I created KOLA in response to a need I couldn’t ignore — a need for learning spaces that honour emotional safety and academic depth equally. Spaces that welcome difference, foster connection, and provide structure not just for students, but for the educators who guide them. KOLA is a bridge: between nature and academics, between flexibility and form, between autonomy and deeply held support.

My background includes curriculum development, outdoor leadership, certified forest school training, and gymnastics coaching. I’ve seen too many brilliant kids get labeled as behavior problems when they were just thinking differently– kids who go on to become entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders when given the right educational framework. I’ve spent years designing that framework. KOLA brings together everything I’ve learned — not as a patchwork, but as an intentional, integrated framework that’s both heart-led and operationally sound.

I’m based in Kelowna, where I lead our founding site and continue to develop the systems that will support future locations. My role is to protect the integrity of what we’ve built — and to grow it alongside guides, families, and communities who believe that education should be rooted, relational, and radically well-designed.

Giuliana Barros is an experienced educator with a deep commitment to supporting neurodivergent learners through compassionate, evidence-based approaches. Her extensive educational background includes:

• Bachelor of Education – Simon Fraser University
• Master’s in Childhood Education – University of Porto
• Master’s in Special Education – University of British Columbia
• Master’s in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) – Arizona State University (in progress)

With over 20 years of experience, Giuliana brings both academic depth and practical insight to her work with children and families. At KOLA, she supports individualized learning through our Community Partner framework — offering specialized guidance in language development, emotional regulation, and inclusive education.

Her presence strengthens our broader educational team and reflects our commitment to working alongside professionals who share our values of whole-child learning, equity, and inclusion.