Team
MARIA JOSE OBANDO
Co-Founder and Educator
I’ve always been deeply passionate about nature and outdoor adventures, whether under sunny skies or rainy clouds.
​
I grew up in Ecuador, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and incredible biodiversity. My childhood was filled with climbing trees, exploring the countryside, and getting muddy — those simple moments shaped who I am today and inspired my love for the natural world.
​That passion eventually brought me to Canada, where I earned my Master’s degree in Environmental Education. But more than my studies, becoming a mom has given me a new perspective.
I know firsthand how important it is for children to have the chance to play freely, explore, and build confidence in the outdoors.
​
As an educator and as a mother, nothing brings me more joy than watching children — including my own — discover, grow, and thrive in nature.
​
Certifications:
- Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Engineering
- Master's Degree in Educational Foundations with a cohort in Ecology and Environment
- ECEA (Early Childhood Education Assistant)
- Responsible Adult Course in Child Development
- Forest School Training Certification
- Standard First Aid CPR/AED Level C
- Wilderness First Aid Certification
- English/Spanish
Liz Arevalo
Educator & Program Director
Bugs, children, and music are what gives meaning to my days.
Teaching and learning are my greatest passion, I love hearing the most curious and funny questions. Always ready to not have an answer, but instead a space and time for exploration.
I was trained as a teacher in Mexico where I experienced indoor classes, I mixed my experience working in camps and workshops in the forest, having great learning about childhood, youth, and their relationship with nature.
​
Being a teacher, and my latest years as a childcare provider, have given me the opportunity to observe the importance of treating kids, taking care of their most fragile aspects, (their heart
and soul.) In these years of collaborative work with children, I have learned to sow, through play and art, seeds of affection, tolerance, and respect for other and nature.
​
Certifications:
ï‚· - Bachelor’s degree in Pedagogy
ï‚· - Course in Conscious Discipline
ï‚· - Responsible Adult Course in Child Development
ï‚· - Emergency Child Care First Aid & CPR
ï‚· - English/Spanish
Melissa Ibanez
Educator
I have dedicated my life to education.
I was born in Mexico and grew up with a deep love for learning. From a young age, I was fascinated by the power of knowledge and the impact that great teachers can have on their students' lives.
Since moving to Vancouver, I have enjoyed spending time outdoors in every season and making the most of each moment.
A little about me: I love all colors, cows, and Harry Potter.
​
​
Certifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Bilingual Education
- Early Childhood Education Assistant
- Responsible Adult Course
-Emergency Child Care First Aid & CPR/AED Level B
-English / Spanish
Azucena Cárdenas Domínguez
Educator
Teaching has been my passion since 2014, when I began my journey as an early childhood educator in Mexico where I have always been mesmerized by the outdoors, playing, climbing, exploring with my brothers and my friends. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and have worked with children ever since. My experience inspired me to continue growing in Canada, where I completed my ECE studies to better understand and connect with the local education system.
I deeply enjoy outdoor learning, where children can explore freely, observe animals and plants, and discover the natural world through curiosity and play. I believe nature teaches us patience, empathy, and respect values I strive to nurture in my students every day.
As a teacher, I love listening to children’s thoughts and questions, guiding them to learn through exploration and creativity. Teaching, for me, is a beautiful exchange — I teach them, but I also learn from their unique ways of seeing the world.
Certifications:
​
- Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education
- Early Childhood Education
- Emergency Child Care First Aid / CPR / AED Level B
- Food Safe
- Outdoor Learning in the Early Years
English/Spanish
Cairo McRae
Educator
Growing up in Vancouver, I was blessed enough to have a childhood filled with beach/lake days, family camping, and time spent in my grandparent’s backyard garden. My experiences as a kid not only nurtured my love of nature, but encouraged the creativity and wonder that I still hold onto today.
One of my favourite parts about working with children is getting to know their different personalities and interests. I love hearing about all their favourite things, and uplifting them to be confident in who they are.
Through my experience I have also been able to observe and develop a deeper understanding of the dynamics that exist between kids and their peers. My goal is always to create an environment where every child feels safe and comfortable enough to express themselves, and grow freely.
​
Certifications:
- Standard First Aid & CPR/AED level C (BL)
- Responsible Adult Course in Child Development
- English
Cecile Savioz
ESDM Certified Therapist
I am very happy to be a part of this amazing team, and eager to build a strong connection between kids and the outdoor in a fun and inclusive space at the heart of beautiful Stanley Park.
My professional experience as a therapist (specialized in ESDM - 'early start' for children with autism 0-5year old) and as a school counsellor has brought into focus the importance of inclusive education in children’s development. As such, I always strive to create an inclusive space for children who need support, engaging with them in fun activities and creating strong community around them.
​
I strongly believe being outside is a great opportunity to learn, enhancing social connections in a wonderful environment for kids to grow and thrive.
​
With my training as an ESDM therapist and experience as a school counselor, I can create a specialized plan for your child, designing individualized objectives and helping you make a therapy plan coherent with other approaches you might already have for your child.
​
I look forward to bringing my passion and specialization as a therapist to help kids connect and thrive in the beautiful outdoors.
Certifications:
- Autism service provider as a Senior BI (BC funding)
- ESDM certified therapist (early start for children with autism, 0-5year old)
- ESDM advanced training, UCDavis, California, distance learning
- Master in Clinical Psychology for children and teenagers UniL
- The Hanen program for educators (More Than Words, speech and language developpement training)
- Courtney’s First aid & safety Training (non-violent crisis interventions)
- Language : English/French
MARCO URFER
Co-Founder and Admin
I had the privilege to grow up surrounded by nature in a beautiful area known as "the gate to the Swiss Alps". I remember these exciting times as a child running through fields, building forts in the forest, and exploring mountains in hiking shoes or on skis.
Today, I still can't get enough of outdoor activities - I am a nature lover and I want to give everything it takes to protect the environment.
​
Founding Little Paws gives me the joy to contribute to a healthy community more connected with nature. I love to see how children are becoming and already are stewards of the great outdoors while providing them a natural experience I enjoyed when I was little.
​
With my background as a Business Engineer, I bring some valuable skills to the administrative work and support the operations of the programs behind the scenes.