Emily Vera (she/her)
Director of Child Care
Early Childhood Educator,
Special Needs, Bachelor of Fine Arts
Emily is the co-founder and Director of Terra Nova Nature School. Inspired by her childhood exploring Vermont’s forests, she believes unstructured time outdoors nurtures creativity and deep learning, and is passionate about building a caring, land-honouring community.
Chloe Nakata (she/her)
Early Childhood Educator Assistant
Chloe is an Early Childhood Education Assistant currently pursuing her ECE certification at Langara College. She has been an integral part of the TNNS Parent & Tot program and has taught various programs at Thompson Community Centre for several years.
Debbie Leboe (she/her)
Early Childhood Educator,
Bachelor of Education, BA History
Debbie is excited to join the TNNS team this year and brings valuable experience from her role as a Lead Educator in a fully outdoor program. Through this work, she saw how a strong connection to nature supports the growth of confident, resilient, and curious learners.
Ilyssia (they/them)
Bachelor of Fine Art
Ilyssia is an educator and artist from Winnipeg, Manitoba (Treaty 1 territory). They earned an integrated BA and Education from the University of Winnipeg in 2018, focusing on history and French. Through K–12 practicums, they discovered something to admire in teaching every age—from early curiosity to teenage passion.
Jacob Power (they/he)
Bachelor in Global Resource Systems
Jacob is a queer/genderqueer settler of Irish ancestry living on the unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, and səlilwətaɬ Nations. They grew up along the coastlines and waterways of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and neighboring Indigenous territories.
Katharina Scharnweber (she/her)
Early Childhood Educator,
Waldorf Teacher,
Degree in Economics and Graphic Design
Katharina grew up in a small town in East Germany, where the forest was both sanctuary and storyteller. As a child, she named trees and secret hiding spots, imagining a world filled with gnomes, fairies, and kings—a realm of scents and sounds found only in nature, one that continues to shape her path today.
Misuzu Chiu (she/her)
Early Childhood Educator
From an early age, Misuzu dreamed of becoming an early childhood educator. After discovering a love for English, she studied ESL teaching for young children. Upon moving to Canada, she returned to her original goal and earned an Early Childhood Education Diploma along with an Infant and Toddler Educator Certificate.
Nastya Shitova (she/her)
Bachelor of Art, Geography
Nastya is an educator and artist from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, Russia, on the traditional lands of the Ainu and Nivkh peoples. Growing up beach camping and foraging inspired her love for the outdoors, leading her to earn a BA in Geography focused on environment and sustainability, with a minor in Visual Arts.
Natalia Salgado (she/her)
Yoga Teacher, Birth & Postpartum Doula
Natalia Salgado is a dedicated yoga teacher and birth and postpartum doula who supports women and families through connection, knowledge, and compassionate care. Originally from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, she brings warmth, intuition, and a deep respect for the body’s wisdom into all that she offers.
Natasha Damiano (she/her)
Bachelor of Anthropology,
Master of Anthropology
Natasha is completing a PhD on musicking and belonging and holds a Certificate in Advanced Teaching and Learning from the University of British Columbia. She teaches in the Beyond 4 Walls program, helped develop Nature Notes, and is a passionate outdoor music educator and mom.
Sarah Yaugo (she/her)
Early Childhood Educator,
Bachelor of Arts
Sarah is a licensed Early Childhood Educator with a BA in Psychology and training in visual arts and K–5 education. She has over 15 years of experience teaching children ages 0–11 across the U.S. and Metro Vancouver, and has led outdoor, nature-based family programs since 2019.
Shannon Emery (she/her)
Early Childhood Educator,
BC Teaching Certification,
Bachelor of Arts
Shannon is excited to join Terra Nova Nature School in September 2025. With a BA, PDP, and ECE certification, she brings over 13 years of experience working with children and loves fostering curiosity, wonder, and a sense of adventure outdoors.
Trisha Barbarona
(any pronoun)
Early Childhood Educator Assistant
Trisha has eight years of experience in early childhood and outdoor education, focusing on Indigenous-centered, land-based learning, community, and environmental stewardship. They bring expertise in storytelling, native plants, and food justice.
