“Poplar” (she/her)

Amelia joined Learning Outside in fall 2021 as a Lead Instructor in our Afterschool Nature Clubs. This fall, 2023, after a year away to pilot a new project at Glenn Elementary School in Durham as their first Outdoor Education Teacher, she has returned as a Lead Instructor for our Monday Adventurers and we’re so thrilled to have her back! Amelia has deep roots in planning outdoor learning experiences for children of all ages, both locally and out west. She loves all things outdoors and sharing time in nature and in gardens with children. She has worked as a Program Coordinator, Camp Director, Lead Instructor and Garden Coordinator. Amelia is a keen observer of children and of their interests and she forges strong relationships with every child she works with.

“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, in 2017, joined Learning Outside where she is a happy presence greeting and working with youngsters each day in our Learning Garden. When not in the garden, Emma is playing music in local bands, performing with an educational theater company and tending her small homestead with her family.

“Sassafras” (she/her)

Erna is a creative and dedicated educator with over a decade of experience working on behalf of children. Her background is diverse and includes experience leading early childhood programs in outdoor settings, as well as roles supporting youngsters with special needs. Erna sees time in the natural world as essential for children to thrive; the ultimate space where children fully connect with themselves, one another, the world around them, and with their own learning and capacities. Erna joined Learning Outside’s team in 2021 and is a Lead Instructor in Learning Outside’s Forest Kindergarten program.

“Cedar” (he/him)

Hunter joined Learning Outside in spring 2022 as an intern in our Forest Kindergarten. He was then an Assistant Instructor in our 2022 Summer Camps and he is now a Lead Instructor in our Pathfinders After School Nature Club. Hunter has worked as a nature connection mentor, farmer, and horticulturist. He also participated in a 10-month Adult Wilderness Immersion program through the Holistic Survival School. Hunter is passionate about experiential learning, sustainable agriculture, and food justice. He is a gifted naturalist with a deep love and respect for ancient practices, which he shares with children!

“Luna Moth” (she/her)

Jesse joined Learning Outside as an Assistant Instructor in our 2022 summer camps and is a Lead Instructor in our Explorers and Pathfinders Afterschool Nature Clubs. Jesse grew up in the country, outside Siler City, playing in the woods and exploring the Rocky River. She also spent many summers at Camp Celo, cementing her lifelong love for the natural world. Jesse was an art teacher in the DC public schools while also continuing her work as an illustrator and muralist. Jesse loves children, nature, art and teaching. She brings those loves to her work at Learning Outside; supporting children’s interests and creativity as they explore and interact with the natural world.

“Muskrat” (he/him)

Luke joined Learning Outside in summer 2021, working as an Assistant Instructor in nearly every camp offered that summer! He returned to work a second summer season at Learning Outside in 2022 and is now an Assistant Instructor in our Adventurers, Trailblazers, Explorers and Pathfinders After School Nature Clubs. Luke loves spending time outside, connecting with nature, working in gardens, and spending time with animals. He also loves spending time with children and brings a very grounding energy to his work with children. Growing up, Luke spent many summers attending Camp Celo and later went on to work there, creating memorable experiences in nature for campers. Luke values the relationships he builds with children and takes great care to connect with each child on a personal level.

“Honeybee” (she/her)

Melanie is an avid naturalist whose love for children, animals and wild spaces is infectious! She joined Learning Outside’s team for our summer 2021 camps and is a Lead Instructor in our Trailblazers’ After School Nature Club. Melanie’s teaching experiences include roles in outdoor learning settings, like Learning Outside, as well as work in more traditional classrooms. This background provides Melanie with a unique understanding of what children need, and bring, to their experiences and opportunities to be active, curious explorers, in the wild. Melanie brings both positive energy and a grounded presence for children in nature.

“Jewelweed” (she/her)

Sarah joined Learning Outside in fall 2020 and, from the get-go, she established herself as a positive force on Learning Outside’s team! Sarah is a Lead Instructor in our Forest Kindergarten and our Explorers After School Nature Club. Sarah’s background includes time in NC, Connecticut and New York working to support children in outdoor learning programs as well as in roles focused on advancing community farm projects and CSA’s. In addition, Sarah is a certified Herbalist. In short, Learning Outside is the perfect ‘home’ for Sarah because it hits all of her essential loves: children, the natural world and growing local food and herbs!

“Tree Frog” (she/her)

Shelby joined Learning Outside in 2009 as a volunteer on our first Eco-Crew and a summer intern in our first pilot programs and she has remained with Learning Outside ever since! A lover of the outdoors, Shelby is committed to delivering the benefits of nature-based experiences to support children's learning, growth and development. Shelby is currently completing an intensive 3-year certification program with The Academy of Forest Kindergarten Teachers based in CA. Shelby is currently on maternity leave as a Lead Instructor in our 2023 – 2024 school-year programs. Her administrative role as Learning Outside’s Program Director and Project Coordinator for our school-year programs and our summer camps will remain uninterrupted. She will continue to wield her magic behind the scenes to make things happen!

“Ladybug” (she/her)

Steph has been with Learning Outside since 2011, working as a Lead Instructor in our Adventurers and Trailblazers Afterschool Nature Clubs. Steph is Montessori Certified and brings 8 years of classroom experience and 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. Steph is also an accomplished multi-instrumentalist and songwriter and loves to performs with her band, Blue Cactus. Growing up in a small rural town in the foothills, Steph spent much of her childhood playing in the woods with her brother. These early experiences sparked a lifelong love and appreciation for the outdoors. We feel so lucky that Learning Outside has remained 'home' for Steph for so many years now!

“Aspen” (she/her)

Val joined Learning Outside’s team in 2010. She plays a key role "behind the scenes" working on behalf of Learning Outside in the office which we fondly call "Learning Inside!" Val manages the finances and partners with Wendy on grant writing and budgeting. Val also executes administrative duties and supports the fundraising team and board. A strong believer in alternative educational experiences, Val helped build a mountain house for high school credit! Val and Wendy have worked together for over 20 years. Val is an active outdoor enthusiast who enjoys hiking, biking, and playing winter sports with her husband, family and friends.

“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 Instructor in our Forest Kindergarten program, as well as in our summer camps. She is an experienced classroom teacher, nonprofit director, outdoor learning teacher-trainer, as well as an author and photographer. Wendy co-authored Lens on Outdoor Learning with Ginny Sullivan, published by Redleaf Press in 2011.