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Diane Niec Kindergarten Teacher

Diane Niec

Kindergarten Teacher

Diane is a multifaceted educator who combines her diverse skills to offer a uniquely immersive and creative learning experience.

background & bio

Diane's 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.

personal philosophy

Diane's Passions and Goals

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.

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fun facts!

About Diane

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!

the wildE school team

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.

Brayden-Plummer-Blue-Mountains-Wild-School-Faculty

Firstname

Position Title

Introduction to staff member.

Pam Green Educator

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.

Jeff Barrett Founder & Executive Director

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.

Brayden Plummer Director of Education

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.

CD Shrack Teacher

CD

Grade 4 & 5 Teacher

CD is a teacher and lifelong learner who inspires students through exploration, hands-on experiences, and opportunities to become well rounded, capable humans.

Leah Ramalho Leadership & WILDE Friday

Leah

Leadership & WILDE Friday Director & Occasional Teacher

Leah is a dedicated outdoor educator with a strong background in environmental education and a deep commitment to connecting children with nature.

Leah Peyton Program Director

Leah

Program Director / 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.

Ali Bush Director of Teaching and Learning / Teacher

Ali

Director of Teaching and Learning / Teacher

Ali inspires her students to be engaged, critical thinkers and creative problem solvers through her interactive teaching approach, deeply rooted in respect for the environment and a passion for healthy active living.

Olivia Damsma Music & French Teacher

Olivia

Music/French Teacher

Olivia is our Music and French teacher, who values nature's classroom through nurturing creativity, curiosity, and connection through outdoor learning.

Curtis Shepard Educator & Summer Adventurer

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.

Maria Hodgkinson Kindergarten EA

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."

Dave Bus Driver

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.

Garrin Carter Naturalist and Bushcraft Instructor

Garrin

Naturalist and Bushcraft Instructor

Garrin is a passionate nature connection facilitator that uses bushcraft and survival skills to help others relate to their natural surroundings .

Shelagh McKee Occasional and French Teacher

Shelagh

Grade 2 & 3 Teacher

Shelagh is an educator with experience teaching students all over the globe.

Diane Niec Kindergarten Teacher

Diane

Kindergarten Teacher

Diane is a multifaceted educator who combines her diverse skills to offer a uniquely immersive and creative learning experience.

Sophie Keil Teacher

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."

Interested in Joining the Team at Wilde School?

Empower the leaders of tomorrow and make a lasting difference in the world of education.