Opening doors to opportunity
Opening doors to opportunity
We’ve helped hundreds of adult learners in Hubbards, Prospect, Tantallon and Lakeside
over the last 20 years.
Reading, writing, working with numbers, solving problems, communicating clearly are essential skills. But they don’t come easily to everyone.
That’s where we come in. We open the door of opportunity. We help people live their best lives
Lesta has been a dedicated member of the WHCLN team since 2014, bringing extensive
experience as an instructor and leader in adult education. She has worked with various
organizations to support adults in overcoming challenges and achieving their personal and
educational goals.
Her background includes designing and coordinating programs, building community
partnerships, and advocating for adults navigating transitional phases. Guided by a client-centered approach rooted in trust and respect, Lesta is passionate about lifelong learning and the transformative power of education to inspire self-empowerment and strengthen communities.
With expertise in program design, coaching, teaching, and organizational management, Lesta is a capable and inspiring leader. She is proud to align with WHCLN’s mission of “providing quality adult educational programs that encourage lifelong learning and strengthen our communities” and looks forward to continuing to make a positive impact in the lives of adult learners.
Paul has over 25 years of experience in adult education. Many of those years have been devoted to helping adults of all ages obtain their General Educational Development (GED) certificate, now the Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC). He is also experienced in helping adults improve their digital literacy, assisting newcomers with improving their English language skills, and supporting job seekers with resume/cover letter writing and applying for jobs.
Jeanette (she/her) has spent nearly 30 years working in education in Nova Scotia and Ontario, learning alongside people at many different stages of life. Her work has taken her from classroom teaching to educational leadership, mentoring, and consulting, with experience in special education and supporting neurodivergent learners and people with acquired brain injuries. Over the years, she has come to appreciate that everyone brings their own experiences, strengths, questions, and possibilities to learning.
At WHCLN, Jeanette works alongside adult learners as they build skills, work toward their goals, and discover new possibilities for themselves. She believes learning should be meaningful, accessible, and connected to real life. There is no single way to learn, and there is no one path forward. Drawing on Universal Design for Learning (UDL), she looks for ways to make learning more flexible and responsive to each person, building on what they already know while creating opportunities to try something new.
Jeanette is also an artist, and her creative practice shapes how she approaches both learning and life. She enjoys noticing connections, asking questions, exploring possibilities, and looking at familiar things from a different angle. Whether she is working with an individual learner or helping develop a learning program, she brings curiosity, creativity, and a belief that we are never too old to learn something new, see ourselves differently, or rediscover the joy of learning.
Baija (she/her) is a caring administrative professional, dedicated to creating smooth day-to-day operations and a positive environment. She blends sharp organizational skills with a vibrant, friendly personality, striving to support others wherever she can.
Baija’s warm energy makes her a natural point of contact for learners -whether they’re checking in, asking questions, or looking for a supportive chat. She is proud to be a part of the learners’ journeys and to help them maintain a safe, productive classroom environment.
Having previously spent time with WHCLN as a learner, she has a strong understanding of the community, along with a deep appreciation for its values. While bringing in new perspectives and a positive attitude, she loves to keep things organized, running smoothly, and moving forward.
To support people in developing the skills essential to living a full and active life, taking advantage of any opportunities they choose.
The Western Halifax Community Learning Network provides our community with essential skills instruction and support. We are active members of our community and advocate for system and policy changes that will increase access to opportunities for everyone.
The Western Halifax Community Learning Network is a growing organization. We reflect the diversity of our community and are a trusted partner in our community’s development and prosperity. We are recognized leaders and
experts in Essential Skills education. We are innovative and share our skills and resources with all. We offer our services through various methods so that everyone can develop the skills they need to thrive.
