I joined Wildwood in the year 2020. I studied a somewhat eclectic mix in the social sciences (cognitive sciences, linguistics, anthropology, sociology and religious studies) and the humanities (I am a professional musician and have some background in theological studies, cultural studies and philosophy). This background alongside an ongoing interest and reading in polyvagal theory, pedagogical theory and understanding “brain-wise” therapeutic approaches (Bonnie Badenoch, Deb Dana, Iain McGilchrist and Gabor Maté) keeps me endlessly reading, always with our Wildwood crew in mind. My teaching philosophy is being worked out in two primary ways: Letting your life speak and growing toward having the courage to teach. The two go together and is an ongoing process in conversation with colleagues, students and parents. The challenges our students face in their social, emotional and academic growth does not involve one specific problem with one specific solution. Rather we are all entangled together in the great complexity of evolving understandings of intelligence, what education is for, standards and measurements, cultural belief-systems about personal worth and messages about being a productive member of some society, and on and on…Students and teachers are thrown into the deep end of all of this and expected to know a way forward that’s wise, enriching, fun and sane. This is a tall order. So, my approach, hopefully, is one of humility, collaboration and curiosity; and openness to life-long learning and a willingness to make changes and improvise.