Mrs. Anita Bruce
Teacher/Administrator
Anita Bruce has been employed by the Brooks Preschool as Teacher/Administrator for the past 19 years. She received her certificate in Early Learning and Child Care training through Bow Valley College and a certificate in Life Skills Training from the Alberta Vocational College. She is involved in leadership, policy development, promoting early learning, and programming and professional development provision. Over the past 29 years she has dedicated her life to working with children from Preschool to Junior High age.
Anita is a mother of 4 children and has 6 grandchildren. Her community involvement includes the Brooks/County of Newell Early Childhood Development Coalition, Children’s and Women’s Ministries in her local church and Brooks Health Care Services.
She believes that in order for children to grow and develop to their full potential they need opportunities in all areas of development; social, physical, intellectual, cognitive, and emotional. It is her ongoing desire to provide an enriching, safe and fun learning environment where each child is valued. She is passionate about early childhood education and firmly believes that we are touching the future when we invest in our children.
Chrissy Jackson
Child Development Assistant
My name is Chrissy Jackson and I am very excited to be working at the Brooks Preschool this school year as a Child Development Assistant to Mrs. Anita Bruce on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Fridays.
I have an Educational Assistant Certificate from Medicine Hat College, and Level 1 Child Development Assistant Certificate. For the past 5 years I have been a substitute EA for the Catholic School System in Brooks and have also substituted here at the Brooks Preschool. It has proved to be an invaluable experience allowing me to work in many different situations, with new people, and children from preschool aged to grade 8.
I was born in Brooks, and grew up in Duchess. My Husband Todd and I have 2 children, our son is 16 years old and our daughter is 11. They are the light of my life and my daily inspiration. I am looking forward to working with your children and helping to make their first school experience an exciting and fun one that will fuel their thirst for learning. Preschool is the foundation on which all learning is built from.
Mrs. Dawn Friesen Support Staff
My name is Dawn Friesen and I am excited to be working for the Brooks Preschool as support staff. I look forward to developing positive and memorable relationships with the children and my colleagues. Throughout my past I’ve had experience working with preschool to junior high children, specializing in people with disabilities. I received my Rehabilitation Services Diploma at the Medicine Hat College, in Medicine Hat. I am also certified with a Level Two Certificate in Early Learning and Child care as well as First Aid and CPR.
I was born and raised in Brooks, and married for 12 years. My husband and I have 3 children ages 12, 9, and 7. All three of my children have attended the Brooks Preschool, those 6 years have been a big part of our lives. I’ve been involved in volunteering at my church in the children’s programs, and enjoy helping out in my children’s school. In my free time I love to spend time outdoors enjoying nature and going to my fitness classes.
I anticipate building solid, trusting and stable relationships with your children. The children will be provided with strong quality play – based teaching programs. My goal is to provide a safe,secure environment that teaches the children academically as well as social, emotional and physical skills. I will interact with them on their level and encourage them to increase their independence so they feel empowered.
Mandy Donald
Support Staff
My name is Mandy Donald and I am very excited to be a part of the Brooks preschool working as support staff. I have recently obtained my Child Development assistant certificate and I am currently going to school to obtain an Educational assistant certificate.
I have lived in Brooks my whole life. I just celebrated my 12th wedding anniversary with my husband Ray. We have 2 children a son age 6 and a daughter age 3. I enjoy being involved and volunteering my time with their schools, which has led me to realize my true passion is to work with children. As a family we enjoy camping, bike riding and sports. I am very much a sports mom and love to watch them play and perform.
I look forward to working with preschool aged children. I absolutely enjoy working with, helping and watching children grow and learn. I am excited to meet new families and making new friendships.
Children learn from watching and doing and I will do my best to guide them along the way.
Laurina Knibbs
Support Staff
My Name is Laurina Knibbs and I am so happy to be working at the Brooks Preschool as a support staff member. I am a Certified Child Development assistant and have had a passion for nurturing little minds since I was in High school. Since having my own two children, My son 6 and My daughter 4 and running my own day home for over 4 years I have been working hard to learn as much as I can about early childhood education to become the best influence I can possibly be.
I have lived in Brooks most of my life and love the sense of community here. I love spending time with my husband of 15 years and our two children. We love camping, fishing, working around our acreage and just having fun family time. There is nothing I enjoy more than watching my children as they learn and grow into wonderful people. I enjoy volunteering as a board member at the Brooks Toy Library in my spare time. I also enjoy sharing a passion for reading with families in our community.
I am excited to be working with such a great group of ladies and learning more from them. I am equally as excited to be assisting in helping your children, learn, play and grow to their fullest potential.
