Experience and much, much more...
Learning Outside's instructors are experienced educators, naturalists and artists who clearly love and understand the natural world. They are gifted individuals who develop warm, supportive relationships with children and who are committed to children's holistic growth and to providing each child with a quality outdoor learning experience. Diversity within the instructor team, Board, and the children served is important to Learning Outside. Learning Outside does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national or ethnic origin. Qualified people of any background are encouraged to apply.
Emma Nadeau, "Garden Elf" (she/her)
Emma is passionate about helping children understand where their food comes from. She loves sharing every step of the process with them - from seed to plant to belly! Emma got her Master Gardener certification in 2014 and went on to start a school garden at Frank Porter Graham in CH and is now a happy presence in our Learning Garden each day working with youngsters. When not in the garden, Emma’s playing music in local bands, performing with an educational theater company and tending her small homestead with her family.
Johnny Waken, "Dandelion John" (he/him)
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Johnny is a master naturalist, musician, archer and wilderness skills specialist. He is knowledgeable in tracking, wild plant identification and the many 'critters' of the Piedmont. Johnny has been a lead instructor in our programs since Learning Outside began and continues to join us, both as a lead instructor and a guest instructor when he isn't on the road making music. Johnny leads archery sessions in our school-year programs, teaches in our summer camps and provides archery training for instructors. A bowyer, Johnny also hand-carved each and every one of Learning Outside's amazing bows!
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Maia Derewicz, "Wood Thrush" (she/her)
Maia is an outdoor enthusiast as well as an experienced music teacher, Spanish teacher and singer-songwriter. Maia supports children in their explorations and play outdoors with her steady, grounded presence. She integrates nature games of all sorts into her work with children as well as movement and improvisation in response to the sounds and rhythms of the natural world. Maia has been a lead teacher in many of our programs since Learning Outside began and this year is Lead Instructor in our Afterschool Nature Club programs. In addition, whenever she can, Maia also teaches in our summer camps.
Shelby Banning-Arndt, "Tree Frog" (she/her)
Shelby started at Learning Outside in 2009 as a volunteer on our very first high school Eco-Crew and as a summer camp intern in our first pilot programs. She has remained with Learning Outside ever since, growing her skills as an outdoor educator and emerging as a leader. A lover of the outdoors, she is committed to delivering the benefits of nature-based experiences to support children's learning, growth and development. She is a lead instructor in our Forest Kindergarten, our Thursday Trailblazers and most of our summer camps. In addition, Shelby is Learning Outside's Assistant Director, project coordinator for our school-year programs and summer camp planner - wielding her magic behind the scenes and making things happen.
Steph Stewart, "Ladybug" (she/her)
Steph is a Montessori teacher, an instructor at Learning Outside, AND the accomplished musician who leads "Blue Cactus" Steph is an organic gardener with a deep commitment to sustainability, hands-on learning and supporting children's experiences outdoors. She is a lead instructor in our Adventurers' Afterschool Nature Club as well as our Trailblazers Afterschool Nature Club. Steph brings a deep understanding of children to her work in our programs as well as a commitment to helping children connect with nature and with one another. We feel so lucky that Learning Outside has remained 'home' for Steph for so many years now!
Wendy Banning, "Tumbleweed" (she/her)
Wendy is Director and founder of Learning Outside. In addition to her leadership role and administrative responsibilities, she mentors Learning Outside's instructors, develops new curriculum and programs and is a lead teacher in our Forest Kindergarten and Trekker programs as well as in our summer camps. She is an experienced classroom teacher, outdoor learning teacher-trainer, author and photographer. Wendy co-authored Lens on Outdoor Learning with Ginny Sullivan, published by Redleaf Press in 2011.