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Leah Peyton Program Director

Leah Peyton

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.

background & bio

Leah's Experience

Leah Peyton is the Program Director at WILDE, where her love for outdoor learning and connection to nature shape every part of the school experience. With a Child and Youth Care diploma and years spent working alongside young people, Leah is passionate about helping students grow through curiosity, adventure, and hands-on exploration.

Her journey has taken her from leading programs in underprivileged communities in India and Brazil to facilitating outdoor education and leadership with Tim’s Foundation Camps. She’s spent countless seasons at summer camps—directing programs, guiding trips, and creating spaces where kids can feel confident, capable, and inspired.

Leah’s love for adventure has also led her west, where she spent time in British Columbia working with a sea kayaking company and living in the heart of Alberta’s Rocky Mountains—experiences that deepened her respect for the land and her belief in the power of outdoor learning.

With deep roots in camping and outdoor education, Leah brings a spirit of adventure and compassion to everything she does. At WILDE, she’s committed to weaving the WILDE Way into every part of students’ lives—helping them learn not just about the world, but through it.

personal philosophy

Leah's Passions and Goals

Leah’s programming style is rooted in connection, curiosity, and care. She creates hands-on, nature-based experiences that inspire confidence, teamwork, and self-discovery. Balancing structure with freedom, Leah meets each child where they are—encouraging exploration and reflection. Above all, she wants every child to feel seen, valued, and successful in their own unique way.

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fun facts!

About Leah

Leah is a creator at heart—she loves crafting, designing, and bringing new ideas to life. When she’s not reading or organizing her ever-growing lists, you’ll find her camping, exploring nature, or helping out at events. She finds inspiration through a handmade project, a good book, or time spent outdoors. For Leah, joy comes from making, learning, and sharing those experiences with others. She feels life’s best moments mix creativity, connection, and a little wanderlust along the way!

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.

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.

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.

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."

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 .

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.

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.

Shelagh McKee Occasional and French Teacher

Shelagh

Grade 2 & 3 Teacher

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Interested in Joining the Team at Wilde School?

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