About Little Wise Owls Outdoor Learning

Our Story

Little Wise Owls Outdoor Learning was founded on a simple belief: childhood belongs outdoors. We believe children learn best when they have the freedom to explore, ask questions, take age-appropriate risks, and build meaningful connections with the natural world.

What began as a passion for nature-based education has grown into a thriving Forest School community where children are encouraged to learn through play, discovery, and adventure. Every day, our educators create opportunities for children to build confidence, develop resilience, spark curiosity, and foster a lifelong love of learning—all while immersed in nature.

At Little Wise Owls, we're more than an outdoor program—we're a community dedicated to giving children the time, space, and support to grow into confident, capable, and compassionate individuals.

A colorful kingfisher bird perched on a weathered wooden log with a blurred green background.

  • Child-Led Curiosity – We empower children to follow their interests, ask questions, and discover through exploration.

  • Connection to Nature – Daily outdoor experiences build a lifelong respect for the natural world.

  • Inclusive Learning – Every child is welcomed, valued, and supported to thrive.

  • Play-Based Learning – Open-ended play inspires creativity, critical thinking, and joyful learning.

  • Resilience & Confidence – Age-appropriate challenges help children develop independence and perseverance.

  • Community & Belonging – Strong relationships between children, families, and educators create a supportive Forest School community.

  • Environmental Stewardship – We encourage children to care for and protect the natural world through meaningful experiences.

  • Joy & Wonder – Every day is filled with discovery, imagination, laughter, and adventure.

What Children Gain:

  • Confidence & Independence by exploring, making choices, and overcoming challenges.

  • Resilience & Perseverance through age-appropriate risk-taking and problem-solving.

  • Curiosity & Creativity by engaging in open-ended, child-led exploration.

  • Social & Emotional Skills through collaboration, communication, empathy, and meaningful friendships.

  • Environmental Stewardship by developing a deep appreciation for and connection to the natural world.

  • Physical Literacy through hiking, climbing, balancing, and active outdoor play.

  • Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving by investigating, experimenting, and discovering solutions in nature.

At Little Wise Owls, we believe these experiences help children become confident, capable, compassionate, and lifelong learners.

Our Commitment to Families:

At Little Wise Owls Outdoor Learning, we are committed to providing exceptional outdoor education in a safe, nurturing, and inspiring environment where every child is known, valued, and supported. We believe strong partnerships with families are the foundation of a child's success, and we strive to build trusting relationships through open communication, collaboration, and mutual respect.

When you join our forest community, you can expect:

  • Exceptional Outdoor Education rooted in Forest School principles and child-led, play-based learning.

  • Experienced & Highly Qualified Educators who are passionate about supporting every child's growth and well-being.

  • A Safe & Supportive Environment where children are encouraged to explore, build confidence, and take age-appropriate risks.

  • Strong Family Partnerships through open communication, regular updates, and meaningful connections.

  • Individualized Learning that celebrates each child's unique strengths, interests, and pace of development.

Together, we are creating a community where children feel confident, families feel supported, and learning comes to life through nature.

Our Vision

Our vision is to connect every child with the natural world, inspiring a lifelong love of learning, exploration, and environmental stewardship. We believe that meaningful outdoor experiences, guided by passionate and highly qualified educators, help children grow into confident, resilient, and compassionate individuals who will care for the world around them.

Our Philosophy

At Little Wise Owls Outdoor Learning, we believe childhood belongs outdoors. Guided by Forest School principles, our child-led, play-based approach encourages children to explore, ask questions, take age-appropriate risks, and discover at their own pace. Through regular time in nature, children develop confidence, resilience, creativity, problem-solving skills, and a deep connection to the natural world while growing socially, emotionally, physically, and cognitively.

Our Core Values:

Why Families Trust Us

  • A dense forest with tall, thin trees and green moss covering the forest floor, sun shining through the branches.

    Experienced & Highly Qualified Educators

    Our passionate team brings expertise in early childhood education, Forest School, psychology, biology, and chemistry, creating exceptional outdoor learning experiences where every child feels supported, challenged, and inspired.

  • Deer grazing in a grassy meadow with a forest of evergreen trees and a mountain in the background during daylight.

    Safe, Child-Centred Outdoor Learning

    Children thrive when they are trusted to explore. Through thoughtful risk assessments, small group sizes, and experienced educators, we create a safe environment where children build confidence, resilience, and independence.

  • A serene mountain lake surrounded by tall pine trees with a mountain range partially covered in clouds in the background.

    Meaningful Learning Through Nature

    Our child-led, play-based Forest School approach encourages curiosity, creativity, and hands-on discovery. Every day in nature helps children develop a lifelong love of learning while growing socially, emotionally, physically, and cognitively.

Meet Our Educators

  • Outdoor preschool in Chilliwack – Leaders

    Ms.Mandy Liable - Owner/Operator, Lead ECE, CNAC Forest Practitioner

    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

  • Outdoor preschool in Chilliwack – Leaders

    Ms.Tanya - Child Psychologist and ECEA

    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

  • Outdoor preschool in Chilliwack – Leaders

    Mr.George - Responsible Adult Certification

    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 favourite nature animal!

    —Mr. George

  • Mrs. Torrey - ECE and Friday Support Teacher

    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

  • A woman smiling outdoors in a snowy landscape wearing a gray Carhartt beanie and a multicolored fleece jacket.

    Mrs. Sarah - Responsible Adult Certification / Parent Volunteer Substitute

    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