Moments of Belonging: Lifelong Community

As Childpeace celebrates 50 years, we are reflecting on five decades of educators, students, and families who have shaped our community since 1976. This story is part of our Stories of Belonging project, highlighting how we help children belong to themselves, to others, and to their community. Follow this link to share a story of your own!

When software engineering executive Rachel Shields was looking for an elementary school for her daughter, Amelia, she brought both a mother’s heart and a business leader's eye to the decision.

During Amelia's time in Children's House at her previous school, Rachel had realized just how much her daughter—a quiet introvert and deep, focused learner—thrived in a Montessori environment. Amelia loved long, uninterrupted work cycles and benefited immensely from having the consistency of the same guide for three years.

When it came time to choose an elementary program, Rachel toured the local options and found exactly what they were seeking at Childpeace.

"What stood out to us was how well-run Childpeace was," Rachel recalls. "As a corporate business person, the beauty of a lovely Montessori education coupled with a well-managed organization really spoke to me."

Amelia entered Childpeace in first grade and continued through Metro Montessori Middle School, graduating in 2016. Along the way, Rachel’s own journey at Childpeace grew from parent observer to active board leader.

Creating Space for Every Parent to Belong

Rachel’s involvement began when former Board Chair Stephen Doubleday hosted a meet-and-greet for new parents. When Rachel mentioned her experience coordinating parent volunteers at Amelia’s previous school, she was quickly invited to lend her expertise. Soon after, she joined the Board of Trustees, serving as Vice President and heading the parent volunteer program for six years.

Recognizing that families lead busy, complex lives, Rachel focused on making parent participation accessible, efficient, and meaningful. She helped modernize the volunteer program by introducing digital sign-ups and expanding the ways parents could contribute.

"We really worked on surfacing opportunities that helped parents contribute without feeling like backbreaking labor—something where they felt like they were truly contributing to the community," Rachel explains. "Not everyone can chaperone a multi-day camping trip, but someone might love to make a lasagna for the teachers on an in-service day. We wanted to give a wide variety of ways for parents to connect."

Under her leadership, the school also instituted a structured Welcome Program. Experienced parents were paired with incoming families before the school year started to answer questions, host playdates, and offer coffee dates. By ensuring new families felt included immediately, Childpeace fostered a culture where everyone experienced an immediate sense of belonging.

A Front Row Seat to History

During her six-year tenure on the board, Rachel had a front-row seat to pivotal moments in the school’s growth—most notably the vision and financing required to launch Metro Montessori Middle School.

"To be on the sidelines and watch history being made by such an all-star team of staff and board members was incredibly exciting," Rachel says.

For Amelia, the continuation into middle school provided a safe, supportive runway to explore her emerging interests deeply. That foundation paid off: after high school at Grant and completing her undergraduate degree, Amelia is now finishing a dual master's degree in Archival Studies and Library Science at the University of British Columbia.

A Fire for Learning and Lifelong Connections

When reflecting on the long-term impact of a Childpeace education, Rachel sees two lasting legacies: an intrinsic love of learning and deep, unbreakable friendships.

"Childpeace fostered a genuine fire for learning," Rachel says. "It was never about working just for a grade—it was about pure motivation for the subject and wanting to explore new things."

Equally meaningful are the relationships formed during those early years. Years after middle school graduation, Amelia’s closest friends remain the classmates she met at Childpeace.

"The connections they make through 8th grade are just so strong," Rachel reflects. "Seeing those friendships endure years later is really what you want to see for your child. Childpeace simply cranks out good citizens, and I hope to see another 50 years of it."