My name is Jennifer Benson and I am thrilled to be teaching the Calgary morning kindergarten class with Foothills Creative Beginnings this year. I received my BA in Child and Youth Studies and BEd from Brock University in St. Catharines Ontario. I taught kindergarten for many years at Renfrew Educational Services here in Calgary. I also worked with children and families at the Ronald McDonald House, and substitute taught for the Rockyview School Board.

I joined FCB last year as an Early Learning Coordinator. I love working as part of the FCB team! Everyone cares deeply about the work they are doing. It is exciting to be part of a team that is passionate about supporting children to learn, grow and develop.

I live in South Calgary with my husband, three daughters and our giant dog. I love to spend time with my family, walk at Fish Creek, read, and I’m currently learning how to crochet.

I love learning new things and I know the children at FCB will teach me just as much and probably more than I will teach them this year. One of my favourite book teachers is Miss Frizzle from the Magic School Bus. In the spirit of Miss Frizzle let’s “take chances, make mistakes, get messy!”

Well, hello there! My name is Allison Shields, and I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining Foothills Creative Beginnings as the afternoon kindergarten teacher this year.
With over 10 years of experience as both an Educational Assistant and a creative facilitator, I have a deep love for early learning—especially when it’s rooted in play, curiosity, and connection. I’m passionate about hands-on, arts-based experiences that invite children to explore, imagine, and express themselves authentically.
Before moving to Calgary, I lived and worked in Vancouver, BC, on the traditional and unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. There, I shared my love of stories and literacy while working at a children’s bookstore, an experience that strengthened my belief in community-centred literacy and the magic of a well-loved book.
My lifelong passion for the arts and education led me to earn a Bachelor’s in Creative Writing from Kwantlen Polytechnic University, and later, a Bachelor of Education from the University of British Columbia, where I specialized in early primary education through a creative and arts-based lens.
In the classroom, I love seeing children light up as they learn through story, movement, building, painting, and play. I believe in creating a space where every child feels safe, seen, and celebrated, and where learning unfolds naturally through joy, imagination, and collaboration.
Outside of school, you’ll often find me reading, writing, making art, or heading off on adventures with my partner and our very snuggly bunny, Otis.
I can’t wait to meet your children and begin a year full of discovery, wonder, and play. After all, the best learning comes from the heart, the hands, and just a little bit of glitter.