This Exceptional Alumni Award Winner Helps Children Blossom

"Students have taught me more lessons about myself than I ever could have expected," says educator and Lakehead alum Heidi Warren, above.

One moment in particular stands out for her. She was trying to lead an elementary school class outside, but as she was hurrying the children along, a young student tried to get Heidi to stop.

"I was feeling overwhelmed and rushed, and I said, 'Come on, let's go,' and he started to cry. He wanted to show me this incredible picture of a rainbow and hearts that he'd drawn for me on the chalkboard.

I realized that I needed to take a breath, connect with that student, and look at his picture. It only took a moment, but it made a huge difference."

"To keep planting seeds for meaningful change in education," is Heidi's mission. "I want to continue creating spaces where hearts and minds can grow (including my own)." Above is the chalk drawing created for her by her young student.

Taking the time to build connections shapes Heidi's approach to learning.

She's currently on a secondment as a whole child coach with the First Nation School Board in Yukon. Her regular job is as the principal of the White River First Nation's Nelnah Bessie John School in Beaver Creek, Yukon.

"I want to support kids so that they thrive because when I was a student, sometimes I got support and sometimes I didn't," she says.

Embracing Community in the Arctic

Heidi spent much of her childhood in the Northwest Territories, including Fort McPherson and Inuvik.

"There's no separation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in the north; we all lived in community together," she says.

"My parents taught me that we were visitors and that we should take our lead from Elders and Indigenous people. This gave me a much stronger relationship to the land and to the community."

Heidi received her Bachelor of Arts and Science and Bachelor of Education in 2010. She's happy to be teaching in Yukon, where she spent part of her childhood. Above, she stands beside her mother who's holding her little sister.

Both of Heidi's parents were educators. "As a young child, I loved being in the classroom with them, surrounded by books and chalkboards."

These early experiences made her want to be a teacher, but Heidi first tried out several different careers before embarking on an education degree as a mature student.

"I started at a large university close to Toronto—by that time, my family had moved to southern Ontario—but I found it hard to be in such an impersonal environment."

Stepping into a New World

Things changed when her mother told her that a university would be opening in Orillia.

This news prompted Heidi to enrol in Lakehead Orillia's Bachelor of Arts and Science program (specializing in biology and anthropology) and concurrent Bachelor of Education program.

She began her studies in 2006, becoming a member of Lakehead Orillia's charter class.

"It was perfect. The professors had high expectations, but they offered great support, and the classes were small.

Heidi (4th from the left) received an Exceptional Alumni Award at an October 25, 2025, ceremony at Lakehead Orillia. "It was lovely to be back again. The ceremony was heartfelt and true to the Orillia way."

I remember every single one of my instructors. Anthropology Professor Dr. Tim Kaiser's belief in me and his passion for his subject were inspirational. Biology professor Dr. Nanda Kanavilil was incredible, too. He always wanted us to strive for the deepest understanding of genetics and biology."

Nurturing Children's Self-Worth and Curiosity

In her role as a whole child coach, Heidi works with First Nation School Board education assistants and teachers committed to using a holistic lens with their learners.

Through her coaching, she enables educators to support students academically, culturally, and cognitively to create the sense of safety that's necessary for a supportive learning environment. "Historically, school hasn't been a safe space for Indigenous children," she explains.

First Nation School Board students at a fall camp that helps them stay connected to their culture and language through activities including setting fish nets, moose hunting, duck hunting, camp meal prep, and storytelling.

This fall, Heidi returned to the Orillia campus to receive an Exceptional Alumni Award for her transformative work as an educator. "I was very honoured and surprised," she says.

"I want to fan the flame of kids' passions and interests," she adds. "Helping children discover who they are gives me my sense of purpose."