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Olivia Damsma Substitute Teacher

Olivia Damsma

Substitute Teacher

Olivia is our Music and French teacher, who values nature's classroom through nurturing creativity, curiosity, and connection through outdoor learning.

background & bio

Olivia's Experience

With extensive experience guiding backcountry camping and outdoor education through GBCS Pursuits Program and WILDE, Olivia brings a deep passion for experiential, place-based learning. As WILDE’s Summer Camp Program Coordinator for two years and a former instructor, Olivia has helped design and lead programs that nurture resilience, leadership, and environmental stewardship. Olivia's lifelong French Immersion education from Primary all the way through University, as well as her love for music (guitar, ukulele, piano, and violin!) allows her to integrate language, creativity, and culture into every lesson. As an an avid outdoor enthusiast, Olivia believes learning thrives when students are connected to nature, community, and themselves.

personal philosophy

Olivia's Passions and Goals

Grounded, playful, and compassionate, Olivia meets students where they are—curious, capable, and full of potential. Olivia guides through exploration, music, and time in nature, helping each learner feel seen and inspired. Olivia believes educators at WILDE are mentors who nurture curiosity and connection.

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fun facts!

About Olivia

When Olivia is not teaching, she often can be found on the ski hill at Blue Mountain, or deep in the backcountry on a camping trip! As much as she loves to be outside, she values those quiet moments with a good book and a coffee (iced of course). Olivia finds balance and inspiration in the rhythms of nature and seasonal 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.

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.

Garrin Carter Substitute Teacher

Garrin

Substitute Teacher

Garrin is a passionate nature connection facilitator that uses bushcraft and survival skills to help others relate to their natural surroundings .

CD Shrack Bushcraft & Leadership & The Arts

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.

Sophie Keil Grade 7 & 8 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."

Laura Beattie Grade 2 & 3 Teacher

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 Ramalho Substitute Teacher

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.

Grace Leyshon Grade 4 & 5 Teacher

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 Peyton Administrator & Camp Director

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.

Ali Bush Director

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.

Olivia Damsma Substitute Teacher

Olivia

Substitute 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.

Carly Gurr WILDE Friday & French

Carly

WILDE Friday & French

Carly is an adventurous educator with a rich background in international development, sustainability, and leadership.

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."

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.

Curtis Shepard Grade 5 & 6 Teacher

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.

Pam Green Grade 1 & 2 Teacher

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.