Dear Tiffany,

We are excited to announce the opening of our new classroom...

Welcome to Mountain classroom!

We can't wait to share stories of play-based growth from Mountain classroom in the future!

Feel the Impact

Mountain classroom will provide space for many children like... 

Nathan!

Nathan graduated from Kindergarten at Pacekids this past year! His time in our classroom made a huge impact on the first steps of his education.

“Every time Nathan came home from Pacekids he was very happy,” said Hiwot, Nathan’s mother. “His classroom team told me Nathan was jumping, drawing, eating his food – they sent me pictures of all of this.”

As Nathan played, our therapists recommended donor-supplied resources to help him achieve some major goals.  

“Nathan thrived at Pacekids and learned to use the tools we gave him to help regulate, such as ball squishes, foam rollers, and jumping on the trampoline,” said Shiv, Nathan’s teacher. “This helped him feel more empowered to make independent choices.”

We are so excited for stories like Nathan’s to unfold in Mountain classroom.

We are fortunate to partner with hardworking, generous service clubs who have committed to enhancing our school-based programs.  

Thank you so much to the Kinsmen Club of Calgary and Fraternal Order of Eagles for choosing to support the life changing programming Pacekids provides! 

Staff Spotlight: Crystal Lachance Office Administrator, Pacekids south

Crystal Lachance is the heart of Pacekids south school. She sits at reception and sets a positive, lighthearted tone for everyone in the building. After brightening the morning, Crystal hands out band-aides, sends emails, answers phone calls, guides new families, plans parties, and many other critical tasks. 

What is your favorite part about working for Pacekids Programs?

We have a great team of people who are all here to see these children succeed. But nothing is more rewarding than witnessing children speak their first words, use their Speech devices to communicate, taking their first steps or making their first friendships!

Do you have a favorite little story from your time at Pacekids?

This is a tough one. I’ve worked with Pacekids for 8.5 years and there is so many little stories that are my favorite. I have met some great people, families, and children while working here and that is my favorite.

Has working for Pacekids impacted your life in any fun or positive way?

Working at Pacekids has impacted my life in both fun and positive ways. Every single child that walks through our door has imprinted my life in some way. The smiles, laughter, first and new words, achievements! Nothing is more heartwarming than seeing a group of children come together to support and learn from one another. These kids come together to lift each other up, they provide a sense of belonging and understanding to each other. Seeing all these things makes me a better person.

“Crystal is the heart of the south school. She takes the time to get to know everyone who come through those doors: team members, children and their families. She is incredibly knowledgeable about all things Pacekids. Crystal is a joy to work with and always keeps us laughing!”

-- Kacie Dougherty, Managing Director, Early Childhood Services

"When I think about Crystal, the first word that comes to mind is Joy. Crystal is the first person you meet at the South school, and she immediately makes you feel welcome and at home. She always goes above and beyond in everything she does, and she cares deeply about Pacekids and the children and families we serve. I feel truly lucky to work alongside Crystal!"

-- Jay Thatcher, Clinical Manager, Pacekids