Meg Dunlop
Meg brings years of extraordinary connections with kids and youth, and certified Montessori training to Freedom Collective. She is also trained in the Arrowsmith Program – a cognitive training program for students that originated in Toronto and is now a global movement for retraining the brain.
The autonomy inspired by Montessori methodology is what drew Meg into the program and keeps her coming back for more. Whether the child is in a classroom or outside, they learn who they are individually. Meg’s background in Montessori is integral to the philosophy at Freedom Collective. For Meg, Cosmic Education is the spark through which a lifelong love of learning is ignited.
Meg’s personal goal is that she is a tolerant, free-thinking, creative, fulfilled, empathetic, kind and caring citizen of the world. She has that same wish for your child.
Julie Ross
Ju-Ju Bean, as the children like to call her, is a multi-instrumentalist, a stunning singer, a talented visual artist and now an incredible part of the Freedom Collective team! Julie has been a mainstay in the Chatham-Kent music scene for over 30 years. Whether playing gigs, teaching music lessons or facilitating Songcircle - her amazing songwriting workshop and showcase for local musicians- Julie has a presence and energy that the children adore. If you don’t know this local legend, please check her out at www.julieross.ca
Lauren Uher
Lauren attended her first ever yoga class at the age of 9. Since then, yoga has been a part of her life in one way or another, whether attending classes, teaching in studios or schools, hosting virtual retreats, or guiding little ones in her mindfulness classes.
In university, courses on Buddhism and Hinduism deepened her love, appreciation and knowledge for the ancient practice of yoga a meditation.
Lauren is now a registered Social Worker in the field of children’s mental health, and often incorporates yoga philosophy into her work with kids and youth, including movement, breath work, and mindfulness. Lauren has completed her 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training as well as Level 1 and Level 2 of Trauma-informed Yoga Therapy Training.
Teaching for the kids at Freedom Collective is a dream come true for Lauren! Freedom Collective provides the space and freedom for children to listen and connect to their mind, body and spirit, and Lauren is so grateful to be a part of this!
Tiffany McNear
Tiffany has always had a passion for education and grew up in a family who loved the outdoors, it only seemed right to blend these two interests together.
Throughout her young adulthood Tiffany would spend summers camping with her family, attending Girl Guides, volunteering at day camps and community events. As an adult she worked at the Canadian Transportation Museum and Heritage Village (Kingsville, ON.) as well as the Chatham-Kent Children's Safety Village. All of which helped to cultivate Tiffany's passion for education and helping our youth thrive.
After graduating with an undergraduate in English Language and Literature at the University of Windsor, she furthered her thirst for knowledge by graduating with a Bachelors in Education. During her time as a teaching assistant she became inspired by the various styles of learning, and how each can help children flourish. She went on to take multiple practitioner courses in Forest Schools from Guelph to Windsor, as well as teaching Montessori in Chatham-Kent.
Tiffany believes in cultivating an environment of learning that allows children to express themselves fully. She believes in creativity, kindness, endless curiosity, and inspiring an adoration for the pursuit of knowledge.
Jessica Mitchell
As a new member of the Freedom Collective family, Jessica Mitchell brings forth an enthusiasm for dynamic learning. Since completion of her degree from the University of Windsor (1996), Jessica has gained experience within both school boards working as an Independent Behaviour Modifying associate, site specific in association with "Rain & Shine Behavioural Counselling".
In this capacity, Jessica worked in tandem with teachers to develop and implement independent means and methods to help students who find the classroom environment challenging. During this time, Jessica found that a sensory-based, child-led teaching approach was absolutely successful as well as readily embraced by those students it served.
Jessica continued her education at St. Clair College, Chatham Campus in the first ever presentation of the "Autism and Behaviour Science" course, expanding her teaching and learning methodology.
It is the Montessori based mindfulness approach to teaching, that has brought Jessica to us!
"With every question a child asks, they are opening a door and inviting us to ignite our own imagination and to help them learn through authenticity, inclusivity and confidence. Freedom Collective offers an air of excitement as soon as you see it! The 78 forested acres, as well as the stunning schoolhouse offer any and every student the chance to dip their toes and create an educational ripple that they will cherish going forward!"