Meet the Saplings Family
​We are proud to have built a diverse and dedicated team of educators who share a deep passion for the outdoors and our place within it. Each member of our staff brings a strong foundation in both outdoor education and child development, with extensive training that supports the unique needs of nature-based learning. From early childhood education certifications to wilderness safety and forest school pedagogy, our educators are equipped with the knowledge and experience to guide children safely, confidently, and joyfully through their outdoor learning journey.
Management Team
Heather Fraser
She/Her
Founder and Program Director
A dedicated educator and mother of two, Heather brings a deep passion for working with children and a lifelong love of the outdoors to her role. With experience across a range of early childhood settings—including toddler, preschool, and school-age programs—she is committed to fostering meaningful, nature-based learning experiences.
Heather holds a Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care from the University of Victoria and an Early Childhood Education Certificate. She actively pursues ongoing professional development in early childhood education to stay current with best practices in the field.
Her personal and professional values align in her belief that children benefit greatly from outdoor exploration in all weather, and she is often found gardening with her children or exploring local trails and beaches. This passion for outdoor play and a deep appreciation for the natural world inspired her to found Saplings Outdoor Program. Through Saplings, she aims to nurture a love for nature and a sense of compassion for all living things in the children and families she serves.
Kathryn Pickering
She/Her
Chief Learning Officer
Kathryn joined Saplings Outdoor Program in 2022, beginning her journey as an educator on the forest floor before becoming a certified Early Childhood Educator and later stepping into a management role. She brings with her several years of experience working in educational settings, where she developed a strong foundation in creative and child-centered learning.
She holds a BA in Drama and Music from Royal Holloway University in the UK and is ECE-qualified in British Columbia. With a background in teaching drama, music, and visual arts, Kathryn is passionate about weaving the arts into outdoor, play-based education. Her personal love for nature - shaped by years of hiking, trekking, and exploring the outdoors - deeply informs her approach to teaching and leadership. She is committed to nurturing children’s creativity, confidence, and connection to the natural world.
Shannon Emery
She/Her
Preschool Manager and Pedagogista
Shannon has been a valued member of the Saplings team for nearly four years. After successfully leading the Pemberton Heights program for the past three years, she now steps into the role of Preschool Manager and Pedagogista for our younger years programs.
With over 12 years of experience working with children and youth—from preschoolers to high school students—Shannon brings a deep understanding of child development and a passion for fostering meaningful, community-driven learning experiences. She is inspired daily by the natural curiosity, observation, and wonder that young learners bring to their environments.
Shannon cherishes the art of storytelling and believes in the power of shared experiences to build strong, reciprocal relationships. She is committed to creating nurturing spaces where educators, children, families, and the wider community can learn and grow together. She looks forward to connecting with families and continuing to support the development of vibrant, nature-based learning environments.
Cait Norlin
She/Her
School-Age Program Manager
Cait (she/her) holds a degree in Early Childhood Education from Capilano University and has been working in the childcare field since 2018. For the past two years, she has been a dedicated member of the Saplings team, where she has developed a strong passion for designing enriching, play-based programs that nurture children’s natural curiosity and integrate the outdoors as an essential part of the learning experience.
Originally from the sunny Okanagan Valley, Cait's deep connection to nature began early and continues to shape her educational philosophy. At Saplings, she is passionate about co-constructing curriculum alongside both staff and children, fostering meaningful connections to the forest, one another, and the broader community. Her work is rooted in a genuine love for early learning and a belief in the power of nature to inspire growth, wonder, and lifelong learning.
Sandy Hanson
She/Her
Administrator
With over 30 years of experience in early childhood education, management, and human resources, Sandy brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep passion for child-led, nature-based learning to the Saplings team. Raised in a large, connected family, her love for teaching and learning with children began early and has only deepened through decades of working in diverse educational environments.
She feels privileged to walk alongside children, families, colleagues, and the wider community - encouraging each to realize their potential. Outside of her professional role, she enjoys hiking, biking, gardening, cooking, reading, music, and the arts. She is excited and grateful to be part of the Saplings team and to continue inspiring learning through nature.
Stephanie Beattie
She/Her
Administrator
Bio coming soon
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