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.
Laura is a certified educator with the Ontario College of Teachers, holding qualifications in the Primary, Junior, and Intermediate divisions as well as additional qualifications in Special Education and Intermediate English. She 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. During her time at Western, Laura was a Teacher's Assistant, delivering lectures and holding office hours for undergraduate students. She was also the Editor of an academic film journal called Kino. Laura is a longtime singer/songwriter (vocals, guitar, and piano) and performing musician. Laura's classroom will always have a guitar in it! After university, Laura worked for her family's business, a furniture and home decor store in Collingwood, while staying involved with the local Arts scene. Through this time, Laura gained experience in business management and communications, and even obtained certification in Interior Design. After working in design, media, and music 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. Several years later, she has had the opportunity to teach across all grades in both Bluewater District School Board and Simcoe County District School Board. She has also taught at Little House Montessori School in Collingwood, as well as private music lessons through the Collingwood School of Music.
Laura's favourite part about this career change is connecting with students and supporting their passions. While teaching Grade 7 and 8 Music in Flesherton, she started a Songwriting and Poetry Club for students to explore their own creativity, and hopes to bring something of this nature to WILDE! Aside from the Arts, Laura is passionate about getting outside to appreciate and connect with nature. 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.
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.
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.
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.
Diane
Kindergarten Teacher
Diane is a multifaceted educator who combines her diverse skills to offer a uniquely immersive and creative learning experience.
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.
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.
Garrin
Substitute Teacher
Garrin is a passionate nature connection facilitator that uses bushcraft and survival skills to help others relate to their natural surroundings .
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.
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.
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.
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."
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."
Olivia
Substitute Teacher
Olivia is our Music and French teacher, who values nature's classroom through nurturing creativity, curiosity, and connection through outdoor learning.
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.
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.
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.
Carly
WILDE Friday & French
Carly is an adventurous educator with a rich background in international development, sustainability, and leadership.
Interested in Joining the Team at Wilde School?
Empower the leaders of tomorrow and make a lasting difference in the world of education.