The Land
Teacher Extraordinaire The land - including the water, creatures, plants, trees, everything! - is our first teacher, inspiring us to dig in, observe, wonder and be curious. Each season, the land teaches us new things - wisdom that we can apply to our lives. We are challenged sometimes to enter the forest with "empty hands" - not bringing tons of tools with us, but being ready to see what emerges. What will the forest teach us today? What wisdom will the creek pass on? We are never disappointed - there is always a lesson. |
Rebecca Seiling
Founder/Facilitator I want to pass on a love of the land to others – the love that I felt as a child growing up on a farm with wild woods and water, growing, tending, weeding, hiding in cornfields. Traveling and living in places in Asia, Africa, and Latin America has deepened my appreciation for the natural world. I have taught Kindergarten up to 11, and one of my deep passions is inspiring learning outdoors and facilitating connections. I learn new things every season, and look forward to the connections and inspiration that each new day brings. B. Ed., Primary/Junior Forest School Practitioner’s Certification 2014 Facilitator, Child and Nature Alliance of Canada |
Sarah Penner Facilitator My passion for nature and educating children has grown through my years of involvement in outdoor education at Silver Lake Mennonite Camp and Laurel Creek Nature Centre. I work hard to help children make a connection with the natural environment at a local and global level. I am particularly passionate about mindfulness in nature, inquiry based learning, and environmental stewardship. B.A, Environmental Studies B.Ed, Primary/Junior Forest School Practitioner’s Certification 2020 |
Vashti Latchman
Facilitator I have been interested in connecting with nature since I became a Mother. I have had the opportunity to send my children to this forest school for many years and have been able to learn so much from them. It has led me to become more curious, aware and excited about being outside. Prior to having kids I didn’t have much interest or experience so I feel very fortunate to have been given this gift. I have fostered this love of nature by participating in many programs offered locally. I am excited to be able to participate this year and to connect and learn with my children and yours. B. Ed. Intermediate/Senior; Biology/Mathematics Mother of 3 Enrolled in Forest School Practitioners Course 2023 Shadow Facilitator, Child and Nature Alliance of Canada |
Shauna Leis
Facilitator Shauna has been an educator both in the classroom and outdoors since she was in her youth. She enjoys being outdoors, connecting and interacting with nature through creation of visual art, nature journaling, creative writing and in relationship with nature. Shauna has a deep connection to this area, her settler family roots run deep and she wants to foster this connection and relationship with the Earth to the next generation. She is excited to teach alongside and learn with the other participants and facilitators, using our commonality as the land that we are on. As we remember those that come before us, we need to be mindful of those that will come in the next generations through our actions and decisions. As pebbles or droplets in the water, we cause ripples. What type of ripples will each of us create? B. Ed., Primary/Junior Forest School Canada Practitioner’s Course 2014 Mother of 2 |
Jan Sherman
Resident Knowledge Keeper Jan Sherman is an Anishnaabe Mixed Ancestry kwe (woman), nimame (mother), Knowledge Keeper, storyteller, drummer and singer who has been engaged in her First Nations, Me'tis, Mixed Ancestry and Inuit community in Guelph for almost 30 years. Jan's spirit has been guided to spending most of her time with children (and the children inside adult bodies) reminding them of their connection to the land and water. Jan brings gifts of drumming, singing, storytelling, and knowledge of the land and creatures around us. |
Johanna Dyck Steinmann
Assistant Facilitator Leader of After-School Program My life has always been intertwined with the beautiful outdoors. From growing up on a farm to canoeing and hiking adventures, the wild has grown to be my constant companion since childhood. Memories of exploring the woods, swimming in rivers and climbing trees have made me who I am today. Alongside my love for nature is my deep passion for working with children. I believe that every child deserves the chance to learn from and experience the natural world. With a background in working at Silver Lake Mennonite Camp, I've had the joy of nurturing this connection through camp games, activities, and exploration. I am very excited to share the power of outdoor experiences with young minds this coming year! |
Nick Heide
Assistant Facilitator Many of my fondest memories have taken place being surrounded by nature. From playing in the forest at my grandparents farm as a young child, to going on outtrips and camping this past summer, I’ve always loved the beautiful outdoors. I am excited to share the knowledge of the environment I’ve learned over the years with curious children. With experience in camp counseling and outdoor education at Silver Lake Mennonite Camp, as well as teaching swimming lessons and Sunday school, I’m very passionate about working with kids and giving them opportunities to learn in various ways. I believe outdoor education is the greatest way of learning about the wonderful planet we live on, and why it is so important to protect it. I look forward to spending time outdoors, helping children create beautiful memories of their own in the natural world. |
Phoenix Paul
Assistant, After-School Program Nature is something that throughout my life I have always come back to. I like to go on walks and go on trails with my friends and family and reconnect with the land as much as I can. I've worked at a garden for the past 2 years and that has brought me closer to the land and the plants surrounding me. I have learned so much about the nature by working with the land :) I'm excited to have the opportunity to work with children and lead them in an outdoor experience that I hope they remember for a long time! |
Skylar Eastsun
Assistant, Crows Group
I am passionate about conservation and environmentalism. I enjoy land art and being in wild spaces. I grew up doing Forest School and I am happy to be working alongside this organization to bring enjoyment of our forests to new generations.
Assistant, Crows Group
I am passionate about conservation and environmentalism. I enjoy land art and being in wild spaces. I grew up doing Forest School and I am happy to be working alongside this organization to bring enjoyment of our forests to new generations.