Alumni Feature: Bryanne Childress (née Newbery) ’11

Location: Kimberley, BC 
Where she is now: Outdoor Educator, Kimberley Independent School  

“Community” was a value that stuck with Bryanne Childress (née Newbery) after graduating from Meadowridge in 2011. Growing up in the Meadowridge community ultimately inspired her to pursue a career in education. As a Meadowridge Lifer, she credits the school for shaping her calling as an outdoor educator.

When Bryanne was a student, she was a member of several sports teams and was immersed in the school's tight-knit community. Her family was also active at the school, volunteering at the uniform shop and supporting special events. Today, Bryanne is grateful for the supportive network that Meadowridge made possible.   

Without Meadowridge, I would not be surrounded by lifelong friends. I truly mean it when I say the community made going to school something I looked forward to. Many of the people I met in my early years are still in my life today, in some way, shape, or form.” - Bryanne Childress (née Newbery) ’11

When she graduated, Bryanne attended Douglas College, where she enrolled in General Studies. It wasn't until her second year that she discovered her passion for Early Childhood Education (ECE) and outdoor learning. Thinking back about her memories with her Kinderbuddy and coaching young water polo players revealed to her, her love for working with children. At this time, one of Bryanne’s previous teachers from Meadowridge, who shared the same views on the importance of outdoor education, came into her life and became her mentor for the next five years. Together, they worked to implement outdoor learning into the Reggio-inspired program at their facility, and soon they became well-known in their community for their unique ECE offering.  

Bryanne now works as an Outdoor Educator at Kimberley Independent School. She continues to implement outdoor learning into her curriculum and is excited to work with children who are eager to learn and explore the natural world. Bryanne's time at Meadowridge prepared her for the rigors of post-secondary studies and taught her valuable skills such as time management and balancing responsibilities. However, it was the community and values instilled at Meadowridge which led her down her career path. Bryanne encourages not only her students, but all students to “never feel scared to jump into something that you might feel hesitant doing.”