Elise Andreassen

Growing up with parents who were both elementary school teachers I always knew that I wanted to work with children. Even as a child I felt a strong connection with young children. I babysat through most of my teenage and young adult years. I also spent two years as a live in nanny, one in Ireland and the other in Richmond, BC. These experiences really cemented for me what I had always known, childcare is my passion and the field that I want to be working in. I completed my diploma in Early Childhood Education at TRU in Kamloops three years ago and have been working in the field since then. I have also completed my Infant and Toddler certificate through TRU. Little Saplings a natural and cohesive fit for me because Lorisa and I hold many of the same values, both in childcare and in life.

In my professional life I believe absolutely in creating strong nurturing relationships with the children in my care and their families. I think it is important to nurture a connection to the natural world and the environment and to create a sense of community and connection to the land and spaces that we live in. I strive to create a sense of wonder, beauty, and love in the spaces and connections that I make with children.

I am a creative person who loves spending time in nature and outdoors. I have many hobbies including crochet, cross stitch, reading, gardening, and hiking. I also enjoy being musical and play both the flute and the piano.

I am passionate about sharing my interests with children and learning what is exciting and interesting to them!

Lorisa Zazulak

I have always been amazed at children’s magical view of the word and how their honesty continuously creates beauty and wonderment in everything around them. I have learned to listen to the way children see their environments and everyday my life is richer because of this.

 I have been blessed in life to intertwine my love for travel with my desire to work with children.  Working with children has provided me with adventures in Norway, Louisiana, New Mexico and Montreal.

Then thinking that I needed to live in one city for more than a year, I decided to take Early Childhood Education at Langara College. This journey was one of the best decisions of my life, as working with children is my calling.

When my daughter was born, my husband and I chose to return to Kamloops to raise her in a smaller community and closer to nature.

I have a passion for play based learning and surrounding children with nature. I love instilling magic in children’s eyes by story telling, puppet plays and song.

I enjoy surrounding myself with nature away from the city. I spend numerous weekends hiking, cycling, canoeing and skate skiing. When at home I love to cook, knit and sew.

“Moving my family to a new city, I was filled with all the anxieties common for a first mom looking for childcare. I heard about Lorisa through word of mouth and was lucky to find a spot in her care.

Having my child in Lorisa’s care has been one of the most reassuring and natural decisions for our family.

The level of care goes beyond our expectations of a childcare provider. Her depth of knowledge and understanding around child development fills us with confidence and allows us to rest easy knowing our child is in loving hands.”