Toddler Room Educator
Melissa is a Toddler Room Educator who creates a warm, nurturing environment where young children feel safe, supported, and inspired to explore.
As a Toddler Room Educator at Wilde, Melissa is passionate about creating a warm, nurturing environment where young children feel safe, supported, and inspired to explore. With a background in psychology and child development, she believes that some of the most meaningful learning happens through play, strong relationships, and a deep connection to the world around us. Her approach centres on meeting children where they are, encouraging their natural curiosity, and helping them grow with confidence, compassion, and a strong sense of belonging.
Her connection to Wilde is also deeply personal. Her family has been part of the Wilde community since its earliest days at Kimbercote, making her role with Wilde's youngest learners especially meaningful. She is grateful to help create a space where children can learn, play, explore, and grow while surrounded by the values at the heart of Wilde: connection, curiosity, compassion, adventure, and care.
As a mom of three, she brings both personal and professional experience to her role, along with a genuine appreciation for the wonder, energy, and individuality of young children. Outside of Wilde, she and her husband share a lifelong commitment to caring for animals. Together, they have rescued and fostered more than 50 dogs and hundreds of wild animals, giving them a second chance while instilling those same values of kindness, empathy, and stewardship in their own children.
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.
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.
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."
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."
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.
Diane
Kindergarten Teacher
Diane is a multifaceted educator who combines her diverse skills to offer a uniquely immersive and creative learning experience.
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.
Garrin
Substitute Teacher
Garrin is a passionate nature connection facilitator that uses bushcraft and survival skills to help others relate to their natural surroundings .
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.
Carly
WILDE Friday & French
Carly is an adventurous educator with a rich background in international development, sustainability, and leadership.
Melissa
Toddler Room Educator
Melissa is a Toddler Room Educator who creates a warm, nurturing environment where young children feel safe, supported, and inspired to explore.
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
Substitute Teacher
Olivia is our Music and French teacher, who values nature's classroom through nurturing creativity, curiosity, and connection through outdoor learning.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Interested in Joining the Team at Wilde School?
Empower the leaders of tomorrow and make a lasting difference in the world of education.