Sonny has been teaching and leading in indoor and outdoor education for more than 20 years. Originally from the UK and France he has had the opportunity to teach children of all ages from 3 different continents and is an OCT certified educator. Utilizing his experience in a wide variety of educational settings, he designed the learning approach and curriculum of GMA Academy, centered on blending traditional academic studies with experiential, hands-on outdoor play and learning. He is the GMA Academy Principal and whole school French Teacher.

Deanna is a multi talented educator and leader. An Ontario Certified Teacher, she specializes in early literacy, outdoor inquiry and child directed play & learning. For the past 20 years Deanna has been teaching children from the ages of 3 upwards in several different countries and educational systems, giving her an insight into different teaching & learning approaches from around the globe. Using this experience, she developed our Kindergarten & Early Learners Program at GMA Academy.

Becki’s experience as an educator is very diverse with experience teaching abroad, facilitating interactive science & animal presentations, and teaching art, music & drama. She is a trained yoga instructor and is certified in Rainbow Kids yoga instruction, providing play-based learning, focusing on movement, creativity, mindfulness and experiential education. Becki is also a Wilderness First Aid instructor with the Red Cross of Canada, training our staff and keeping everyone safe at Great Moose Adventures.

Brad has been teaching in traditional and non-traditional classrooms for the past 30 years. He is an OCT qualified educator who specializes in citizenship and character education, including co-operative skills, social studies, phys-ed, communication, behaviour management and self-esteem development. Combining his outdoor educational background with his experience as a teacher & leader, he has been designing and facilitating inquiry based education - utilizing creative, hands-on learning in an outdoor setting for academic success and personal growth.

Kristen is is an outdoor enthusiast always looking for opportunities to share and spread the love and excitement of the outdoors with students. She is a qualified OCT and has taught internationally in many diverse countries and educational systems as both a Physical Education and Outdoor Education specialist. She is a trained yoga instructor, sea kayak instructor and guide, Wilderness First Aid Responder, and is currently completing the Forest School Practitioners program with the Child and Nature Alliance of Canada. Her goal is to provide opportunities to develop a love for learning, a safe environment for allowing kids to take risks and develop a positive self-esteem and self-worth and she can't think of a better place to do it other than in the forest!

Meaghan is an OCT certified teacher with specialties in mathematics and science, and holding her additional qualifications in Special Education and Reading. She has been teaching children of all ages in various indoor and outdoor classrooms for the last 10 years, including teaching an outdoor based secondary school leadership program, team building programming in camp settings, leading wilderness canoe trips, and developing children’s programming for camps. At GMA Academy, Meaghan is the Head of the Upperschool (Grades 4-8), teaches our Intermediate Class and develops the curriculum and teaching for our Indigenous Studies & STREAM.

Jenna, a seasoned educator and nature advocate, brings years of outdoor education expertise from her time at a local YMCA summer camp. This invaluable experience enriches her teaching style, combining her OCT certification, environmental science degree, and prior work with kindergarten and elementary students. She has spent the last four years teaching in Nova Scotia and immersing herself in the province's lakes and hiking trails alongside her adventurous husband and dog. Returning to her Ontario roots at GMA Academy, Jenna aims to cultivate a love for the environment in her students.

​Kaitlin strives to create a learning environment for the students which allows their minds and character to grow, a love of nature and the outdoors and child led experiences. She has worked with children 3+ for 10 years in a variety of settings, most recently a Montessori classroom. She graduated Lakehead University and has also completed her Montessori Teacher Certification.

Michaela obtained a BEd from Nipissing University. She is OCT certified and has completed additional qualifications in Math and Special Education. She has also completed a diploma in Recreation and Leisure Services and is most at home on the lake or in the water. She has extensive experience with the Orillia Recreation Centre. She is excited to contribute to the teaching team as the Speciailist Teacher.

Kim is a Montessori kindergarten teacher with over 20 years of experience supporting the growth and development of young children. Most recently, Kim has worked extensively with both the public and catholic school boards in Simcoe County, allowing her to adapt thoughtfully to a variety of classroom settings and learning needs. Known for her calm, gentle, and responsive approach, she is committed to creating a nurturing environment where children feel safe, valued, and excited to explore, learn, and grow.

Sarah is joining us for her 3rd year as a teacher, but was a GMA camper and LIT for many years. She is currently completing her B.Ed at Nipissing University and is a qualified lifeguard with her NLS. She is an avid outdoor enthusiast and loves canoe tripping!

Laurel is a former camper, canoe tripper and leader - having grown up at Great Moose Adventures. She is currently completing a degree in kinesiology at the University or Lakehead, Thunder Bay and will be joining us this summer as our Lead Canoe Tripper. She has her NLS swimming certification, Wilderness First Aid and has been leading kids programs for many years - teaching at the Oro Forest School for many years. We look forward to having Laurel back this summer!

Emaly recently graduated from Lakehead University with her Bachelor of Education and has since obtained her Ontario College of Teachers certification. She is currently working toward additional qualifications to further strengthen her practice. Emaly brings a wide range of experience to GMA, having worked as an emergency supply teacher, camp counsellor, and tutor. She grew up playing soccer and loves spending time outdoors, which inspires much of her teaching and coaching style. Emaly is thrilled to be joining the GMA team this year and looks forward to building strong relationships with students, families, and the school community.

Hannah is an OCT certified teacher who received her Bachelor of Education and Honours Bachelor of Outdoor Recreation from Lakehead University in Thunder Bay. She has experience in leadership both in and out of the classroom, as an outdoor educator that has led a wide variety of programs for groups from ages 5 to 55 (and above). She is creative and passionate about nature, and excited for a summer full of learning and good memories.

Amber completed her teacher's college placement with us last year and has since joined our team of educators. She now has her OCT qualifications, with a B.ED from Lakehead Orillia. She is currently supply teaching for TLDSB and Rama Public School. She leads many of our school canoe trips and we are pumped she is back this summer!

Logan is an adventure loving camper who is ready to share his passion and love of nature. A GMA alumnus, he is keen to continue his life long commitment to being in the woods bonding and making memories and being on a team. Logan is excited by music, sports and time with friends and family. He is extremely grateful for this summer 2026 opportunity to continue his association with GMA.

Lukas is a GMA graduate with multiple years of summer camp experience -as a camper, LIT, CIT and canoe trip assistant guide. He currently attends St. Dominic's Catholic High School. Lukas is NLS certified and loves to carry canoes! In his spare time, you can see him on the soccer pitch, basketball court, trampoline, or playing his guitar. Lukas is excited for another fun and safe summer at Great Moose Adventures.

Alex is a former GMA student and camper who is currently attending high school at BMLSS. He has been a Counselor is training as well as an assistant teacher and is joining us for his 3rd summer. Alex is an avid canoe tripper who has completed a multitude of canoe trips with GMA as well as his family and friends. When not outside in the forest or on a lake, Alex can be found at the soccer field. Alex has been playing soccer for nearly a decade. He is a fierce centre back with a mean slide tackle. Alex also has a keen interest for everything first aid and rescue. He currently has his Standard First Aid, Remote First Aid as well as his NLS certifications and is contemplating a career in the medical field.

Leah has spent most of her last three summers at Great Moose Adventures as an LIT, CIT , and assistant teacher. Leah is returning for another summer as an assistant teacher. She is CPR, First Aid Certified and is working on her NLS credentials. Leah loves working and exploring with the campers. She is really looking forward to spending her summers helping campers love GMA as much as she does.

Callum is a former GMA Academy student and camper, spending his summers there for over a decade. Currently attending high school at BMLSS, he takes part in as many extracurricular activities as he can, including soccer and track and field. When he's not in school, Callum loves being outside. He is an experienced canoe tripper with many days under his belt. Spending so much time at Great Moose, he's done just about everything, but his favourites are field and forest games like capture the flag, wave tag, and sticks! With his Remote First Aid and NLS, Callum is well equipped to deal with a situation thrown his way. In addition to qualifications, Callum has had experience over last 2 summers and through March Break camps being a Counselor in Training and assistant teacher, with a variety of ages. Callum wants to make every camper have as much fun as he did at GMA, feeling welcome, included, and safe.