mother of 3 grown children and wife of 31 years I have put my heart into creating opportunities for children to connect with Mother Earth, to ground themselves in our daily interactions with nature and to see and experience the magic that is all around us.

I find immense joy in spending my days with the students that attend and like a parent recently said to one of her children, “ Mrs. Knelsen has hundreds of grandkids!” I look forward to my time in the forest and I get just as much from the program as you and your child will.

Location: Browne Creek Wetlands, Fairfield Field Island and School Age Forest Friday.

Hello, I’m Ms. Nicole!

This is my first year working with Leap for Joy and my third year involved with the program.

I attended UFV for elementary teaching and I have really enjoyed making the switch to outdoor learning!

In my spare time, you can find my daughter and me on a hiking trail or cozy at home reading a book with some tea. I enjoy snowboarding, mountain biking, and swimming in my downtime as well.

I am so excited to make connections with each child and watch them learn and grow throughout the year! My favourite is seeing the difference in each child from September to June.

I feel so grateful to be a part of this amazing outdoor program! I was a yoga teacher, specializing in kids’ yoga for many years. In 2020 things changed and I needed a new path. I have always had so much fun working with children, so that led me to outdoor ECE.

I love seeing children connect with nature and become invested in protecting the Earth and all creatures. Being in nature is an integral part of my life and well-being and I love being able to share that with others.

I enjoy hiking and camping with my family and friends. My husband and I grew up in rural and wild spaces in the Cariboo Interior. We often go “home” for visits. We absolutely love Chilliwack and have lived here for 16 years, raising our two children who are now teenagers.

Hi, I’m Miss. Celia!

I am a recent graduate of the ECE program at UFV. I am super excited to be continuing my work here at Leap for Joy and I couldn’t have found a better team or environment to work in!

I love to surf in the summer and snowboard in the winter, although teaching is my passion. Nothing compares to all of the special moments we get to share and experience with the children. I think we have just as much fun as they do!

Location: Rotary

Hi, I’m Miss. Ashley!

This is my first year working for Leap for Joy. I have previously worked as a behaviour interventionist with children on the autism spectrum. I love finding different ways to connect and build relationships with each child. One of my favourite things is to help and watch the kids get comfortable to come out of their shell. Also, to see them grow in their social skills and play skills.

I spend most of my free time at the Vedder river! I love river walks, bike rides, hiking and just laying in a hammock in the trees. It’s been so wonderful to watch the kids explore the outdoors and to share this love I have for the outdoors with them.

Hi!

My name is Mister Leo! I’m currently studying to get my bachelors degree in history and become a grade school teacher. I’ve been with Leap for Joy since July 2022 and have had a blast teaching so far. It’s so awesome seeing kids interacting outside in the real world, and to help them engage in the world they live in is so meaningful.

I love that I work outside, where I can help foster a deeper connection between the kids and the land they live on. I live, walk, bike, and swim along the the Veddar river and to know that I can share my love for the outdoors makes me so happy.

When I’m not working I can be found biking or walking around town, hanging out with my friends, and swimming down at the river.

Hello!

My name is Miss Hailey and this is my first year of being a teacher at Leap for Joy! I will be working full time on the Rotary side. I'm so looking forward to this upcoming school year. I can't wait to create amazing connections with all our forest friends and make such rewarding memories with each and everyone of you!

Once you get to know me you will soon realize that I love getting down on the ground to look for bugs, get muddy and sometimes even roll in puddles. I love having puddle jumping competitions and making mud pies!

Outside of work I love spending time outside, going for walks and always finding new things to explore! When I'm not outside exploring with friends and family you can often find me in the kitchen learning to cook and bake all types of new things!

I can't wait to see what this year brings for all of us!

Location: Rotary/Vedder