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Leah Ramalho Leadership & WILDE Friday

Leah Ramalho

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.

background & bio

Leah's Experience

Leah holds a B.Ed. from Laurentian University, where they specialized in the Outdoor Ecological Experiential Education (OEEE) program — an intensive, hands-on approach to teaching through nature-based and experiential learning. With this strong academic foundation, Leah brings a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to her roles at WILDE.

Over the years, she has taught outdoor education and recreation in a wide range of settings, including schools, camps, and conservation areas across Southern Ontario and internationally.

Whether leading nature interpretation hikes, facilitating team-building activities, or guiding wilderness skills workshops, Leah is passionate about helping students build confidence, resilience, and a lifelong connection to the natural world.

personal philosophy

Leah's Passions and Goals

Leah embraces a student-led approach, allowing curiosity and wonder to guide each learning experience.

She believes that meaningful education begins with connection — both to the natural world and to each other — and strive to create a learning environment where children feel safe, seen, and empowered to explore. By following the interests of their students, Leah fosters deeper engagement, creativity, and critical thinking.

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fun facts!

About Leah

When she’s not teaching outside, you can usually find Leah hiking local trails with her dog.

She’s currently learning to embrace winter by taking up snowboarding — one snowy tumble at a time! Indoors, she loves cozying up with a good book and a cup of hot chocolate.

Leah believes that with the right mindset, anything — from a muddy trail to a rainy day—can be turned into an adventure!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.

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.

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."

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 .

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.

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.

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.

Interested in Joining the Team at Wilde School?

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