OUR TEAM
Nick Grenier
Director, Founder, & Lead Guide
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In Fall of 2016 I started the Natural Leaders program, which transitioned to a student-run format in Fall 2017 and continues to evolve.
The kids we work with range from those who have never stepped off a trail before, to those who are very comfortable in the woods. Regardless, they have a blast, and learn about the plants, birds, trees, animals and ecology of their area, and how they can take care of themselves in nature for fun or survival. Gone is the time when most kids spent most days running free, building forts and tree houses, splashing in the creek and getting dirty outside. Our programs help fill that void. Students follow their innate desire to experience nature, while learning valuable skills and natural-history from an expert mentor. I've been exploring nature and field guides for about as long as I can remember - at least since Kindergarten. Until the 3rd grade, I attended the Rudolf Steiner School in New York City. In middle and high school I volunteered at the National Zoo, and was also mentored through the Wilderness Awareness School (WAS) Kamana Naturalist Training program (correspondence course). After high school, I spent two years teaching white-water canoeing and kayaking, rock-climbing, rappelling, spelunking and other outdoor programs for the Montgomery County government in Maryland. At that time I also studied survival, tracking and primitive skills at Tom Brown Jr.’s Tracker School and was trained in teaching this knowledge at the Wilderness Awareness School's Art of Mentoring classes. During my college years, I taught wilderness living skills at a summer camp and in a semester-long class at a middle school. My adventures in those years also included months of living in a primitive cabin on a Potomac river island, exploring Siberian wilderness, and hunting bones in Yellowstone National Park as part of someone's PhD dissertation. While living in Nevada after college, I collected plant and animal data as an environmental biologist in the mountains and deserts. From 2012 to 2016 I led nature based youth programs at Ancestral Knowledge, a DC area non-profit. In spring of 2016 I started to lead my own programs, which developed into the Natural Leaders program by Fall of 2017. I received my BS in Biology from Georgetown University in 2007, and an MS in Environmental Science from University of Nevada, Las Vegas in 2008. I live in Spotsylvania, VA with my wife May Joy, daughters Mira-Nicole, Sofia, and Brigitta and son Victor. |
May Joy, Nick, Sofia, Mira-Nicole, Brigitta and Victor in July 2025
May Joy, Sofia, Nick, Victor and Mira-Nicole at Carderock in January 2019
 Nick, Mira-Nicole and Sofia observe newts at Rock Cliff Lake in WV
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May Joy Serafica-Grenier
Assistant Facilitator & Administrator
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As the founder's spouse and a homeschooling mom, May Joy has played a critical part in the creation and evolution of Natural Leaders through her support, encouragement, insights and ideas.
May Joy has worked extensively in the field alongside Nick for many years, and also alongside Trevor and Rhys at times. May Joy grew up in Manila, Philippines, starting life in a tiny house with a dirt floor, that she shared with 4 brothers. Arguably she has the most authentic survival experience of the NL team - she remembers cooking a small bird for food, collecting firewood for cooking, and storing rain as a main water source.... Her mother moved to the U.S. when May Joy was only 4, and her living standards gradually improved thanks to her mother's earnings abroad. Since emigrating at age 17, May Joy has come to love America, the great outdoors, and the Russian culture of her in-laws. May Joy met Nick at a community college and served in the U.S. Air Force for 5 years. May Joy is a great cook, mother and wife; she's a great observer of student-teacher dynamics, and an excellent mentor to those around her - of all ages. |
May Joy and Victor at Carderock, MD - January 2019
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Trevor Cox
Director of Operations & Lead Guide
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Trevor has had the privilege of working with Natural Leaders since Fall of 2017, leading homeschool and summer programs, as well as piloting the first ever Wilderness Survival Immersion in 2019. In addition to leading programs in the field, Trevor serves as Director of Operations, and works to enhance NL's policies, procedures, curriculum, instructor training and more. With his move to Denver, CO in summer 2021, Trevor aims to pioneer Natural Leaders' Mountain branch. He is a certified Wilderness First Responder through WMI.
Trevor began his relationship with the natural world exploring the creeks, forests, and lakes of Reston, Virginia. After graduating from New York University in 2011, Trevor found himself living and working in the concrete jungle as a music video, web series, and commercial director. While excited by his creative pursuits, he knew that a life surrounded by steel and concrete would not be sustainable. In 2014 he decided to enroll in a 28 day survival immersion course with Boulder Outdoor Survival School (BOSS) in Utah's canyon country -- a dream he had since childhood. After enduring a month in the wilderness with little more than a knife and water bottle, Trevor knew that returning to his strictly front-country life in the city was no longer possible. In 2016, in an effort to combine his passions and skillsets, he and his partner Julie decided to leave NYC, return to northern Virginia, thru-hike the Appalachian Trail and film a documentary of their journey. Their film, The Leavers, is currently in post-production. Additionally, Trevor began spending his summers apprenticing and later instructing with BOSS. There he practices and teaches skills including friction fire, backcountry navigation, hand fishing, animal processing, knife safety and use, Positive Impact practices and more. Working with adult groups in challenging wilderness settings for weeks at a time, Trevor learned to appreciate the infinite possibilities brought about by group social dynamics. Learning to facilitate leadership, growth and cohesion in this setting, at both the individual and group levels, has greatly informed his approach to guiding with Natural Leaders. Through his pursuits in both outdoor education and filmmaking Trevor hopes to gently inspire others to rekindle and deepen their relationship with the natural world. He believes that instilling nature awareness and appreciation at a young age is vital to the health and well-being of both humans and the planet. |
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Debra Nixon
Field Manager & Lead Guide
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I was born and raised in Monterrey, a large industrial city that lies at the foothills of the Sierra Madre Oriental in northeastern Mexico. It is called “The City of the Mountains” because of its striking topography, famous for its warm weather and even warmer people. I loved it there, but I remember wanting to learn about other cultures and dreaming of traveling the world since very early on.
I grew up tightly involved in Scouting, which encouraged my curiosity for nature and fueled my will to explore. My weekends were spent hiking and camping in the beautiful mountains and canyons, building friendships that last to this day over campfires and forging skills that helped shape who I am today. I have been a part of this wonderful international movement for most of my life, now also having served as a Scout Master back in my home country and as a District Volunteer here in Virginia. More recently, I had the amazing chance of working at the World Scout Jamboree in West Virginia as a Sub-Camp Commissioner as part of the International Service Team, an unbelievable multicultural experience where I oversaw youth from all over the globe and helped coordinate logistics. My teaching journey began after I had the awesome opportunity to tutor for a homeschooling family while living on the windward side of the breathtaking island of Oahu, in Hawaii, an experience that was in many ways a watershed for me. After that, I fully embraced my passion for teaching. I had the honor of earning my teacher certification from the University of Cambridge through the British Council, the United Kingdom’s international education organization. This launched a career I have enjoyed immensely, opening doors for me to teach Elementary and Jr. High School, along with giving Business English lessons at corporate level and developing my own ESL summer workshop for young learners. Life brought me to Northern Virginia a few years ago, where I got married and now live with my husband and our two dogs. In this new adventure I have been growing greatly and further expanding my training, among other things, recently getting recertified by the Red Cross in Wilderness and Remote First Aid and Youth Protection by the Boy Scouts of America. Being a part of Natural Leaders allows me to share what I enjoy doing the most. Knowing all I’ve gained from programs like this, I fully believe in the positive impact what we do can have on our students. With this incredible team I get to help reconnect our new generations with the natural world. We play together and we learn together. We are forming confident children, helping them develop our same great sense of respect and love for the outdoors, become resourceful and self-reliant and most importantly, cultivate leadership while understanding the value and importance of teamwork. While leading with NL, Debbie is currently working towards certification with Virginia Master Naturalists and a dual Master's degree in Neuroeducation & Capacity Optimization with the Instituto Superior de Estudios Psicológicos from Spain and Education with emphasis on Neurolearning from Instituto Superior de Educación in Mexico. |
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Hector Campos
Lead Guide
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Teaching kids in nature is one of the most rewarding things I've ever done. I learned this in my first job after college, as a wilderness trip leader. I graduated art school in 2012, and began outdoor leadership training for Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing, an adventure center in the Appalachian Mountains.
For two years I led backpacking trips and instructed many adventure sports, like mountain biking and kayaking. Since then I've worked with groups on trail, in classrooms as substitute teacher, and at youth centers for the Navy's Morale Welfare and Recreation program. One of my passions is white water kayaking, once taking a swift-water rescue course as a birthday present to myself. I've also taken Wilderness First Aid, and Red Cross CPR/First Aid. The path of learning never ends! Survival skills, leadership, and nature observation is our program, but I'll support kids in every positive way I can. During class we will build respect, communication, work ethic, and a positive attitude. In 2016 I became a dad, and have a family of my own. I will try to build our community the best I can, and encourage these kids to become well-rounded individuals. Kids learn and grow so fast, and respectfully understanding the natural world is priceless. I'm honored to help in this way. |
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Julie Shayka
Administrative Director
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I grew up in Reston, Virginia where I was fortunate to always have access to the woods, trails, lakes, and wildlife. It wasn’t until I left for college and headed to New York City that I realized how integral the natural world is to my well being and what I value. While working in university administration, I earned my master’s degree from NYU in Environmental Conservation Education where I focused on child development, forest and nature preschools, ecopsychology, permaculture, and community systems.
After my time in the concrete jungle, I worked on an organic vegetable farm, thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail with my husband (Trevor), helped produce our subsequent documentary film, then served as Director at a nature preschool in Northern Virginia. Our recent adventures brought us out to the Colorado Rockies and we’re excited to explore a new region while growing programs with Natural Leaders. I am thrilled for the opportunity to bring my organizational, systems-oriented approach to support the mission of Natural Leaders. I’m always inspired by tales from the field – the little sparks of joy and confidence that nature-as-teacher abundantly provides when we pay attention. Working with instructors and facilitating experiences for families that bring them in closer connection with the natural world is my passion and I love being part of growing relationships that build resilient communities. |
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Skylar Lima
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Emily Dillinger
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Osk Huneycutt
Lead Guide
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Osk grew up wandering the foothills of Lágafell and Esjann in Iceland.
More recently, she can often be found wandering the beautiful scenic trails in Northern Virginia with her husband, children and Labrador Retriever. Osk has been homeschooling her two children and teaching science and nature classes at various homeschool co-ops, enrichment programs, and private schools since 2013. She led a weekly forest school playgroup for preschoolers when her son was younger where she discovered the joy and magic of the outdoor classroom. An avid nature-lover at heart, she enjoys hiking, camping, kayaking and exploring new places. She tries to visit Iceland as often as she can to walk the rich and beautiful mountains and experience the incredible geological activity there. She considers herself a student of the natural world, and ever enjoys the role of student and teacher. Osk is certified as a Wilderness First Responder, a Virginia Master Naturalist, and is very excited to be a part of the Natural Leaders team. She delights in combining her deep love and respect for the natural world with her earnest joy in facilitating deep learning for children and looks forward to working with your children. |
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Savannah Fox
Guide
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I grew up in a very outdoorsy family exploring the creeks and forests between local suburban neighborhoods along the Potomac River, and backpacking in the wilder Appalachia mountains in Shenandoah and West Virginia. I have been teaching nature education programs for over 10 years. After high school, I began assisting at a contemplative forest school and grew in my experience and training, including the Virginia Master Naturalist program, and I eventually started leading my own nature exploration programs.
I believe everyone has a right to a childhood and time outdoors, immersed in nature, learning to connect with oneself, others and the planet. A lot of what we work on together are skills like, learning how to foster curiosity and independence, what it means to be a good teammate, and stretching the edges of our senses and awareness. The natural world can be an amazing mentor, and I am excited to share in the experience with you! I love backpacking, reading, spending time with my friends and family, playing games, biking, and yoga. |
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Becca Schaefer
Guide
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I spent the first 18 years of my life right here in Northern Virginia, where I spent my free time at many of its incredible parks! After I graduated high school, I went to UMass Amherst in western Massachusetts to get my B.S. in environmental science. Though it was beautiful in the color-changing forests of the Northeast, I missed home and moved back to the area after graduating.
I started a job at the Environmental Protection Agency in the Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) Program, helping to establish the safe levels of chemicals to be used to write regulations. I learned a lot in that important work, but I missed spending time outdoors and wanted the opportunity to work more with children. In 2024, I began work towards a certification in Environmental Education from the Virginia Association for Environmental Education where I’ve been able to learn about effective instruction methods, lesson planning, and more that comes in handy at Natural Leaders! I live in Falls Church with my partner and my cat, Bobbie. In my free time, I like to do amateur astronomy with my partner, explore National Parks, and sing. I believe that the best way engage students is to find out what they want to know and help them learn it. I was drawn to Natural Leaders because of its student-led practices, and because it helps kids spend more time outside - something they don’t always get to do! |
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Lena Mahyoub
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Jacob Mamiye - Substitute Guide
I’ve always been drawn to the outdoors, even though I grew up smack in the middle of Long Island suburbia where green spaces were few and far between. Anytime I could, I’d escape upstate to Ithaca to camp, hike, kayak, and search for fossils in creeks and streams. That early fascination with the natural world eventually grew into a lifelong passion for exploration and education.
One of the most life-changing experiences for me was visiting Yellowstone National Park in 2014 when I realized I wanted to dedicate myself fully to environmental education and help spark that same sense of wonder in others. In 2016, I traveled to the Galápagos and Amazon rainforest to live alongside off-grid communities. We planted cassava, repaired thatched roofs, and learned traditional skills passed down for generations. Those experiences humbled me and deepened my respect for the many ways people connect with the land.
Soon after, I started working as a wilderness guide and environmental educator back home in New York City at Alley Pond Environmental Center in Queens. For nearly a decade, I led programs for kids and families, taught urban ecology and survival skills, cared for exotic animals, and ran summer camps and homeschool groups. I loved being able to help people find wildness and wonder in the middle of one of the busiest cities in the world. Plus… now I have a python I helped rehabilitate at the nature center named “Sashimi” as my pet at home.
Along the way, I’ve been a scuba diving instructor, paleontologist, and even sea turtle and seal caretaker. I earned my B.A. in Sustainability with a minor in Geology from Hofstra University, and I’m currently pursuing my master’s degree in Secondary Education for Earth Science at CUNY Queens College. My goal is to keep inspiring future generations of environmental stewards, whether that’s through classroom teaching, fieldwork, or outdoor adventures. At Natural Leaders, I hope to bring my mix of stories, skills, and curiosity to our time together. I believe some of the best bonds are formed outdoors—when we’re exploring, laughing, and learning side by side.
One of the most life-changing experiences for me was visiting Yellowstone National Park in 2014 when I realized I wanted to dedicate myself fully to environmental education and help spark that same sense of wonder in others. In 2016, I traveled to the Galápagos and Amazon rainforest to live alongside off-grid communities. We planted cassava, repaired thatched roofs, and learned traditional skills passed down for generations. Those experiences humbled me and deepened my respect for the many ways people connect with the land.
Soon after, I started working as a wilderness guide and environmental educator back home in New York City at Alley Pond Environmental Center in Queens. For nearly a decade, I led programs for kids and families, taught urban ecology and survival skills, cared for exotic animals, and ran summer camps and homeschool groups. I loved being able to help people find wildness and wonder in the middle of one of the busiest cities in the world. Plus… now I have a python I helped rehabilitate at the nature center named “Sashimi” as my pet at home.
Along the way, I’ve been a scuba diving instructor, paleontologist, and even sea turtle and seal caretaker. I earned my B.A. in Sustainability with a minor in Geology from Hofstra University, and I’m currently pursuing my master’s degree in Secondary Education for Earth Science at CUNY Queens College. My goal is to keep inspiring future generations of environmental stewards, whether that’s through classroom teaching, fieldwork, or outdoor adventures. At Natural Leaders, I hope to bring my mix of stories, skills, and curiosity to our time together. I believe some of the best bonds are formed outdoors—when we’re exploring, laughing, and learning side by side.
Lauren Jardine - Substitute Guide/Admin Assist
I grew up in New York, hiking, camping and being in the woods whenever I could. As a former Waldorf student, I learned the importance of having hands on, in-depth education that allows you to fully connect to your surroundings. I got my first job teaching snowboarding at fifteen and have been working in the outdoors ever since.
I graduated with my B.S in Environmental Interpretation and Park Management for Penn State in 2020 which has allowed me to work and teach all over the country as an environmental educator. In the last few years I’ve worked as a naturalist, ropes course instructor, backpacking guide, and travel instructor which included everything from taking my students paddling on the Suwannee River, to night hikes in Big Bend, to snorkeling in Belize. My time as a naturalist allowed me to hone my skills facilitating experiences for others where they can deepen their connections to the natural world and cherish their relationship to it.
I have a love for history, mythology and story telling that furthers my ability to connect with the places and people around me.
I'm excited for the time with Natural Leaders to give the students the opportunity to create their own meaningful relationship with nature, learn some great skills and have a fulfilling experience that helps us all grow.
I graduated with my B.S in Environmental Interpretation and Park Management for Penn State in 2020 which has allowed me to work and teach all over the country as an environmental educator. In the last few years I’ve worked as a naturalist, ropes course instructor, backpacking guide, and travel instructor which included everything from taking my students paddling on the Suwannee River, to night hikes in Big Bend, to snorkeling in Belize. My time as a naturalist allowed me to hone my skills facilitating experiences for others where they can deepen their connections to the natural world and cherish their relationship to it.
I have a love for history, mythology and story telling that furthers my ability to connect with the places and people around me.
I'm excited for the time with Natural Leaders to give the students the opportunity to create their own meaningful relationship with nature, learn some great skills and have a fulfilling experience that helps us all grow.
Andrew Ratliff - Substitute Guide
The son of a foreign service officer, Andrew spent his childhood in Thailand and Japan, attending a Marianist private school through 5th Grade and was a member of Scout Troop #1. Upon moving to Annandale, VA, Andrew, his three brothers, and neighborhood friends spent countless hours exploring and playing in the woods along Holmes Run (including soccer games at Roundtree Park), as well as camping with his family at Burke Lake and Shenandoah National Park.
A father of two (now young adults), he was enriched by guiding their intellectual curiosity, involvement in scouting, sports, theater, Odyssey of the Mind, chorus competitions, field trips, and wrangling big groups of kids for birthday parties, playdates, and sleepovers.
All while having a successful career in the event marketing field. The pandemic shut down the exhibits industry, so Andrew took the opportunity to spend lots of that unexpected free time in nature, indulging in a passion for wildlife photography, hiking, and exploring the abundant parks and refuges all around the Greater DC Metro region and beyond. In three years of semi-retirement switching from a desk job to working outdoors, fostering “Adventure, Independence, and Courage” was a much better fit!
Andrew graduated Summa Cum Laude with a B.A. in Organizational Communications from the University of Central Florida.
A father of two (now young adults), he was enriched by guiding their intellectual curiosity, involvement in scouting, sports, theater, Odyssey of the Mind, chorus competitions, field trips, and wrangling big groups of kids for birthday parties, playdates, and sleepovers.
All while having a successful career in the event marketing field. The pandemic shut down the exhibits industry, so Andrew took the opportunity to spend lots of that unexpected free time in nature, indulging in a passion for wildlife photography, hiking, and exploring the abundant parks and refuges all around the Greater DC Metro region and beyond. In three years of semi-retirement switching from a desk job to working outdoors, fostering “Adventure, Independence, and Courage” was a much better fit!
Andrew graduated Summa Cum Laude with a B.A. in Organizational Communications from the University of Central Florida.
Sean Austin - Lead & Substitute Guide
My adult adventures started in my neighborhood creeks and parks, much like Natural Leaders students. As a young person I was involved in sports, drama camps, scouting, and family camping trips. At age 10, I hosted a birthday party which included a creek cleanup competition that removed a pile of litter and even a car axle, local news wrote about it, and the city council recognized our efforts. I have been encouraging others to explore and protect nature since.
I grew up attending public and private schools, around the DC metro area which exposed me to a variety of learning environments. Some of my favorites have been outdoors - especially the Chesapeake Bay, Monongahela NF, Shenandoah NP, and the White Mountain NF. My adventures, as well as my life in the DC region, have aided me in persevering through adversity. When life gets complicated, the simple reminders of life outdoors can be invaluable prompts to recognize hazards, resources, and attitudes as we mature alongside others and the world around us.
In high school, I was selected for recognition as a distinguished honor cadet (top 3%) in the 1st Region AJROTC and the school’s rifle team by my senior year. One of my first jobs work for the NCAC of the Boy Scouts of America. I attended the National Camping School where I instructed scouts and staff in several skill areas including rifle, shotgun, muzzle loading firearms (think early 1800’s), and staffing the COPE (Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience) ropes courses. I enjoyed facilitating these experiences where students had memorable connections to what they were learning - they overcame fears, gained knowledge, and progressed in understanding their own abilities when faced with challenges.
Over the years I picked up outdoor skills in mountain biking, rock climbing, backpacking, conservation, snow sports, orienteering, camping, ropes courses, shooting sports, and more. Much of my professional experience has been in technical problem solving, customer service, outfitting, and instructing. In college I studied automotive science and elected to take First Responder for the Professional Rescuer course as my health credit; I found the problem-solving skills of medical diagnostics very complimentary to the rest of my endeavors. I continue to seek additional learning opportunities in emergency preparedness.
I grew up attending public and private schools, around the DC metro area which exposed me to a variety of learning environments. Some of my favorites have been outdoors - especially the Chesapeake Bay, Monongahela NF, Shenandoah NP, and the White Mountain NF. My adventures, as well as my life in the DC region, have aided me in persevering through adversity. When life gets complicated, the simple reminders of life outdoors can be invaluable prompts to recognize hazards, resources, and attitudes as we mature alongside others and the world around us.
In high school, I was selected for recognition as a distinguished honor cadet (top 3%) in the 1st Region AJROTC and the school’s rifle team by my senior year. One of my first jobs work for the NCAC of the Boy Scouts of America. I attended the National Camping School where I instructed scouts and staff in several skill areas including rifle, shotgun, muzzle loading firearms (think early 1800’s), and staffing the COPE (Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience) ropes courses. I enjoyed facilitating these experiences where students had memorable connections to what they were learning - they overcame fears, gained knowledge, and progressed in understanding their own abilities when faced with challenges.
Over the years I picked up outdoor skills in mountain biking, rock climbing, backpacking, conservation, snow sports, orienteering, camping, ropes courses, shooting sports, and more. Much of my professional experience has been in technical problem solving, customer service, outfitting, and instructing. In college I studied automotive science and elected to take First Responder for the Professional Rescuer course as my health credit; I found the problem-solving skills of medical diagnostics very complimentary to the rest of my endeavors. I continue to seek additional learning opportunities in emergency preparedness.
Audrey Lockwood - Substitute & Assistant Guide
I grew up in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, taking for granted that I couldn’t see any other buildings in view from my home. I didn’t understand until much later that many people can spot only a few stars at night, if any, and not the hundreds salting the sky where I lived. Now, as an adult, I embrace wild spaces with both enthusiasm and healthy respect.
My interests have been eclectic throughout the years. I got a degree in Mathematics from William and Mary, spent my twenties writing novels, and took up woodworking a few years ago. These days my primary focus is homeschooling my two kids, which was how I first discovered Natural Leaders. During Covid, my teaching adventure included a Zoom class on Ancient Technologies, which quickly became a new favorite topic of mine.
My initial experiences with Natural Leaders were on the parent side - my oldest son has been part of the homeschool program for a few years, and both of my kids have participated in summer camps. The more I experienced the program as a mom, the more I grew to appreciate it. Not only were my kids learning new skills and growing in confidence, I was absorbing a lot of the education too! Curiosity piqued, I would often try my hand at the skills they were practicing, bringing half-finished projects to drop-off to get tips from our Guide. After about a dozen of these he asked how I felt about teaching small groups in the woods, and the rest is history!
My favorite part of leading children into the forest is watching the moments of delighted discovery when they come across an animal track or insect or unusual tree formation. While they also take in so much about outdoor survival and build life skills in the process, one of the greatest gifts they receive is wide-eyed wonder for the natural world. I’m thrilled to be part of that adventure.
My interests have been eclectic throughout the years. I got a degree in Mathematics from William and Mary, spent my twenties writing novels, and took up woodworking a few years ago. These days my primary focus is homeschooling my two kids, which was how I first discovered Natural Leaders. During Covid, my teaching adventure included a Zoom class on Ancient Technologies, which quickly became a new favorite topic of mine.
My initial experiences with Natural Leaders were on the parent side - my oldest son has been part of the homeschool program for a few years, and both of my kids have participated in summer camps. The more I experienced the program as a mom, the more I grew to appreciate it. Not only were my kids learning new skills and growing in confidence, I was absorbing a lot of the education too! Curiosity piqued, I would often try my hand at the skills they were practicing, bringing half-finished projects to drop-off to get tips from our Guide. After about a dozen of these he asked how I felt about teaching small groups in the woods, and the rest is history!
My favorite part of leading children into the forest is watching the moments of delighted discovery when they come across an animal track or insect or unusual tree formation. While they also take in so much about outdoor survival and build life skills in the process, one of the greatest gifts they receive is wide-eyed wonder for the natural world. I’m thrilled to be part of that adventure.
