About

Christine Bates – Owner/Operator Level 3 -Child Care Supervisor

Hi my name is Christine Bates

I am the owner & an Early Childhood Educator at Diamond Valley Early Learning Centre (DVELC).

I believe the first 5 years of a child’s life are so important!! The relationships and experiences we have in the early years lay a foundation that has a lasting impact on our childhood, adolescence and even adulthood.

Thank you for inviting me to be a part of this journey with you and your child, it is an honor!! I enjoy spending time playing, observing, exploring, creating, and learning alongside the children & other educators I have the privilege of working with.

I have a Bachelor of Social Work and a Level 3 Child Development Supervisor Certification. I have several years experience supporting children and families in the Foothills area through various roles at Alberta Health Services, Foothills School Division and Literacy for Life. I consider myself a lifelong learner and seek opportunities to learn and grow everyday both professionally and personally.

I have lived in Turner Valley for 11 years with my husband Jeff, my two teenage daughters Bridget and Sydney and our 4 rescue pets. We love this community & it is a pleasure to live and work here!! 😊

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will not forget how you made them feel” – Maya Angelou

Debbie Gordon – ECE Level 1 Educator

Hi, my name is Debbie Gordon and I have lived here in Turner Valley for 15 years with my husband and daughter. I have lots of experience working with children as I have worked at Chief Jacob Bearspaw School in Eden Valley as a Teachers Assistant for 13 years. I enjoy working with children and I am excited to get to know the children and families at Diamond Valley Early Learning Center. I enjoy doing puzzles, rollerblading, riding my bike, watching moving and walking my dog Daisy. I have a 6 year old daughter in Grade 1. My husband is the principal of Chief Jacob Bearspaw School in Eden Valley.

I look forward to meeting you all soon.

Devyn Kolody – Early Childhood Educator Level 3 – Office Admin

Miss Devyn was born and raised in the Foothills (High River). She started her childcare journey working as a patient advocate in a prenatal pediatric chiropractic clinic (Dr for moms) in Calgary. From there she was inspired to further her education in childcare and went to Red Deer College where she graduated with a diploma in Early Learning and Child Care in 2004.

After graduation she moved back to the foothills area and purchased a house in Black Diamond and started working in the area. Most recently Miss Devyn worked for the Boys and Girls of The Foothills running and teaching the preschool program in the Oilfields Arena until unfortunately Covid shut it down.

During Covid Miss Devyn kept busy planning her wedding and preparing for a baby. In April of 2021 she welcomed her first child Thomas. She keeps busy in the community going to mom group, playing in the dog park with her fur baby Penny and doing odd jobs for the Chuckwagon Café. Her most important days are spent engaging in meaningful play and learning and snuggles with her little man.

Shelly Leboutillier- Developmental Assistant- KIDS Development Services

Hi my name is Shelley Leboutillier. I have been working as an Education Assistant for 21 years. I worked in the Grande Prairie School District and the Foothills School District. Most of my years were spent in kindergarten but my heart has
always been in preschool! I am now working as a
Developmental Assistant with Kids Developmental Services (www.kidsds.org) and am loving it! I strongly believe that relationship building with students is the most important part of my job. Once that is established, I know we will be able to
do anything!
I live in Turner Valley and I grew up in Black Diamond. I lived in Brooks, AB for 7 years and Grande Prairie, AB for 13 years. We decided to move back to be closer to family. I also longed
for the mountains! I have 2 children who are adults. James is 26 and lives in Kelowna and my daughter Karlie is 23 and lives in Black Diamond. I also have a dog named Mazie and she is my walking partner!

Monica Surgeson- Occasional ECE Level 1 Educator

Hi, my name is Monica Surgeson and I am so excited to be a part of Mrs. Bates 2022-23 preschool class as a Developmental Assistant for Kids Development Services (www.kidsds.org). I have worked in many different parts of the education system, but I always return to this age group. I love being a part of a class and watching the amazing learning that happens. Every child deserves to fall in love with learning and the best part of this job for me, is watching and supporting them in as they discover the world through playing.

I have lived in this area for most of my life and I have raised 2 amazing young men with my husband. We spend most of the winter playing hockey, travelling for hockey and watching hockey. In the summers, we play and watch rugby and do a lot of camping and spending time in our garden. Our two dogs are our constant companions.

Miss Denise-ECE Level 2 Educator

Hi my name is Denise, I grew up in northern Alberta and ended up moving here to Black Diamond after I graduated. I love being around my family as much as possible and am always spoiling my fur babies when I’m home. Working with children has become a passion of mine which is why I am currently working towards my Early Learning Childcare Certificate. I’m excited to do my practicums with Diamond Valley Early Learning Centre and obtain my level 2 childcare certificate. I look forward to meeting all the wonderful children and their families.