Our Team
Meet our team of highly qualified early childhood educators! Interested in joining our team? Check out our employment opportunities here.
Faren Lozier
Having worked in various child-based programs over the last 15 years, Faren found her passion for Early Childhood Education while working as a KinderCare instructor in Vancouver. Upon completing her ECE certification at Capilano University and several other training programs, she and her colleagues helped with the establishment of Hudson Preschool in Kitsilano. After working at Hudson for 3 years, Faren returned to Williams Lake to further her experience in the field. In 2018 she visited the city of Reggio Emilia, Italy, and toured the famous Centro Internzionale Loris Malaguzzi, teaching the educational approach that continues to inspire her. She leads her educational philosophy by way of emergent and fluid curriculum; recognizing that children learn through "one hundred languages".
Sheilah Olson
Sheilah has been working in the field of Early Childhood Education for over 15 years. She completed her schooling at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops. After finishing her Early Childhood Education Diploma, Sheilah continued to attain her Infants and Toddlers certification. After learning a Reggio Emilia approach during her time at university, Sheilah has developed a greater appreciation for natural learning environments for children. Sheilah has enjoyed working as an Early Childhood Educator in Kamloops, 100 Mile House and Williams Lake. Currently, Sheilah is teaching part of the Early Childhood Education Program at Thompson Rivers University in Williams Lake and is excited to help inspire quality educators for our community. You will see Sheilah in all of the programs supporting staff and filling in where needed.
Kristin Wallick
Kristin grew up in 100 Mile House and moved to Kamloops in 2003 to attend TRU where she completed the Early Childhood Education diploma program and continued on to the infant/toddler program. After her schooling, she remained in Kamloops and worked as an infant/toddler educator for almost 9 years. In August 2014 Kristin moved to Williams Lake to further her ECE career here at Exploring the Puddle Early Learning Center. Over the 10 years Kristin has worked in all of the programs here mainly in the IT program. Kristin has an appreciation for guiding the children in a natural environment and planning activities based on their interests and imagination. She looks forward to guiding and teaching the children enrolled in our programs!
Demi Jensen
Demi has been splashing around with Exploring the Puddle since 2020, taking a few detours to welcome two adorable daughters into the world! With a heart full of love for little ones, the preschool classroom is her happy playground. She thrives on teaching those tiny thinkers and sprinkles their interests into her lessons like confetti!
“Your image of the child is where teaching begins” -Loris Malaguzzi
How true!
Liz Kehler
Liz is currently working a multitude of jobs while working towards her full ECE certification. While working at ETP, she also runs a youth program at her church, teaches several fitness classes at the Cariboo Memorial Complex, and coaches Blue Fins. Her large family of 3 wonderful children, her husband and 2 dogs also keep her very busy! We are excited to have her part of the team here at ETP!
Olivia Van Ember
Olivia was born and grew up in Austria and moved to Canada in 2019 to live with her husband. They were married in 2022 and have since then welcomed two beautiful young boys. In her free time she likes to spend time with her horse or just have fun with her family and explore the area. She has a history in the tourism industry but since being a mom she really enjoys being and working with children. She is very happy to be part of the wonderful team at ETP. She is very excited to continue her schooling and learn all about the work with young children.
Rylee Fraser
Rylee is 21 years old and has spent her whole life living in the 150 area, currently living on her grandparents ranch with her boyfriend, 2 dogs, 3 cats and chickens. Some of her hobbies include, camping, fishing, gardening and overall, just being outdoors. She has always had a special place in her heart for young children and couldn’t be happier getting to work along side them. She was involved in 4-H for most of her childhood/high school, helping her realize she wanted to work with children. She recently completed 5 of the Early Childhood Education classes at Williams Lake TRU and currently has her Early Childhood Education Assistant Certification. She plans on continuing her schooling to obtain her Early Childhood Education Diploma as well as her Infant Toddler Certificate. She looks forward to learning about all the children and families of our center and can’t wait to see what the future holds.
Konnie Solomon
Konnie is a busy mom and fully qualified Early Childhood Educator. Konnie has been in the field for over 10 years, many of those have been spent with us at ETP! Konnie enjoys preparing fun activities for the children to explore and create with.
Tawni Hodgins
Tawni is a registered Early Childhood Educator and proud mom of two. She is passionate about creating nurturing, inclusive environments where children feel safe, supported, and encouraged to learn through play, exploration, and creativity.
Outside of work, Tawni enjoys homeschooling her own children, DIY projects, outdoor adventures, crafting, and spending time with family. Tawni believes in the power of hands-on learning and helping children build confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning.
Tawni is grateful to work in a field that allows her to make a positive difference in the lives of children and families every day.
Carson Keely
Carson has been working in Early Childhood Education since 2021 and has loved every minute of the adventure! She completed her Early Childhood Education program through Pacific Rim and is excited to keep learning by working toward her Infant & Toddler certification. With experience in daycare and preschool settings, and a strong background in Supported Child Development, Carson is passionate about helping every child feel included and valued. She enjoys following children’s interests and building meaningful connections that help them grow and thrive every day!
Josianne Martel
Josie is originally from Quebec. She moved to British Columbia in December 2023, where she worked as a nanny for a year and a half. In 2025, her and her boyfriend moved to Williams Lake, and now live here with their two cats. Josie has always loved working with children, and has known for a long time that early childhood education is the career she wants to be in. Before moving to BC, Josie worked in a daycare in Quebec for four years with children of different ages. Josie loves to watch children learn, grow, and have fun every day. Josie is a caring, patient, and positive person who enjoys creating a safe and welcoming environment where children feel comfortable, supported, and excited to learn.
Heather Van Riesen
Heather has proudly called Williams Lake home for the past 17 years. She has been caring for children for most of her life, beginning with babysitting before spending five years as a personal nanny. Those experiences inspired her to pursue a career in Early Childhood Education, where she is currently completing her ECE diploma.
Heather is passionate about creating a safe, nurturing environment where every child feels valued, supported, and encouraged to learn through play. She believes in building strong, meaningful relationships with children and their families while fostering curiosity, confidence, and kindness. Heather loves watching children discover new skills, celebrate their accomplishments, and grow into their unique personalities. She is excited to continue growing as an educator while supporting children and their families through these important early years.