Welcome to University Hill Preschool
At University Hill Preschool (U-Hill), we are proud to have a team of dedicated, professional, and caring educators who create a nurturing and inclusive environment. Each of our educators is a Canadian Certified Early Childhood Educator with extensive teaching experience and a long-standing commitment to our preschool. Drawing from diverse educational backgrounds, they bring unique perspectives and expertise to design an enriching and well-rounded program tailored to the needs of every child.
The preschool is also guided by an elected Board of Directors, composed of parents of current students. This volunteer board plays a vital role in managing operations and ensuring the ongoing success and sustainability of the school, fostering a strong sense of community and collaboration.
Meet Our Faculty:
Maria Rodrigues
“Every child is unique, strong, and beautiful, with their own ambitions, desires, and needs. As an educator, my role is to nurture these ambitions, build self-esteem, and help children feel valued and heard.”
Maria has been a vital part of University Hill Preschool since 1996 and has served as Head Teacher since 2005. Maria holds a B.A. in Philosophy and a Montessori Certificate from the Association Montessori International. Her child-centered and inquiry-based teaching philosophy fosters curiosity, imagination, and confidence in every child.
Committed to creating an inclusive and nurturing environment, Maria celebrates diversity and works closely with families to support each child’s growth. She collaborates with the Infant Development Lab at the University of British Columbia to enrich classroom activities and advance child development research. Maria’s exceptional contributions to early childhood education have been recognized with prestigious awards, including:
2022 National Certificate of Excellence from the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Early Childhood Education (PMA)
PMA Awards for Excellence in Early Childhood Education in 2014 and 2021
2012 Child Care Award of Excellence in Early Childhood Education (Coast Fraser Region)
Atoussa Kashani
Early Childhood Educator & Local Artist
“Children have potential, curiosity, and a desire to learn. The teacher’s role is to provide children with a range of possibilities and experiences that help them grow. The more opportunities children have, the richer their learning becomes.”
Atoussa has been inspiring young minds since 1988 and joined University Hill Preschool in 1991. She served as Supervisor from 1997 to 2003 and holds a B.A. in French Literature and Early Childhood Education (ECE), where she cultivated her passion for early learning.
A passionate advocate of the Reggio Emilia approach, Atoussa emphasizes creativity, exploration, and curiosity in her teaching. She participated in a North American study tour to Reggio Emilia, Italy, in 2009, bringing back innovative practices that continue to enrich the preschool’s curriculum. Fluent in English, French, and Farsi, she adds a valuable multicultural perspective to the classroom, fostering a sense of belonging for every child.
As a local artist, Atoussa integrates her love for art into her teaching, encouraging children to express their imaginations through creative projects. Her artistic approach helps children explore ideas in meaningful, hands-on ways that inspire curiosity and self-expression.
Beyond teaching, Atoussa is an avid hiker and holds a record for her numerous Grouse Mountain climbs. Her adventurous and energetic personality motivates children to embrace challenges, try new things, and find joy in exploration and learning.
Feifei Gao
Early Childhood Educator
“I believe learning happens everywhere, all the time—between teachers, children, and families. Let’s play, connect, gain knowledge, and share our learning with others.”
With a Bachelor’s degree in Management and a background in Early Childhood Education, Feifei is an invaluable part of our preschool community. Fluent in English and Mandarin, she embraces the philosophy: “Fall in love with the process, and the results will follow.”
Passionate about nurturing young minds, Feifei thoughtfully designs engaging lesson plans that incorporate art activities and interactive circle time. Her primary focus is introducing the alphabet to the 4-year-old class, fostering early literacy in a fun and supportive environment. She also plays a key role in coordinating preschool events like birthdays and is highly skilled in communicating with Mandarin-speaking parents.
Outside the classroom, Feifei enjoys hands-on projects and cherishes time with her family, including her two young boys.
Remembering Aya Ruttan
Aya Ruttan, a beloved teacher at University Hill Preschool from 1999 to 2020, brought warmth, creativity, and passion to the classroom. She shared her love of play, nature, music, and food, creating a nurturing environment where children thrived. Aya’s vibrant presence left a lasting impact on the UHill community and is deeply missed. We invite you to watch this video in remembrance of the joy she brought to our lives.
Board of Directors:
Since 1966, University Hill Preschool (U-Hill) has been a licensed, non-profit society dedicated to providing a high-quality, community-focused early education experience. The preschool is overseen by an elected Board of Directors comprised of parents of current students. These volunteer roles, elected annually, are crucial to the school’s operations and continued success. Board members collaborate to manage operations, support educators, and ensure the preschool remains a welcoming and enriching environment for all children.
We encourage all parents to actively participate in our vibrant community. Opportunities include serving on the board, assisting in the classroom, accompanying children on field trips, contributing to fundraising efforts, and supporting various school activities. This collective effort not only strengthens our community but also enables us to maintain affordable tuition and operate effectively as a non-profit organization.