Dasha’s commitment to OneHE is deeply rooted in her multifaceted experiences and her passionate belief in the power of personalized, inclusive education. Her journey to OneHE was shaped by her roles as an educator, a parent, and an advocate for student-centred learning approaches.
Reflecting on her own educational experiences, Dasha recalls feeling like just another face in the crowd. “In my own experience of education, it was easy to feel like just a number,” she shares. This personal insight fuelled her determination to create a different kind of educational environment, one where every student feels seen and valued.
Dasha’s perspective on education was further shaped by her experience as a parent. Currently home-educating her children, she has a firsthand understanding of the importance of tailoring education to individual needs and interests. “I’m currently home educating my children, and what I want for them is the autonomy and freedom to explore their interests,” she explains. This personal experience directly informs her work at OneHE, where she strives to help educators create similarly flexible and responsive learning environments.
Her work at a UK Centre for Teaching and Learning provided Dasha with valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in higher education. It was here that she began to see the potential for a more personalized approach to teaching and learning. “What excited me about OneHE was the idea of shifting teaching so that every voice is heard and every student feels validated,” Dasha shares, her eyes lighting up as she describes the moment she realized OneHE’s mission aligned perfectly with her own values.
Dasha’s approach to her work at OneHE is deeply influenced by her belief in the power of community and connection. She sees education not as a one-way transfer of knowledge, but as a collaborative process that thrives on mutual support and shared experiences. “OneHE is all about building a connected community, where we listen to each other and value every educator’s story,” she says. “I love that we’re constantly making space for contributions from educators, creating a network where they can reflect, adapt, and grow in their practice.”
A pivotal moment in Dasha’s journey at OneHE came when she witnessed the real-world impact of their work. She recalls the feedback from Niya, an educator who had engaged with OneHE’s resources. “Hearing Niya’s feedback and knowing that what we’re doing is making a positive impact in her teaching was a turning point for me,” Dasha shares. “It gave me a lot more meaning in my work and inspired me to think about how we could connect with even more educators.”
Over time, Dasha has seen OneHE’s mission evolve, though the core values have remained steadfast. “At the heart of what we do is still supporting educators in meaningful ways through care,” she says. “But we’ve become more compassionate in how we understand the daily lives of educators. We want our offerings to feel complementary, not just like another task on their to-do list.”
For Dasha, working at OneHE is more than just a job; it’s a calling that aligns perfectly with her personal values and life goals. “Working at OneHE doesn’t feel like a traditional job because I believe in what we’re trying to achieve,” she explains. “It aligns with my values and allows me to balance my work with my personal life, including home educating my children. In that sense, it’s a truly holistic experience, and I’m proud to be part of a team that values both educators and the learners they shape.”
Looking to the future, Dasha hopes that OneHE’s impact will extend far beyond the confines of traditional education. “It’s about creating critical thinkers who go out into the world and make a difference,” she says with passion. “I hope that by supporting educators, we’re ultimately helping students who will go on to change the world for the better.”