Team
MARIA JOSE OBANDO
Co-Founder and Educator
I am deeply passionate about nature and outdoor adventures, whether under sunny skies or rainy clouds.
Growing up in Ecuador, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and unique biodiversity, I spent my childhood playing, exploring, climbing trees, and getting muddy in the countryside. These experiences nurtured my love for the natural world, which has always been a source of inspiration, learning, and stewardship.
My passion for nature led me to Canada, where I earned my Master’s degree in Environmental Education. As an educator, I am dedicated to helping children explore and learn in nature. I specialize in connecting young learners with their environment through experiential education and unstructured play, fostering a deep appreciation for the outdoors.
There is nothing more rewarding than witnessing the growth and development of my students as they engage with nature.
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Certifications:
- Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Engineering
- Master's Degree in Educational Foundations with a cohort in Ecology and Environment
- ECEA (Early Childhood Education Assistant)
- Responsible Adult Course in Child Development
- Forest School Training Certification
- Standard First Aid CPR/AED Level C
- Wilderness First Aid Certification
- English/Spanish
ANA MERCHÁN
Educator & Program Director
I grew up in the countryside of Cuenca - Ecuador where I was always surrounded by animals and nature and learned the importance of taking care of the environment. I got to play with dogs, chickens, guinea pigs, horses, and rabbits next to a forest by the river. My parents and I traveled a lot around the country when I was a kid and as an adult, I have visited many countries which changed the way I see the world today.
As a co-founder of “Kea” preschool in my hometown and as a psychologist I know the impact early childhood education has on kids and families. I believe in hands-on learning, project-based education, play-based education, and learning by making so kids can shine and learn at their own pace while connecting to their surroundings.
I´m constantly learning and looking for new pedagogical approaches related to kids’ development, this is why I feel so drawn to outdoor education.
Exploring nature in this beautiful country has motivated me to pursue my dream to be an outdoor educator.
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Certifications:
-Bachelor´s degree in Psychology
-Master´s degree in Family Intervention and Counselling
-International Certification Infant and Child Sleep Consultant
-Montessori Methodology Diploma
-Co-Founder of Kea Preschool
-Standard First Aid CPR/AED Level C
-Spanish/English
Cecile Savioz
ESDM Certified Therapist
I am very happy to be a part of this amazing team, and eager to build a strong connection between kids and the outdoor in a fun and inclusive space at the heart of beautiful Stanley Park.
My professional experience as a therapist (specialized in ESDM - 'early start' for children with autism 0-5year old) and as a school counsellor has brought into focus the importance of inclusive education in children’s development. As such, I always strive to create an inclusive space for children who need support, engaging with them in fun activities and creating strong community around them.
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I strongly believe being outside is a great opportunity to learn, enhancing social connections in a wonderful environment for kids to grow and thrive.
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With my training as an ESDM therapist and experience as a school counselor, I can create a specialized plan for your child, designing individualized objectives and helping you make a therapy plan coherent with other approaches you might already have for your child.
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I look forward to bringing my passion and specialization as a therapist to help kids connect and thrive in the beautiful outdoors.
Certifications:
- Autism service provider as a Senior BI (BC funding)
- ESDM certified therapist (early start for children with autism, 0-5year old)
- ESDM advanced training, UCDavis, California, distance learning
- Master in Clinical Psychology for children and teenagers UniL
- The Hanen program for educators (More Than Words, speech and language developpement training)
- Courtney’s First aid & safety Training (non-violent crisis interventions)
- Language : English/French
Liz Arevalo
Educator & Marketing Director
Bugs, children, and music are what gives meaning to my days.
Teaching and learning are my greatest passion, I love hearing the most curious and funny questions. Always ready to not have an answer, but instead a space and time for exploration.
I was trained as a teacher in Mexico where I experienced indoor classes, I mixed my experience working in camps and workshops in the forest, having great learning about childhood, youth, and their relationship with nature.
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Being a teacher, and my latest years as a childcare provider, have given me the opportunity to observe the importance of treating kids, taking care of their most fragile aspects, (their heart
and soul.) In these years of collaborative work with children, I have learned to sow, through play and art, seeds of affection, tolerance, and respect for other and nature.
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Certifications:
ï‚· - Bachelor’s degree in Pedagogy
ï‚· - Course in Conscious Discipline
ï‚· - Responsible Adult Course in Child Development
ï‚· - Emergency Child Care First Aid & CPR
ï‚· - English/Spanish
Chabeli Rueda
Educator & Administrative Assistant
I have a deep love for nature and am an outdoor enthusiast who seeks new adventures, no matter the weather. Growing up surrounded by Mexico's beautiful landscapes, I developed a lifelong passion for exploring the outdoors and sharing that joy with others.
With experience in education and working with children and toddlers, I’ve had the opportunity to witness how nature can inspire learning and growth at every age. My easygoing, empathetic, and positive approach helps me connect with young learners, creating spaces where they can explore, play, and develop a love for the environment.
As a collaborative team player, I thrive on creating unforgettable outdoor experiences. My passion for the natural world drives me to help others connect with nature and discover the joy and wonder it holds for them.
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Certifications:
- Bachelor´s degree in accounting
- Bachelor´s degree in hospitality
- Co-Founder Colegio Castaneda High School
- English/Spanish
MARCO URFER
Co-Founder and Admin
I had the privilege to grow up surrounded by nature in a beautiful area known as "the gate to the Swiss Alps". I remember these exciting times as a child running through fields, building forts in the forest, and exploring mountains in hiking shoes or on skis.
Today, I still can't get enough of outdoor activities - I am a nature lover and I want to give everything it takes to protect the environment.
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Founding Little Paws gives me the joy to contribute to a healthy community more connected with nature. I love to see how children are becoming and already are stewards of the great outdoors while providing them a natural experience I enjoyed when I was little.
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With my background as a Business Engineer, I bring some valuable skills to the administrative work and support the operations of the programs behind the scenes.
