Gymboree Play & Music, South Winnipeg

Hi there! I'm teacher Jess. I teach the play and learn, pre school steps and school skills classes here at Gymboree. I absolutely love working with children. I have many years of experience as a Nanny, as well as working in daycares. Music is definitely a passion of mine and I play the guitar. I also am a huge lover of animals. Traveling is also a interest of mine. One thing I love so much about Gymboree is all the diversity, it is like a community and there's always new friends! I really enjoy bubble time and parachute time in my classes. Teaching children about the alphabet, numbers, shapes and new concepts and watching them make progress throughout each class is awesome and so rewarding! I really hope to see you in my classes. Have a Gymboree day!

Hi there! Teacher Savvy here and I LOVE to sing. I’ve been an entertainer my entire life and graduated from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy of New York! Living abroad I met so many amazing families while babysitting. I also used my musical theatre abilities to teacher assist here at the Manitoba Theatre for Young People. In my spare time you can find me embracing my inner Disney princess singing everywhere I go, at the gym, or playing with my adorable doggies. I really enjoy working at Gymboree because I get to see so many adorable and new faces each day. Here we offer a wide range of classes to accommodate all littles no matter what their capabilities are. Come play and learn at any level with me or be introduced to one of my fun loving music classes. Have a very Gymboree day and I can’t wait to laugh, sing, clap, dance, learn, and play with you!

Hi! My name is Julia D. and I am so happy to be a teacher at Gymboree. Some of my favourite hobbies include singing, musical theatre and playing piano. As a student at the University of Manitoba, I study Classical Vocal Performance. I love working with children, and have prior experience working as a Teaching Assistant at the Manitoba Theatre for Young People and as a nanny living in Italy for three months. What I love about Gymboree is the the acceptance and accommodation for each individual child’s needs. In Play & Learn, Music and Art classes, children learn be themselves and have fun. I believe every child should have the chance to enjoy and try new things every day. My favourite part of class and singing songs together, blowing bubbles and meeting new friends! I hope to see you soon in class my Music or Play & Learn classes, and have a Gymboree day!

My name is Lacey Friesen. I am currently in the process of completing my internship as a music therapist at the Children’s Hospital in Winnipeg. I look forward to taking my board exam in the summer of 2020 to become a board-certified music therapist. I love being outside in the sunshine and I am originally from Alberta and therefore love being active in the mountains! I am passionate about music and enjoy learning new instruments. I have always been drawn toward working with little ones. I taught Sunday School for several years at my church, nannied each summer through high school (and beyond), and currently teach Music for Young Children. I have been working at Gymboree Play & Music since November 2019 and have enjoyed getting to know many of our members. My favourite part of Gymboree is the community we offer for parents and their children and the opportunity for parents to support their child’s development alongside others. I love every part of our Gymboree classes, but my favourite part is watching a little overcome a challenge for the first time with a big smile on their face! I look forward to seeing you all soon. Have a Gymboree Day!

Hello I’m Emily and my two biggest passions in life are music and teaching! I graduated with a bachelor or general music from the University of Manitoba in April of 2019 and look forward to graduating from the U of M’s faculty of Education in May of 2021. I play many instruments like saxophone, ukulele and piano hope to become an elementary school music teacher once I graduate! Prior to Gymboree I have held positions at both a day care as well as the Manitoba Children’s museum, so, I have plenty of experience not only providing the best care possible for your child but also finding ways for them to learn new things every time they visit our centre. I adore exploring new instruments, songs and movement activities with your children at Gymboree and truly enjoy finding ways to combine fun games and activities with educational experiences in every class I teach. I hope to see you soon! Have a Gymboree day!

My name is Melissa Kleinsasser and I am currently a teacher at Gymboree Play and Music. I have been with the company since April 2017, where I began as a Play and Learn Teacher, then on to a School Skills and Preschool Steps. I currently attend University of Winnipeg in the Faculty of Education. I also like to spend my extra time volunteering with several organizations as well as spending time with family and friends. I have loved working at Gymboree as it has given me the opportunity to learn more about Early Childhood Education and the amazing benefits and growth that comes from it for all students. Mainly in School Skills, I love getting to know each student, how they learn and what they are passionate about. This gives me the opportunity to teach them in the way that they need individually. I mainly like to focus on teaching each student at their level, using methods that fit with their specific learning style. I also focus on developing students’ social skills, focus and attention skills as well as their independence and critical thinking skills. I love to create a fun, welcoming and comfortable atmosphere for all! I am very passionate about Gymboree as well as getting to know students and families at the center! I think this quote perfectly sums up how I teach my students and plan my classes; “Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education.” Martin Luther King Jr. Have a Gymboree day!