Meet Our Educators
Meet these amazing, skilled outdoor educators on the Heading Outside Team. Find out how to work with them for your family or school learning pod.
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Jillian
Education: B.A., B.S.W., M.Ed.
Grades I Teach: JK - 6
Years of Experience: 30+
Location: Etobicoke and Parry Sound
I am a life longer learner with a passion for asking questions. Children make me happy, fill my bucket and keep me on my toes. Being outdoors, no matter where that might be, keep us all connected to each other, to our community and to the earth.
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Willah
Education: M.A. in Comparative Literature, B.A. in Romance Languages and Literature, NOLS
Grades I Teach: 4-8
Years of Experience: 4
Location: Toronto (Dovercourt)
I love baking cookies, canoeing, and reading and writing stories. I like gardening; my favourite plants to grow are sunflowers! I have a background in outdoor and nonviolent education and ESL. I can’t wait to explore the outdoors, have fun, and learn together!
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Gillian
Education: Bachelor of Physical Health and Edcuation, Forest and Nature Practitioner and Certification
Grades I Teach: Preschool - 6
Years of Experience: 35
Location: Toronto (Yonge/Lawrence)
I'm a mother of three, an Environmental Educator and Certified Forest School Practitioner. When I am not in nature teaching I can be found on the ski slopes teaching skiing or on the water as a sailing coach. I am passionate about nature and teaching in the outdoors and look forward to meeting you and becoming part of your Forest Family!
Emily
Education: Laurentian University Outdoor Adventure Leadership and Teaching Programs
Grades I Teach: K-12
Years of Experience: 5
Location: Guelph, ON
I've worked with kids of all ages in the outdoors. I love teaching people about the natural world around us, and just how exciting it can be! I have a hidden talent for super-fun outdoor games and activities, and I can't wait to head outside with you!
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Alexandra
Education: B. A. Drama in Education and Community, B. Ed. Primary/Junior
Grades I Teach: K-8
Years of Experience: 10
Location: Collingwood and Toronto
I love discovering stories that nature has to tell. I like to read, write poetry and hike in my free time. I have had lots of interesting jobs over the years. I have been a clown doctor, a library programmer, a historical interpreter and a swim instructor, just to name a few!
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Georgia
Education: Masters of Teaching (Primary/Junior), B.A. in Visual Art History and Criticism, TEFL Certification
Grades I Teach: K-6
Years of Experience: 5
Location: Toronto (Ossington/Dundas)
I'm an avid international traveler, backcountry camper and lover of nature! My inquiry-based approach to teaching outdoors has been informed by my experiences teaching English in South Korea and Taiwan. My practice is focused on special needs teaching, and I'm committed to creating safe and inclusive spaces for all learners. I would love to engage in educational gardening and play-based outdoor exploration with your child!
Leah
Education: B.A. English, B.Ed. (Intermediate/ Secondary), Masters of Education, TEFL Certification, Yoga Teacher Certification
Grades I Teach: K-12
Years of Experience: 13
Location: Toronto (East End)
I'm a positive, energized educator who focusses on holistic, nature-based teaching and learning. I enjoy helping students build confidence, take risks, ask meaningful questions, explore and make connections to and within the natural world. I recently designed/ran an outdoor education program for kids 6-10 for learning, exploring and playing in some of Toronto’s most beautiful green spaces! I love swimming, hiking, yoga, and playing in the forest with kids!
Kealin
Education: Bachelor of Early Childhood Education, currently pursuing Masters of Teaching at OISE
Grades I Teach: K-4
Years of Experience: 4
Location: Toronto (East End - Leslieville)
My favourite outdoor ed experience in my youth was visiting the nearby ravine to build shelters, make food and medicine from plants, playing games and learning to build fires. Rather than the four walls of a classroom, I was able to learn a great deal from just playing, exploring and interacting with nature. It gave me an appreciation for the important role nature plays in children’s education, and I am so excited to share this experience with your children!
Lang
Education: Ph.D. in Education, M.A. in Cultural Anthropology, Certificate in Compassionate Inquiry (Dr. Gabor Maté Institute)
Grades I Teach: K-12
Years of Experience: 2
Location: Toronto (Downtown)
Travel and multiculturalism are in my blood, thanks to my Chinese/French parents. I have taught capoeira, a community-based, musical martial art from Brazil for over 20 years. Growing up in the Ottawa Valley, the fields and forests were my friends, and I developed a sense of kinship with animals and plants that I love to share with kids! I also have a passion for reading, writing, exchanging ideas and nurturing connections with my fellow beings.
Griffin
Education: Graduate of the OISE Master of Teaching program
Grades I Teach: K-6
Years of Experience: 2 years in teaching, 4 years in Early Childhood Education
Location: Toronto (High Park)
I am passionate about integrating elements of outdoor education into as many subjects as possible. I aim to create a mindful educational experience which is respectful of intersectionalities and tries to incorporate student interest into lesson planning whenever possible!
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Jyllian
Education: RECE (early childhood education), Advanced Special Needs, Reggio Emilia
Grades I Teach: Preschool-6
Years of Experience: 15+ years
Location: Toronto/Scarborough
I am a RECE and mother of 3, with a passion for teaching, children and the outdoors. I am a nature artist, gardener, sailor, adventure traveler and lover of the earth. I embrace continuous education through many learning opportunities and ongoing professional development. I believe the land is one of the best teachers we have, and I am honored to have the opportunity to facilitate such important teachings.
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Pierre
Education: York University - M.A. (French Studies), H.B.A. (Linguistics), B.Ed. (French Immersion)
Grades I Teach: K-8
Years of Experience: 15+ years
Location: Scarborough (near East York)
I enjoy spending time outdoors exploring greenspaces in and around the city and have a keen eye for spotting wildlife. I love playing games that build gross motor and cooperative skills and complement class lessons. I believe in fostering imagination and creativity through art. My strengths are in teaching French Immersion, Physical Education and Music. I am an experienced Elementary Public-School teacher looking forward to getting some fresh air, sunshine and heading outside together!
Emily
Education: Trent University - B.S. Biology, NAI Certified, HIGH FIVE Certification
Grades I Teach: K-4
Years of Experience: 7 years
Location: North York
I love sharing the connections between ourselves and the natural world. Runoff to rivers give us tap water; over 300 species of bees pollinate our fruits and veggies; and caterpillars feed our backyard birds. All these connections and more are in our communities, and I can't wait for a chance to share more about our fascinating world with you and your family!
Rhiannon
Education: Ecosystem Management Technician Graduate, Sir Sanford Fleming College
Grades I Teach: K-8
Years of Experience: 4 years
Location: Bowmanville
I have always had a lifelong passion for conservation and wildlife and have had the opportunity to work with some incredible animals that call Ontario home. My goal is to educate youth and offer unique opportunities for hands-on learning in an outdoor environment. I am grateful to be a part of each child's learning experience, and I value what I can learn from them as well.
Darya
Education: Master of Forest Conservation, B.A. in Environmental Studies & Human Geography
Grades I Teach: K-10
Years of Experience: 3.5 years
Location: Scarborough/North York
As city-dwellers, I believe it’s important to conquer the belief that we are far and separate from a “wild” or “true” nature. I love the role that Heading Outside can play in fostering a sense of wonder and responsibility for the nature that surrounds us here in Toronto!
Shynice
Education: Bachelor of Health Science, Master of Animal Behaviour and Welfare
Grades I Teach: K-6
Years of Experience: 4 years
Location: Mississauga
I am a nature lover who enjoys meditation, hiking, reading and gardening. My experiences as a youth soccer coach, environmental educator and animal rehabilitation technician have enlightened me to the intrinsic value and connectedness of human, animal and plant life. As an educator, I strive to develop my students’ confidence and independent thinking, spark curiosity and give them opportunities to express themselves and their passions.
Find Out More
Contact us to hire one of our amazing outdoor educators for your kids or learning pod.