Administrative Staff
Anita Entz
Executive Director
Hi, I am Anita.
I grew up as a Hutterite in Saskatchewan, spending my time as a child (from 6 to 13 years) babysitting young children. After leaving the colony, a whole new world opened where I was able to choose my own career, and have access to education that had not been an option for me before.
I was first introduced to Children’s House as a practicum student in 2012. This is also the year that I worked here for the summer before going back to college to complete my education, graduating with a Child Care Supervisor qualification in 2013. I returned to Children’s House and was placed in the Maple room as a primary Educator. Since then I have held positions of Supervisor, Acting Director and now Executive Director since 2017.
As part of ongoing professional development, I am part of the Core Pedagogical team for the FLIGHT curriculum framework at Children’s House Where we meet in reflective practice to look at the curriculum and look at the next steps towards higher quality for the center. I also attend the Child Care Directors of Southwest Alberta meetings, and Fairy Dust teaching series-online on a regular basis.
I love the field of Early Childhood because we see children with huge amounts of possibilities and a whole world waiting for them to explore. I enjoy spending time in the classroom co-learning with the children as they share their theories and together, we get to wonder what happens next. I get excited when a child’s eyes light up with pride in their idea or accomplishment -ones that they choose to tackle. I believe that children are able, capable, and need time to know themselves without adult pressure to reach the next step/level/milestone. Children will amaze you every time you give them the time, space and right to just be. When the adult chatter fades, the children can be found.
Jen Block
Inclusive Supports/Supervisor
Welcome, I’m Jen! After graduating from the Early Childhood Program in 2000 with my Child Development Supervisor Certification, I have spent my time working in the Early Learning and Childcare field ever since. I have worked in many settings; an educator in centre-based care, an educational assistant in elementary school, ARCQE mentor, and a day home educator. Being with children is my passion.
I have been with The Children’s House Child Care Society as the Day Home Coordinator, Consultant, and Home Visitor since 2012 and most recently included the position society wide as the Inclusive Supports Coordinator/Supervisor. I attend the Child Care Directors Association of Southwest Alberta and Lethbridge Early Years Coalition, places where professionals prioritize children’s early years. I have been part of the GRASP- Guiding Responsive Approaches to Strengthening Practice and ELCC- Early Learning and Child Care pilot projects within our society that focus on networking, providing regular and sustained support and access to quality care for all families.
I have been fortunate to continue my learning in the field throughout the years and most recently received my certificate of completion of the Flight course: Exploring Early Childhood Curriculum: Play, Possibilities and Participation through MacEwan University, I am now a member of Children's House Core Flight Team. In 2019 I helped develop our Riverbottom Program where the children, Leslee and myself spent the whole day in the river bottom exploring and connecting with nature. I love expanding my knowledge and continuing to reflect on my practices. I love being part of a society that allows me to co-learn, co-research, and co-imagine possibilities with children, families, and educators within our programs.
Exploring in nature; hiking, fishing, hunting, camping and gardening with my husband and two children is where you will find me outside of work.
Educators
Beth Petersen
Kindergarten Teacher/Educator
My name is Beth Petersen. I grew up in Santa Ana, California, I have my Bachelor of Science Degree and an Associate of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Development from the California State Polytechnic University in San Luis Obispo, California. I received my Bachelor of Education from the University of Lethbridge specializing in Early Childhood Education. I studied and completed the Children’s Mental Health program at Mount Royal College. Additionally, I have extensive training on autism. I completed the Flight Curriculum course through Grant MacEwan as of January 2019, I am currently a member of the Core Flight Team at Children’s House.
I have 2 grown children and 2 grandchildren. When not at Children’s House, I enjoy camping, music, running, reading and spending time with my family.
I believe children are mighty learners. I enjoy watching as they inquire, investigate, explore and research. My favorite thing to do with children in my class is explore and co research all about insects in the spring and summer. Part of my education in California included collecting 50 different species of live insects and arachnids and preparing a display showcase to present to my professor and class.
Jennifer
Educator
Welcome! My name is Jennifer. I have been an educator at Children’s House since January 2001. I have spent time in the kitchen preparing snacks and lunches, in the Maple Room with the 3-year-olds but, the majority of my time here has been devoted to the Oak Room (4-5yrs). My group of the children is the Acorns, children not in Kindergarten, but I am involved with the whole group.
I grew up in the Crowsnest Pass and did my Early Childhood Education through Lethbridge College in an 18-month distance program which gave me the unique experience to work in 6 different child care centres while completing my training at the same time.
I participated in the Children’s Mental Health program through Mount Royal College. Most recently I attended a 2-day forum virtually on implementing strategies in the classroom to help children who have experienced trauma in various forms.
When I’m not at Children’s House you can find me camping, walking or siting with a fresh cup of coffee, listening to quiet music and reading a good book.
Brenda Martin
Educator
My name is Brenda Martin. I started with Children’s House in April 2014 in the 4-year-old room (Evergreen), moved to the Toddler room (Birch). Continued into the threes (Maple), then back to Evergreen. During a slow period, I was moved into the kitchen for the mornings, and with the children in the afternoon. I currently work in the Evergreen room with children aged 3.5-4.5. I love working with all ages of children, but 3-4 is my favourite age, as they are so inquisitive.
In my spare time I enjoy camping, baking, reading and being with my family. I have been married for 12 years and have three children aged 23, 22, 12. I also love hiking, and being outdoors, (but not in winter.) Prior to children’s house I worked in the customer service industry for 30 years. From worker, all the way to manager.
I believe that unless your child is dirty at the end of the day, did they really learn anything? A running joke I have with the children at the centre is that there are only three rules that I have at daycare. 1. No smiling. 2. No laughing. And the most important rule of them all....No having fun. I love each child as they are my own, and miss them on weekends. I look forward to getting to know you and your child as though they are my own family.
Elen Sekali
Educator
Hi, (Marhaba)
I am Elen, I am teacher in Maple Room (3 years old). I started with Children’s House in January 3, 2017 as a float teacher then I moved to Birch Room (toddlers), then in Maple Room, and currently the Evergreen Room. For me this my first job in Canada, because I moved to Canada in 2016. I studied English in Lethbridge College 2017. After that I looked for job and my chance it was in Children’s House, I am lucky to have this job because all teachers support me to take certificate and study Flight course. I appreciate their support.
Why I choose to work in daycare? Because in my back home I was teacher over 13 years in high school, I know it is hard to move from teenagers to children, but my friends in daycare help me and taught me how I can work with children, and the daycare gave me chance for many training so that help me to get more experience, and my Boss gave me her trust for translate from Arabic to English or from English to Arabic that more than my expect. I found new family in Children’s House and I want to say thank you to everyone for their helping and support.
Thank you, my new family.
Geraldine Cuevas
Educator
Geraldine first came to Children's House as a practicum student working towards her Level 2 Early Childhood Education certification in winter of 2023. She later joined the team part time throughout the summer and while she completed her program of study from 2023-2024. In May of 2024 Geraldine continued on to a full time position and has worked in all of the classrooms providing supports to the children and educators alike.
Rokea Wahbeh
Educator
I joined Children's House in May of 2022 as summer support and was offered a full time position to continue working at the centre. I got my level 1 in September 29, 2022 and my Canadian Citizenship in 2022 as well.
In my free time I like to listen to music and dance. My favourite season is summer and my favourite hobby swimming. I also like butterflies a lot!
Goliana Rezk
Educator
Goliana Joined Children's House in September 2023, and has worked in all our classrooms supporting the growth and development of our young citizens.
Emma
Educator
Emma Has been With Children's House since December 2023, supporting our Oak (and Acorn) classes.
Anita Picken
Educator
Anita joined Children's House in December 2023 as a level 3 ECE in the Birch room where she supported the growth and development of our youngest citizens, and also supported a practicum student on their journey to Level 3 ECE. in the fall of 2024, Anita moved to the Evergreen room, where the adventure with out 4 year old children continues.
Menuka Pokhrel
Educator
After completing high school, i attended Lethbridge College to study Early Childhood Education Level 2. After getting some field experiences, I attended Portage College to do Early Learning and Child care Diploma. I chose this field because working with children is very rewarding. Children's laughter and curiosity creates a cheerful workplace atmosphere. I bring a wealth of knowledge through my professional and academic experiences. I started working with Children's House since February 2024 with infants and toddlers.
Aside from work i enjoy spending time with family and friends. I am married and have 1 son who keeps me very active. As a family we go to the YMCA for various activities such as badminton, swimming and pickleball. Some of my hobbies include travel, cooking, and reading.
Tamanna Purba
Educator
I completed my Senior Secondary education in Science from West Point School, Punjab (India). I have passed My English language testing system (IELTS)with and overall 7.5 band score. I got certified in computer and communication in 2022. I was a TELTS instructor from January to November 2022 which built up my passion for an educator job.
After Moving to Canada, ! was enrolled in Early Childhood Education with practicums in my 2 semesters. Currently I am unmarried. My hobbies are travelling, and exploring new places.
Tamanna first joined Children's House as a summer staff, from April-August 2024, and has now returned for a full time position in January 2025.