Our Leadership Team – Little Wise Owls Outdoor Learning

Hi, I’m Mandy Liable, owner of Little Wise Owls Outdoor Learning. I’m a dedicated Early Childhood Educator with 13 years of experience and over 4 years specializing in outdoor, nature-based education. I’m passionate about forest-school learning, hands-on exploration, and helping children build meaningful connections with the natural world.

When I’m not teaching, I love kayaking, walking with my dog Kody, crafting, reading, and spotting my favourite animal—cottontail rabbits.

I’m excited to continue growing Little Wise Owls and inspiring curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning in our students and families.

—Ms. Mandy

Hi, I am Ms. Tanya. I am a biology and chemistry teacher and a child practical psychologist. I came to Canada from Ukraine three years ago and have been working at Little Wise Owls Outdoor Learning since the day it opened. I have one year of experience teaching high school and 16 years of experience working in kindergarten. For the past three years, I have been passionate about learning and developing practical skills in nature.

When I am not teaching, I enjoy paddle boarding, hiking, and exploring new places nearby. I love knitting, crocheting, cross-stitching, and making themed boxes. My 10 year-old daughter shares many of my hobbies, so we spend a lot of time together. We also have a very funny hamster at home.

I love watching children grow, develop, and become stronger through outdoor activities. It truly makes me happy and inspires me to keep learning and growing as an educator.

-Ms.Tanya

Hey! I’m Mr. George, and I’m excited to be joining the Little Wise Owls crew as a teacher! I love spending time in nature, camping, and sharing laughs with my wife and friends. I’m thrilled to bring my energy and enthusiasm to this community.

When I’m not teaching, you can find me planning our next camping trip or watching movies—I consider myself a bit of a movie buff. I’m also a huge fan of grizzly bears—they’re my favorite nature animal!

I’m looking forward to making new memories in my first year with Little Wise Owls Outdoor Learning.

—Mr. George

With over 30 years of experience in the field of early childhood development and support, I bring a wealth of knowledge, compassion, and dedication to my work. I’m a certified Behaviour Interventionist (BI), Educational Assistant (EA).

I’m passionate about meeting each child where they are and providing nurturing, individualized support in both structured and nature-based environments. I specialize in providing 1:1 support for children who require additional guidance and care, for our Friday programs, where I work closely to ensure all children feel safe, heard, and empowered. My calm, grounded presence and deep understanding of diverse learning needs help me connect meaningfully with the children.

In my free time, I love being among the trees, paddling, and hiking—deepening my own connection with nature.

-Ms. Denise

Hi, I’m Mrs. Torrey, and I am excited to become a team member at Little Wise Owls! I will be working as support staff on Fridays starting September 2026. Yay!

I have many years of experience in the Early Childhood Education field. I got my ECE Certificate in 2001, and since then I have worked in daycares and preschools in White Rock and Chilliwack. I am currently employed at Sardis Doorway for Mothers and Children, where we serve mothers with young children who are parenting alone. I also had the privilege of working at Leap For Joy Open Air Learning for three seasons, and I liked it so much that I jumped at the chance to join the Little Wise Owls team.

I’m looking forward to walking alongside the kids in nature and helping them discover their own resiliency in the outdoors. I am passionate about the wellbeing of children and facilitating their path towards a life that is connected to and buoyed up by the joy and freedom of being in nature. I see nature as the best classroom, and love participating in the play, crafts, and learning that happens there.

When I’m not teaching, you can find me kayaking and cold plunging at Cultus Lake! I am a water girl and love to swim and be in or around any body of water year-round.

I’m curious and grateful for the chance to learn and grow with the kids, the parents, and my fellow educators at Little Wise Owls Outdoor Learning. I look forward to new friends and relationships, and special times in the outdoors together!

- Mrs. Torrey

Hi there! I’m Ms. Sydney, and I’m super excited to be joining the Little Wise Owls Outdoor Learning Friday team in September!

I love supporting children as they discover their interests and learn through hands-on experiences, and I’m truly passionate about helping guide the upcoming generation to become caring stewards of these lands. As a parent myself, I understand and appreciate the value of learning through play and meeting each child where they’re at. As such, in 2024 I completed my Responsible Adult certification, and thoroughly enjoyed the experience of volunteering at a forest school before welcoming my youngest child in 2025.

When I’m not out enjoying our beautiful local landscape with my family in tow, you can find me in the kitchen baking yummy treats, indulging my creative side with an ever-rotating variety of arts and crafts, or curled up on the couch with a good book (support your local library!). I'm looking so forward to learning and exploring with your kids this year- seeing where their curiosity takes us and getting messy along the way!

- Ms. Sydney

Greetings! My name is Melanie, and I am very happy to be joining the little wise owls community as a parent volunteer. My employment background includes working as a support staff for kids in elementary schools and high school settings. I have my EA certification.

As well, I have experience as a volunteer at Easter seals camp for kids. I love working with little ones in nature. As a youth I attended an outdoor school and it was an amazing life changing experience. I believe nature is a big part of a healthy childhood and adulthood for that matter! I am excited to be able to hold space for kids to be in the outdoors.

When I’m not busy taking my teen to hockey and my little on nature walks you can find me, playing music or reading a great book.

-Ms.Melanie

As a mother of two energetic boys, ages three and five, my days are joyfully spent outdoors—playing sports, riding bikes, and exploring the many nature walks and hiking trails that make Chilliwack so beautiful. There is truly nothing better than fresh air, muddy boots, and the kind of laughter that only happens outside. Over the past five years, raising my own children and connecting with many others along the way, I have come to deeply appreciate just how precious the early years are. I am passionate about play-based learning and hands-on experiences that allow children to explore, create, and fully immerse themselves in the moment. In my experience, you can always tell how meaningful a child’s day has been by how messy they are when it’s over.

I recently completed my Responsible Adult training certification through a parent participation preschool, further strengthening my commitment to creating safe, supportive, and engaging environments for children.

I always look forward to supporting LWOOL and meeting all the wonderful children who are part of the journey. The eagle has always held a special place in my heart. Such majestic creatures—soaring high above, seeing landscapes we can only imagine. Every time I see one flying overhead, I’m reminded of the deep comfort and perspective I feel when surrounded by Mother Nature.

-Mrs.Sarah

Hi, I’m Ms. Tianna and I am thrilled to be joining the Little Wise Owl’s team as a practicum student. I have worked at an outdoor-based early learning facility as an ECEA for a year and a half.

I am looking forward to extending my learning and knowledge about outdoor education. I am passionate about outdoor education, child-centred practices, hands-on exploration and facilitating meaningful and lasting connections with the land!

When I am not teaching, you can find me colouring, going on walks, kayaking and/or swimming, exploring new places or planning my next camping trip!

I am grateful for this opportunity to learn and grow as an educator at Little Wise Owls, and I look forward to the many meaningful experiences and lasting memories ahead. -Ms. Tianna