Meet our Guides

Each of our classes is led by at least two guides, most of whom hold their Masters in Education and all of whom are committed to developmentally appropriate, rich learning in the natural world . Our guides are in class to hold the space, create the rhythm, be models worthy of imitation, challenge, question and promote inquiry, connection, wonder and joy.

kristin Stoddard: founder and lead guide for wild roots and white pines

Kristin is a mom of three young explorers ages 15, 13, and 9 who inspire her work daily.  She is a passionate educator, with a masters in literacy instruction and a graduate of the Lifeways Early Childhood Program.  She began her teaching in an Expeditionary Learning School where she inspired students through compelling topics, inquiry and place based learning, authentic projects, and deep learning.  Her own children led her to Waldorf Education, where she found true beauty and joy in learning and an approach that was so developmentally appropriate for young children. Nature bonded learning led her into relationship with a teacher greater than human. Working alongside Mother Nature as a teacher has been one of the most powerful experiences of her life and she continues to grow, each session alongside the children. Being a part of this vibrant and joy filled community is truly a gift. She is honored to serve all of the families as well as her own at Strong Roots.

RHIANNA WARrWIcK: Lead guide SAPLINGS (WED)

Rhianna believes in the healing power of interconnection with nature. She has studied Forest Therapy and loves using the tools she learned to help kids connect with the natural world around them. Her backyard is a food forest, built using Permaculture principles. She is a Michigan Master Naturalist and amateur forager and enjoys helping kids discover the abundance all around them. Rhianna wholeheartedly believes that education can extend far beyond traditional schooling. In 2012, Rhianna and her husband started the first nomadic-style daycare in Israel - a style of exploring changing outdoor locations on a day-to-day basis - which is still in practice to this day. In her spare time, Rhianna loves off grid camping, hiking, kayaking, making herbal medicine and sharing the fruits of her garden.
 

nicolette sowder: Lead Guide Village

Nicolette serves as a nature-connection mentor and educator. She writes about nature-bonded parenting on Wilder Child while helping to guide a global community of Wildschooling families. She believes that a child’s access is a human right, and is honored to hold space for that relationship and healing in the forest. As a former classroom teacher, she is more committed than ever to stepping outside that box & facilitating freedom, flow and an opportunities for deep, rich play. When she’s not following Strong Roots wildlings through the woods, she is playing with her husband and two girls, chickens, donkeys and flock of sheep on Honeybird Farm.

MATT FOwler: lead guide saplings (Tues) and village

Matthew Fowler is an artist, a father of two, and a nature nut. Well just a nut overall, maybe a beech nut. Matt loves children (and basically is one) and has been working with them in some educational capacity for over 12 years. With his history in arts and theater, Matt brings a playful energy that helps to create a welcoming space where all can feel safe.

asher mclaughlin: lead guide village and teen leadership classes

Asher has been teaching outdoor education to children for four years, serving as a guide and mentor. From leading foraging and tracking to shelter-making and other survival experiences Asher is always learning and in communication with the wild. One of his passions and primary skills is making friction fire using "primitive" techniques. He believes that we as humans can use the traditional skills of our ancestors as a way to come back to nature and ourselves. In his experience, nature is a powerful healer, teacher, and guide.

ashley meek: Lead guide Wild roots and oaks

Ashley Meek is  passionate about children connecting to nature and all the wonder that is there! She attended National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) where she learned survival skills, leave no trace practices and formed  a deep appreciation for the outdoors. As a young adult, she spent her summers teaching kayaking and sailing to children at a camp. Currently, she is a birth doula and holistic health practitioner. She loves to forage, camp and hike with her family in her spare time!