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What We're All About

At Luminara Academy, we’re dedicated to molding tomorrow’s leaders through vital life skills, ensuring each student thrives in an ever-evolving world.

Meet the visionary behind Luminara Academy

Welcome! My name is Michelle Machado

The driving force behind Luminara Academy. As a mother of two, my children are my world, and like any parent, I envision a future for them filled with endless possibilities. My life’s journey has taken me through six countries, each introducing me to diverse cultures, beliefs, and experiences that have deeply shaped my perspective and purpose.

Holding a PhD in Education and an Executive MBA, I’ve accumulated over 15 years of extensive, hands-on experience in various educational environments around the world, from Australia to Hong Kong, and the UK to Canada. My academic journey and professional career have been driven by one relentless pursuit: to understand and foster the holistic development of young minds.

But it was motherhood, coupled with my global experiences, that led to a significant insight — our current educational systems are missing something elemental. Yes, STEM skills are key, but they’re only part of the equation. Our kids need more to truly thrive in a world where human skills are just as important as technical abilities. They need resilience to overcome challenges, empathy to forge connections, adaptability to embrace change, and cultural sensitivity to find their place. 

This revelation was the starting point of Luminara Academy. I established this platform as a guiding light for parents seeking more for their children; more depth, more understanding, more skills that prepare them for life. At Luminara, we’re committed to bridging this gap, offering programs that integrate essential life skills with the ability to think ahead and adapt. We’re not just preparing kids for tomorrow’s careers; we’re nurturing resilient, empathetic, and globally conscious individuals ready for life’s beautifully unpredictable journey.

Join me at Luminara Academy. Together, let’s shape a future where our children are equipped to lead, innovate, and inspire, no matter what the future holds.

Glowing Testimonials

Former Colleagues Reflect on our Founder's Professionalism, Leadership, and Teaching Excellence

Journey through the accolades! Former colleagues, now shining stars in their own right, share their admiration for Michelle’s unwavering professionalism, visionary leadership, and remarkable teaching prowess. Let their voices from the past light your path to success.

    Senior Leader and Supervisor

    Monash University, Australia

    Ms Machado was highly-organised, has excellent time management skills and high level communication skills. She was a trusted and admired member of our academic team with clear leadership potential

      Senior Leader and Supervisor

      University of Warwick, UK

      Michelle consistently demonstrated high levels of emotional intelligence in the workplace. Working in partnership with key stakeholders, she created natural rapport, managed stakeholder tensions and through her calm leadership created a team culture in which her reports could thrive. She recognizes others' perspectives and factored these into her communications, with her demonstrating the ability to flex her leadership style and communication style to give critical direction when needed, enable discourse and debate, valuing others views and demonstrating empathy in more personal workplace interactions.

        Team Member

        York University

        You are a true leader! It was a fantastic experience to see you in action, very inspiring

          Team Member

          Toronto Metropolitan University

          Since day one, you have been a paragon of democratic leadership, consistently inviting team members to share insights and expertise. We consistently gave our best because you both set that as an example for us and you gave us the space to contribute in meaningful ways

            Team Member

            Toronto Metropolitan University

            From day 1, I have learned from your leadership skills. You have been a remarkable leader and a great friend. We will all miss you so much

              Team Member

              Toronto Metropolitan University

              I want you to know that your leadership, guidance, and dedication have made a lasting impact,and you will be sincerely missed by me and all

              Our values

              Our values are the cornerstone on which our mission and vision rest. We work hard to give our students an environment that transforms their lives.

              Holistic Growth

              We believe in nurturing the whole individual. Beyond academic excellence, our mission is to foster emotional, social, and ethical development.

              Integrity and Ethics

              We seek to uphold the highest standards of integrity in all our actions. Honesty, trustworthiness, and ethical behavior form the bedrock of our Academy.

              Empowerment

              Every student has unique potential. We aim to empower each individual, helping them recognize their strengths, overcome challenges, and confidently pursue their passions.

              Community and Collaboration

              Teamwork and community engagement are central to our ethos. We emphasize the importance of working together, supporting one another, and contributing positively to the broader community.

              Innovation and Adaptability

              In a fast-paced world, the ability to innovate and adapt is crucial. Our mission is to foster creativity and encourage our students to approach challenges with an open and agile mindset.

              Lifelong Learning

              Education doesn’t end within our walls. Just as Luminara Academy continues to evolve, we inspire our students to embrace a mindset of continuous learning and curiosity throughout their lives.

              Who We Are

              Mission & Vision

              Mission: At Luminara Academy, our mission is to prepare kids for tomorrow’s world. We shape future leaders by nurturing essential life skills in today’s youth, empowering and inspiring them to confidently navigate and lead life’s challenges. 

              Vision: To be the most sought-after educational academy that focuses on essential life skills and also anticipates and prepares students for the challenges and opportunities of an unpredictable future. We aim to create an environment where education meets real-world applicability, where each student emerges as a well-rounded, future-ready individual.

              Our Speakers

              Professional Elites

              Vanessa Pereira

              Natacha Pennycooke

              Jesi Whelan
              Sam Hulst

              Dimple Arora

              Dr. Ali Khalil

              Prof. Marcia Annisette

              2

              Join Our Community

              Luminara Academy stands as a beacon of educational excellence, founded upon the principles of passion, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to empowering the next generation. At the heart of our institution lies a deep-rooted belief in the transformative power of education, and we are dedicated to nurturing young minds and fostering a lifelong love for learning. Our vision extends far beyond conventional teaching methods; we aspire to create a dynamic learning environment that not only imparts knowledge but also instills creativity, critical thinking, and resilience in our students.

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              Luminara Academy proudly welcomes Vanessa Pereira as one of our inspirational guest speakers. Her profound resilience is rooted in her early life experiences in Kuwait, where she lived through the Gulf War—a testament to her adaptability and strength in the face of adversity.

              As a South Asian immigrant and woman of color, Vanessa has turned her challenges into a life’s mission of breaking generational cycles and championing transformative change.

              Her 15-year tenure in Corporate Canada has equipped her with real-world insights into the transformative power of self-awareness and growth. Now dedicated to her soul-work as a coach-in-training at the iPEC coach training school, Vanessa is on the path to ICF accreditation, focusing her talents on one-on-one coaching to serve and create impactful change.

              Her journey and mission resonate with Luminara Academy’s vision of empowering the youth to lead with purpose, making her an invaluable asset to our community and an inspiring role model for the next generation.

              We are so pleased to welcome Natacha Pennycooke, an award-winning psychotherapist, Mindset Shift Coach, and CEO of Natacha Pennycooke Psychotherapy (NPP), as an esteemed guest speaker at Luminara Academy.

              Natacha is renowned for her work in guiding individuals towards emotional and mental well-being. Natacha’s core belief is that understanding the power of the mind is crucial in unlocking our greatest potential. She expertly guides individuals to shift their mindsets from internalized limiting beliefs and fears towards empowerment and purpose. 

              Natacha’s approach not only fosters personal growth and mental resilience but also inspires individuals to create the thriving lives they aspire to. Her dynamic methodology and focus on unlocking individual potential, make her a passionate speaker and role model for our participants at Luminara Academy. 

              Luminara Academy is excited to introduce the co-founders of Canary Kids Club.

              Jesi Whelan is a mother of two with a dynamic background that includes working in an animal hospital, advocating for environmental issues, surviving domestic violence, and immersing herself in yoga and meditation. Her diverse experiences have taught her the importance and challenge of navigating our internal landscape and building effective relationships. Jesi is passionate about converting cutting-edge science into engaging, practical experiences.

              Sam Hulst, is also a mother of two, a designer, and a self-taught craft enthusiast. The arrival of her second child during the Covid pandemic led her to discover solace in creating up-cycled baby accessories. This creative outlet helped her overcome a challenging period, reinforcing her belief in the power of play for mental wellbeing.

              What unites Jesi and Sam is a shared vision: They aspire to create a world where children’s emotional growth is as valued and nurtured as their physical and intellectual development. We are so excited to welcome Sam and Jesi to Luminara Academy!

              Dimple Arora is the founder of Mindful Evolution and the host of the I AM MOM Parenting Podcast — each being a movement supporting parents in
              creating a family environment where everyone can thrive.

              She is a trauma-informed, certified life coach, holistic nutritionist and EFT
              practitioner, trained in mental health first aid with a background in IT consulting
              and public education.

              Dimple supports teens and their moms to improve their mindset, process unresolved emotions and optimize their physical health so they could feel calmer, healthier, more confident and emotionally free.

              The framework offered through Mindful Evolution focuses on the parent teen connection, as well as the brain, heart and gut connections to regulate the nervous system, reduce inflammation and create sustainable mental health. Dimple’s programs integrate mindfulness, nutrition, gut healing practices and somatic
              therapeutic modalities to achieve excellent results for her clients.

              She also runs a teen empowerment coaching program and volunteer group for her community called GLOW – Guides Lighting Our World.

              Dimple expanded into this work after she successfully recovered from fibromyalgia, two hip surgeries, traumatic brain injuries and an unhealthy childhood.

              Dimple lives in Oakville with her pre-teen daughter and supportive husband. To
              connect with Dimple, please visit https://www.mindfulevolution.ca.

              Dr.Ali Khalil is a truly global citizen. A father of two and multi-lingual doctor, his life journey has taken him from the front lines of emergency medicine to leading roles in some of the most urgent medical missions of our times, including the battle against COVID-19.

              His commitment to healthcare and the well-being of communities is mirrored in his ability to bridge cultures and communicate complex medical concepts with clarity in English, Arabic, and French.

              While his professional endeavors have been primarily anchored in the UK, his experiences span continents, bringing a rich narrative of perseverance and scientific acumen to our platform.

              His stories and insights promise not only to enlighten but also to instill in our young learners the values of determination, adaptability, and the critical importance of evidence-based thinking.

              Dr. Khalil’s engaging presence at Luminara is sure to ignite curiosity and inspire our next generation to embrace diverse possibilities and challenges with confidence and a thirst for knowledge.

              Dr. Marcia Annisette is a respected professor and the newly appointed vice-provost academic, her academic leadership is matched by a rich history of academic and administrative excellence, including her time as associate dean at the Schulich School of Business. 

              Professor Annisette has served as a co-editor in chief of esteemed journals within her field of Accounting and is a recognized international scholar. Her experience in nurturing academic communities and her strategic approach to education underscore the core values of our program. 

              Her presence will offer our learners a unique perspective on leadership and the cultivation of effective, empathetic, and visionary leaders for the future.

              Joyful teens

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