Meet the Team
MEET THE TEAM!
KINDERGARTEN
CHELSEA SURESH-MILLS
It is such a joy to teach in this unique and impactful program! On a daily basis, I am privileged to witness the wonder and curiosity that the natural world inspires in our young learners. As we explore different environments around Percy Pegler school and throughout our neighbourhood, students develop a sense of belonging and are empowered to see themselves as valued and important contributors to our community. These hands-on experiences in nature also provide rich opportunities for structured inquiry and play-based learning that deepen understandings, allow for authentic application of learning skills, and promote social and emotional well-being. I am particularly passionate about using the natural world as inspiration for our early-literacy and early-numeracy learning. It is always exciting to see the meaningful growth that comes from connecting these core learning areas to the natural world around us. Everyday is a new adventure in Explore Kindergarten! Outdoor Learning Certifications:
40-Hour Wilderness First Aid Course
Outdoor Council of Canada – Field Leader
Outdoor Council of Canada – Field Leader (Winter)
KINDERGARTEN
TAMMY JESPERSEN
It is such a gift to explore the natural world with my Kindergarten students, both inside and outside of the classroom! Nature based Kindergarten is a true flow from the outside, in. Our outdoor learning opportunities spark deep engagement, curiosity, wonder and joy and so often inspires our learning activities inside the classroom! Our outdoor explorations foster a greater awareness and connection to the Earth and provide meaningful connections and relationships in our community. Our indoor classroom is full of natural materials that inspire endless loose-parts play and hands-on discovery! I look forward to a very special year with rich learning opportunities as we deepen our connection to nature and discover the beautiful areas around École Percy Pegler School together.
Outdoor learning certifications:Hour Wilderness First Aid Course
- Outdoor Council of Canada - Field Leader
- Outdoor Council of Canada - Field Leader (winter)
GRADE 1
KRISTIN WHALEY
Year after year, I continue to notice the positive impacts nature has on our kids. Children come alive when they are outside. They are innately curious and excited about the natural world around them. They explore, play, and wonder with joy and freedom. They take risks and become comfortable within their own limits. And finally, as they engage with nature, we have the privilege of seeing our students through a different lens. Talents and strengths emerge and relationships develop as we navigate through our shared experiences outside of the four classroom walls.
Outdoor learning certifications:- 40-Hour Wilderness First Aid Course
- Outdoor Council of Canada - Field Leader
- Outdoor Council of Canada - Field Leader (winter)
GRADE 2/3
SUSAN GOSSELIN
I believe in and am passionate about Nature-based learning as an educational approach that harnesses the power of the natural world to engage students in hands-on, immersive experiences. This methodology emphasizes outdoor exploration, fostering a deep connection to the land and promoting a passion for the environment. By integrating real-life experiences and allowing students to drive their own learning, this approach cultivates critical thinking, creativity, and a sense of stewardship for the planet. Allowing students to take the lead and make meaningful connections with nature fosters a strong sense of self and in turn allows students to become confident in their own abilities.
Outdoor learning certifications:- 40-Hour Wilderness First Aid Course
- Outdoor Council of Canada - Field Leader
- Outdoor Council of Canada - Field Leader (winter)
GRADE 1
Kerrie Reschke
Watching this program grow and evolve over the past decade sparked my curiosity and excitement to be part of something so positive and impactful. I chose to teach in the Explore Program because the outdoors has always been my happy place—it calms my mind, recharges my energy, and reminds me why learning should feel alive. As a long time Physical Education teacher, I’ve always loved being active with children, and Explore gives me the chance to blend that passion with outdoor education. There’s nothing better than seeing kids thrive—learning, growing, and discovering through hands-on experiences in nature. It’s inspiring to watch them connect with the world around them in such a meaningful way! I have First Aid and CPR as well as the OCC Field Leader Guide certification.
Outdoor learning certifications:- First Aid and CPR
- OCC Field Leader Guide Certification
GRADE 4
ERIN MICHIELS
It is a true joy to share my love of the outdoors with students and to support learning that flows naturally between the outside and the classroom. With over 17 years of experience as an outdoor instructor and guide, I bring a passion for place-based, experiential learning rooted in paddling, hiking, mountain biking, climbing, skiing, and scuba diving. Time spent outdoors sparks curiosity, confidence, and meaningful connections to the land and community. I value hands-on, outdoor education that respects Indigenous Ways of Knowing and look forward to building a sense of wonder, stewardship, and connection through rich, nature-based experiences with grade 4 students.
Outdoor learning certifications:- Outdoor Council of Canada Instructor
- Wilderness First Aid
- Association of Canadian Mountain
- Guides Climbing Gym Instructor
GRADE 5 / 6
Morgan Vandergaag
l feel incredibly fortunate to teach in a program that allows me to merge my lifelong love of physical activity, sports, and the outdoors with my work each day. I love being able to share these passions with students while watching them discover their own strengths and interests. I truly believe that hands-on learning is one of the most powerful ways for children to grow. When students are given the chance to explore, move, experiment, and engage with the world around them, their learning becomes more meaningful, memorable, and authentic. The outdoors provides a natural environment for this type of learning. I have seen firsthand how being outside brings out curiosity, confidence, focus, stewardship, responsibility, and accountability in students. Whether they are problem-solving through movement, collaborating during outdoor challenges, or discovering new wonders in nature, students come alive when given the freedom and space to explore. These experiences not only deepen their understanding of key concepts but also help them build a strong sense of self and connection to community and the world.
Outdoor learning certifications:
- 40-Hour Wilderness First Aid Course
- Outdoor Council of Canada - Field Leader
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Contact: 403-938-4449 or percypegler@fsd38.ab.ca
