At HomeLearners Network (HLN), we believe learning is most powerful when it’s engaging, hands-on and connected to real life. That’s why our guides bring not only their expertise, but also their passions, life experiences and creativity to every activity.
We’re thrilled to welcome two adventurous new guides, Lee Ann and Walter, who are ready to spark curiosity, celebrate individuality, and make learning memorable for your kids.
We sat down with Lee Ann and Walter to learn more about their journeys and what they’re excited to share with kids in their HLN activities!
¡Hola! and Bonjour, Lee Ann!
Meet Lee Ann, our language-loving guide who brings a unique blend of global experience and farm life wisdom to HLN!
Right after high school, Lee Ann moved to Mexico to dive into language learning, later spending time in Quebec before returning to Latin America! Today, she lives just outside of Calgary on a mini farm with sheep, goats and chickens. There, she enjoys swimming, arts and crafts, blowing bubbles and exploring nature!
Since 2011, Lee Ann has been teaching both online and in-person across a wide range of subjects from K-12, including French, Spanish, English, Physical Education, beginner music, foods and art! Her adventures in Mexico and Quebec led her to a Bachelor of Arts in French and Spanish with a minor in Linguistics.
“I truly believe we are all learners and can all learn,” says Lee Ann about her teaching philosophy. “Teaching and learning happen every day, everywhere!” This belief shines through in her activities, where she loves creating inclusive environments in which every kiddo feels valued.
Lee Ann’s funniest teaching moment happened while teaching an online class, when one of her learners had to sign off suddenly because their goat was having babies!
Drawing inspiration from her parents, who live just down the road, Lee Ann learned hands-on skills from her dad’s love of building and farming, while her mom taught her how women can be both strong and gentle.
Lee Ann is excited to bring French and Spanish activities to HLN, helping your kiddo build vocabulary and language skills together with other home learners! She’s also planning activities that include growing plants, raising animals, practicing permaculture, and creating food and art!
Sign up for an awesome activity with Lee Ann!
Meet Walter: Playful Energy + Big Heart
Meet Walter (Wally), our quirky, fun-loving guide who’s bringing his infectious energy and creativity to HLN all the way from his new home in Bolivia! Walter is a devoted dad and self-proclaimed nerd who has spent the last three years teaching social studies and English to middle schoolers in Langley.
“I especially connect with kids who think outside the box and anyone who doesn’t fit the typical middle mould,” says Walter, who understands that being a kid can be hard. “Every learner needs a teacher who genuinely cares!”
Before becoming a teacher, Walter studied business, travelled the world and helped organizations with online communication. He switched to teaching because he found it more fulfilling to work directly with kids, helping them develop essential skills like communication, critical thinking, empathy and conflict resolution. “When you see a lot of the world and its problems, you start to realize that our only hope is in young people,” he says.
Walter’s approach to teaching is centred on relationships. “The best teachers I’ve ever had were the ones who actually cared about me and connected on a personal level,” he says. He believes that the deepest learning happens when kids are sparked by genuine curiosity without expectations, and he’s ready to help your kiddo dive into topics that truly interest them!
In his former dance studio classroom, he’d regularly get everyone up for Pokémon-themed Japanese stretches and impromptu dance parties! You can expect his HLN activities to have the same playful energy.
Walter is excited to create activities around the things he loved as a kid, including history, technology, video games and storytelling!
Check out exciting activities with Walter!
To browse all HLN activities, visit homelearnersnetwork.ca
