Our Team
Director
Danielle Fakim
Director
Hello everyone, I am pleased to welcome you to the Centre de la Petite Enfance - Les P'tits Lutins (LPL). My name is Danielle and I am proud to be the Director of our beautiful centre located at École des Pionniers-de-Maillardville in Port Coquitlam. I began my post-secondary studies with a Bachelor of Commerce degree but realized a few years later that I really wanted to work with children. I then continued my studies and completed a post-graduate certificate in education. After teaching for a few years, I decided to take some time with my daughters while they were young. At the time my children started at École des Pionniers, I was a volunteer on the P'tits Lutins Board of Directors and filled the role of Staff Liaison. Managing this centre allows me to put into practice my business management skills while staying in contact with children. More recently, I continued my studies and completed a certificate in Child Care Management in British Columbia. I am happy to work collaboratively with the Ministry of Education and Child Care to improve childcare services in the province, particularly with regard to the affordable childcare initiative, inclusion and the recognition of educators. I see that passionate educators (like ours) work hard and deserve to be recognized. What is most important to me in this role is creating an environment where parents are comfortable leaving their children because they know their little ones will be cared for with love and the best intentions and where employees enjoy coming to work every day because they are dedicated and proud of their teamwork. An environment where we work together, and everyone thrives. I also believe in adapting programs to the different needs of children, starting in the early years. We are an inclusive center that not only works with all families to meet the needs of each child, but which focuses on learning and mutual respect. We are proud to be a multicultural center and value the beauty of our diversity. If you would like to be added to our waitlist, please visit our waitlist page for more information. And if you have any additional questions, do not hesitate to contact us at info@lesptitslutins.ca. Welcome to the Centre de la Petite Enfance – Les P’tits Lutins. We look forward to welcoming your family!
Program Coordinators
Edwuige Menard
0-36 months Program Coordinator
My name is Edwuige, I am married and the mother of three children (two boys and a girl). I discovered I had a passion for the field of early childhood. I decided to enroll at the University of Quebec in Montreal (UQAM), where I obtained my certificate in this field. When I changed provinces, I continued my studies where I obtained my ECE (Early Childhood Education) certificate, the diploma (infants and toddlers,) and the special needs diploma. I have been working daily with children for 15 years now. I am the coordinator of the 0-3 year old group, and I am a dynamic, enthusiastic, understanding, patient and open-minded person. I am very creative and I like to create new educational and creative approaches that help the overall development of children. For me, it is very rewarding to be able to see the world through the eyes of little ones. I am happy to be part of a dynamic, creative, attentive and passionate team. At Les P’tits Lutins daycare, your little treasures will enjoy a warm atmosphere. I can't wait to take care of your treasures!
Sarah-Jane Drolet
3-5 year old Program Coordinator
My name is Sarah and I am the coordinator of the 3-5 year old classes. Since my early childhood, I have always wanted to take care of little ones. When I was in second grade, I would gather the Kindergarten children who had difficulty integrating into a group, during recess and lunchtime, I led various music, sports and drama activities. In 2019, I turned this passion into a profession, I started working full-time in a daycare. I count myself very lucky to work with children and help build the foundation of their life. I believe that every child has the right to explore, to make mistakes and to be listened to and be respected. I like to sing, dance and especially laugh with children. It is important for me to create an atmosphere where the children feel safe, and respected so they can learn and make mistakes and know we are always there to help pick them back up. At the end of their journey at daycare, my wish is that they leave with a “box” full of tools that they can keep and use. With the help of my wonderful team of educators we create a fun and respectful environment, we will create magical and unforgettable moments for our P'tits Lutins. Thank you and see you soon!
Administrative Assistant
Cristina Rodriguez
Administrative Assistant
After living in Montreal, Quebec for 17 years, I recently moved to British Columbia. I am very happy to work and be part of the team at the P'tits lutins daycare. By working in the daycare administration, I feel very attached to the Francophone community and I am very proud to share the same feeling of belonging here in Canada.
0-36 months educators (Câlineurs and Trottineurs)
Béatrice Sarju
Câlineurs Educator
My name is Béatrice Sarju, I am married and I have three wonderful children. My journey into working with children began in 2012, driven by a deep-rooted passion for nurturing young minds. Graduating in ECE in 2016 and ITE in 2019 with the knowledge and skill to make a significant impact on children’s lives was a milestone I cherish. What pushed me to take this path was my own experience as a parent. I realized the immense importance of early education and emotional development in shaping the future. For me, working with children is not just a job. What I learned from this experience is that each child is unique and needs love, affection and respect.
Chouette Katihabwa,
Câlineurs Educator
My name is Chouette Katihabwa, I have worked at Les P’tits Lutins daycare for 5 years. I started working with children over 5 years ago, I was a childcare provider for several families. I loved having conversations, playing, and laughing with the children. I really loved being surrounded by children and I later made the decision to do the early childhood education program. I then made the switch to work in a daycare centre with my full education. I like to guide children to become independent, build their self-esteem, be sociable and we do all this through small experiences or through activities that we do every day while having fun. So, thank you and see you soon.
Câlineurs and Trottineurs Educator
My name is Claudia, I have been an Educator for 3 years. I work in the Câlineurs (0-2 years) and Trottineurs (2-3 years) classes. I am a mother of two children. Ever since I was little, I have wanted to work with children. When I registered at La Cité college in 2018, I decided to start my career. Without any hesitation, I enrolled in the early childhood education program. I greatly appreciated the year I spent following this training and the experience that the first internship allowed me to have. Each moment experienced that year allowed me to confirm my professional orientation. From the first moments of the internship, I was convinced that I had found my place. Today, I am proud to be an educator. I had the chance to work at Les P'tits Lutins daycare, a daycare that I like with very experienced colleagues with whom we work wonderfully as a team. This daycare allowed me to develop new skills, particularly in terms of interacting with parents and planning activities. I love the confrontation of ideas and the conviviality. It is with great pleasure for me to work in direct contact with children.
Trottineurs Educator
My name is Evelyne I have been working with this age group since 2013 and with the P'tits Lutins toddler class since 2017. I am passionate about seeing the development of each child in their uniqueness. To do this, I create a stimulating and caring environment for each child. It gives me great satisfaction when I see a child develop cognitively, emotionally, physically and socially. I think I have found work that brings me joy and I plan to continue. Evelyne Ndayizeye
Câlineurs Educator
Hello! My name is Irina. I have been working with Les P'tits Lutins since they launched the daycare program almost 6 years ago. But I've been working with babies for several years, I love it! My greatest passion is welcoming new little babies. I like to watch them grow; the first teeth, first step, first words... I really like helping children discover the world around them, nature, learning to be a friend, to share, to live with joy. We have a wonderful team! This is our little family! From the bottom of my heart, I tell you: This is a very good environment for your child to grow up.
Trottineurs Educator
My name is Rahmath Martin and I am married and a devoted mother to five children. With six years of experience as an early childhood educator, my passion lies in the field of caring for children, particularly infants/infants (ITE) and those with special needs (SNE). My main objective is to support these young minds during their first stages of growth, creating a welcoming and holistic environment that promotes their harmonious development. Working with children and contributing to their development is an endless source of joy and satisfaction for me, and I look forward to continuing to provide a warm and enriching environment for each child I have the chance to guide.
Trottineurs Educator
Hello everyone, My name is Jeanne Philippe Sonfack, born in Cameroon, my beginnings as a nurse shaped my deep understanding of care and empathy. After working dedicatedly for several years, I broadened my professional horizons by becoming an early childhood educator once I immigrated to Canada with my family. I chose this profession to help each child develop in all aspects of their personality, because it met my needs including being in contact with children and bringing something more into their lives. Ece classes were offered in French and online, and this allowed me to continue working and work on my studies at the same time. I started as an educational assistant and currently I am an infant and toddler/special needs educator. I really like discovering their personality and their interests through the different activities they like and that we do together. So, knowing that I am concretely participating in developing their full potential in each of them makes me happy. In my free time, I like to watch movies and go for walks. Thank you Jeanne Philippe
3-5 year olds educators (Explorateurs and Créateurs)
Explorateur Educator
When it comes to working with children, what I like most is meeting their needs in a timely and professional manner. I like to ensure their safety and their physical and mental well-being. My favorite activities to do with children are activities that allow me to alternate between key experiences that are to be developed in children: social relationships and initiatives, creative representation, motor skills and music, language acquisition and literacy, logic and pre -mathematics. In each of the key experiences, there are skills to develop which allows me to plan the activities and vary them in order to develop their skills at the same time. Note that these activities vary depending on the age group. It gives me great pleasure when I see the children learning through games. In addition, a good working climate which gives a very nice atmosphere to the children and educators is my favourite. My vision of early childhood education can be summed up in these words: to serve children with professionalism. In my life, I love children because I have sisters and brothers and above all I have children myself! Outside of work, I like to walk in the park and go jogging. Beatrice Nikundana
Explorateur Educator
Hello! My name is Bianca Carbonneau, I am the mother of four adult children, 2 girls and 2 boys and I am a very proud grandmother of three beautiful granddaughters. I chose this field of work because I am very passionate about working with children, it allows me to teach them self-confidence in a loving and respectful environment. I enjoy incorporating my love of music and dance with children as a fun and exciting way to express feelings and emotions. I truly believe that all children are different and unique in their own way and that they all have something very special about them. Thank you! Bianca
Explorateur Educator
Hello, My name is Laetitia. I am originally from Normandy, France. I have lived in Vancouver since 2011. I love being in nature: hiking, cycling, walks in the forest. I have been working in the education field for around twenty years now. My experiences are diversified through my various travels, but always in contact with children, for the same objective: their well-being. What matters most to me is making children smile throughout the day. Over the last few years, I have been able to enrich my knowledge and obtain my educator diploma (ECE). Also, becoming a mother myself allows me to better understand the role of parent and all the aspects that come with it. Hope to meet you ! Merci! Laetitia!
Educatrices Créateurs
Hello, My name is Dalila and I am of Algerian origin and since 2001, I have lived in British Columbia in the town of Port Coquitlam. I am the mother of two boys aged 19 and 15 (both attended les P'tits Lutins)! I obtained my diploma in early childhood education (ECE) in 2007. I have worked in the field since then and I have been working for the p'tits lutins for almost 5 years. I am a patient person, who is always smiling. I love children and I am passionate about my work, I love the bond that is created between the educator and the child. I am happy and very lucky to be surrounded by an incredible team and a great community! Outside of work I enjoy spending time outside and doing activities with my family and friends. Merci! Delilah :)
Educatrices Explorateurs
Hi, My name is Gretta Semaan and I am Canadian of Lebanese origin. I speak three languages: French, English and Arabic. I trusted my heart and changed my career from decorator to a field that contains a lot of human interaction, lively and joyful in short, the field of early childhood. I have fun doing extraordinary projects and embarking on creative journeys with the P'tits Lutins while respecting the three pillars of early childhood which are: balanced nutrition, sufficient sleep and good stimulation. My slogan: mega-projects Merci!
Educatrices Créateurs
Hello, my name is Gloria Valencia, and I come from Colombia, I graduated from LaSalle College in Montreal (Q) in Early Childhood Education. I have always loved working with children, because they help us keep our hearts young, and also they have a lot of potential and a great imagination. I really like seeing children develop at their own pace and helping them in this path thanks to my knowledge. I have worked in the industry for over 8 years and my goal is to provide a safe and welcoming environment for your children. I am very happy to be able to practice my profession at Les P’tits Lutins and be part of this fantastic team.
Educatrices Créateurs
Hello, My name is Miriam Asha, I am the mother of five children who have brought me inspiration and the joy of working in early childhood. I have been an assistant educator for four years and I continue to pursue my studies to obtain a higher diploma. I am passionate about being surrounded by children, which is why I continue to enjoy my work more every day. I also find myself surrounded by a team of educators with different cultures. For children and adults alike, my work is an opportunity for me to learn something new at every moment, so it helps me to have and understand the world from different perspectives. Merci, Miriam
Our Substitutes
Hello! My name is Anick! As soon as I arrived in British Columbia, I was a secretary at École des Pionniers given my experience in administration. I quickly realized that I had a wonderful connection with children. So I followed the Specialized Educational Assistant training and I have been doing this job for 4 years with the greatest passion. I also substitute for Les P'tits Lutins and I love the atmosphere and the devotion of the employees! Merci!
I am a mother of 4 children. Iho understands very well that children need care, tenderness and love. I am a warm and authentic person, I quickly gain the trust and attention of children. I care about the child in his or her individuality. I am patient and caring.
My name is Olga Manea. I came from Romania 6 years ago. I was a teacher for 42 years. I have always wanted to work with young children. This is the period when the child begins to form as a person, the period of curiosity and learning through play. As my English is not very good, I joined the French-speaking team of our daycare, a wonderful team, which for me is a second family. I try and will try to be the grandmother of the children at daycare. To be their friend but also to teach them interesting things and contribute to their education, which is so important.
My name is Manuela Ndengue, I am 24 years old and I have always been passionate about teaching. When I arrived in British Columbia, I researched how to continue my training in teaching French and found myself working in early childhood as a substitute educator. What I love most about this job is is the fact that I am able to transmit concepts to children, to see them grow and evolve but also and above all to understand them better because I am also a mother.
My journey to becoming an educator began at a young age, when I discovered my passion for working with children. My different experiences reinforced my conviction that I wanted to play an active role in their learning and development. I firmly believe that every child has a unique potential that deserves to be revealed and encouraged. Working closely with them allows me to help them acquire essential skills while cultivating their natural curiosity. This profession also allows me to create a caring environment where children feel safe to explore and express themselves. Every day, I am motivated by the possibility of making a difference in their lives and supporting them on their journey towards autonomy. Every day is a new opportunity to learn and grow with children.
I'm Pamela. I am a trained chef. I had the opportunity to work in the Early Childhood Centers (CPE) in Montreal, Quebec. It's a job that fascinates me. I love children and I love working with them. When I was given the opportunity to work at Les P'tits Lutins daycare, I immediately embarked on this great adventure surrounded by a wonderful team. I love taking care of children and every day I learn something new from them. I greatly thank the Director for her trust and support."