Nature Connection and
Education Programs
For Children
Nanaimo's Original Forest School
A few spaces available for September 2022 - June 2023
Click below for program information and availability
Early Years
School Age
Nanaimo Forest Kids is an all-outdoor, all-weather nature education program based on the belief that self-directed play and time in nature are the foundations of environmental learning. Our approach is based on the standards and best practice set forth by Forest School Canada. All our programs are facilitated by qualified lead teachers (ECE or B.ED) and we are committed to small class sizes and facilitating a deep nature connection. We strive to create an environment where children can nurture a love of learning, believe in their own abilities and discover the awe and wonder of nature.
Meet The Team
Vanessa Pearson
(owner)
B. A / B. Ed
Forest School Certification and many year experience
Qualified Teacher in BC and UK
Kindergarten specialist
ECE Experience
First Aid and CPR Certified
Strong believer in the power of the natural world to teach, centre and heal.
Kristjanne Vosper
(educator)
Early childhood educator and artist Kristjanne Vossper was born in Ladysmith. She spent most of her childhood running in the salmonberry and salal beyond backyard fences and much of her adult life planting trees all over BC and Vancouver Island. She is happy to be off the clearcut and back to her first love, "planting children," where every day in the forest deepens her relationship with this place, her spirit, and the land.
Michael Geselbracht
(educator)
BSc in Land and Food Systems (UBC 2010)
B. Ed. from VIU (2014),
Diploma in Montessori Education 2018 (MIRTC Girona, Spain).
Passionate nature educator with a strong belief in the importance of fostering deep and healthy connections between people and the land.
From Nanaimo: Snaw-naw-as and Snuneymuxw traditional lands.
Kaleigh McGinnis
(educator)
ECE Certification with many years experience in BC and Ontario
First Aid and CPR certified
Passionate and experienced forest school educator
More to come :)
Amanda Mottl
(educator)
ECE Certification with many years experience.
More to come :)
