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Laura Burki - She/HerDirector | ECE | B.Ed | Forest EducatorIt 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 the west coast of 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 with my partner, 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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Abbie Rechert - She/HerBrand Manager | Forest EducatorI am originally from the rolling hills of Derbyshire, England and spent my entire childhood surrounded by nature, trees and dirt. From then to now, my favorite pastimes still include jumping in puddles, climbing trees and wild swimming. You can usually find me ankle deep in mud, or stopping for the 50th time on a short walk to check out a cool shell I found at the beach. I completed my Forest School Practitioner Training in the UK back in 2018 and since then have worked a variety of wonderful roles, but always circled back to nature and the outdoors. I have led summer camps for teens, been hunting for dragons with toddlers at Forest School and worked 1:1 Support roles for children with disabilities. I believe in the idea that everyone has a little bit of magic in them and we just need the right people and environment around us to help us shine!
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Briana Corbin - She/Her
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Aliya Schwabe- She/HerRA | Forest Educator |Growing up in Victoria, I spent much of my childhood outdoors camping, beachcombing, and getting lost in the forest. Living at the base of Mount Doug Park, my friends and I could be found almost every summer day hopping across rocks, and balancing on logs in the creek bed. I enjoyed working as a babysitter to the neighborhood kids (long before I was of legal age to do so) all throughout my elementary and highschool years. Following highschool, I found myself studying Political Science at the University of Victoria. While the trees and lush forests of UVic campus kept me company, the rigors of academia weighed heavily on my mental and emotional wellbeing. Upon completing my degree I needed a fresh start. I travelled to Northern India and spent months volunteering on an organic biodiversity farm. It was there that my passions for plants, ecological restoration, organic farming, and community building took root. I then completed my Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certificate and spent time teaching English to kids and university students in Vietnam. After returning home from our travels, my husband and I moved out to Sooke where we both worked at an out-of-school care program. A year after moving to Sooke we welcomed the birth of our first child. These days, my son and I spend most of our time together outside; working in the garden, and enjoying the many parks and beaches that the west coast has to offer. I feel so passionate and excited about sharing my love for the Earth with children. Whether it is a beetle, a great blue heron or an ancient red cedar, seeing nature through a child's eyes is pure magic. I truly look forward to nurturing and growing alongside the children and families of our Seedlings community.
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Chelsea Brooke - She/Her
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Rylee Zondervan - She/HerR.A| Forest Educator | B.EdHi 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 of Seedlings’ students through creative exploration and knowledge sharing of the beautiful natural world around us.
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Emily DimmerPreschool Manager | Forest Educator | ECEHi folks! My name is Emily! Originally from Nova Scotia, I have been out west for upwards of 7 years now. This beautiful place has become home to me due to the landscapes and natural environment it has to offer. I grew up with a deep love and interest for the outdoors - always spending my time out in the forest at the end of my road. As I grew into adulthood, I found myself finding passions within hiking, trail running, climbing, biking, camping - essentially anything that allowed me to spend tranquil time outside. I have always found that nature has a way of bringing a sense of stillness to my mind and peace to my heart, and I have always enjoyed sharing that with those around me. Aside from spending most of my time outdoors, I often find myself playing an array of different instruments (I’m Nova Scotian, after all!), and am always so excited to share the collectiveness of music with others. I have spent years working with children from all walks of life and all diverse abilities, and am looking forward to sharing our natural environment and communities with the Seedlings kiddos!
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Eilish Lambert - She/HerForest Educator
Hello! My name is Eilish and I was born and raised in a tiny village in Kildare, Ireland. My family would spend our free time exploring Ireland and finding different hikes and new spots to discover. My favourite activities are kayaking, hiking, camping, skiing, gardening and anything that gets me outside in the fresh air! Growing up in Ireland, I have always felt very connected to the ocean, so the west coast was the perfect spot for me. I am very grateful to be exploring all of the different opportunities in this beautiful environment. I have always enjoyed playing sports, and I am grateful that I have had the opportunity to coach different teams in the last few years so that it keeps me involved in the community. I have three nephews who enjoy spending time outdoors. I love to adventure with them! I am delighted to be a part of the Seedlings community, creating memories and growing together in nature! |
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Kelly Ross - She/HerForest EducatorRaised 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. Looking forward to making up songs, being silly, learning and growing with the Seedlings community.
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Erica McLean - She/Her
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Lead Preschool teacher | ECE
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Lindsey Oak - She/Her
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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! |
Makayla (Mak) Lintott - She/Her
Forest Educator/ BA
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.
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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Sadie Mills - She/HerForest Educator | RAHello! My name is Sadie, I cannot express how excited I am to work and play with everyone at Forest Seedlings. I am a long time lover of nature! I grew up in the caribou in a small town called Alexandria, my parents were both tree planters. Growing up, my family was very outdoor oriented, and my parents taught me the importance of acknowledging and cherishing what our world has given to us. Growing up, most days I went into the bush, either on my moms chest or walking along side them in nature! I believe that nature is so important for a child’s development, as I have experienced the amazing things it can do for a child, first hand. I believe that teaching the next generation the importance of our world, and how to take care of it is so important with the current condition of our earth. I have experience with many nature loving kids as well as working with nature centres, running camps in the summer and when kids feel like they are making an impact, they feel amazing about what they are doing. Since moving to Victoria I have been delightfully overwhelmed by the amazing places to hike, surf, forage, climb, boat and swim! My partner is a permaculture designer so I am reminded everyday how important our natural world is and how important it is to acknowledge the land we live on in everything we do! I see nature as part of a child’s well being and I strongly agree with nature as a priority for a child’s development!
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Jenna Bentzen - She/HerDirectors Ast | ECE-A | Forest EducatorBeing surrounded by mountains, forest 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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Miriam Mandryk - She/Her
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Valerie Salez - She/He/TheyRA | Forest Educator | Artist
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Sarah Hughes - She/HerECE-A | Forest Educator
Growing up here in Victoria, I have always had the privilege of a close relationship with nature. As a child, I could be found climbing up mountains and running through the forests playing “squirrels'' and building fairy houses with my dad, or brewing magic potions in the garden and designing sandcastles at the beach with my mom. Playing outside allowed me to develop a deep affection for our natural world. The ocean and the forest have always provided me with the space for insight, clarity, and compassion. With a background in floral design, these days I intertwine the joy of creating and my love for nature. I enjoy crafting, writing, reading, gardening, and exploring, and can’t wait to share these experiences with the families at Seedlings! |
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Stacey - She/HerRA | Forest Educator
Hey, my name is Stacey. I have lived on Vancouver Island most of my life. I have always had a passion for the outdoors and learning what nature has to offer. I'm looking forward to growing with the Seedlings Team, helping kids continue to be kids, embrace being outside and encourage curiosity and creativity. |
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Zeta Lay - She/HerRA | Forest EducatorI am the daughter of a forester, a mother and a passionate advocate for children’s rights. Growing up in a small rural community tucked in the Selkirk Mountains, I spent many hours exploring rocks, rivers, lakes, creeks, hot springs, meadows, trees, foot trails and dirt roads. These experiences instilled in me a sense of wonder, fascination and deep reverence for nature. Drawn to outdoor adventures, I have had the privilege of participating in numerous outdoor recreational activities in both the front and backcountry. If you are looking for advice on outdoor apparel for yourself or your kiddo, I can share from my thirteen years of experience working in the outdoor retail industry. My favourite activities are hiking, camping, paddle boarding, rock climbing, skiing, gardening and birding. You can find me reading, writing, cooking, baking, and playing the piano when not outside. I look forward to the opportunity of being with your kids and witnessing their growth through their exploration of nature.
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Gemma Devries - She/ HerGrowing up in the rainforest by the sea, as a child, I was always outside. Nothing excited me more than
the feeling of being outside, under the big blue sky, hanging out with all the critters—and I haven’t changed much since then. Still playful and excited as an adult, now you can find me hiking, wild swimming, backcountry camping, or taking a quiet moment to sit with Earth. Sharing this love with children and introducing them to the wild beauty that’s around us is my greatest joy. As an Education student, I greatly value the opportunity to help guide children as they make new discoveries about themselves, others, and the experiences they encounter. I believe that children should forge a loving and playful relationship with Mother Nature, and an opportunity to spend time with the Seedlings as they establish a lifelong connection with the outdoors fulfills me to no end. |