Now Enrolling Grades 2-12

Founder & Principal

Adam James Butcher is a British educator and visual artist whose work brings together creativity, education, and innovation. Raised in France, Singapore, and England, he developed a global perspective that continues to shape his approach to teaching and learning.

He holds a BA (Hons) in Sculpture from Wimbledon College of Arts and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education from Goldsmiths, University of London.

Adam spent 18 years working in London academies, where he served as Head of Arts, leading co-educational departments to outstanding inspection results. His work extended beyond the classroom to mentoring teachers and collaborating with schools across the UK, supporting the integration of creativity and visual arts across the curriculum.

In 2014, he relocated to the Riviera Maya with his wife and two children, where he founded The HeArt of Learning Centre in Puerto Aventuras. The centre was created as a response to the limitations of traditional education, offering a more personal and balanced approach to learning.

At The HeArt of Learning Centre, Adam leads the academic vision, working closely with students and guiding the development of a learning environment that prioritizes independence, accountability, resilience, and leadership. He also leads the Visual Arts curriculum, supporting students in developing both their creative confidence and technical skills.

Alongside his work as an educator, Adam is an established painter, particularly recognized for his innovative practice in mobile digital painting. His artistic work continues to inform his teaching, placing creativity at the heart of meaningful education.

Founding Director – Strategy & Development
Diploma in Dance Studies, Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance

Virginie grew up in the bohemian district of Montmartre in Paris, surrounded by a rich blend of culture, color, and creativity. Influenced by the area’s unique mix of art, fashion, cuisine, and literature, she developed an early passion for the creative industries and began her career working for Agnès b., a well-known name in French fashion.

Following this, Virginie was inspired to pursue her other great passion — contemporary dance — and moved to London to begin a second career. She trained at the Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, later becoming the principal of her own successful performing arts school, The New Malden Stagecoach School of the Performing Arts in South London.

After relocating to Mexico, the vibrancy of the country’s art, culture, and people inspired Virginie to launch her slow-fashion brand, VBM Studio, reflecting her continued commitment to creativity and design.

At The HeArt of Learning Centre, Virginie plays a central role in the daily life of the school. As Founding Director for Strategy and Development and Assistant Principal, she oversees student well-being and behaviour, ensuring a positive and supportive learning environment. She also leads the performing arts and creative curriculum, and works closely with our younger students (Grades 1–5), supporting their development both academically and personally.

Lead Learning Guide

TESL - TESOL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language)  

LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art) Certification  BA Hons Degree - Business (In Process)  

Raised in London, England, Anaïs is a trilingual and well-traveled individual with a  deep passion for teaching, particularly in the performing arts. 

Anaïs received 10 years of training in singing, acting, and dancing at Stagecoach  Performing Arts in London. She also has experience as an early stages assistant at  Stagecoach Performing Arts and has worked on teaching literacy and social skills to  children in need, bringing valuable communication skills and a creative arts  perspective to the team.  

Anaïs studied Textiles Design at IBERO Americana Puebla Universidad, where she  honed her skills in the visual arts. However, realizing her true passion lay in education  and the performing arts, she chose to pivot her career path, allowing her to combine  her creative background with her commitment to nurturing and inspiring students. 

Currently, Anaïs is completing her part-time BA Hons Degree in Business. She holds  TEFL and TESOL certifications and has joined the team full-time, contributing to the  creative arts curriculum at The Heart of Learning.

Maths Learning Guide
TEFL Certified | Associate Degree in Hotel Management | Undergraduate Studies in International Business

Lyegge brings a rich and diverse background in education, communication, and international experience to her role as a Maths Learning Guide at The HeArt of Learning Centre. She has spent over a decade supporting students across Brazil, the United States, and Zimbabwe, developing a flexible approach that responds to the individual learning styles and needs of each student.

Fluent in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, Lyegge combines strong organisational skills with a calm, presence-based teaching style that aligns closely with THOL’s philosophy of guiding rather than instructing. Her warmth, patience, and adaptability create a supportive environment in which students feel confident to engage, take ownership of their learning, and grow in independence.

With her cross-cultural experience and genuine commitment to personal development, Lyegge embodies the spirit of The HeArt of Learning—supporting students not only academically, but in developing the self-awareness and responsibility that underpin lifelong learning.