Seedlings educators strive to guide students in their learning through
​providing provocations which will open the doors for exploration.

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Laura Burki (She/Her)
​Director | B.Ed | ECE | Forest Educator | OREC

It all started as a little girl who never really felt like she fit in. I spent hours outside in my backyard and climbing trees as a child. Playing, creating and imagining up stories with the world around me. I found a passion for the ocean when I went to Camp Thunderbird as a young girl and quickly caught on to my love and desire to be outside and be with others.

I made my way through College getting an Outdoor Recreation & Leadership development diploma and spent many years working in forests, mountains and on the ocean. 

My academic background is complete with certificates in Early Childhood and a degree in Education along with many years of hands on experience in the field as an educator, manager and friend. I am grateful to have completed my Community Herbalist Certificate with Pacific Rim College as well at the end of 2020, and will use this new knowledge while teaching in the forest.

Living my whole life on Vancouver Island, right on the edge of beautiful forests and oceans, has gifted me with an unbounded love for nature. Playing outside, getting muddy, finding creatures and breathing in the fresh air has been an integral part of my life, and I consider it a privilege to be in a position where I can support these experiences for children and their families!

​Now nestled back on the west coast doing my Masters in Environment Studies and Education, with my wife, dog and cat I look forward to meeting new kiddos and visiting with past families to see what adventures awaits us. My passion for the natural world around us is what I hope to share with many families that come to Seedlings.​

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Chelsea Brooke​ (She/Her)
School Age Manager | Forest Educator | BSW

​Connections enable growth, change, and networks that help to create strong bonds to one another and the world. Connections are about understanding, communicating, and maintaining an open mind to one's experiences. When we instill the belief that we are nature--we are the trees in the forest, the flowing water in the rivers, the mycelium in the soil, and the insects, birds, and mammals--we create a deep connection of mutual respect, a desire to protect and a strong feeling of love and acceptance.  

From childhood my time was spent exploring the world. My love of nature began with countless hours searching for insects, building forts and fairy houses as a child to hiking, climbing mountains, bicycle treks, camping trips, and international travel as a young adult. The moments of stillness, seasons of change, sense of imagination, creative spark, and childlike wonder excite me, as I am present in this ever-evolving world.

​As I ponder how my career path has led me far and wide, gaining experience and connecting to all walks of life, I realize how important it is to acknowledge these ever changing cycles, ebbs and flows, and the random encounters, as one can truly never know where life will take you.  I look forward to learning and growing with your children and keeping this love and connection alive for many generations to come.

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Emily Dimmer
Early Years Manager | ECE | Forest Educator

Hello all! My name is Emily, it's so nice to meet you!
Originally from the East Coast, I found myself exploring the forests behind my home in Nova Scotia - climbing trees, splashing in the brook that meandered across the road from my house, and digging for all sorts of critters. I found a sense of peace and curiosity through spending my childhood (and adult) years outdoors, learning to appreciate and respect the natural world around me. In my free time, I am often outdoors biking, hiking, swimming, camping, or climbing - as well as playing a variety of musical instruments (I'm Nova Scotian, after all!).
With years of experience working with children of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds, as well as graduating with my ECE, I have a passion for inclusivity and accessibility for all. I find that this translates over into my teaching style, as I see the importance of celebrating each person's superpowers and how we can incorporate them into our day-to-days.
I hope to meet you and your kiddos and look forward to all the adventures Seedlings has to offer!

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/Erica McLean (She/Her)
Toddler Educator | ECE/IT in progress

​Greetings, Seedlings families! My name is Erica, and I am thrilled to be joining the Seedlings team. I was born and raised on Vancouver Island, and my favourite memories from childhood are camping in Sooke with my family.

​I discovered my passion for children when I began working as a nanny at the age of twenty. From there, I began working in different daycare centres as an educator. I’ve had experience working with all different age groups in
both small centres and larger ones.

I took some time off to become a mother to my beautiful son Ambrose, and was fortunate to go back to school to complete my Early Childhood certificate when he was three years old. I am passionate about being outside, both in my personal life as well as an educator. It’s important to me that children are given freedom to express themselves as well as being allowed to take some risks in their play.

​I look forward to getting to know each of the children who join this fantastic program, as well as collaborating with you to make sure that they have the best experience possible.

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Kelly Ross (She/Her)
BA | Forest Educator​ | Media

Raised in the Rocky Mountains, my affinity for nature was fostered from a young age. I spent a great deal of time in outdoor programs as well as camping with my family and friends, which ultimately led to me becoming the quintessential camp counsellor.  Over the years I’ve run summer soccer training programs, been an activities manager for youth hostels, as well as worked 1:1 as a carer.

In university I studied Public Relations and Communications as my passion to understanding and relating to others is integral to who I am. Through my experiences of working with people of all backgrounds, I have seen firsthand how impactful one person can be in a someones life, particularly in childhood.
​
I strive to be the person I needed when I was younger, and help encourage youth to love and trust themselves whilst finding the words and resources to do so. I especially appreciate when we can share and discover tangible ways which one can access at any time through their life journey - like the joy of being present with nature itself. I look forward to making up songs, being silly, learning, and growing with the Seedlings community.

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Emma "Beans" Barrett
Outdoor Nature Programmer | RA | Forest Educator

Hello! My name is Emma (though many call me Beans), and I'm an interdisciplinary artist and educator originally from Southern Ontario. 

My work and education history is varied, and my wide set of experiences in the arts and education fields helps me engage with kids off all ages creatively and authentically. Being an outdoor educator also gives me ample opportunity to promote environmental play and stewardship in the daily lives of the kids, their families and ourselves, which is incredibly important and a dream come true. 😃

I look forward to making mud pies with everyone this season.

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Sean Steele (He/Him)
Forest Educator | PhD

Hello everyone! My name is Sean. I am originally from Nanaimo and had the pleasure and privilege to grow up in the forests of Vancouver Island. My studies began in music at VIU in Nanaimo and expanded to include a BA in philosophy and history from Concordia in Montreal and an MA in the humanities from York University in Toronto.

I am currently completing a PhD in the humanities department at York. I am a musician, a music teacher, a writer, and an avid traveller. I’ve been lucky enough to travel across North America and through Mexico, India, Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Costa Rica, Australia, and many places in Western Europe and the UK.

​I am passionate about education and the many forms that teaching can take. I am curious about everything and love exploring the adventure of ideas.

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Heather Seckinger (She/Her)
ECE (In progress) | Forest Educator 

Hi, I’m Heather Faye!  I’m very excited to join the Seedlings team!  Being born and raised on the Island, I can say I’ve always had a love of our land and surroundings. From a young age I remember running barefoot along the ocean collecting sea dollars, walking through the wet rainforest to find nature sanctuaries and sharing stories of Bigfoot around the fire on the many camping trips. I always felt nature is so magical and special to be in. I adore gardening and keeping house plants in any space I can fit them. I take pride being the green thumb my friends come to for plant advice. 

My other passion is found in art. Painting, drawing, wood burning, clay... if it’s creative, I want my hands on it! I find my inspiration in everyday beauty, in my childhood memories, and in the bright colours of nature. It’s one of the main roads that led me to my love of teaching young ones for many years. Needless to say, being a part of Seedlings and having the opportunity to spend my days outside to play, create and imagine is a true dream come true! I’m so excited to share my ideas and learn from all the new friends different ways to enjoy our world together.

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Nancy O'Connor (She/Her)
B.Ed | Forest Educator

Hello everyone! I am Nancy from North Yorkshire, England. Two things have provided me with endless joy: exploring the natural world and seeing children flourish into confident, inquisitive individuals.

From a young age, I felt the most awake, the most present, when I was free to explore the natural world for myself, questioning my experiences and adding my own imaginative flare. What could be a more knowledgeable teacher? The sun rising every morning, even when no one was there to see it, taught me resilience and a sense of independence. The currents and tides, deep beneath the waves, taught me how we are connected in unforeseen ways. The trees, bending towards the light of the sun, taught me patience and perseverance.

​With my degree in Primary Education and experience as a class teacher, I aim to give children the opportunities to learn their own lessons from nature, guiding them with respect and collaborative learning. What a wonderful world we live in! I cannot wait to explore and learn alongside the children and families at Seedlings. 

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Sam Morgan (She/Her)
Lead Educator | ECE | SNE | Forest Educator

Hello all! My name is Sam, I am filled with so much excitement and gratitude being welcomed into the seedlings family! I spent most of my life in Ontario - growing up in Toronto and spending every summer in London (Ontario) always surrounded by family. My happiest memories have always been in nature - playing in the snow, jumping in leaf piles, camping adventures, and living a double life as a mermaid. I truly believe the secret to living a full life is to lead with your heart and embrace your inner child.  My journey led me to moving to Victoria in 2017; I obtained my early learning diploma with my inclusive care education at Camosun College, and have happily found my place in life as an Early Childhood Educator. I have always had a passion to support children with diverse abilities or those who have difficulties in life that can present as challenging behaviours. I have found through my experiences that showing up and being there with love and kindness makes the difference. It doesn't take much for me to give love and try to make someone's day brighter - my hope is to be able to share that in this community. I am a firm believer in that all humans, especially children, thrive in nature and we gain so much when we look to nature as a teacher - the lessons that can be learned are boundless. Through nature, my education, and work in the field I have learned so much about myself and the world around me; I am so eager to continue this learning journey and embrace everything that is to come with open arms.

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Aleah Sawatzky (She/Her)
​Practicum Student (Sept to April)

My name is Aleah Sawatzky. I am 21 years old and I am from Fenwick, Ontario, which is a small town near Niagara Falls. In my free time I enjoy reading, spending time outdoors, watching a good tv show or movie or baking something really yummy.

I’m a 3rd year student from University of Victoria currently completing my degree in child and youth care. I am a new addition to Seedlings. This fall and spring I am working with Seedlings Forest School completing my practicum.

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Brittany Dunstan (She/Her)
ECE-A | Forest Educator

Born in Saskatoon, on Treaty 6 territory and the homeland of the Métis, my happiest childhood memories are of spending time outdoors, skiing, fishing, camping, and canoeing! Before moving to Vancouver Island seven years ago, I lived in the UK, France and Chile. I've worked with children in educational and recreational settings over the last 15 years, always being drawn to the creative energy, curiousity and compassion that comes with being around children. 

I graduated from Camosun in 2018 with a Diploma in Community, Family and Child Studies, certified as an Early Childhood Educator Assistant. Before coming to Seedlings, I also worked in out-of-school care, Storyoga Preschool as a Kids’ Yoga Instructor, and ran the youth program at the Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre Society (VIRCS). I'm also an apprentice at Thriving Roots forest school. 

Throughout all the places I've lived, I've never missed an opportunity to get out into the wild, especially camping, hiking and cycling. Being out in the natural world is like medicine for me! I look forward to playing, exploring and learning with children, with Mother Nature as our teacher! Every day, I feel blessed to be able to witness the beauty and live on the homelands of the Lək̓ʷəŋən People.

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Eliza Lutek (She/Her)
​Forest Educator | RA

Hello everyone!
​My name is Eliza, I also go by Elle, and I feel more than grateful to be working with Seedlings. Growing up just outside of Vancouver BC, my childhood always felt beautifully balanced between a love of the city and the magic of the outdoors, memories of camping, getting muddy and biking through the mystical woods are among my most cherished. After living and working in downtown Toronto, I returned to the west coast and found myself in the natural wonderland of Victoria where I am currently happily pursuing an Associate’s degree in Social Work at Camosun College.  The internal peace and curiosity that I feel while exploring outdoors is something I can always rely on, and the opportunity to share that, while educating, playing and of course, learning along the way, is truly so exciting. Working with children is eternally motivating, and I cannot wait to cherish this beautiful and mysterious coast we call home together as a team.  Coming from a fine arts background I adore photography, illustration and anything that allows me to be as creative as my heart desires, the energetic joy that creating and making brings me flows directly into hiking, biking and outdoor activities. The privilege to relish in the wonder of the natural world alongside Seedlings Forest Education is something I cannot wait to nurture and grow with. 

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Emm Bond (She/Her)
​Forest Educator | ECE-A | RA

Hello there! My name is Emm and I’m a lover of all things outdoors. I grew up in the countryside of Shropshire, England, and spent as much time as I could outside in the forests, fields and mud. I was lucky enough to live near an outdoor education centre growing up, and spent many years learning about the environment and nature through play. I was very fortunate that my family nurtured my love of the outdoors, taking my sister and me all over the UK camping and hiking, spending time in the mountains of the Lake District and Scotland and by the coasts of Cornwall and Wales.

Throughout my college and university education I studied music, and after graduating I went on to qualify as an outdoor educator and instructor in the Brecon Beacons in Wales. I have been teaching outdoor education for the last four years, most recently at the Tribune Bay Outdoor Education on Hornby Island. Experiencing first hand the huge range of benefits that outdoor learning can have on a child has made working in these roles endlessly rewarding, and I can’t wait to continue learning and experiencing this connection with Seedlings! Getting to see children grow, learn and play in nature is really quite cool.

When I’m not outdoors I’m playing music, drinking tea, reading and knitting (although I’ll admit I even try to do those outdoors as much as I can).

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Evan Haup (He/Him)
RA | Forest Educator

Hi, my name is Evan and I am very excited to be sharing outdoor learning experiences with kids. I have a bachelor's in microbiology and an MS in biological sciences, and currently work as a certified climbing arborist in Victoria.

While I appreciate the technical side of understanding the natural world, what I am most interested in is how we connect with nature and benefit from a reciprocal relationship with the land - especially in a forest setting.

I enjoy spending my free time playing music, climbing, taking care of my plants, going on outdoor adventures with my wife and dog, and traveling. Some of my favourite places I have been to are Iceland, Costa Rica, Italy, Mexico, and Vietnam. I have also lived in the US and South Korea before making my way to Canada.

​My time abroad has shown me that getting to know people with different backgrounds and ways of thinking can enrich our lives in so many ways, so I am looking forward to seeing what I can learn from working with children, as well as what I can offer them.

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Emily Jade (She/Her)
​RA | Forest Educator | Plant Lover

I am an interdisciplinary artist and herbalist who grew up in London, England. I first met the magic of nature amongst discarded shopping carts and Victorian clay pipes on the banks of the River Thames. In the middle of a bustling metropolis, the weeds still found their way into my heart. A childhood apprenticeship to London’s buried waterways and urban foliage lead me to understand that humans are a part of that world, not separate from it. As a settler on lək̓ʷəŋən territory, I believe it is vital to be in right relationship with this land that we are beholden to for all the life it supports. For kids, it seems right that this appreciation begins with play!
My educational background is varied. I have studied Art at Concordia in Montréal and my love of plants brought me to Pacific Rim College for Herbal Medicine. I am guided by animism and believe the greatest learning comes from the plants, fungi and soil themselves. 

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Jade Dhingra (She/Her)
 ECE | Forest Educator

Originally from Stratford, Ontario, I'm an early childhood educator and artist recently relocated to Vancouver Island. Growing up in a rural area and family art studio, my experiences have always been rooted around art and nature.

My teaching pedagogy involves appreciating nature as an influential educator and utilizing arts practices integrated in learning. I believe that an early education in nature and the arts grounds one in the natural world and within themselves.

I pursued an education in Fine Art from Concordia University and am now continuing my education with a B.Ed and teaching certificate. I hope to continue a life long learning practice and further my education with the ultimate goal of becoming a registered art therapist. 

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Jay Stabb (They/She)
MA | Forest Educator

​Being outside is what makes me feel most alive – whether snacking on the first salmon berries of the year or simply enjoying the green trees around me with different bird songs filling the air. I am an avid multi-day hiker, an all-weather bicycle commuter, and an enthusiastic beginner birder.

Since moving to Lək̓ʷəŋən territories in 2019, I have also been looking for ways to live ethically and responsibly on these lands as a white settler of Scottish, Irish, Italian, and Polish decent. Born on the territory of Qiqéyt (Qayqayt), I spent most of my life on Syilx (Okanagan) and Nlaka'pamux territory before moving to Germany for a six year period of traveling and studying where I eventually completed my master’s degree in Global Studies.

It is with this broadened perspective of the world and of my place in it that I approach forest education: we all have a responsibility to the lands that sustain us. My passion for being outdoors also began in childhood, when I participated in various nature camps and adventure programs. In secondary school, I took an extracurricular course in Outdoor Education, which turned out to be foundational in terms of developing my self-confidence, curiosity, and love of nature that would shape my adult years to come.

​Being able to provide children with similar opportunities to learn and grow while being outdoors is what motivates and inspires me – not to mention the fun of splashing together in the rain!

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Jenna Bentzen - She/Her
 ECE (in progress) | Kindie Klub | Forest Educator

Being surrounded by mountains, forests, and the ocean all my life has given me a zest for adventure. Ever curious, as a child I was always exploring the natural environment around me; climbing trees, building forts, swimming and creating outside. As an adult I still have this adventurous spirit and love finding new places to explore.

​Nature has always allowed me to tap into my imagination and offers much inspiration for my art practice. Besides drawing and painting you can find me knitting, hiking, riding my bike or reading. I am ecstatic to be able to share these experiences with everyone at Seedlings and engage in our natural world with everything it has to offer.​

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Kylea Smith (She/Her)
​Practicum Student (Sept to April)

Hello! My name is Kylea and I am so excited to be working with and learning from Seedlings Forest Education! Currently, I am a third-year Child and Youth Care student at the University of Victoria and am loving every minute of my learning.

Working with children and youth is a great passion of mine, especially through these years in university, and I am looking forward to the opportunity to learn how to incorporate the Land into my budding practice and share the importance of connecting to the outdoors.

I grew up on the Island, surrounded by mountains and trees, and have come to rely heavily on the peace and balance it gives me! I am eagerly anticipating nurturing and sharing these feelings through my time at Seedlings! 

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Lindsey Oak (She/Her)
B.Ed | ECE-A | Forest Educator | Tutor

A recent transplant from Alberta, I grew up in the Alberta Rockies and spent most of my childhood immersed in nature and exploring the mountain terrain. I was unable to resist the beauty and magic of the Island though and am so excited to be living in Victoria.  I love working with children and youth and my love for education stems from my own curiosity and love of learning about the world. I graduated with a degree in Education with the aim to be a classroom teacher but found alignment more in non-traditional teaching environments.

I’ve worked with youth and families for over 15 years in and outside classroom settings and take a holistic approach to education and teaching. I’m passionate about play-based learning and engaged inquiry, striving to build stronger critical, creative, and community-minded thinking.

​In my free time I love to read, cook, listen to music and true crime podcasts, play board games, spend time by the ocean, and stay active. I’m excited to spend even more time in nature and exploring and connecting with all the amazing things Victoria and the Island have to offer. I’m looking forward to combining my interests and passions with the Seedlings program being immersed in nature school!

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Lizzy Thomas (She/Her)
​Practicum Student (Jan to April) | ECE-A

Hey! My name is Lizzie Thomas; I’m 19 years old and a second-year Child and Youth Care student at the University of Victoria! I grew up in Calgary, Alberta, where I fell in love with the mountains, hiking, and skating. When I was younger, my family and I spent a lot of time in BC, my favourite place being Moyie Lake, where I spent all day in the summers swimming and snorkelling with my three siblings. I moved to Victoria after coming to the Island to visit my sister a few times and hiking and exploring with her.

I’m looking forward to working with Seedlings Forest Education! Junior Coaching ringette gave me a passion for teaching and showed me how much I enjoy helping others and working with children. I hope to share my love of exploring, being creative, and learning new things with the program!

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Makayla Berkes (She/Her)
ECE | Forest Educator 

Hello Seedlings families! My name is Makayla and I am currently in my fourth year of child and youth care at the University of Victoria! 

Growing up on the West Coast I spent a huge part of my life outdoors hiking, fishing and camping. I have an ECE background and am passionate about teaching and learning with the next generation of children, while connecting with the beautiful lands we live on. 

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Makayla "Mak" Lintott (She/Her)
Forest Educator | BA​ | ECE-A | Community Connector

Hello there! My name is Mak (I also go by Mak-aroni and Mak-and-cheese), and I am currently studying political science and environmental studies at the University of Victoria. I have had the privilege of growing up on the unceded territories of the W̱SÁNEĆ and Lək̓ʷəŋən speaking peoples – and I continue to work, learn, and play on these lands as a settler.

Having spent most of my childhood outside, whether I was surfing in Tofino or kayaking through the Gulf Islands, I quickly developed a deep respect for the natural world. The connection I built with the forest, mountains, and ocean throughout my childhood has molded me into the curious, passionate, and creative person I am today.

​I believe that fostering an environment where children can be in relationship with the land is beyond important, and that we all have much to gain from spending a little more time outside. I look forward to learning and growing with the Seedlings community, and being in-play with the next generation of change-makers.

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Rylee Zondervan (She/Her)
R.A. | Forest Educator | B.Ed

Hi there, Seedlings families! My name is Rylee and I am currently an Education student at the University of Victoria. I had the privilege of growing up on the unceded lands of the Sinixt, Syilx and Ktunaxa Nations. I developed an affinity for the outdoors and adventure at a young age as I grew up exploring the lakes, rivers, and mountains of the Kootenays. I have recently had the privilege of living and learning on the unceded lands of the Xwsepsum and lək̓ʷəŋən Nations for the last three years.

​I am passionate about the outdoors, fostering creativity, community connection, and environmental sustainability. In my free time, I love mountain biking, trail running, hiking, skiing, and gardening! I look forward to making meaningful connections with each Seedlings student through creative exploration and knowledge sharing of the beautiful natural world around us. 

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​Paige Cameron (She/Her)
ECE-A | Pracitcum Student Sprouts | Forest Educator

Hello everybody! My name is Paige and I am thrilled to be joining the Seedlings team this spring! I am currently in my 3rd year of the Child and Youth Care program at the University of Victoria, and am looking forward to completing my practicum at Seedlings with the tiniest outdoor adventures - the Sprouts! 
You can usually find me outside hiking or swimming, baking something yummy, or teaching dance at my studio here in Victoria. I’m excited to share my love for the outdoors with the kids, and grow alongside them too.  

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Sara Larsen (She/Her)
B.A. | RA | Forest Educator

Hello! My name is Sara and I am stoked to be joining the seedlings team! I absolutely love being in nature and seeing the beauty it contains. I have always had an interest in plant biology, and learning more about it and I am excited to have the opportunity to learn more about the natural world with kids.
Growing up, I always remember being outside. In my hometown of Kelowna, B.C, my summers were spent exploring and camping in the outdoors. It was a place where I was able to think creatively and have fun. It was also a great learning environment where I was able to observe how everything fits together so perfectly.
One of my passions has always been working with kids. I love learning from them and I think that they add such a fresh, fun and imaginative perspective to the world that we need reminders of once we grow up. I have had plenty of experience working with children at various camps and I am currently working towards becoming a teacher. 
Overall, I am excited to continue this journey of learning and working alongside kiddos to help guide their own adventure. I aim to make each child feel seen and valued. I also hope to help them find something they are passionate about and for them to learn the importance of the natural world. 

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Valerie Binder (She/Her)
B.A. | ECE-A | Forest Educator

Hi, friends and Seedlings families! My name is Valerie, and I’m originally from Ontario. I grew up outdoors and much of my time was (and still is) spent on the trails, paddling, camping, climbing trees, and reading in my hammock. I love taking my ukulele into nature to play somewhere outdoors, and one of my favourite places to be is sitting around a campfire, singing with friends.

My studies began as a B.A. in French and Biology at the University of Ottawa, then branched off to include Experiential Learning and Free Time Pedagogy at Palacký University Olomouc, Czechia, and more recently, Friluftsliv (Norwegian nature philosophy and outdoor studies) at the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences in Oslo. Studying biology has given me a deep appreciation for the workings of nature and the importance of its conservation, and my recent adventures in outdoor studies have fostered an equal appreciation for letting go of academic perspectives sometimes and allowing nature to be mysterious to me.

​I believe in re-mystifying nature, in surrendering to curiosity and wonder and letting yourself feel that even little things – some friendly moss, cool rocks, or water drops on a spiderweb – are part of a mystery larger than us. I want to work with people in nature because I am happiest outdoors, and I’m excited to share that joy with my fellow educators and kiddos at Seedlings this year!

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Yuki Wood (She/Her)
​ECE-A | Forest Educator | Inclusion

​Hi! My name is Yuki Wood. I am in my second year in Child and Youth Care at the University of Victoria. I grew up on a small island called Okinawa in Japan, where I fell in love with the ocean and the island life.

​Diving, hiking up to waterfalls and taking walks to appreciate the nature are my favorite things to do. I am very grateful to be able to work with Seedlings Forest Education, and excited to share my love and interest in nature with the children!

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