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The Team
Who We Are
Sarah Halverson
Camp Lead - Summer 2026
My name is Sarah and I am a teacher with 20 years of experience. I have two Bachelor's degrees in Child and Youth Study as well as Education, with hopes of pursuing a Master's degree in the future. Prior to teaching, I worked as an Aquatics Director for an outdoor pool and a Summer Supervisor for Cheema Aquatics Club. In my spare time I enjoy hiking with my dog looking for mushrooms and wildlife. I am looking forward to passing down all I've learned to the Camp participants this summer.
Jessie Zhao
Co-Founder
Hi, I'm Jessie Zhao, Co-Founder and Lead Explorer at TideView Nature School! I have over 10 years of experience in education, having worked across different roles and age groups throughout my career. I hold First Aid and CPR certification, and I'm fluent in both English and Mandarin Chinese. I'm so excited to spend another summer outdoors with our campers, exploring nature and creating meaningful experiences together!
604-704-4720
Mikel L'Italien
Co-Founder
I'm Mikel, although most people call me Mickey. I've been working with children for more than 15 years through tutoring, outdoor education, youth programs, and nature-based learning. Throughout my career, I've had the opportunity to work with children from many different backgrounds and cultures, helping them build confidence, resilience, and a love of learning. Before settling in Cole Harbour with my family, I spent several years studying, working, and travelling abroad. Along the way, I worked as a professional English and French tutor, a zipline instructor, and an outdoor educator. I speak English, French, and Mandarin, and I enjoy connecting with families from diverse backgrounds. Growing up, I was always happiest outside. Whether I was building forts, exploring the woods, hiking, fishing, or simply wandering through nature, the outdoors was where I felt most at home. Those experiences taught me the value of adventure, curiosity, problem-solving, and independence, these lessons continue to shape how I work with children today. I strongly believe that children learn best when they are given opportunities to explore, take healthy risks, get messy, solve real problems, and develop a meaningful connection with the natural world. My goal is to create an environment where children feel safe, supported, and inspired to discover what they are capable of. When I'm not working, you'll usually find me hiking, camping, foraging, travelling, or exploring the forests and coastlines of Nova Scotia with my family.
902-266-9347
Keira Parker
Assistant Lead - Summer 2026
" strive to bring energy, patience, and enthusiasm to each interaction and believe these qualities play an important role in a child’s growth and well-being. " Hello, I am a 23-year-old university student pursuing a degree in Psychology and Neuroscience, with a strong interest in child development, mental health, and supporting young people. I have been working with children and youth since 2015 in a variety of settings, including basketball coaching (U10–U18), summer camps in Woodside and Bridgewater, after-school programs across the South Shore and Dartmouth, and private childcare. I hold current First Aid and AED certification and have additional experience working as a tree planter in New Brunswick. I am passionate about the outdoors and enjoy hiking, running, and cycling. I have explored many trails throughout Nova Scotia and have travelled extensively throughout the Canadian Rockies, including Banff, Canmore, Kananaskis, Jasper, North Vancouver, and Squamish. Throughout my work with children, I have focused on creating positive, inclusive, and supportive environments where young people feel valued and encouraged. I strive to bring energy, patience, and enthusiasm to each interaction and believe these qualities play an important role in a child’s growth and well-being.
Linh Dinh
Camp Assistant - Summer 2026
What I love most about working with kids is seeing them grow in confidence, try new things, and build meaningful friendships. I enjoy creating a supportive environment where children feel safe, included, and encouraged to explore the world around them. I am excited to spend the summer outdoors, learn alongside the campers, and help create fun and memorable experiences for everyone." Hi everyone! My name is Linh Dinh, and I am graduating from Cole Harbour District High School this year. In the fall, I will be attending Dalhousie University. I enjoy working with children and helping create positive experiences where they can learn, build confidence, and have fun. I have experience volunteering at summer camps, working with children through an after-school program, and assisting as a martial arts instructor in training. Through these experiences, I have developed patience, leadership, communication skills, and the ability to work with children of different ages and personalities. I have also taken on leadership roles through volunteering and fundraising initiatives in my community. When I am not working or volunteering, I enjoy spending time outdoors. Some of my favorite activities include camping, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, and exploring nature. I also enjoy staying active through martial arts and fitness. What I love most about working with kids is seeing them grow in confidence, try new things, and build meaningful friendships. I enjoy creating a supportive environment where children feel safe, included, and encouraged to explore the world around them. I am excited to spend the summer outdoors, learn alongside the campers, and help create fun and memorable experiences for everyone. I look forward to meeting all the campers and families this summer!
Faye Qu
Camp Assistant - Summer 2026
Hello everyone, my name is Faye Qu, and I am very excited to be a part of this wonderful team. I am currently an Early Childhood Education student at NSCC. I hold a Nova Scotia ECE Level 1 certification, as well as valid First Aid and CPR certification. During my studies, I have completed three practicum placements working with children, which have given me valuable hands-on experience. Through these experiences, I have learned the importance of building trusting and positive relationships with children and creating safe, caring, inclusive, and engaging environments. I enjoy observing children's interests, needs, and developmental stages, and planning activities that support their learning and growth through play, exploration, and meaningful interactions. In my free time, I enjoy exploring outdoors with my family. I often go with my daughter to discover different playgrounds, trails, and beaches. We love experiencing the beauty of each season—from snowy winter days to the greenery of summer forests, as well as the little animals and interesting discoveries we find in nature. I truly love working with children. For me, being part of children's growth is a meaningful and rewarding journey. I enjoy watching children explore nature, solve problems, build friendships, and develop confidence, curiosity, and creativity along the way. Seeing their growth and discoveries is one of the most rewarding parts of this work. I look forward to spending this summer with the children and creating joyful and meaningful learning experiences together.
Camden Moore
Camp Assistant - Summer 2026
My name is Camden Moore, I am 14 years old, and I attend Astral Drive Junior High. I enjoy sports like basketball, football, and volleyball, and I like spending time outdoors with friends. I come from a large family with five brothers and five sisters, which has taught me responsibility and teamwork. I am energetic and hardworking, and I look forward to meeting new people and having a positive, fun summer.
Ryder Jollymore Hillier
Camp Assistant - Summer 2026
Hi! My name is Ryder, and I’m 16 years old. I attend Auburn Drive High School and enjoy staying active by playing soccer. In my free time, I like fishing, spending time with friends, and being outdoors. I’m excited for the opportunity to work this summer and look forward to being part of the team!
