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.
Laura holds a Master of Arts in Popular Music and Culture and an Honors Bachelor of Arts in Popular Music Studies and Film Studies, both from The University of Western Ontario. She is a longtime singer/songwriter (vocals, guitar, and piano) and performing musician. Laura's classroom will always have a guitar in it! After working in music, media, and design for a decade, Laura decided to pursue teaching to share her passion for lifelong learning with children. She went back to school when her daughter was 15 months old, and completed her teacher's education program online through SUNY Potsdam.
Laura's favourite part about this career change is connecting with students and supporting their passions. She has had the opportunity to teach across all grades in both Bluewater District School Board and Simcoe County District School Board. Through her experiences, Laura has seen the need for students to get outside, unplug, and connect with the world around them. When she discovered WILDE, visited the school, and met with the team, it felt like a perfect fit.
Laura lives in Collingwood with her husband, daughter, and their dog -- an adventurous vizsla named Cleo! When she's not teaching, you can find Laura playing guitar and singing at home, running on local trails, hiking with her family, kayaking and paddleboarding at her family's cottage on the Bruce Peninsula, or skiing at Blue Mountain. She and her husband have also completed some beautiful backcountry hiking trips, with highlights including the Berg Lake Trail in BC, and along the fjord in Saguenay, QC. Laura feels that we are so blessed to be living in such a beautiful part of Canada, and it's important that we both enjoy and respect it.
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.
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 .
Laura
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
Diane
Kindergarten Teacher
Diane is a multifaceted educator who combines her diverse skills to offer a uniquely immersive and creative learning experience.
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."
Interested in Joining the Team at Wilde School?
Empower the leaders of tomorrow and make a lasting difference in the world of education.