Amanda Bell

“Passionate about child-led early education and connecting with nature, I find great joy working with forest school. My favorite parts include slowing down on the trails, looking for mushrooms, bugs and flowers with the children. I also enjoy watching the kids grow more comfortable and confident, learning to communicate with their peers.

My love of being outdoors developed at an early age with a big backyard play space and family camping trips in southern Missouri. During college I studied geology, and was fortunate to explore many parts of the country-from the National Parks in the desert southwest to glacier-covered mountains in Alaska to coral reefs in the Florida Keys-all from the perspective of learning about the natural environment and geologic history. I bring my love of science to the children at the Santa Cruz Forest School in a natural, wonder-inspired way.

Since college I've worked at a natural foods co-op, a hands-on science museum, and in the elementary schools of Ohio. After starting a family, I taught Environmental Science online to college students while enjoying time at home with my own two children. Forest School came along for me just as my children (now teens) were settling into their own school routines. I'm excited to join the Riekes Nature team to bring more forest school to young children!”