Hey there, I'm Jowena 👋
Midwife-turned-early-childhood-educator, a Psychology graduate, and a life-long learner. Here's the winding path that led to GrowenaPath.
A small farm in the Philippines
Long before I ever set foot in a classroom, I was up before sunrise planting rice and feeding animals. Turns out chasing chickens teaches you a surprising amount about patience, responsibility, and resilience.
Midwifery & a degree in Psychology
Before diapers and dinosaur puzzles, there were newborns and night shifts. I was a registered midwife with a degree in Psychology, supporting children with special needs back home in the Philippines, the start of a lifelong pull toward caring for people at their smallest and their bravest.
Growing in Canadian child care settings
Several years, countless snack times, and a lot of learning on the fly, spent growing in Canadian child care settings while I completed my studies. Hands-on experience that shaped everything I do now.
President's List
Graduated from Red Deer Polytechnic
Completed my Early Learning and Child Care diploma and landed a spot on the President's List, cue the happy tears. This milestone stands for late nights, new beginnings, and the path that led me here.
Building GrowenaPath
Documenting play provocations, sharing what I'm learning as I go, and hoping GrowenaPath grows into a small hub where fellow ELCC educators can swap stories and resources, wherever this path leads next.
Free to explore, with just the right amount of guidance.
My approach is a playful mashup of Montessori and Reggio Emilia. I love setting up purposeful materials, Montessori-style, so children can follow their own rhythm and build real independence. But I also borrow from Reggio, letting their curiosity steer the ship, their interests spark the projects, the ideas, and the conversations that grow from there.
Basically, I set the stage, the kids take the lead, and together we turn everyday moments into meaningful learning. ✨
Thanks for being here.
Whether you're a fellow educator, a parent, or just passing through, I'm happy you stopped by 🧡 I'd love for this space to grow into a hub for sharing and connection among ELCC educators.
Let's connect