Afisha Jiwani believes in the transformative power of stories and dedicates her teaching practice to sparking a lifelong love of reading in young learners. Her foundation in education was built at the University of Alberta, where she earned a Bachelor of Education degree with a specialization in Teaching Reading.
Joining Third Schools in 2016, Afisha served as a Lead Teacher at Third Academy, guiding elementary students with diverse learning needs. She quickly found that the boundless curiosity of younger children resonated deeply with her. "It’s a continuous ‘Wow’ for them as they soak in knowledge,” Afisha explains, highlighting the magic of early learning.

A new chapter began in 2021 when Afisha embraced the challenge of leading the LYNX Early Childhood Services (ECS) classroom. While passionate about environmental stewardship and familiar with nature concepts from the curriculum, Afisha candidly notes she wasn't initially drawn to extensive outdoor activity. The LYNX program, however, proved transformative for her as well. Supported by her team, she discovered the immense joy and educational value of exploring nature side-by-side with her students, finding the experience "breathtaking."

Now, Afisha enthusiastically leads explorations through Alberta’s varied natural settings – river valleys, forests, meadows, and mountains. These adventures serve as powerful, hands-on learning opportunities for the children and have unexpectedly deepened Afisha's own appreciation and understanding of her province. She witnesses daily how direct engagement with the outdoors cultivates wonder and builds essential connections between children and their environment.