Elizabeth Sterling

In 1996 when I finished my degree in Education, I thought to myself, "I'll do this for 10 years and, surely by then, there will be a revolution in how we educate children." More than 20 years later, I find myself a part of a growing grassroots movement of nature and forest schools that educate the whole child addressing their physical, social, emotional, academic, and spiritual needs while in nature. I am incredibly excited for the opportunity to create an innovative way of educating children at River Valley Nature School!

Having taught almost every grade from Pre-school to Post-secondary, my breadth of experience in diverse educational settings has given me a holistic perspective on education, and much of my teaching involved working with children outdoors with an environmental focus. What I have experienced is that many of the social, emotional, and academic challenges that show up in the classroom diminish in an outdoor learning environment.

One of the most important things I've learned as a parent and educator is the innate wisdom that children possess. Children know they need to be outside and connected to nature; that's why they ask to go outside all the time! I recognize that in my role as an educator, I learn so much from the experiences that I have with children and especially from their perspective on the world. It is truly an honor and privilege to do what I do!

"A child, more than anyone else, is a spontaneous observer of nature." – Maria Montessori

Education and Experience

• BA, University of Georgia, Psychology

• MA, Bucknell University, Psychology: Animal Behavior

• BS, Bloomsburg University, Education

Krista Wenner

Growing up, I lived in a house with ready access to forest and wetland. Playing with friends meant catching frogs in the wetland of the side yard, building a stone bridge across the creek, or wandering the forest to find whatever caught our interest. I also hiked a lot on nearby trails, and family vacations often took us to state or national parks. I have held a love of nature throughout my life thanks to experiences that started when I was young.

Life is a journey filled with many twists and turns, and that love of nature always lingered in the background as life’s travels took me to different places and had me teaching in varied settings. I have taught ages 3-10 throughout my 25-year teaching career. I have taught in an inner-city public school, outside at a nature center, online, and at a religious-based schools, both conservative and progressive. Along the way, my students and I were happiest when on field trips exploring the world around us, be that in a theater, a store, or at a park. The squeals of joy were palpable as students found critters in water or under a log. The laughter abounded when seeing a favorite story performed on stage.

Throughout my years as a teacher, I have evolved to learn that I am not the most knowledgeable one in my classroom, but rather a co-learner along with my students. Education is not just about teaching a curriculum, it is about teaching the whole child. The emotional, spiritual, academic, and physical needs of the child all matter when it comes to education. I love that nature schools are a place where children can be free to be children.

I value the experience of being a lifelong learner, and to be gifted this opportunity to teach in nature. Nature is a rich environment that beckons those who explore it to want to learn more. Why is the water muddy? What are and why are those bugs under the bark? Where is the wind coming from? What bird is that? I am excited to be at River Valley Nature School, a place that values the whole child and all that nature has to offer.

“Natural play strengthens children’s self-confidence and arouses their senses - their awareness of the world and all that moves in it, seen and unseen.” - Richard Louv

Education and Experience

• M.Ed., South Dakota State University, Curriculum and Instruction

• BA, The American University, Elementary Education

Denise Snyder

I am Denise Snyder, the lead teacher for the younger students at River Valley Nature School. I am beyond excited to have this amazing opportunity to weave together three of the things I value most in life: nature, children, and learning. I grew up with a love of all things nature and have happy memories of mixing mud pies, making forts, and making discoveries big and small.

Sadly, I put away my nature wandering and wondering to pursue what some may call more adult endeavors. Years later, I was blessed to experience the joy and wonder of nature once again with my own child. I followed his lead in play as we mixed mud pies, built forts, and discovered anew; I haven't stopped nature wandering or wondering since!

For the past four years as a lead preschool teacher, I have taken my class of young children to the forest to experience this wonder for themselves. We played, observed, explored, built, and climbed—in all weather and in all seasons. Nothing compares to that beautiful, inquisitive spark that occurs when a child encounters nature in a personal meaningful way. A continued connection to nature feeds the body, soul, mind, and spirit. Nature has much to teach us.

"Observe and listen to children, because when they ask 'why?' they are not simply asking for the answer from you. They are requesting the courage to find a collection of possible answers." – Loris Malaguzzi

Education and Experience

• BS, Temple University, Architecture Program; emphasized fine art, art history, design.

• 15 yrs homeschooling and serving homeschool community teaching art and science.

• Art teacher for children 3yrs through 8th grade, blending history, appreciation, and processL

• Lead preschool teacher in a Reggio Emilia inspired program, encouraging authentic relationships within a play-inspired, learning community.