Meet Our Staff
We have amazing staff with different levels of experience and educationOur Administration

Betty
I started Agape Learning Centre 34 years ago. I am a mother and wife with 2 birth children and 2 adopted children. During my time with Agape, we started 2 Kindergarten programs and 2 Mild/Moderate ECS program. I am an active member of the Victory Christian Fellowship.
My favorite color is peach, I love small dogs and my favorite snack is nachos and cheese. I love roses and my favorite place to visit is the Dominican.

Grace Vanden Dool
I started in daycare when I was still in high school. I went to Mount Royal (College) University in Calgary after high school to get my ECE diploma. I have continuously worked with children the whole time in one way or another.
My favorite color is green. My favorite animals are turtles. I enjoy running, biking, cross-training. I also enjoy reading mysteries and watching CFL football.

Kathy
I have been working in the Early Childhood field for over 20 years and took my ECE training at the Lethbridge College. When I was younger I enjoyed volunteering at my local Church’s Sunday school as well as babysitting for many years. Growing up I had the influence of watching my parents and grandparents volunteer in Sunday School and with various children’s programs and to see the enjoyment it brought them. It is a privilege to get to know the children and families of our program.
I like most animals, I have one cat as a pet. I love reading Christian fiction so looking through a book store is one way I like to relax. I also use the online local library every week. I like all flowers, and I enjoy gardening as well as purchasing cut flowers occasionally for my home. I like to do lots of fine motor paper crafts, card making, and quilling. I also do needlepoint and enjoy gardening. Recently I have tried something new and have been learning to play pickleball at the local community court. I enjoy exploring new places but as the saying goes, there is no place like home.
Tiina Savolainen
I started by having 6 of my own children before I finished my ECE Diploma. I have been serving children and their families for over 20 years in this field! As an Early Learning Support at Agape, my passion for empowering children lives on!
My favorite color is purple, I love greek yogurt with peanut butter and berries. My favorite flowers are hydrangeas. Reading and relaxing are my favorite things to do, and I love the mountains.
Discovery Room

Christal Heaton
I’ve been working in childcare since 2003.
My favorite color is the rainbow and all its colors. I love the movie Grease. I love to read, but I don’t have a favorite book and I enjoy spending time with family.
Susan Fyfe
I have lived in Lethbridge for 27 years. I have been married to my husband Chris for 26 years and have 2 adult children, Angela and Katherine. My kids live in Calgary. I have one pet which is a cat and her name is Mandue. I have been an ECE teacher since 1999. I have worked at Agape for 15 years.
My favorite color is green, I love cats and my favorite snack is celery with peanut butter and raisins. I love reading and my favorite place I have been is St. Thomas.
Explorer Room

Lorna VanderHeide
Educator
I have worked in daycare for over 25 years and I have worked here at Agape for 17 years. My passion is to care for your children and getting to know each child and I love to sing and art is one of my favorite activities. It’s always a new day.

Jean Panther Bone
Educator
I started working at Agape back in 2005, although it hasn’t seemed like I’ve been here all these years. It’s a great environment and I love all the children I work with. I’m also the bus driver for the Agape program. Both my children have come through and were well taken care of here at Agape Daycare. I enjoy learning with the children and growing with the children of different ages. I enjoy the professional development opportunities the centre accesses, and I am currently working on becoming site lead for Agape with the GRIT (Getting Ready for Inclusion Program)/ ASAP (Access Support and Participation) Program.
I love the different colors of purple, I enjoy watching all kinds of movies especially based on true facts and natural disasters. My most favorite salty snack is chips and the occasional chocolate bar, but I most enjoy popping popcorn and watching movies. My favorite place to be is outside the city where you can see nothing but grass or fields or mountains, something about it seems so peaceful.

Jennifer "Jen" Van Riper
I have 2 kids of my own, 2 boys, 18 and 12 years old. I started at Agape in 2012, and I have loved every minute of it. I have my Level 1 Orientation Course Certification from the Alberta Children and Youth Services, Child Care Staff Certification Office. My favorite color is green, I love cookies and I love all animals. My favorite place is the Alberta Birds of Prey Foundation in Coaldale.
Inventor Room

Robyn Siggelkow
I have my Early Childhood diploma and love to observe children being curious. I started teaching 20 years ago in 1999.
My favorite color is turquoise, my favorite animals are cats. I love suspense novels and card making. My favorite place to be is at home with a turquoise blanket, cat on my lap and a book in my hand!
Adventure Room
Staff Support
Liaison/Support

Shantelle Binetruy
Caretaking
I grew up in Taber but been in Lethbridge for 20 years now. I have been with Agape now for 2.5 plus years. I am currently at the Lethbridge College in the Administrative Office Professional program and graduating in April.
My favorite color is purple. Favorite movie is the 1982 musical Annie. I love to go for all you can eat Sushi. My favorite flower is the Tulip. One hobby I have is cross-stitching.
