Fire Ecology Modeling

Holding felt trees from the fire ecology model I designed to help students understand how wildfire interacts with forest density.

Tule Harvest

Harvesting Tule with the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria to co-teach traditional weaving at a cultural walk for elementary students.

Parks After Dark

Sonoma County Regional Parks night hike program open to the public for an exclusive adventure after the park closes!

Graphing Population Dynamics

Students help me graph population dynamics after playing "Oh Deer!"

Mother of Waters

Students learn about Mt. Rainier being called the mother of waters by people living nearby since time immemorial.

Kayak Instructor Training

Completion of the ACA Level

Teambuilding

Students practice communication and teamwork through a simple shape building game.

Teaching in a Pandemic

Setting up safe spaces for outdoor learning was a new challenge while teaching during the pandemic.

Marine Science Day

Students explore a marine environment tp make observations and ask questions.

Stretching Comfort Zones

Students encouraged to get comfortable on the ground during a trailside lesson.

Where's My Chicken?

Building our teamwork through the game "Where's My Chicken?" The only way to win is to work together and communicate as a team. Practicing effective communication is an important part of building a team and these skills can be brought back to the classroom and into life.

Garden Educator

I share my excitement in the garden about the giant sunflower faces and students ask questions about the seeds. My philosophy of education emphasizes the importance of wondering so that students can build on their prior knowledge to learn more.

Teaching Littles to Ski

Teaching 4 and 5 year olds in a snow storm helps me practice considering and prioitizing Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. I know that my students cannot learn effectively unless their basic needs are met.

Winter Guiding

Guiding adults on their first cross county ski trips, it is important to learn how to laugh at ourselves when we fall. I enjoy teaching adults and helping them develop the skills to be independent adventurers.

Polar Bear Challenge

Students lean into discomfort by completing the polar bear challenge at Caritas Creek in Occidental, CA. When students step outside their comfort zone they learn about their own limits and push themselves beyond what they think they are capable of.

Pond Investigation

Students investigate what lives in the pond by counting macroinvertebrates in three different locations. Looking for bugs can be a great way for students to connect to a complex ecosystem and complete a scientific invesitgation.

Mentor Training

Practicing my leadership skills by understanding the different dispositions of a mentor. The IslandWood Graduate Program for Commuity and the Environment has helped me grow as a peer observer and mentor.

Banana Bandana

The Banana-Bandana skit, a classic campfire performance for kids to see us educators in a different light. Evening programs can be a powerful way for students to connect with educators and step out of their comfort zones when they perform for their community.

Solo Hike Victory

Students smile with pride after their first ever solo hike. Residential outdoor environmental education programs are a powerful experience where students build confidence and independence.

Community Agreement

I reflect with my students on our community agreement where we set goals and intentions for our week. Instead of listing off rules each Monday, I use a community agreement so that students can participate in setting expectations and intentions for the week.

Trailside Talks

Students ask questions about the forest around us. Trailside talks are some of the most serendipitous learning moments. I try to always sieze the opporunity to utilize students' curiosities and the amazing natural phenomena of the forest.

Team Building With Colleagues

Creating a handshake with a fellow educator to build comaradry and community. Building community and understanding with coworkers is an imporant part of any professional learning community.

Tidepool Transects

Students investigate tide pools using transects near Point Reyes National Seashore.

Backpacking Guide

Guiding college students on their first backpacking trip in the Cache Creek Wilderness through UC Davis Outdoor Adventures.

Camping Orientation with African Community Housing Development

Wild Society took the ACHD community camping for the first time!