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

General Manager

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.


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.

Christine Wheeler

Early Childhood Educator & Inclusive Child Care Worker

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. Christine is contracted through Paqmi Nuqyuk Aboriginal Early Year’s Program as an Aboriginal Supported Child Development worker. Her role is to provide extra support to ensure inclusion in the classroom.

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.

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.

Emma Shaw

Early Childhood Educator Assistant

Emma loves adventures and is always finding new and exciting ways to bring education to the children in a play-based way.
When not at Badgers, Emma is on adventures with her family.

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. 

Enya Elliston

Inclusive Child Care Worker & Badgers Afterschool

Enya completed her Early Childhood Education Assistant while in high school through the dual credit program. She has a passion for working with youth and is looking forward to a year of learning!

Enya is also a graduate of Little Badgers Early Learning Programs!

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.

Laine Dunlop

Inclusive support worker & Afterschool Teacher

Laine grew up in the valley and has enjoyed everything it has to offer from winter skiing to camping. She is excited to be able to share her love of the outdoors with the children in the afterschool programs. Laine is currently taking her Early Childhood Education online and is happy to be back in school as she considers herself a lifelong learner

Megan Jones 

Early Childhood Educator

Megan Jones is an Early Childhood Educator who believes in a holistic approach to childcare.  Megan has years of experience working with children and families having run her own family child care in Invermere for the past several years.  Megan is excited to join the team at Little Badgers and explore the surrounding land and opportunities for learning though play.

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!

Shana Walsh

Early Childhood Educator 

Shana grew up in the Columbia valley and loves sharing her passion for swimming and water safety.  When not working to complete her Early Childhood Education Certificate you can find Shana exploring the Valleys hiking trails with her pup. 

Summer Dixon

Responsible Adult
Afterschool Program 

Working with children is Summer’s greatest passion. She love seeing kids learn and having fun.

Summer is looking forward to working with and having fun with your children.

Taylor Botterill

Early Childhood Educator

Taylor is an avid hockey player and loves winter in the Valley just a little bit more then summer!  

When not at badgers you can find Taylor exploring the woods with her dog, Vicky.  Taylor is always up for an adventure with the Badger kids.  

Devon Hawkins

Early Childhood Educator 

Devon loves working in education and is thrilled to be a part of the Little Badgers team. She believes in childcare that provides endless opportunities for exploration and growth. In her spare time she loves to go hiking, camping and fishing.

Devon is currently on parental leave.

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!  

Jade is currently on parental leave.

Olivia Rasilainen

Early Childhood Educator

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.

Olivia is currently on parental leave.

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.

Maxine Hawes

Substitute Teacher,           
Early Childhood Educator

Maxine was one of the founders of Little Badger Early Learning Programs in 2006.  

Maxine has a wealth of knowledge and experience and it is a privilege to have her touch the life’s of our staff and children.