Who’s coming & who’s leaving at Carp Ridge Learning Centre?

We’re saying a sad so long to ~

Marie Cook: Finished her contract as Forest Preschool co-ordinator in mid-January (while Marlene Power-Johnston was on maternity leave). Her warm personality and commitment to quality education will be missed at CREWC. We wish her all the best in her future endeavours.

Freya Struthers: The future looks bright for Freya, and we are all cheering for her as she heads off to tackle new challenges. As Executive Director of the Carp Ridge Learning Centre for the past three years, Freya was always the consummate professional; a cheerful, welcoming presence with a can-do attitude. She and her board of directors built the LC program from the ground up (note from the blog editor: Freya once remarked to me that when she first walked into an office “it didn’t have a pen or a desk”). These qualities that are sure to bode well for her in her new position as Development Officer for the National Arts Centre Foundation.

And extending a warm welcome to ~

Marlene Power-Johnston: Actually, we are really just welcoming Marlene back in to the fold after a “mommy break”.  Her little Emry turned one-year old on January 16! My, how time flies! Marlene is the founder of the Forest Preschool, the driving force behind its outstanding success, and the thoughtful architect of its future. She returns as the new Executive Director of the Learning Centre.

Jay Young: Comes to the Learning Centre from Toronto. He joins the team as a Program Facilitator. Jay has a Masters Degree in Environmental Studies from York University, with environmental education as an area of concentration.  He has been involved with children’s outdoor education since a teenager, working in both residential and day camp settings (More to follow about jay in the February newsletter).  Welcome on board Jay!