About Us
Ember Explorers Early Learning Centre is built around creating an inclusive centre for children from all different backgrounds and abilities, to have a safe space to spend their day and learn through child-led and teacher-led meaningful play experiences. Ember Explorers is a Montessori-inspired daycare and preschool under one roof, designed to support both children and working families. By offering daycare and preschool in the same building, we provide smooth, consistent transitions for children and eliminate the need for parents to leave mid-day to move their child between programs.
While we do not have a dedicated outdoor yard on site, we believe strongly in the importance of fresh air, movement, and outdoor play. To support this, we have thoughtfully partnered with nearby community centres and spaces, allowing us access to gyms, playgrounds, and local green spaces all within walking distance of our centre.
We make it a priority to get children outside and moving as often as possible—whether that’s exploring nature, enjoying active play at the park, or using indoor gym spaces during colder months. We understand that leaving the centre can feel like a concern for some families, which is why safety is always our top priority. Our outings are carefully planned and supervised by our team of educators, with appropriate staff ratios, clear procedures, and all necessary supplies to ensure each child’s well-being.
Our vision is to be a guiding light in early childhood education — where every ember of potential is fanned into a bright flame. We envision a world where children feel seen, supported, and inspired to become kind, curious, and capable individuals who illuminate their communities. We are guaranteeing our families and community that we are building a team of strong Educator’s who are there to provide each child with stimulation, encouragement, and confidence. Our team will work together to create a space for the children to explore all areas of development, and soar to new heights on their journey to Kindergarten.
Meet the Team
Our educators are the heart of Ember Explorers. With compassion, creativity, and a genuine love for children, our team creates a calm, nurturing space where little learners feel safe, supported, and inspired to explore.
Executive Director/Preschool Teacher
Alex Erickson
Alex is a mother of 3 and has been working in the ELCC field for over 8 years. Dedicated to inspiring children to enjoy learning. She has been working on Ember Explorers for 2 years and has been eager to bring this idea to life. Her interests are music, bowling, puzzles, and spending quality time with her family.
Program Director
Elaine Wagner
Elaine is a proud grandmother of 7 amazing young adults. She has worked in daycares and preschool for 29 years and has a passion for helping children explore and learn about themselves and the world around them. She teaches piano and loves camping, reading, and scrapbooking.
Manager of Operations
Ashley Hillebrand
Ashley brings over nine years of administrative experience to the centre, supporting daily operations and helping ensure a welcoming, organized, and efficient environment for children, families, and staff.
Originally from Camrose, she moved back in 2023 with her husband, Stephen. Ashley enjoys hockey, bowling, and golfing in her free time, and shares her home with two energetic cats. She is excited to be part of the team and looks forward to contributing to a positive, family-focused atmosphere.
Educator
Caitlin Ronnmark
Caitlin has been working in ELCC for over 8 years now. She always brings a positive attitude and energetic personality towards her fellow staff, children and families. She is looking forward to getting to know each and every one of our families and children.
She currently resides in Camrose with her fiancé Damian. In her spare time, she’s loves family game nights and bonfires.
Casual Educator
Shannon Giesbrecht
Shannon lives on an acreage in Camrose County with her husband and their two children. As a family, they love spending time outdoors, gardening, and enjoying the peaceful surroundings of their home. She also enjoys photography and capturing the simple, beautiful moments of everyday life.
Shannon has been working in the Early Childhood Education field since 2010 and has experience in preschool, daycare, and out-of-school care. Working with young children is something she is truly passionate about. She loves watching them learn, grow, and discover the world around them, and believes every day is a new opportunity for curiosity and learning.
Educator
Amie Eddy
Amie is a mother of 2 and has worked in childcare for 12 years. She has backgrounds in daycare, preschool, and OSC programs. Since being involved in childcare, she has worked with the YMCA as a supervisor for their before and after school program, and has operated her own day-home for 8 years.
In her free time she likes to read, craft, golf, camp, and spend time with my family and dogs.
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Educator
Mallory Koch
Miss Mal has been working in the early childhood field for three years and she recently graduated with her level 3 Certification. Most of her experience is with children aged 2-3 but she has worked with children 12 months - 12 years. She is excited to be a part of our Preschool Teacher team.
Her favourite hobby is figure skating and she enjoys teaching kids how to skate in the winter. She is excited to watch the kids learn, grow, and foster creativity and curiosity.