Meet Our Team

I was an Executive leader for non-profits and the public education system for over 25 years; and I hold an international certificate in fundraising (CFRE).

My son graduated from the Shambhala School due to the care, skill and kindness of the school’s teachers and the learning environment they create. I am very committed to helping the school grow so we can offer this amazing educational experience to many other students!”

I have an Advanced Diploma in Event Management and a diploma in Human Services. I’ve held various leadership positions, including Executive Director, Program Manager and Event Coordinator in the non-profit sector. I’ve also worked in social services with at-risk youth, and in mental health. I have a certification in Heart and Mind Conflict Transformation, and I’m a meditation instructor.

My two children attend the Shambhala School, in both the Elementary and Upper School. My husband is a Shambhala School alumnus, who attended the school from it’s very first year through to grade twelve. Appreciation for the school runs deep in our family. The school culture and curriculum inspires confidence and enjoyment of learning where students feel comfortable to take risks, and engage with their curiosity. Whether that’s exploration of fine art, applied science, or contemplating and discussing complex social issues. Children are not simply taught to reiterate facts, but how to make meaning and explore possibilities.

BA Religious Studies, Certified Mindfulness Instructor for 20 years, teacher at Shambhala since 2004. Author “Teaching With Bravery: Meditation and Heart Advice for Teachers.”

Learning in its fullest sense is a process of connection between teachers and students. It combines nurturing the heart and the intellect, as well as serious purpose and a sense of play. It’s a wonderful and mutual experience.
For me, Shambhala School is a place to help build a model for education infused with the philosophy of natural goodness. It’s deeply inspiring to see young people learn to trust themselves and relax into who they are. Small classes, mindfulness practices, and the whole school culture allow this to happen. The teachers spend a ton of time contemplating each student and how to support them.

I have two children at Shambhala School. I like tea, books, cookies, and tigers.

B.A. English and History, B. Ed., teaching for 16 years in both independent and public schools.

I get to spend my days with wonderful people. I like to present curriculum in a variety of ways to present each student with the opportunity to shine. I strongly support the pillars on which the school is built. I hope the work I do here helps foster kind and strong individuals who are stewards of the natural world.

I have one daughter who is a criminal defense lawyer working with a mainly indigenous population in Northern Manitoba. My husband is a fabulous cook and the kindest person I know.

Managed both nonprofit and for-profit businesses.

One of the things I have always loved about Shambhala is the continuity. The flow from grades PP to 12 is very well thought out. Shambhala offers a learning experience very different from other schools that I support whole-heartedly.

My two sons are Shambhala Grads; Trey attended from Grade 2-12 and John attended from Primary-12.

Degree in early childhood education from Mount St. Vincent University and 35+ years of teaching experience.

I love the vibrancy & curiosity of young children and developing a community with the children, their parents & teachers. I teach at the Shambhala School because it embraces experiential and developmentally appropriate learning. It respects diversity of all kinds. It demonstrates mindfulness and kindness. It creates a safe environment for students to explore and thrive.

I am a mother of 3 grown children, grandmother of 2. I enjoy reading, cooking and eating plant-based meals. I enjoy knitting, crocheting, sewing, walking in the woods, and spending time on the beach.

Early Childhood Education at Nova Scotia Teachers College.

Working with young children is one of the most rewarding, fulfilling experiences. Fostering and encouraging children’s minds through daily activities brings me joy. I love Shambhala for its sense of community throughout the whole school from pre-primary to grade 12.

Our daughter has been at Shambhala starting in pre-primary and is now in grade 9. My hobbies include running, biking, and being with my family.

Queen’s University (History) degree, Ontario College of Art and Design (Visual Art), Early Childhood education, currently studying Waldorf education.

I believe in creating a nurturing and supportive environment to foster children’s exploration of their world. Teachers at Shambhala School see and nurture the unique qualities in each child and help them to incorporate these qualities into a social group. The combination of seeing both forest AND trees encourages social and emotional growth and resilience.

My 2 children have been at Shambhala school since pre-primary. I love reading, drawing, and painting.

BA Music Therapy, Enki Contemplative Teacher Training Program, Founding teacher Elementary school, Certified Mindfulness Instructor.

I love educating children to become well-rounded adults, intelligent with their minds and hearts. Keeping open capacities by learning through the arts is something I believe we do really well! I love making sure children have time to play outside and have opportunities to experience wilderness.

I have two adult children, both of whom attended Shambhala School, and one grandchild. I sing in the Kings Chorus and enjoy hiking and kayaking.

Bachelor of Education & Bachelor of Recreation.

At the heart of my teaching philosophy is the knowledge that positive energy in the classroom enables student success both in their academics and their personal growth. I appreciate the freedom I have to be creative in the classroom and that time is given to educate the whole child (social, emotional, and academic).

I love to craft and bake.

BA at Trent University, Waldorf Early Childhood Teacher Training at the Rudolf Steiner Center of Toronto.

I teach from a place of trust in the journey of each child. I love how as I get to know each child, they teach me what they need and how to meet that need. I strive to create opportunities for children to develop their capacities of imagination, compassion, emotional awareness, and physical development.

I find the parents and faculty at the Shambhala school to be very
supportive and I enjoy the community that we all build together. I love watching the children grow up as they move on through the grades.

I grew up in Nova Scotia and attended the Shambhala school myself from grades 5-9. I have a daily meditation practice, connect very deeply with the natural world, engage in water protection and indigenous solidarity work in my free time, am in the process of painting my own Tarot deck, and love to dance.

Amanda is one of our Primary teachers and also frequently leads yoga with the Pre-Primary class and substitutes in other elementary grades.

Currently training with the Rudolf Steiner Centre of Toronto in Professional Development for Waldorf Early Childhood Teachers, having completed the Foundations Studies program. 2015 graduate of the East Coast Institute for Studies in Anthroposophy – Early Years Program. Certified Children’s Yoga teacher.

I have a deep passion and respect for the magic of early childhood. A secure and healthy foundation is the key to a child flourishing through the rest of their educational journey. Being able to be a part of nurturing the younger members of the school community is a joy and an honour.

Shambhala School is truly a school like no other. Our unique offering of a play-based curriculum in the early years is what I truly believe to be the best support to the young child. Our school nurtures the child’s whole being. I deeply value the emphasis on time in nature, and the support of social and emotional aspects of growth.

I have been a parent and volunteer at the Shambhala School since 2011, when my oldest daughter started grade 7 at the school. My family chose Shambhala School in the hopes of finding a warm, supporting middle school experience for our daughters, and proceeded to fall deeply in love with all the school had to offer. My two oldest daughters went through their middle and high school years at Shambhala School, and I currently have two children in elementary grades at the school.

Waldorf Grades Teacher Certification. Taught with the Waldorf curriculum in Independent Schools in Ontario, New Brunswick, British Columbia and Nova Scotia.

I have a deep love of Waldorf Education, as the learning process is essentially threefold, engaging head, heart, and hands‚ or thinking, feeling, and doing. I am blessed as a Waldorf teacher to work, nurture and engage each child, through a curriculum and methodology that integrates academics, arts, and practical skills. Shambhala School offers a culture wherein the whole child is considered and nurtured in their education.

In my spare time, I enjoy practicing yoga.

B.A. English and History, B. Ed., teaching for 16 years in both independent and public schools.

I get to spend my days with wonderful people. I like to present curriculum in a variety of ways to present each student with the opportunity to shine. I strongly support the pillars on which the school is built. I hope the work I do here helps foster kind and strong individuals who are stewards of the natural world.

I have one daughter who is a criminal defense lawyer working with a mainly indigenous population in Northern Manitoba. My husband is a fabulous cook and the kindest person I know.

Jazz voice & piano, Mohawk College. Taught Basic Keyboard and first-year Jazz Harmony.

I have been a touring musician since age 15 and have performed all over the world. I am lead vocalist, piano, mandolin and 12 string guitar player for the band Signal Hill., as well as a drummer, and a songwriter and big band arranger with several top 10 east coast countdown singles as a solo artist.

I enjoy hiking, swimming, kayaking and biking and snowmobiling with my two children, both Shambhala students. On vacation, I enjoy taking part of the Via Rail Artist on Board program to travel and perform across the country by train.

I began teaching Physical Education in 1967 and since that time, have taught both Physical Education and in the classroom for all grades, from Primary through to Grade 12.

I have a passion to teach. During Physical Education classes, students are encouraged to play safely and have fun. The physical components of the learning environment include improving physical strength and cardiovascular endurance. The mental, social and emotional goals of the educational process include encouraging participation, emphasizing cooperation, and improving confidence while developing the knowledge and skills to enjoy a lifetime of healthy physical activity.

I am impressed with Shambhala’s core values as outlined in the Walforf philosophy of education. Learning is a process of engaging the heart as we feel, the head as we think and the hands as we do. Students are encouraged to learn how to take an active role in their own education thus producing well-rounded individuals. Outside of school, I also enjoy writing and singing.

Bachelor of Arts with honours in Theatre and English from Dalhousie University, Bachelor of Education from Queen’s University’s Artist in Community Education Program, Educator of k-8 French, 5-8 Art, 3-8 Drama and K-8 Music at Tawingo College for 5 years. Program Coordinator at Tawingo Outdoor Centre for 1 year.

As a teacher, I have the privilege of directly working with many children as they learn more about themselves, the others around them, and the world in which they live in. My students bring me joy, inspiration, and pride on a daily basis. In return, I strive to be a positive support for them in their development, to infuse their lessons with creativity, care and compassion, and to help inspire a genuine delight and love of learning. At the Shambhala School, we foster creativity and celebrate curiosity. Our students are offered a safe space to be themselves, There is so much joy, kindness, and love all around. It begins inside the school walls and flows out into the community. Care and compassion are integral parts of the Shambhala School culture. It’s a magical place.

Aside from teaching at the Shambhala School, I am also a photographer, musician, actor and artist.

BFA Ceramics. 24 years of teaching experience; 21 at the Shambhala School.

I love the students. I approach each student as an artist and encourage them to trust themselves, open to the materials they are using and be creative. I love the school. Both of my sons attended grades 7-12 and graduated from here. All of our graduates are leaders when they walk out of our doors after graduation, with great confidence to follow their interests and passions. I like being an influence on their development and in their lives.

I am a studio potter and a long-time student of Chado (Japanese Tea Ceremony). I have 2 sons and a wonderful husband who is a professional photographer.

B.Sc in Biology, M.Sc in Biology, Dalhousie University. Teaching experience includes introductory biology labs, diversity of life, developmental biology, economic botany, and leadership in science. Conducted campus-wide workshops on pedagogy, including topics of educational leadership, and the importance of ethnic and gender diversity in the classroom at Dalhousie’s Centre for Learning and Teaching, After having served as a judge for the Halifax Sci-Tech Expo and the Canada Wide Science Fair, I am delighted to have begun establishing our Science Fair program here at Shambhala!

Shambhala is a school of embracement, compassion, exploration, and a wholesome appreciation for one’s self, those around us, and the universe in which we share. It is a place where I can contribute my love of knowledge and mentorship with our generations of the future, to embolden their individualities, to play an everlasting part in their limitless potential.

I really enjoy traveling and being immersed in other cultures. I have worked on nature conservation projects in Costa Rica and South Africa and studied Baroque culture in the Czech Republic. I love the performing arts. I’ve been in many musical productions, dinner theatres, and sing in a quartet. In my spare time, I enjoy reef keeping and playing musical instruments.

BA English Literature, BEd Secondary English and Social Studies. I have taught in Hong Kong and for the Province of Nova Scotia, and was Director of Big Cove YMCA Camp for 8 years.

Loved and nurtured youth will not only be successful and emotionally prepared for life, but will lead in their own way, loving and nurturing the world. This school encourages students to awaken, be mindful and enjoy each moment. The love of learning and school community are top priorities here.

I have two sons who are students at Shambhala School. I love going camping, canoeing, biking and everything outdoors! When I have quiet time I enjoy writing, reading and listening to my vinyl records.

As a fairly new teacher, I am fortunate to have a diverse background of teaching experience, having taught in China, Calgary, and Halifax.  In China, I taught ESL to students from grades 6-9 focusing on conversational english and speaking skills.  When I moved back to Canada, I took on the Calgary public school system teaching grade 7 math, science, history, and English to a group of students with diverse learning challenges and strengths.  I substituted in the Halifax public system before joining the Shambhala School team. One of my goals as a teacher is to instill compassion in the world around us, and give students opportunities to think critically, explore their curiosities, and embrace challenges with an open mind.  Learning should never be just about learning facts and memorizing information.  Youth, and adults for that matter, need to have chances to explore ideas and topics beyond the pages of worksheets and the screens of computers.  In my classroom, we try to achieve this through outdoor activities, experimentation and lab work, class discussions, documentaries, and whatever other ways I can think of or borrow from other teachers. I began teaching at Shambhala School because it seemed like the perfect fit for a teacher looking to join a community that is compassionate, caring and open-minded, which for me is the basis of being able to be happy in the classroom. I’m Nova Scotian, born and raised in the Annapolis Valley. I am a hopeful photographer, with publications in Canadian Geographic and other print media.

BA Religious Studies, Certified Mindfulness Instructor for 20 years, teacher at Shambhala since 2004. Author “Teaching With Bravery: Meditation and Heart Advice for Teachers.”

Learning in its fullest sense is a process of connection between teachers and students. It combines nurturing the heart and the intellect, as well as serious purpose and a sense of play. It’s a wonderful and mutual experience.
For me, Shambhala School is a place to help build a model for education infused with the philosophy of natural goodness. It’s deeply inspiring to see young people learn to trust themselves and relax into who they are. Small classes, mindfulness practices, and the whole school culture allow this to happen. The teachers spend a ton of time contemplating each student and how to support them.

I have two children at school. I like tea, books, cookies, and tigers.

Masters in Teaching, Griffith University. Developed multiple sailing programs dedicated to the development of leadership, confidence, and self-reliance in youth aged 12-18. Established the first independent high-school aboard a Canadian-registered tall ship.

I love identifying and nurturing the potential of young people while playing a role in helping them become the best versions of themselves. On a daily basis, I enjoy making their learning experience challenging, yet joyful. I want each and every student to feel safe and welcome in class and I want them to look forward to coming to school each day. The Shambhala School is a place of warmth, caring, and acceptance. Our students understand that, live, and practice it. I love Shambhala because at every staff meeting I can see how much teachers care about the students, how much time and thought they invest in providing exceptional learning experiences for each individual student.

I have two boys, age 7 and 18 months. We snowboard every weekend in the winter and this summer we look forward to sailing in the warmer months. I also enjoy writing, woodworking and making art.

BSc in Geology and Business Studies from Saint Mary’s University, MSc in Earth Science from the University of Iceland, PhD in Volcanology and Geochemistry from the University of Victoria. Before joining the Shambhala School in 2020, I spent 8 years teaching university science courses  at the universities mentioned above.  I love sharing my passion for learning. Math and science allow us to explore the world around us in so many ways, with reasoning and problem solving skills. I also like to include creativity in our exploration of math and science concepts.  I am an avid knitter and enjoy exploring Nova Scotia with my husband.

Université Libre de Bruxelles, U of Toronto, U de Montréal, Mount Saint Vincent U (BEd)

I love creating situations where children have the opportunity to learn and grow in a safe and structured environment. Whether it is managing the French classroom or coaching Lego Robotics, my goal is to provide opportunities for children to be creative and problem-solve together. It is a privilege to see the ‘Ah-Ha!’ moments children experience. I appreciate the opportunity to meet each child where they are and tailor the curriculum to meet their needs. This is my 25th year at the Shambhala School and the flexibility and freedom that we experience here are very rewarding. I have also coached Lego Robotics for 8 years now and I am regularly amazed by the children’s accomplishments.

I love to dance, hike along the shore, sail, and snorkel in warm places.

Jazz voice & piano, Mohawk College. Taught Basic Keyboard and first-year Jazz Harmony.

I have been a touring musician since age 15 and have performed all over the world. I am lead vocalist, piano, mandolin and 12 string guitar player for the band Signal Hill., as well as a drummer, and a songwriter and big band arranger with several top 10 east coast countdown singles as a solo artist.

I enjoy hiking, swimming, kayaking and biking and snowmobiling with my two children, both Shambhala students. On vacation, I enjoy taking part of the Via Rail Artist on Board program to travel and perform across the country by train.

Professional Artist – Social Sculptor, Educator, Certified Mindfulness Instructor, Facilitator and Community Maker for 25 years plus.

I love working with youth as they are perpetually blossoming, radiating with an openness and eagerness to see, understand, and embrace the world around them. I feel very fortunate to teach at Shambhala as its philosophy and practices are based on the true essence of open mind and kind heart, parallel to my own personal values.

I have a son and a daughter who give me lots of experience thinking outside the box, an awesome doggie Jojo and two silly kitties. I live between Halifax and rural N.S. where I work endless hours in my studio and on the land, and where I run a collective gallery, The Swan, in Lunenburg.

MA in Transpersonal Counseling Psychology, focusing on Wilderness Therapy from Naropa University.

Foundationally, I love supporting people to explore connections within themselves, each other and the natural world. Teaching Phys Ed at Shambala, I can connect with students in a different way. Not only am I able to reach students who may struggle with other classes, but I also engage all students with their bodies in a fun and healthy way. Some of the most lasting lessons in my own life came from athletics and sports teams in which I participated. In my PE classes at the Shambhala School, we learn a variety of sports,  teamwork, creative strategy, personal kinesthetic literacy, resilience, and healthy boundaries, as well as “kind competition.”

I love rock climbing, Tai Chi, making music, bushcraft, fly fishing, sports, playing with my kids and wife, rich discussions, playing in the snow, adventuring, making art near our wood stove on cold winter days and a good challenge.