Meet the Teachers – Cordova Bay Co-op Preschool

Leasa Gatschene

Leasa is our licensed Early Childhood Educator who brings 20 years of experience to our program. Along with her formal education at Camosun College, Leasa has gained much knowledge of early education through practical experiences. Most of her teaching has been with three to five year olds in a preschool setting, however, she also has experience working in a toddler center, a kindergarten program, parent and tot programs, and as an aid to a child with special needs.

Leasa feels the empathy and understanding she has gained in her role as “Mom” to three children is a valuable asset to her partnership with parents in the cooperative setting.

Leasa encourages children to learn how to interact with others through one on one play and group activities.

Shandra Clifford

Shandra holds an advanced diploma in Child and Youth Care and is currently enrolled in ECEA at the Pacific Rim Institute. Shandra brings 33 years of professional childcare experience and has been a foster parent for 17 years. In her spare time, shandra enjoys photography, reading, and spending time with her own two children.

Shandra believes learning is happening all the time and that finding teachable moments provides opportunities for children to explore, discover, create and imagine.

Shandra has worked at Cordova Bay Preschool since 2019 and looks forward to meeting and collaborating with the families of the co-op.