Meet Our Team
Our Teaching Staff
Ruth Santosham,
BA, B.Ed, ECEA
Founder, Sprouts Academy,
Sprouts Nature School, Sprouts Intergenerational Learning
Bachelor of Education / Elementary Education
As the Sprouts Founder, I love to share the roots of the school, which are inspired by my parents, children, and my grandfather, who said, “Seek first to understand and then be understood.” This idea grew into my building a philosophy towards education that was as unique as every child - a place where individual interests, abilities and learning styles of children are at the forefront of educational programs and teaching intentions. I seek to understand your child.
To make Sprouts the success it is, I believe it is important to surround our students with a dedicated, talented, smart, and diverse team of educators and give them the support and opportunities they need to thrive. From there, we intentionally build a strong and supportive school community. We are a collective group of parents, teachers and extended family who have common goals: to nurture and guide our children and strengthen the community we live in.
I try to ensure I personally take time to experience the students’ joy in play and their moments of discovery. Connection is key. Building friendships, giving a needed hug, taking a quiet moment to talk, listening to questions and ideas with an open mind and being in the presence of our amazing teaching teams, are all part of my fulfilling days at Sprouts. As Sprouts has grown, we have extended the dedication of our community by supporting inspiring organizations like Baby Go Round, Music Heals and Cause We Care.
Now that you have had a peek into who I am, I hope you will take the time to get to know some of our Sprouts educators by reading their fascinating and diverse profiles.
Andrea Azevedo,
ECEA
Sprouts Academy
Academic Director
As the Academic Director at Sprouts Academy, I’m excited to be entering my seventh year with this vibrant and supportive community. My journey at Sprouts began six years ago when I created a Health and Fitness program for our students—a program that turned out to be such a perfect fit that I quickly transitioned into a full-time role as an educator in our Kinder Sprouts classroom. The joy I found in teaching inspired me to further my education by earning my E.C.E.A. certification and training as an Orton Gillingham Tutor. These qualifications have enabled me to develop a curriculum that is both play-based and sequential, focusing on meeting each child at their own level while fostering a deep love of learning.
Throughout my time at Sprouts, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with children, families, and an incredible team of educators. My approach to education is rooted in the belief that every child deserves a safe, encouraging environment where they can thrive. My motto, "Teach but be teachable," reflects my commitment to remaining flexible and responsive to the unique needs and interests of each child. It’s this thoughtful approach that guides my program planning, allowing me to adapt and switch gears as needed to create the most enriching experiences for our students.
As I transition into the role of Academic Director, I’m excited to continue supporting our academic program and our amazing teaching teams. My goal is to ensure that every child at Sprouts has a rich learning environment and a happy, fulfilling school experience. I believe strongly in the importance of collaboration and community, and I’m committed to building strong relationships within the Sprouts family—whether it’s with students, parents, or my fellow educators.
On a personal note, I’ve called Kitsilano home for the past 22 years, where I live with my husband, our two sons, and our dog, Cooper. When I’m not immersed in the creative minds of Sprouts students, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, reading, creative writing, and walking my dog. I also love exploring the local dining scene, watching movies, and going on sunny vacations.
Fun Fact: I’m well-known for my love of rhyming and can turn anything into a poem or song—just ask the kids! This playful habit brings a lot of joy to the classroom and is one of the many ways I connect with our students.
Now that you’ve had a peek into who I am, I hope you’ll take the time to get to know some of our other Sprouts educators by reading their fascinating and diverse profiles.
Nimi Braich
ECE, CHRP, GDBA
Sprouts Academy
Director, Business Development
Nimi had the opportunity to join Sprouts initially as a class parent in 2021. Through her observations and discussions around Sprout’s opportunities, she made the connection with Ruth who saw value in her business acumen and love of life-long learning. Not only does Nimi have a CPHR designation - which acknowledges her skills and dedication to excellence in Human Resources - but she is taking on her Graduate Degree in Business Administration, while consulting and enjoying a full-time career with a national corporation.
Based on her extensive experience in business development, human resources management, strategy innovation, and a Green Belt in Six Sigma Certification - which elevates her lean process management philosophy - she has assisted in a cultural transformation of the school that has helped solidify its success well into the future.
“I love solving problems and look at challenges as opportunities. I am here to support Ruth and the warm and personable Sprouts family on admissions and various aspects of business development. I have also had a hand in upgrading marketing and social media strategies to ensure we have healthy and robust communications and can responsibly grow our school community. I’ve had the opportunity to assist in moving us from a paper-based organization to a more sustainable and technically driven school with formalized Strategic Planning.
Nimi’s obvious love of children and her starter career in Early Childhood Education, clearly grounds her in a student-first philosophy.
FUN FACT: Nimi is most often engrossed in her work, which she also classifies as a primary hobby. When she isn’t solving business problems, improving herself through higher education, or parenting her amazing children, you will find this foodie working out, meeting new people or enjoying our beautiful Pacific Northwest outdoors.
Ali Brennan,
ECE
Sprouts Academy
Early Childhood Educator (ECE) who plays a vital role at Sprouts. Ali is responsible for the ELL (English Language Learning) program and is also involved in the Nature School program.
Ali's educational journey is diverse, having studied Event Marketing and Canadian Studies before pursuing Langara's Early Childhood Education program.
In terms of professional experience, Ali has a strong background in working with children. This includes running cooking classes tailored to kids and volunteering with the Girl Guides of Canada. These experiences have given her valuable insights into fostering a nurturing and supportive environment for young learners.
Ali's teaching philosophy is deeply rooted in the belief that every child is a capable, strong, and resilient individual. She emphasizes the importance of providing an open and understanding atmosphere where children can explore, make mistakes, and kindle their innate curiosity for learning and personal growth. Ali is passionate about enabling children to discover their unique path and believes in the power of building connections between peers, families, and the community. These connections, she believes, play a pivotal role in helping children develop into their best selves.
One of Ali's most rewarding aspects of being an ECE professional is the opportunity to learn alongside the children. Witnessing those "ah-ha" moments when a skill they've been honing finally clicks into place is a source of immense joy for her.
Ali has a strong affinity for the Sprouts community. She appreciates the warm and welcoming atmosphere created by the staff, families, and children. Additionally, she values the diversity of programs offered at Sprouts, which provides a multifaceted learning experience all under one roof.
Outside of her work at Sprouts, Ali enjoys various activities in her free time. She is a creative soul who loves to paint, craft, and bake. Additionally, she's a fan of baseball and can often be found watching games. Music is another integral part of Ali's life, as she frequently sings to herself.
A fun fact about Ali is that her hair has sported every colour of the rainbow, reflecting her vibrant and dynamic personality.
Caitlin Molina,
ECE
Sprouts Academy
Dedicated educator at Sprouts, where she teaches in multiple programs, including Little Sprouts, Junior Sprouts, and ELL.
Caitlin graduated from Langara College with a diploma in Early Childhood Education, a field she has always been passionate about.
From a young age, Caitlin had a strong desire to become a teacher. Her journey towards this career path began with volunteering, where she worked closely with young children. She quickly realized that this was the age group she was most enthusiastic about teaching, recognizing the profound impact she could have on their lives. Caitlin firmly believes that early childhood education sets the foundation for a child's holistic development, encompassing social, physical, intellectual, creative, and emotional growth. As an early childhood educator, she places great importance on fostering meaningful connections between children and their world. Caitlin's philosophy revolves around nurturing children as lifelong learners, where each child's well-being is a top priority. Through engagement with peers, materials, and play, children in her classroom develop a strong sense of belonging.
One of Caitlin's favorite aspects of teaching is the opportunity to rediscover the joy of being a child every day. She finds immense happiness in laughing, learning, and playing with all her wonderful sprouts.
Caitlin's journey at Sprouts began with a practicum opportunity, which eventually led to her becoming a valued member of the team. She greatly admires the community values upheld at Sprouts and cherishes the continuous support and care she receives from fellow educators and families. For Caitlin, it's truly a blessing.
Outside of her teaching responsibilities, Caitlin enjoys a variety of activities. She's an avid shopper, an art enthusiast who loves creating, a yoga practitioner for both physical and mental well-being, an avid reader, and a skilled cook. She has a particular fondness for making cheese boards. However, her absolute favorite pastime is spending quality time with her cat, Smokey.
A fun fact about Caitlin is that she possesses the skill of knitting, demonstrating her creative talents beyond the classroom.
Mariko Hashimoto,
ECE
Sprouts Academy
Early Childhood Educator and Nature School Program Educator Early Childhood Education (Japan and Canada)
Mariko began in the Early Childhood Education field in Japan, where she taught for seven years. Following her move to Canada, she has five years of ECE to her credit – three of those years being here with us at Sprouts.
Her love of learning and teaching is ingrained in creativity, flexibility, patience and great communication skills.
She believes learning outside has a significant impact for children. Especially, hands on experiences with materials from nature. Mariko allows the children the time to collaborate with their her and each other, which generates organic and exciting opportunities to create and play. What she most loves about teaching is watching children grow and change while she learns something every day.
Her passion for teaching at Sprouts is rounded out with great teamwork. “Our team supports each other all the time, which makes me feel everyone is a part of the ‘Sprouts’ family.”
When she isn’t in class she is in nature. She and her husband often walk our wonderful parks or fish and camp in the Summer months. In Winter she brings her snowshoes out. Always creating, Mariko loves to handmake jewelry with real flowers and resin.
Fun fact: Her cat Tofino is an exploration buff who goes everywhere with Mariko. From hiking trails to a great camp spot, a tug boat ride or of course a snowshoe trail... keep an eye out for Tofino.
Nancy O’Neil,
ECE
Sprouts Academy
Classroom Teacher, Junior and Senior Kindergarten
At Sprouts Academy, Nancy O’Neil teaches the Junior and Senior Kindergarten classes, bringing with her a robust educational background. She holds honors diplomas in Early Childhood Education (ECE) and Human Services Work (HSW) from Okanagan College, along with two diplomas with distinction in Montessori Education from the North American Montessori Center (NAMC). Additionally, Nancy has earned certification in “Educating the Heart through Nature Art,” which reflects her passion for nature-based education.
Nancy’s extensive experience in the childcare industry includes roles as a Montessori educator at a preparatory school in Kelowna and as the director of her own preschool in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Most recently, she has contributed her expertise within a STEAM (Science-Technology-Engineering-Arts-Mathematics) center.
As an ECE professional, Nancy believes in giving children the freedom to explore their environment and nurture their innate curiosity. She understands that every child is unique and strives to tailor her teaching approach to each child's learning style, focusing on what helps them excel and thrive.
For Nancy, one of the most rewarding aspects of teaching is witnessing the wonder and delight on a child’s face as they discover something new. She is continually inspired by the fresh perspectives, resilience, and boundless imagination of children, where even a simple household item can be transformed into something extraordinary.
Nancy loves being part of the Sprouts Academy community, where she finds that the center’s values align perfectly with her own. She appreciates the opportunity to apply her multidisciplinary approach and is particularly drawn to the nature program that resonates with her love for the outdoors.
In her free time, Nancy enjoys hiking the scenic trails of British Columbia, experimenting with new cuisines, and spending quality time with her daughter.
Fun fact: She grew up on an orchard where she picked quince every year, loves telling stories through puppetry, has a keen interest in science and botany, and finds cooking with children to be a joyful experience.
Jordan Will,
ECE
Sprouts Academy
Early Childhood Educator, Little Sprouts, Junior Sprouts & Nature School
Jordan Will is an Early Childhood Educator (ECE) at Sprouts Academy, teaching in the Little Sprouts program and leading the Nature School program. She completed her French immersion program from Kindergarten through Grade 12 and pursued further studies in French and Education at Simon Fraser University (SFU). Jordan later earned her ECE certificate from Vancouver Community College (VCC).
Before joining the early childhood education field, Jordan spent most of her professional career in the dental industry, managing an office and focusing on patient education, with an emphasis on oral health for all ages.
As an ECE professional, Jordan takes a strengths-based approach, valuing each child as a unique individual. She believes in fostering clear communication and strong partnerships with families, while advocating for the child's right to play. Jordan aims to create a respectful, supportive, and inclusive environment where children can thrive. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes an engaging and responsive emergent curriculum, offering children opportunities to learn through play and fostering a connection to the natural world.
Jordan enjoys teaching because she values learning as an interactive process, where children’s curiosity and input often lead to profound discoveries and moments of pure joy. She feels privileged to be part of that developmental journey.
At Sprouts Academy, Jordan appreciates the focus on growth and evolution, both individually and as a community.
In her free time, Jordan enjoys trail running, hiking with her dog, and exploring new coffee shops.
Fun fact: Her love for backcountry hiking and camping. She proudly shared this experience with the next generation by taking a 9-month-old on a multi-day backcountry trip!
Jillian Burke,
ECE
Sprouts Academy
Jillian is responsible for the ELL (English Language Learners) program and is involved in the Nature School program.
Jillian Burke is a dedicated educator at Sprouts Academy, where she teaches in both the Nature School and English Language Learners (ELL) programs. Coming from a background in special needs education, Jillian is passionate about supporting children in their growth and development through hands-on learning experiences in nature.
A graduate of Haifa University, Jillian is eager to further her education in Early Childhood Education (ECE) here in BC. She is currently exploring programs locally, as well as expanding her knowledge of nature-based education through courses such as “Educating the Heart through Nature Art.” Jillian’s educational journey began with training programs at smaller educational facilities where she developed her passion for working with young children.
Jillian has gained valuable experience in various roles, including camp management, support work, and as an inclusion counselor. She has also worked locally with Pedalheads and back home in after-school programs such as The Eucalyptus Kids and Kol Hadassa Child Development Program. In addition to her educational work, Jillian has a rich background in theatre production design and performance, which continues to influence her creative approach in the classroom.
As an early childhood educator, Jillian believes in taking the time to understand each child on an individual basis. She values tailoring her teaching style to meet their unique needs, with a focus on sparking those “aha” moments of discovery and understanding. Her teaching philosophy revolves around leaving no stone unturned, encouraging children to explore topics in-depth and build strong connections with the world around them.
One of Jillian’s favorite aspects of teaching is witnessing the moments when something clicks for her students, and they gain new insights or perspectives. She is excited to be part of the Sprouts community, particularly drawn to the outdoor nature program, which allows children to experience the environment on a deeper level. She also appreciates the small class sizes, which provide the opportunity for more personalized attention and meaningful connections.
Fun Fact: In her free time, Jillian enjoys performing, dancing, and producing local theatre and art installations. Most recently, she collaborated with Indiefest for their fall showcase. Outside of her creative work, Jillian has a love for fire dancing and is trained in 2D animation, showcasing her diverse talents beyond the classroom.
Lisa Mannion,
ECE
Sprouts Academy
Early Childhood Educator, Junior Kindergarten & Senior Kindergarten
Lisa Mannion is an Early Childhood Educator (ECE) at Sprouts Academy, teaching the Junior Kindergarten and Senior Kindergarten classes. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Care and Education from Ireland in 2020 and further enhanced her qualifications in 2021 by completing the Leadership for Inclusion in the Early Years program, which supports children with additional needs in early childhood settings.
With 8 years of experience in childcare, Lisa began her journey working in her family’s daycare business before becoming a qualified ECE. After her studies, she worked in Ireland as an ECE for two years and later moved to Canada, where she has worked for another two years before joining Sprouts Academy.
Lisa is passionate about ensuring every child has equal learning opportunities and believes in creating inclusive, adaptable environments that support each child’s unique needs. She follows a play-based teaching philosophy, ensuring the classroom is an inviting space for children to explore at their own pace.
Lisa enjoys watching children grow into capable and confident learners. She is excited to be part of the Sprouts Academy team, where the small group learning approach allows for more individualized attention. Additionally, Lisa looks forward to engaging with Sprouts’ outdoor nature program, which complements her love for the outdoors.
In her free time, Lisa enjoys camping, paddleboarding, hiking, and since moving to Canada, she has taken up skiing for the first time.
