Sun Smiles Guides

With over 15 years of experience as a Waldorf teacher, Ms. Shannon brings warmth, creativity, and gentle guidance to each day at Sun Smiles. She loves spending time outdoors with children, engaging them in experiential outdoor programs that foster hands-on learning through crafts, art, and meaningful activities. In doing so, she creates a safe and nurturing space for them to grow and explore, all while emphasizing nature education for children. You will often find her knitting or discovering a new craft, always inspired by the joy of making things by hand.

A warm and dedicated educator who brings care, confidence, and inspiration to each day at Sun Smiles. With a background in elementary education and a homeschooling mother’s heart, she nurtures curiosity through nature, hands-on learning, and meaningful connection. Ms. Cynthia also supports children in developing positive thinking, inner confidence, and leadership, guiding both their personal growth and academic journey.

A passionate and creative presence, Ms. January brings warmth, calm, and deep reverence for nature into every space she enters. With a background in the arts, yoga, and folk herbalism, she is drawn to Waldorf-inspired environments that honour the rhythm of the seasons, the magic of childhood, and the natural world as a living classroom. As a mother of two young men, she offers wisdom, gentleness, and heartful care. Whether leading circle time or gently guiding children through their daily rhythm in an experiential outdoor program, she nurtures imagination, individuality, and meaningful connection. Ms. January approaches teaching as a form of heart-led service—supporting young souls to grow in wonder, confidence, compassion, and harmony with the earth through hands-on learning and nature education for children.

Larisa’s journey into education began as a homeschooling mother who was deeply invested in her children’s growth and learning. When her children later attended school, she began to reflect more deeply on what truly helps children thrive. Through this experience, Larisa realized that meaningful learning does not happen only within classroom walls—children need movement, nature, creativity, and hands-on learning experiences to fully develop. Inspired by this understanding, Larisa founded Sun Smiles Academy—an experiential outdoor program rooted in nature, farm life, and hands-on learning. Set on a beautiful farm environment in Burlington, the program encourages children to explore the world with their hands, hearts, and minds through outdoor play, caring for animals, creative arts, and practical life activities. Larisa’s vision is to create a warm and nurturing community where children can move freely, discover their natural curiosity, and grow with confidence, joy, and a deep connection to the living world while being immersed in nature education in a positive and encouraging environment.