Melyssa Sieber, Bobcat Program Primary Educator- Eagles Room, ECE & BA
I'm Melyssa, the new lead educator in the Eagles Room, and I'm excited to be joining the School House community at the end of summer 2021.
I've been working with young children and their families for over 20 years, in a number of roles including Montessori classroom Directress, kindergarten teacher, Strong Start program facilitator, and parent education program facilitator. 
I'm passionate about supporting children's innate curiosity and desire to explore the world. I believe in allowing children a considerable amount of freedom to follow their own interests within a safe and secure environment, and that each person has something unique and valuable to share. My approach is underpinned by a strong belief in the role of nature for inspiration and regulation, and I am excited to also share my love of open-ended art making as a means for development and expression. 
Originally from the Boston area, I did my undergraduate degree at Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon, spending time studying and living abroad in both Australia and Ecuador. I've also done diplomas at Pacific Northwest College of Art and Emily Carr University of Art and Design. My AMI Montessori training was done in Vancouver, and I've been a licensed early childhood educator in BC since 2006. I recently completed my yoga teacher training here in Nelson. 
My husband and I moved our family to the shores of Kootenay Lake in 2016, and we've been enjoying the mountains and waters of this region ever since. Some of my favourite activities include canoeing, hiking with my dogs, tending my tiny orchard of cider apple trees, and making art with paint, clay, wood or glass. 
I look forward to making strong connections with the children and families of our school community.