Kindergarten Teacher
Diane is a multifaceted educator who combines her diverse skills to offer a uniquely immersive and creative learning experience.
Diane is a graduate of the University of Windsor with a degree in Musical Theatre and a Bachelor of Education. She pursued her theatrical passion performing and touring with Theatre Gargantua, a physical theatre company that creates original work.
Diane enjoyed 20 years of creative growth with the company, facilitating school workshops and even enjoying a performance run at the Royal Alexandra Theatre! During this time Diane completed her Pilates and yoga certifications and started working as a private and class instructor around the city.
She also grew her musicianship by joining Univox Choir and being part of the worship team at St. Paul’s Anglican Church.
Diane then drew on her education background and taught at Gradale Academy - a school located at the Don Valley Brickworks. For ten years Diane taught primary grades where she used her passions and musical talents to implement the school’s first ukulele program, document the school year through photography, and direct the schools’ concerts and presentations.
It was there that Diane discovered her passion for teaching in an outdoor environment. Watching the children gain confidence, respect and resilience from exploring and participating in outdoor learning brings a smile to her heart.
Diane's teaching philosophy is deeply rooted in integrating her diverse passions for music, performing arts, and physical wellness into fostering a creative and immersive outdoor learning environment.
By harnessing her theatrical background and love for the outdoors, she aims to encourage confidence, respect, and resilience among her students, adding a unique dimension to their educational experience.
Diane moved up to the Blue Mountains area from downtown Toronto in 2020 and has never looked back. She is an educator, theatre performer, Pilates and yoga instructor, first-time dog owner and a wellness and outdoor enthusiast!
It is in this spirit that Diane is thrilled to join the community of like-minded individuals at BMWS!
Meet Our Team & Faculty
The exceptional and diverse team at WILDE School Blue Mountains is committed to transforming education through a mix of traditional and innovative strategies. We believe in every child's potential and guide them to become lifelong learners and future leaders.
Firstname
Position Title
Introduction to staff member.
Brayden
Director of Education
After getting over kicking himself for not starting something like WILDE School 20 years ago, Brayden is honoured to be a leading member of the WILDE team.
Ali
Director
Ali is an educational leader and one of the driving forces behind Wilde School Blue Mountains. At the heart of her work is a deeply personal goal: to help build the kind of school she wants her own children to grow up in.
CD
Bushcraft & Leadership & The Arts
CD is a teacher and lifelong learner who inspires students through exploration, hands-on experiences, and opportunities to become well rounded, capable humans.
Grace Leyshon
Grade 4 & 5 Teacher
Grace is an Ontario Certified Teacher who believes in the power of curiosity. She loves to support the unique strengths of her students, encouraging creativity and courage throughout the learning process.
Curtis
Grade 5 & 6 Teacher
Curtis’s own lifelong learning goals and experiences thus far have embedded in him a sense of wonder that he seeks to share with his students.
Laura
Grade 2 & 3 Teacher
Laura is a creative and driven educator who believes in the power of curiosity. She loves to facilitate the unique strengths and passions of her students, encouraging creativity and courage throughout the learning process.
Carly
WILDE Friday & French
Carly is an adventurous educator with a rich background in international development, sustainability, and leadership.
Maria
Kindergarten EA
"Hi, I’m Maria! I strive to help kids discover confidence and curiosity through outdoor learning. I love being part of an environment that supports growth, and I aim to build strong, supportive connections with students and staff."
Pam
Grade 1 & 2 Teacher
Passionate about sustainability, creativity, and adventure, Pam brings learning to life through exploration, foraging, and connecting with the land. She also shares her love of horses, weaving stories and lessons from her lifelong journey.
Leah
Administrator & Camp Director
Leah is a creative and passionate person focused on outdoor learning and weaving the WILDE way into every part of children’s lives—both inside and beyond WILDE.
Garrin
Substitute Teacher
Garrin is a passionate nature connection facilitator that uses bushcraft and survival skills to help others relate to their natural surroundings .
Sophie
Grade 7 & 8 Teacher
"I strive to empower students as critical thinkers and independent learners, encouraging them to follow their interests while supporting their unique academic needs."
Dave
The Wilde Bus Driver
Dave is the beloved driver of The Wilde Bus, known for his unwavering reliability, friendly demeanour, and the profound trust he has earned from both the parents and children of our school community.
Leah
Substitute Teacher
Leah is a dedicated outdoor educator with a strong background in environmental education and a deep commitment to connecting children with nature.
Jeff
Founder & Executive Director
Jeff is the visionary founder of WILDE School Blue Mountains, with a rich background in outdoor education and ecotourism, dedicated to fostering a new generation of passionate, educated changemakers through meaningful educational experiences.
Diane
Kindergarten Teacher
Diane is a multifaceted educator who combines her diverse skills to offer a uniquely immersive and creative learning experience.
Olivia
Substitute Teacher
Olivia is our Music and French teacher, who values nature's classroom through nurturing creativity, curiosity, and connection through outdoor learning.
Interested in Joining the Team at Wilde School?
Empower the leaders of tomorrow and make a lasting difference in the world of education.