ROBB WEAVER
Extra Steps Owner/Company Director
Robb received his Early Childhood Education Diploma from Mount Royal University, Alberta and has worked with young children for more than fifteen years in a wide variety of fun-filled programs. He is well known in Vancouver where he co-owns and operates Extra Steps Learning Centres and been an advocate for children for many years.
During his long career, Robb has directed childcare centres and family childcare homes, designed and worked with summer camps, taught workshops, owned and operated three preschool programs, and assisted with facility openings. He was also an instructor for an ECE college program. When in the centres, if possible, he works directly with children, something for which he has both natural talent and boundless enthusiasm.
“I have enjoyed my career path and my choices over the years,” says Robb, who has also enjoyed overseeing the growth and development of his own grown boys. Robb is especially eager to share his talents and knowledge about early childhood education with other educators and with the families of children at Extra Steps.
SARAH GOUNDOUVAS
Extra Steps Owner/Preschool Director
A proud Vancouverite, Sarah has completed her Early Childhood Education Certificate at Vancouver Community College. Her calm temperament and caring nature makes her a valuable member of the Extra Steps child education team. Sarah has a knack for guiding children through difficult situations, getting down on their level while remaining respectful and understanding of them. Her eagerness to get to know each child and her fun-loving charm leads to endless activities with them.
Sarah combines the best of both worlds: “I love to learn from the experience of other educators, while also bringing new and exciting ideas to the classroom.” An energetic and dedicated teacher, she is especially interested in building children’s confidence to start them off on a positive path in life.
LARRY LAW
Preschool / Camp Educator
Larry has completed his Early Childhood Education Certificate from Vancouver Community College and graduated in June 2013. He volunteered with Extra Steps Preschool every week to complete his Licence to Practice. Larry was born in Hong Kong and is fluent in Cantonese and Mandarin. After he completed his ECE certificate, he went back to Hong Kong and became a Lego Education Specialist for 2 years. He came back to Vancouver to join the Extra Steps family in 2016.
Larry also worked in the telecommunication industry for more than 10 years. He knows technology can help build our society, but it can also become a big barrier between parent and child relationships. Technology will grow and change and be replaced, but our child is irreplaceable so treasure your moments with them.
“I love working at Extra Steps everyday, it is always so much fun! Children learn best when they are having fun, I will continue to maintain the fun element in a safe and warm environment. Never stop playing , never stop learning.”
NICOLE LAM
Preschool/Camp Educator
With a passion for nature and children, Nicole started her career as an environmental educator for 4 years at World Wide Fund for Nature Hong Kong (WWF) after obtaining her Bachelor degree in Environmental Science in Hong Kong. She believes in education IN, ABOUT and FOR the environment. She organized school programs, STEAM workshops, seminars and summer camps for students ranging from kindergarten to universities in outdoor settings such as nature reserves, beaches and urban parks. She also published identification cards and teaching packs for teachers to use.
After relocating to Vancouver, she became an online learning coordinator at the Vancouver Aquarium, where she led engaging virtual classes and camps for multi-aged students to learn about the ocean and to inspire them to be stewards of the ocean.
Nicole has discovered her interest in early childhood while doing volunteer work at Extra Steps and Vancouver Aquarium. She has obtained her ECE assistant license in 2019 and started working at Extra Steps Preschool since May 2020, hoping that kids can grow and learn in fun and engaging play-based environment.
‘Growing up in an academic-oriented environment where playtime was limited, I’m really amazed how playtime can greatly influence kids socially, mentally and physically! Let children play and have fun, this is the time when kids can learn the most!’
