Nature Based Learning | Kew Kids Forest School

Robert Frost

“When I see birches bend to left and right...I like to think some boy's been swinging them.”

Our Team: Quote

Achievements/Interests:

Proud mom to 2 boys, 10 and 7 years old
Super Steward and Trail Maintainer, NYC Parks
Tree Captain, NYC Parks
Nature Unplugged Advocate
Outdoor Teacher Retreat Participant, Association for Nature-Based Education
Health & Safety Training, NYS Office of Children and Family Services
Outdoor adventure seeker and traveler
Health and fitness enthusiast
Project Management Professional
MBA

JESSICA HALSRUDD

Founding Director

As a girl growing up in suburban Taiwan, I loved to explore outdoors, often playing in the nearby trails and creeks. I wandered those woods even in my dreams. Later, some of those fields became construction sites where my sister and I would play for hours in the mud. Looking back, this all seems like another world.

Within the space of a few decades, the way children understand and experience nature has changed radically. For the new generation, nature is more abstraction than reality, something to watch, to consume, to wear—to ignore or fear. So often, I've observed kids looking at screens, oblivious to the landscape around them. I've also heard the parks nearby viewed as dirty, dangerous and something to avoid.

Now that I have children of my own, I am even more aware of the increasing divide between the young and the natural world, and the environmental, social, psychological and spiritual implications of that change. The accumulating research confirms the necessity of contact with nature for healthy child and adult development. Our community, so close to Forest Park, yet lacks a nature education option for our little ones. It is my hope that with our forest school, we’d be able to get our children in direct contact with nature and back on the trails.

Our mothers were right when they told us, day after day, ‘go out and play.’

Our Team: TeamMember

SAADIQUA ALI

Lead Teacher

Achievements/Interests:

Proud mom to a 12-year old daughter
Avid makeup artist and gardener
Enjoy camping and travel with family
Currently enrolled in University of Maine baccalaureate program in liberal arts

I was born and raised in the beautiful island of Trinidad and Tobago which is well known for its rich ethnic diversity, racial harmony and excellence across a wide variety of artforms. It’s the birthplace of steelpan, the limbo, a variety of music styles and the home to the oldest rainforest reserve in the Western Hemisphere with over 400 species of birds.

My grandparents were in the farming industry and I remembered how exciting it was going out in the fields climbing trees, running around in the rain, playing tag with my cousins and the neighbors kids, picking fresh fruits and eating them on the spot. We also had a pond with fishes which we would occasionally splash around in. My love for nature started then! Our neighbors houses were our second homes, feeling the love, affection and safety as if we were their own. I always helped watch the little ones when my neighbors had to run errands. I was everyone's big sister in my neighborhood and I believe this played a huge part in how nurturing, affectionate and caring I am.

When I moved to New York, yes it was hard at first, I had to get use to winter and not being outdoors as much. To help me adjust to this new lifestyle my siblings would always plan camping trips throughout the year which we still do till this day. I quickly became the favorite Aunt as I took care of all my nieces and nephews as my siblings worked. Eventually, I started working as a babysitter for many years until I became a mom of my beautiful kind-hearted daughter who loves nature as much as I do. Almost everyday in the summer we would go on picnics and we would visit the beach and sink our toes into the sand even in the winter. Just take deep breaths and become one with nature, it works wonders for your mental and physical wellbeing.

I am grateful for the opportunity to relive my childhood through learning and exploring with the wonderful kids at Kew Kids while making new memories along the way.

Achievements/Interests:

Proud Mama to two independent, witty daughters
Starting Bookworms, an interactive literacy program for young children and their grown-up
Girl Scout Troop Leader whose troop meets outdoors year round
Laughing
Getting lost in a good book
Watching classic movies
Being enthralled by a great theater performance
Supporting non-profits like the Alzheimer's Association and Citymeals on Wheels

AMANDA ETTINGER

Lead Teacher (Central Park)

I am a Queens girl through and through, born in Jackson Heights and now raising my family there. I had limited time in the outdoors as a kid and I think that's what makes me want to be out there so much these days. I am most myself when I'm getting messy in the middle of a forest or splashing around in a puddle. I love a really cold, piercing wind kind of day-- it makes me feel alive but they also help me appreciate those glorious, warm, sunny days even more.

I have a Theater Arts degree from Queens College and an Early Childhood Masters from Hunter College. I have a deep respect for this wondrous time of childhood and how children learn and take on their world. I am an educator who believes every child deserves a learning environment where their interests are recognized and highlighted. In nature their learning goes to new heights and I love being the guide to help them achieve and soar.

Lead Teacher

Achievements/Interests:

Proud mom of a teenage daughter and 2 boys 12 and 10 years old
Love cooking and baking
Enjoys outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, hiking and exploring
Over 15 years experience as a childcare provider
Skincare/makeup enthusiast & Instagram influencer/content creator

I grew up in the small yet beautiful Caribbean island of Trinidad and Tobago, known for its lush greenery, an array of flora and fauna, a wealth of history, and not forgetting its beautiful tropical climate which undoubtedly allowed me to enjoy being outdoors at any point in time. Growing up in this beautiful island taught me to love and learn so much about nature which allowed me to acquire a mass of knowledge and appreciation for what it is like to have beautiful climate and sunshine all year round.

I grew up with my siblings playing in muddy puddles, trotting around barefooted. Some of my favorite outdoor activities were playing cricket, fishing, camping and planting our own vegetables and herbs. As a mother now, these are the same memories I am making with my children.

When I moved to New York my first job was in childcare. It kindled my loved for teaching young minds, helping them to learn and grow. With over 15 years experience in childcare, I intend to grow and learn as I go along as every experience is a stepping stone towards a bright future.

I embrace this new adventure with open arms, looking forward to spending time in nature and enjoying being outdoors whilst shaping the young minds that will be our future!

ANNMARIE SINGH

JASON GLOVER

Lead Teacher

Through meditation, guidance at a young age, and high levels of discipline, I've obtained a very high level of patience and happiness that will aid me in my role towards the future development of the children here at Kew Kids Forest School.

From a young age, I started helping my mom around her dance studio, which included helping to teach children how to dance, going on recitals and performing outside of the dance studio, etc. I have been dancing, singing, acting, or any form of expression through the arts for around a decade. I am currently going to college for Theater (although I am thinking about switching to music) and I graduated from high school with advanced diploma for the arts. I hope that in my time here, I can help them to express themselves through more means than words alone.

Achievements/Interests:

Student at LaGuardia Community College
Professional dancer and performer
Self taught flute player
Self taught Mandarin Chinese

Lead Teacher

TARA AZIN

I was born in Iran and moved to Queens, New York as a child, where I still live with my family. Growing up, I was always happiest outside—playing in the yard, riding bikes, and exploring local parks. That early love of nature stayed with me, and as an adult, I enjoy hiking, camping, and spending time outdoors with my children.

I have a degree in Teaching from Queens College and a Master’s in Social Work from Fordham University. Currently, I homeschool my children and co-run a homeschool co-op with other parents, where we follow Waldorf-inspired and nature-based educational philosophies. We prioritize hands-on learning, creativity, and connecting deeply with the rhythms of the natural world.

I’m passionate about child-led, outdoor education and believe that nature is one of the most powerful teachers.

I love working with children and helping them grow into curious, confident, and compassionate learners through meaningful time in the forest and beyond and look forward to contributing to nature-based education at Kew Kids.

Achievements/Interests:

Proud mom to a 7 year old daughter and a 3 year old son
Bachelors in Early Childhood Education, Queens College
Licensed Masters in Social Work, Fordham University
Licensed LMSW
Lead coordinator for Queens Homeschool Coop: ages 2 to 8 years
Enjoy exploring nature through hiking, camping, crafting and observation

Achievements/Interests:

B.A. in Sociology with minors in Chinese and Communication from SUNY Albany
Currently completing my M.A. in Adolescent Chinese Education at Hunter College
Native Mandarin Chinese speaker and fluent Cantonese speaker
Mandarin Tutor at Hunter College Chinese Flagship Program
Student teacher at Brooklyn Technical High School
Former Army National Guard Culinary Specialist
Enthusiast of singing, table tennis, and kayaking
Advocate for confidence-building and creative learning

BO ZHONG

Teacher

As a boy growing up in China, I found joy in language, stories, and nature. I would often sit beneath the trees near my home, creating story plots in my mind, acting them out with my
friends, and playing freely in the fields. Nature is our stage to perform. These early memories of creativity and exploration instilled in me a lifelong appreciation for the natural world.

After immigrating to the United States as a teenager, I carried these treasured memories with me. I saw how important it is for children to have meaningful contact with nature — not just as a place to visit but as a living classroom where they can grow, discover, and thrive. My past journey has shaped how I connect with children today—as a patient guide who understands the challenges of language learning and the power of encouragement. I hold a B.A. in Sociology with minors in Chinese and Communication from SUNY Albany, and I am
currently completing my M.A. in Adolescent Chinese Education at Hunter College. My teaching experiences range from teaching high school students at Brooklyn Tech to tutoring Mandarin at
Hunter College’s Flagship Program. I’ve also proudly served six years in the Army National Guard, where I learned the importance of structure, care, and resilience.

Joining Kew Kids Forest School allows me to blend my love for Mandarin with the natural world. I believe learning should be immersive, playful, and deeply connected to a child's surroundings. Through outdoor Mandarin learning, I hope to spark children’s curiosity and help them feel confident using a new language in meaningful ways.

Teacher

XIYA LIU

Achievements/Interests:

Native Mandarin Chinese speaker
MA of Adolescent Education (Chinese), Hunter College
Experienced 3K Head Teacher
High school experience in agricultural science: gardening and florist
Drawing, singing

I was born in China and immigrated to the U.S. when I was young. Growing up, my family always spent summers growing vegetables in our backyard—we took a lot of pride in our little garden, and every year brought a big harvest.

I have a background in Chinese language and literature, and I’ve worked as both a 3K head teacher and a Chinese after-school instructor. I guided children’s emotional, social, and early academic development through daily routines, play-based learning, and positive reinforcement. I believe every child deserves to feel seen and supported, and I strive to create nurturing environments where learning feels natural.

In my free time, I enjoy drawing, singing, and exploring ways to make learning fun and creative. I hope to inspire a lifelong love of learning in my students and to grow alongside them as both an educator and learner.

Achievements/Interests:

Proud dad to a grown son
Orton-Gillingham Associate in training.
Certified Forest Therapy Guide and experienced Outdoor Nature Teacher
Forest Therapy (Forest Bathing) Guide for adults in the New York Botanical Garden
Waldorf Elementary School teacher (Sunbridge Institute)
Masters in Library Science at St. John's University
Masters in Educational Theater at NYU

MICHAEL CUNNINGHAM

Lead Teacher (Central Park)

Born in Long Island I spend much of my time outdoors, mostly playing games with other kids in the neighborhood. My family also spent many summers camping. I have continued the tradition, getting my son involved with Scouting. My favorite place to be outdoors is in my vacation home in Vermont.

Last year I retired as a NYC High School Librarian with over 25 years of experience. I am a certified Forest Therapy Guide and experienced Outdoor Nature Teacher trained as a Waldorf Elementary School teacher. I was drawn to Waldorf education because it combined a lot of interests I had: drama, art, the outdoors and had elements of yoga/eastern philosophy. One of my favorite classes is Biodynamic farming. I returned to the school after graduating to take a year long Biodynamic farming class. I used some of the methods in a small garden (raised bed)I have in Queens.

I think the most valuable thing for Waldorf is the idea that the teacher should help lead the student toward their mission in life. Also, that each child has a unique temperament. I feel that the most valuable thing I can do as a teacher is to offer opportunities for imaginative play. I learned that play, music, art and mindfulness are the best ways to teach meditation to children in the busy hectic world we live in.

As an outdoor educator, I have worked in spectacular settings like Central Park as well as Battery Park near the ferry to the Statue of Liberty with ages ranging from 4 years to 10 years old. The most memorable moment for me was at a camp when volunteers who were working with the bee hive offered us a taste of honey. It was delicious!

I like to do yoga and also like to write, mostly poetry. Some of my poems have been published. I also won an award for a poem that I wrote. Here is a link to a poem that is currently published in The Field Guide magazine.

I feel drawn to Kew Kids and the Waldorf education philosophy it espouses and look forward to amazing discoveries outdoors.

EDISON SANTACRUZ

Teacher

Achievements/Interests:

Sewist
Multilingual (English/Spanish/Mandarin 中文)
Volunteer ESL teacher
Been to 7 countries
Voracious reader
Writer

Despite growing up near the biggest park in NYC, as a kid I didn’t have much experience outdoors. Much of my childhood was spent inside reading books and playing video games, but I always felt curious about what it would be like to be in nature. The stars in my backyard were never as bright as I’d been told they could be, and I wondered how they could possibly have been used for navigation.

As I gained independence, I sought out opportunities to be as close to nature as possible. My first camping trip was in Tuxedo, I hiked mountains in Taiwan and Brazil, and I began to do some exploring locally in Central Park, Pelham Bay Park, and Forest Park.

I know the importance of education, and I know the importance of connecting with the environment. I’m excited to share my passion for learning.

Achievements/Interests:

Proud mom to a 8 year old son
Bachelor of Arts in Dance at Hunter College
Dancing
Hiking
Meditation
Writing
Handstands
Stretching

AYANA FRANCIS-MACDONALD

Teacher

As a little girl growing up in Brooklyn, NY my parents took me to one of the largest parks which is Prospect Park. I spent hours rolling down the hills, laughing like crazy, blowing out dandelion flowers and watching the flowers fly away with delight. We would hike and enjoy the luscious views. When it was time to go I would cry longing to stay and play all day.

When I became a mom I made sure to keep the tradition in taking my son to the park. When he was younger we would explore Alley Pond Park. He would find sticks and say, “ Look! This looks like the number seven.” We would go to the park 2-3 times a day and he would collect sticks, rocks, acorns and pine cones. Also, he never wanted to go back home.

With over a decade of experience supporting young learners, I bring a nurturing, imaginative, and nature-connected approach for children. My background includes working as a teacher’s assistant with children, where I provided hands-on support in daily classroom activities, set up educational technology, and ensured a safe, engaging environment for growth. I’ve also served as a paraprofessional with the NYC Department of Education for 10 years, delivering instructional support tailored to each child’s learning style.

My recent work includes choreographing movement for self-expression and healing. Deeply committed to child-led exploration, emotional well-being, and outdoor learning, I’m passionate about creating experiences that support children’s curiosity, resilience, and connection to the natural world.

Achievements/Interests:

Proud mom to 18 year old daughter and 13 year old son
Cooking
Gardening
Reading
Love to take long walks in nature

As a young girl I used to play in the crystal clear lakes and climb the vibrant green trees. It molded me to who I am today. I enjoy spending time with children and being outside in nature. I feel nature is therapy for those who seek it .

Spending my whole life in Bangladesh, I have come to appreciate the beauty of nature. There are ten months in the summer and two months of winter. I especially cherish my time in the gardens planting mangoes, lychees, coconuts and many nuts! Gardening is hard work but I find great happiness in harvesting my crops.

Kew Kids has brought me back to my young days and it makes me feel truly happy to be part of this wonderful program .

Teacher

SHATHI DAS

Achievements/Interests:

Proud mother of a 19 year old daughter
Peaceful nature observer
Enjoy organizing family cooking events

NASIMA CHOWDHURY

Teacher

I was born and grew up in Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh. After completing my education in the city I embarked on a journey to the village with the purpose of educating the marginalized children residing there, determined to make a meaningful difference. I devoted three years to nurturing young minds in the heart of our village. In the village I enjoyed the fresh air, the sense of community, and the opportunity to connect more closely with nature.

As a dedicated member of local NGO named PPHEDO (Poor People Health and Educational Development Program) in Bangladesh from 2000 to 2002, I served as a Field Supervisor focused on raising awareness about nutrition for lactating mothers and children within daycare settings. Through targeted awareness campaigns and educational initiatives, we successfully increased knowledge and adoption of nutritious diets among lactating mothers and children in our community. Additionally, our efforts led to a measurable decrease in malnutrition rates among this vulnerable population.

My journey in childcare has been deeply rewarding, and I am passionate about creating a positive impact on the lives of children. I strongly believe in the power of building strong foundations through play-based learning. By providing hands-on experiences, encouraging curiosity, and fostering a sense of wonder, I ignite a love for learning in every child. Above all, I cherish the unique interests and personalities of each child in my care. My goal is to create a warm, nurturing environment where every child feels valued, supported, and free to explore the world around them.