Meet Our Teachers & Staff
MELISSA M. HEART (Director and Teacher) — Melissa holds a BFA from the University of Oregon. She has taught at the Living Wisdom School Portland for over a decade. In addition to Education for Life training, she has years of experience teaching in Head Start preschools and is a certified Ananda Yoga Teacher and Meditation Teacher. Melissa’s calm presence and love of children radiates in her teaching and her enthusiasm for adventurous art projects.
“I love this school because it is a magnet for families that are truly dedicated to community and living balanced lifestyles.”
MELISSA K. BELL (Aide 2) —
Melissa has three years of Early Childhood Education and nearly two decades working with children of all ages in after school programs, leading classes for school aged children and preschool. She also served as a Teacher Helper at Living Wisdom School for 2 years. Melissa’s dedication to being in the moment with children and her genuine kindness is felt by all.
” I love Education for Life with all the tools it provides for children to know and be their best selves. Our children need this to step into the world with strength, courage and inner calmness. I feel blessed to share in this journey. “
TRINA GARDNER (Preschool Mentor) — Trina has been teaching and mentoring in the Living Wisdom preschool since 2004. She and her husband, Dan, have three children who have attended the Living Wisdom School; the entire family has been closely involved with all the classes and activities. In addition to her Education for Life training, Trina has experience teaching pre-K through high-school age children since 1990.
“LWS to me is the embodiment of LOVE, cultivating courage, compassion and connection within. Love in the way Brené Brown describes it in her book The Gifts of Imperfection, ‘We cultivate love when we allow our most vulnerable and powerful selves to be deeply seen and known, and when we honor the spiritual connection that grows from that offering with trust, respect, kindness, and affection.’ “
KAREN BHARATI BUSCH (EFL Mentor) — The first teacher at Portland LWS, Bharati came with experience in regular and special education, preschool through high school, in rural and urban settings. She holds a Masters in Education from Western Oregon University. At LWS, she taught K-3rd for fifteen years. She is also a leading instructor with Education for Life teacher training.
“The concepts of Education for Life were a revelation and a delight. As a public school teacher, I put many of the ideas and techniques into practice with my students. Having the privilege of teaching in a school where these principles can be more fully embodied has been a joy!”
HELEN GORMAN (Mentor) — Helen was instrumental in the founding of the Living Wisdom School in 1997. She has been teaching kindergarten since 1998, and her two children attended LWS until their graduation. Helen is enthusiastic about teaching and continues to find new inspiration in each group of students. She is a graduate of Merkura in Wil, Switzerland. Helen’s Swiss heritage is an asset for everyone at the school. She is tri-lingual and loves to share her international experience with her students, introducing them to French and German through music and games.
“At LWS, we honor the individual child and bring out what he or she naturally brings to the world. Happiness is a choice and our mission is to help children choose to face life in positive, uplifting ways. Not just the children are honored at LWS, so are the teachers. Teachers are free to teach and inspire children with their unique creativity, talents and interests.”