Meet Our Team
Theresa Martyn
Director
Hi, my name is Theresa, I am the co-owner and Director of Adventure Time Early Learning Centre. I’m a mother of two beautiful children who fill my life with joy. When my son was diagnosed with autism at age 3, I put my whole self into learning everything I could that might be able to support him moving forward. With all that learning I have not only been able to support him but many other children.
It has been a dream of mine to create this centre, an environment that is designed to meet the developmental needs of each child. A Centre that encourages exploration, creativity and independence. I wanted to create a space that will make all children feel capable, valued and encouraged.
I believe in the Reggio approach to learning because it respects the children. It takes them seriously. It sees them as strong, capable and resilient, rich with wonder, knowledge and potential. It breeds greater self-awareness and self-confidence. Children learn about collaboration, teamwork and community. They’re encouraged to be researchers and scientific thinkers, questioning the world around them.
Ashley Lohse
Assistant Director
I am Ashley, I am the co-owner of Adventure Time Early Learning Centre. I have a passion for chubby little cheeks, growing families and exceptional care for children. I worked as a professional nanny for 7 years, assisted in various preschools working with children with exceptionalities and own a successful Sleep Consulting firm here in the Okanagan.
I was so stressed trying to find childcare that met my children’s needs and seeing the lack of care available in the Okanagan, I began my journey to opening my own Centre. I was so fortunate to have met Theresa Martyn along the way. Her passion, drive and ideas for developing a Reggio Centre just blew me away. It was fate that brought us together to bring this dream of ours to fruition. You will often catch me in and out of classrooms, touring families around the centre or chatting over email and on the phone.
Reagan
Early Childhood Educator: Team Lead 3-5 Classroom
Hi, my name is Reagan Walker, I have a deep appreciation for nature. As an early childhood educator, my philosophy is to foster curiosity and creativity, while promoting social skills, emotional well-being, and a love for learning. I strive to build strong relationships with both the children and their families, working together to support each child’s unique growth and development. By embracing their individual strengths and interests, I aim to empower them to become confident, independent learners who are excited about their educational journey.
Christina
Early Childhood Educator: 3-5 Classroom
Hello! I am Christina! In my free time I enjoy hiking with my Beagle, and playing board games with my family and friends. I was raised in Kelowna and knew my whole life that I wanted to be a teacher. In 2008, I moved to the states to further my education, where I earned a BA in both Elementary Education and Music Education. I worked in a variety of childcare positions while gaining my education, working with children of all ages. After graduating, I worked supporting children with autism and went on to teach in my own classroom in Maine, where my beagle, Missy, is from.
After 11 years of living in the states, I returned home to the Okanagan Valley. I am passionate about making a difference in these early years. Children are full of unique perspectives and potential. I believe foundational years are vital for children to be assured that their thoughts and voices matter. I am incredibly excited to partner alongside you and your child during their early years.
Tracy
Early Childhood Educator: 3-5 Classroom
Hi, I’m Tracy! I live in West Kelowna with my husband and our two children, plus two cats. This is my 29th year as an ECE and I continue to learn more each day, for which I am grateful. I enjoy the outdoors, animals, reading, playing violin and piano, creating felt board stories to support whole child development, and I have a deep respect for all of nature. You will often see me in the afternoons leading music classes and group times, teaching your children to foster a love for all things music!
Thank you AdventureTime Early Learning for providing a beautiful environment where both teachers and students can thrive!
Alex
Early Childhood Educator Infant Toddler - Team Lead Toddler Classroom
I am an ECE with an Infant/Toddler certification and started in the field in 2013. I am excited to be working in a Reggio-influenced centre as I appreciate building on children’s interests and allowing their learning to unfold authentically. I enjoy building relationships with families so we can work collaboratively to ensure each child’s unique needs are met and their development supported. When I am not at daycare I enjoy spending my time with my family/friends and being outdoors whether it’s hiking, camping or on the ski hill.
Jaqie
Early Childhood Educator Infant Toddler: Toddler Classroom
I’m Jaqie. I am happily married to a young at heart amazing man Mark, a talented finisher carpenter in Kelowna.
I am very outdoorsy, I love to be out in nature, hiking, biking, camping, and exploring all the world has to offer with our two dogs a dashhound Beaner and Chihuahua mix Scooby.
I am blessed to say that childcare chose me when I started volunteering in 1997 in Winnipeg. I moved to BC shortly afterward and completed my Diploma in Early Childhood Education in 2001. I became fond of working with infants and toddlers and stayed with this age group for the duration of my career.
I think its really cool to see toddlers all grown up with families still remembering me as their first teacher and hearing how I helped make a difference in their Early Childhood milestones. I love being part of this cycle and now at Adventure Time’s community. I love the moments of collaborating with families sharing experiences helping one child at a time in all areas of development.
Shania
Early Childhood Educator: Team Lead Toddler Classroom
I’m Shania, once my niece was born, I knew I was meant to work with children. I was working as a professional Nanny in Italy, when I decided to further my career by becoming and Early Childhood Educator.
Having worked with children as an Educator for over 6 years, I feel strongly that each child deserves a safe space to explore and learn. I am hoping to further my education in the future to attain my Infant/Toddler certification.
Apart from childcare, I enjoy spending my time playing softball, and camping with my two dogs!
Courtney
Early Childhood Educator Infant Toddler: Infant Classroom
I’m Courtney, and working with infants is what I love most! I love to watch children learn and master new skills for the very first time.
I was born and raised in the Okanagan, and after high school I moved to Vancouver Island to pursue a career in early learning. I got my diploma of Early Learning and Care from Camosun College before helping my best friend open up our dream daycare centre together. After having a family of my own I decided to make the move back to the Okanagan to be closer to family. When I am not working you can find my daughter and I at the park, the beach, or being a couch potato with our cat!
Robyn
Early Childhood Educator: Infant Classroom
Hello! My name is Robyn. I am a graduate of the Okanagan College Early Childhood, Special Needs program in 2014. Since then I have worked with children of all ages, with a passion for children with diverse abilities, including work as a respite/B.I. for families. Childhood flies by in the blink of an eye, and before you know it they are grown. I am honoured to be apart of your child’s story. I am very excited to have joined the Adventure Time team and continue to grow as an Educator.
I grew up in the Kelowna area, so in my free time I naturally like to be outside as much as possible. I love going for walks or hikes in our diverse landscape, snowboarding at Big White, fishing, camping, bike riding, you name it. And now I am so excited to share all these passions with my 1 year old son, and show him all that the Okanagan has to offer!
Karen
Responsible Adult: All Classes
Hi, I am Karen the resident “Grandma” at Adventure Time! I start my day long before your children arrive for the day, cleaning and sanitizing the centre to ensure a safe and clean environment. I spend my days supporting every classroom with cleaning, laundry, sanitizing toys and guiding children through their day. With 49 children every day, you can imagine that its a big job to keep your kiddos safe and healthy while in our care.
I have been happily married for 38 years and have 3 sons and 4 grandchildren! I recently took up Pickle Ball, which is lots of fun!
I enjoy being part of your child’s day and doing my part to support their growth and development!
Justin
Early Childhood Educator Assistant: All Classes
Hi, I’m Justin. When my wife embarked on opening her dream childcare centre I never imagined I would be so passionate and invested in its success that I would return to school to help support in the classrooms as an Assistant Educator! I am the resident handyman, and I on rare occasions have the pleasure of supporting the 3-5 program. Your children are familiar with who I am and I have the cool title of “Teacher Justin”! Seeing what a male role model brings to a classroom setting is really quite inspiring. If you see me around, please say hi, I don’t know you all by face and name but I can assure you I know your children.
Lexie
Early Childhood Educator: Toddler Infant Classroom
Hello!! I’m Lexie, I’m 24 years old born and raised in a small village in Alberta!
Ever since I can remember I’ve always had a strong love for babies, and young children. Always the first cousin to hold the baby, or watch after the cousins playing with them and being a helping hand.
I worked for a local daycare in high school where I grew a stronger passion for childcare work, knowing I wanted to pursue it.
My partner and I decided to move to Kelowna so I could do my Early Childhood Education Certification and start a life in a beautiful place like Kelowna!
My goal as an educator is to provide a safe and loving environment for children. I pride myself on being that comfort person who makes the child feel safe while in the care of our facility and look forward to coming each day! I love watching them grow, and achieve new developmental goals that may seem small for some but are huge in their little worlds as well as mine!
Book A Tour
If you would like to meet our exceptional team and explore our centre please complete the contact us form or call us at 778-754-5447