Why I Started Pathways to Purpose

By Lena Miele M.Ed, OCT, Founder of Pathways to Purpose

Hi, I’m Lena. Welcome to my first Pathways to Purpose blog post.

If you’re new here, I’m so glad you stopped by. And if you already know me, you’ll remember me as the “Jack-of-All-Trades” teacher — the one who always found her way into unique programs, new school settings, and unexpected teaching roles.

My career has never been a straight line, but every turn taught me something important about students, school choices, and the pathways that help them grow. These experiences led me to create a service that offers families more time, more clarity, and more support as they learn how the school system works and what options make sense for their child.

In this post, I’ll share who I am, why I started Pathways to Purpose, and how I can help you and your child with clear, supportive, well-fitted pathway planning.

Who I Am

I’ve always had a deep love for learning. Some of my earliest school memories still guide me today — being encouraged to explore new ideas, building endless reading lists, and sometimes being allowed to swap a written assignment for an interpretive dance (yes, really). School was where I learned not only what I liked, but how I learned.

When I entered the teaching world, I embraced every opportunity. I taught internationally in the UK and China, worked in an Italian-immersion summer program, supported adult learners, ran College ESL and Pre-Apprenticeship classes, and worked in Special Education, Resource, Guidance, and Alternative Education in Ontario secondary schools. These experiences shaped how I see students — not as grade percentages or course codes, but as young people figuring out who they are and what direction feels right. Over time, I grew more interested in academic pathways, post-secondary planning, curriculum, and the many ways students grow. That curiosity led me to complete my Master of Education, where I focused on learning styles, student needs, and how the education system shapes future opportunities.

Outside of work, I find happiness in movement, community, and nature. After years of globe-trotting, I now call the Niagara Region home. I run with a local run club, explore the Bruce Trail, join dance classes when I can, and find joy in cooking, caring for my rabbit Soleil, and tending to my growing collection of house plants.

Why I’m Doing This Work

Across my 15 years in education, I began to see the limits of our system:

• packed classrooms

• frequent curriculum changes

• limited program offerings

• too few Guidance counsellors for too many students

  
  

When I shifted to the Alternative Education department, I saw how much students thrive in smaller learning environments. They had the time and space to understand how they learn. They had more open conversations about their goals. They had more support to explore their academic pathways options, and teachers had more time to connect with parents.

When that happened, families felt confident in making academic decisions that fit their child. In mainstream schools, teachers and Guidance counsellors are doing their very best, but there isn’t always enough time in the day to offer the one-on-one support every student deserves.

That’s when it clicked for me:

The support families need doesn’t always fit inside the school day — but it can fit inside a space designed just for them.

That space is Pathways to Purpose.

How I Can Help

I work with families of students in Ontario from Grades 7–12 to navigate:

• Elementary to Secondary Transition

• Academic Pathways (de-streamed, academic, applied/AP, university, college, trades, apprenticeship)

• IEP/IPRC support

• Course Selection & Program Choices

• Post-Secondary Pathways

• Parent Advocacy (report cards, teacher communication, and other child-specific concerns)

My role is to make things easier. I translate “teacher language,” explain the why behind pathway decisions, and help families make informed choices that truly fit their child.

Let’s Connect

Thank you for taking the time to learn a bit about me. If you’re feeling unsure about your child’s next steps, or want someone to walk through the options with you, I’m here to help.

Book a free 20-minute consultation. Email: info.pathwaystopurpose@gmail.com

Your Educational Consultant,

Lena

📧 Email: info.pathwaystopurpose@gmail.com🌐 Website: ptpeduconsulting.ca Instagram: @info.pathwaystopurpose Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pathwaystopurpose.ca