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.”

Achievements/Interests:

Proud mom to 2 boys, one born in 2015 and one born in 2017
Super Steward and Trail Maintainer, NYC Parks
Outdoor Teacher Retreat Participant, Eastern Region Association of Forest and Nature Schools
Health & Safety Training, NYS Office of Children and Family Services
Outdoor adventure seeker and traveler
Health and fitness enthusiast: Personal Trainer, Crunch Fitness; Group Fitness Instructor, Aerobics Fitness and Association of America
Project Management Professional
MBA

JESSICA HALSRUDD

Founder and 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 and 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.’

Achievements/Interests:

Blessed with four children, twin boys and two girls
Involved in parents committee and volunteer at my children’s school
New York State Public School Teaching Assistant certified
Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) trained
Trained for students with special needs
Firm believer in continuous learning

NAZEELA HAMID

Assistant Director and Teacher

Born in a country like Guyana that is mainly pristine rainforest, sugar cane plantation and rich rice fields, a child’s mind has so much to explore in the land of many waters. Playing in the big green open fields, navigating the ground for beautiful and colorful insects or simply picking delicious fruits at your fingertips, such a relaxed and harmonizing environment truly makes you appreciate nature at its finest. Guyana epitomizes the lifestyle of humbleness and oneness with nature.

Growing up in New York Queens, the feeling of nostalgia usually seeps in because I felt restricted being indoors most of my school days and not being able to get my hands dirty with nature. Always being told to color inside the lines tends to destroy a child creativity. As a mother of four beautiful children, I have experienced different learning methods. The most effective one is learning through playing and exploring our environment. There is something truly magnificent in watching my children playing in the rain and looking forward for the rainbow at the end of the storm. I am excited about imparting my passion of learning and organizing through play with the students at Kew Kids Forest school.

KATIE GEORGE

Lead Teacher

As the daughter of a Navy serviceman, I grew up exploring the world and the seeds of my wanderlust were planted early. It became evident at an early age that empathy and kindness could be found whenever someone takes an opportunity to challenge themselves and break a little out of the routine.

In my adulthood, this wanderlust led to international backpacking and ultimately to Peru, and in preparation for the 4-day hike on the Inca Trail, I fell in love with hiking and the woods. Living in New York city, I was delighted to find that nearly 100 trails could be found within an hour or two of the city, and I set out to explore as many of them as I could find.

In 2012, I became Chair of the NYC group of Sierra Club’s Inspiring Connections Outdoors whose focus is to introduce urban youth to the great outdoors by bringing them out hiking, rafting, camping, ice skating, apple picking, kayaking, and more. In our 100% volunteer-run setting, we are able to provide opportunities and access to these youth (grade school through high school) that they would not have had otherwise. I have been able to see first hand the positive impact nature has had on these youth, breaking them out of their comfort zone, disconnecting from technology, overcoming new challenges, discovering new things, and forming new relationships.

As a mom to toddlers, I have been delighted to watch them interact with nature, whether through discovering a new plant or hiking through the woods with friends. The 3 ½ year old especially has developed confidence, strength and stability through interacting with the forest, and it is something I look forward to imparting to the students at Kew Kids.

Achievements/Interests:

Bachelor of arts, Psychology with Minor in Elementary Education, Lehman College
Resident Advisor, Covenant House
School Counselor and Teacher, Cathedral of St. John the Divine
Teacher for 3 year olds with special needs, St. Agnes Children's Rehab Center
Animal lover/Animal Rights Activist
Volunteer at Tamerlaine Sanctuary
Loving and devoted wife and step mother to an amazing stepdaughter
Enjoy being out in nature, taking long walks, swimming and kickboxing
Enjoy reading and spending time with family/friends
Proud and loving fur mom to a three legged rescue cat named Angelico

KATHLEEN MAGEDOFF

Lead Teacher

My name is Kathleen Magedoff and I have been a city girl all my entire life. I was born in Manhattan and raised in the Bronx. After I met and married my best friend and the love of my life, I moved to Brooklyn where I have been living for the past 11 years. I remember as a child growing up in the Bronx, my friends and I were always outside playing. If we were not playing in the street, we were playing in the park, at our friend’s houses or in the back yards of friend’s houses. The only times we were inside was when it was raining out or extremely cold. Some of the games we would play were tag, manhunt, hide and go seek, red light/greenlight , we would play with our dolls and action figures. Sometimes, we would even pretend that we were characters from our favorite cartoons/ television shows and act out some of the scenes. When I was growing up, we did not have the technological advances that we have today but we had what many children are lacking today and that is the ability to be creative and use their imagination. That is why I am happy and excited to be part of the team at Kew Kids Forest school. Here at Kew Kids Forest School, I look forward to guiding children in purposeful play to develop their creativity and imagination while learning at the same time.

I studied Psychology with a minor in Elementary education. Recently I worked at Covenant House New York which is a homeless shelter for 16- 21 year old adolescents as well as single mothers and their children. Prior to that, I worked with 1st graders and 3 year olds with special needs. I consider it my life's work to engage with children and disadvantaged youth and their families. It is a great feeling knowing that I have helped make a difference in their lives and that many families entrusted me with the care of their children. My goal while working at Kew Kids is to continue to have a positive impact on all children and inspire a lifelong love of learning and nature.

Achievements/Interests:

Currently studying Secondary Education for History at Borough of Manhattan Community College of the City University of New York
Lead teacher at Brooklyn Nature Days
Volunteer at the Jackson Heights Urban Nature Club
Fitness enthusiast
Enjoys reading
Animal lover
Certified in infant, child, and adult CPR + First Aid
Fluent in Spanish

JESS CHUQUI-VILLA

Lead Teacher

I am a first generation Mexican/Ecuadorian-American, and a proud Latina. Born and raised in New York City, I would escape the hustle and bustle of the city by going to Queens Zoo, Central Park Zoo, and Flushing Meadow Park. They were my sanctuary.

I have worked with children since I was 16 and I find it so rewarding when their eyes light up as they explore new ideas and accomplish their goals. I truly believe that we can learn so much from young children. Working at Brooklyn Nature Days, a forest school in Brooklyn, I have been lucky to be able to see nature through a child’s eyes. A dirt patch isn’t just that! It can be train tracks, a village or an arena! I am endlessly inspired by children's creative spirit.

I am so excited and honored to be able to provide children with the opportunity to step outside of city life and fully immerse in the beauty of nature. I hope to express my genuine love for nature and help students at Kew Kids develop that deeper connection with the natural world and wildlife in their community.

Achievements/Interests:

Proud mom to 2 boys, one born in 2015 and one born in 2018
Chair, Sierra Club NYC Inspiring Connections Outdoors
Super Steward and Trail Maintainer, NYC Parks
Wilderness First Aid Certified
Outdoor Leadership Training leader Instructor since 2012
Child Abuse Recognition & Prevention certified
Participant of Free Forest School and Hike It Baby Queens
Hiking & Fitness enthusiast
Admin, Strong & Healthy moms facebook group
Committee, Adventure Film Festival NYC

As a mom to toddlers, I have been delighted to watch them interact with nature, whether through discovering a new plant or hiking through the woods with friends. My older child has developed confidence, strength and stability through interacting with the forest, and it is something I look forward to imparting to the students at Kew Kids.

Lead Teacher

KATIE GEORGE

Achievements/Interests:

Lifelong artist
BA in Illustration, SUNY Fashion Institute of Technology
Seven years teaching experience, Pre-K to 8
Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) trained
Nature, conservation, zoology enthusiast
Bicycle commuting and recreation

ASTRA LIUCIJA

Art Teacher

A famous artist said, to paraphrase, that every child is an artist, however not every artist stays one once they grow up. I am glad to have evolved as a creative person into adulthood, and along with the unique people I have learned from, nature has been an amazing teacher!

My family moved around a bit before settling back in Queens, NYC in the late eighties, where I have lived since. As a toddler to about five years old I was taken on walks through New Hampshire’s woods, observing animals, plants, trees, fungi, and natural waters. Invertebrates like bees, ants, pill bugs, and spiders were favorite sightings--I am a fan and often advocate for them to this day! I appreciate the beauty of nature as well as its alien-like qualities. On paper I sketched what I saw in front of me, subjects I remembered, and invented new species and fantasy creatures.

While going to college and after, I freelanced and worked as a face-painter at events. My skills and abilities later helped me start as a teacher of computer art to middle-schoolers, eventually expanding to teaching art to levels from Preschool to 8th grade. For seven years I have been part of many children’s weekly lives and always encouraged them to make art that was true to themselves. My hope is that they get enrichment and enjoyment from our classes together. Even if they do not remain artists, positive memories with art can shape and heal people. I also believe that being outside as well as active is important for everyone. The time I have had around children of all ages has shown me that many of them need to move and learn by experiencing the physical world.

In art I have experimented with varied media and crafted with materials of all kinds. At times it is challenging to find a moment to sketch in this busy world, but I manage a few sketchbook entries when I can. Often I draw animals. I have loved them dearly since childhood and now take care of a cat and a rabbit. I also got my first bike at a young age and still am an avid near-daily, all-weather rider, with four bicycles in the stable! Safety is paramount to me and I will enthusiastically impart my city cycling knowledge to kids and adults alike. I aim to be a good role model both on the road and off, and encourage more people to commute by e-bike and bicycle.

I have ridden the drives and hiked the trails of Forest Park countless times. It is quite a special place to me and makes for a wondrous ever-changing classroom. I am excited to be part of Kew Kids and look forward to learning more about the students as well as helping them learn about the world.

Achievements/Interests:

Coming soon!

LUIS VASQUEZ ALVARADO

Teacher

I was born in Queens, and raised throughout Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, the Bronx, and Long Island. Somehow I find myself back here, in Queens.

Growing up my mother always made sure that my sister and I played outside as much as we could. We often adventure out to neighborhood parks and walks on the beach, always letting our imagination run wild in our play. I remember Van Cortlandt Park fondly for the immensity and diversity it housed with the lake in the middle of the park. It was a favorite gathering place with grandmother and cousins running afield almost every weekend and throughout the summer.

As I got older and our families got bigger, I helped to guide younger cousins. Learning about nature at an early age helps to develop a holistic sense of knowledge that extends to many aspects of life. Each season provides us with many lessons to learn, and something new to discover and in nature, one can develop practical skills, math and problem solving, as well as inspire many forms of art.

I am currently pursuing a degree in early childhood education and I am grateful for the opportunity to climb trees with children, find natural treasures and foster connection with nature that will last a lifetime.

ISMA HASAN

Teacher

Achievements/Interests:

Certified in advertising arts from Queensborough Community College
Certified in commercial arts from Queensborough Community College
Bachelors candidate in English at CUNY Queens College

Born in sylhet Bangladesh, a city inhabited with nature and all kinds of animals, I was always outside exploring and observing. I would wake up in the morning and after breakfast go out with my brother and play on the hills, running around and chasing my brother. We would use our imagination--the hills would be our jungle and we would be the scientist exploring the wilderness. At the age of 7, I moved to Queens, New York. I was upset that there weren't many trees or grass around us which I sought out every chance I got when I wasn't in school.

What Queens lacked in wilderness as in Sylhet, my family and I made up for it by going out for a hike in a park, or go to the zoo. My father played a key role in my love for nature and taught me botany. Our outings included an account of different types of plants and which plants I should or shouldn’t touch. This inspired in me a lifelong learning and sharing knowledge no matter how big or small with others.

I am currently a student at CUNY Queens College majoring in Early Elementary education and English. My goal is to become a future educator where I let my students best express their creativity. The technologies of today take time away from children from playing outside. Nature is an important factor in a child’s development because it enhances their creativity among other important skills. It also helps them learn problem solving, helps with cognitive thinking, and allows them to learn by doing and experimenting. I am thrilled to be able to participate in children's transformative learning in nature at Kew Kids.

MAHPARA ELAHI

Teacher

Born and raised in Bangladesh, Srimongol, I have developed a very deep connection with nature. Bangladesh is a land of enormous beauty and is surrounded by evergreen hills and rain forests. Being raised in this type of environment for the first few years of my life has left an indelible nature and its surroundings and be grateful for the life around me.

I have always loved children and their very energetic selves and have always wanted to go into the field of education. I believe a child’s first teachers are the people who can instill a love for lifelong learning. Being an educator allows us to make a difference in the future of children and develop such crucial skills. I am currently finishing my Bachelor in Arts in English and continuing my education to get my Dual Masters in General and Special Education.

It is more than an honor to be able to work with great young minds and make a difference in our younger generations. Kew Kids’ goals really inspire me to go beyond traditional education to understand the importance of nature in a child’s development. I am very excited to explore nature’s beauty with the children and help guide children to value kindness, respect all living things, and most importantly let their imagination run.

Achievements/Interests:

Coming soon

KATHERINE BRYCE

Teacher

Achievements/Interests:

Travel enthusiast
Farmer
Avid gardener
Psychology Major
Goat herder
Enjoy drawing, painting, and creative writing
Hydroponics agriculture certification 1 & 2
Junior Tour guide of Trinidad and Tobago
Knowledge of Herbalism
Guitarist
Tutor

Born in Queens, New York I would spend most of my time with my mother in her garden, taking strolls on the beach, and through the numerous parks New York has to offer. I was lucky to have the opportunity to experience Trinidad and Tobago where my extended family lives since I was 3 months old and it has greatly influenced my life. From hiking, to bird watching, star gazing, catching butterflies and moths, finding insects and bringing them home I have developed an affinity for nature. The abundance of fresh fruit trees, wild flowers, and interaction with the wild life has helped me to develop a deep connection and appreciate for the world around me.

Nature has taught me to be compassionate towards all life, which became my purpose for pursuing a career in psychology. Working as a caretaker at a pet store helped to enrich my knowledge of various types of animals, fish, and insects. I have become more comfortable and confident around them since I wasn't always so open before. This transition has allowed me to guide other children through their journey of new interactions with unfamiliar things and animals.

Spending time in my mother's garden as well as traveling through Trinidad's multicultural neighborhoods peaked my interest in learning about botany and the many different branches of agriculture so much so that I'd volunteer to help with my family's agricultural fields. This propelled me to take courses in hydroponics. Through the seasons harvest, from figs, mangos, peppers, and or plums I would volunteer to help distribute goods to local homes and churches. While tutoring at my local church as my first job I was able to connect the dots for children using my insight from nature. Whether it pertained to math, science, art, and or history nature was always a good reference point from the simple ways it would use numbers, shapes and colors. Nature embodies a world of knowledge waiting to be explored. I've learned in psychology nature can nurture and expand the minds of the youth. It helps with creativity, critical thinking, curiosity as well as helps to expand ones interest far beyond one's environment.

I am thankful to have shared my knowledge and skills pertaining to nature with many children throughout the years. It makes me happy to see how it has shaped the lives of children for the better as it has done for me. There is always something new to learn and explore in nature everyday because it so fresh and filled with abundance of knowledge and great treasure. I am thrilled o be able to experience nature and its wonders with the children of Kew Kids.

Gardener and Teacher

JOANNA LACEY

My brand is "Joanna the Green Maven." To be a Maven you must really be passionate about something whether it's food, fashion, or in my case, nature and the environment. I have been writing nature articles, tips and blogs for over 30 years, volunteering and leading nature projects, and working in the community gardens. That is my happy place.

As a Woodlands Crew Leader at Prospect Park in Brooklyn, my job was to direct teams of volunteers and school groups in projects designed to help restore the park to its native, eastern woodlands state. Projects such as clean-up, planting and mulching were my specialty. As a Head Explainer at the New York Hall of Science, I worked with young children to explain and demonstrate exhibits and lead workshops that taught science concepts like mirrors, prisms, kaleidoscopes and light, shadows, and sound as themes. I remember fondly a video microscope demonstration which projected the view from the scope onto a screen. The subject of our observations was microscopic pond life.

Growing up in the era before technology took over gives me a unique insight on how to connect children with the world around them. There was no science camp or scheduled play dates for us and no internet. We were told to go out and play, and that was all year round. We played with piles of leaves, we made snowmen, we caught fireflies and we drew games like hopscotch in chalk on the sidewalk. I would love to see today’s kids do those things again.

Achievements/Interests:

Trained geologist
Avid gardener

VAL DANIELS

Teacher

Achievements/Interests:

English and Studio Art degree from Georgetown University
Animal lover and ferret father
Film enthusiast/Independent actor
Self-proclaimed chef
Learning the piano
Proud uncle, brother and son of six
Elementary public school teaching experience at Randle Highlands Elementary School and St. Thomas More Academy in Washington, DC

I was born, raised and educated between Queens and the Bronx where I forged a genuine interest in forming a more interactive learning environment for city kids. After turning 30 this past spring, I decided to fully step into my purpose as both a mentor and teacher. My undergrad years in Washington, DC at Georgetown University afforded me an opportunity to work with underprivileged youth from grades 1-6 throughout the district. It was this very experience that revealed a natural ability to both lead and inspire.

After obtaining a Bachelor Degree in English and Studio Art, I moved from DC back to NYC where I began working for a marketing firm in Midtown Manhattan before deciding to accept an opportunity to work with Alzheimer's patients at the New York Memory Center located in Park Slope, Brooklyn. I was given the title of Activity Coordinator where I facilitated several programs including painting, dancing and even yoga sessions. The position was pivotal in cementing my compassion for the more vulnerable souls of this world.

I also managed to build a small clientele for a life coaching business, providing advice through the study of astrology and the esoteric arts. My goal is to be able participate in a healthy physical, mental and spiritual experience for Kew Kids as they continue to learn and grow with us.

VICTORIA M. LAGARDERA

Teacher

Achievements/Interests:

Biology, psychology, and pre-vet student
A second mom to my little brother (10 years difference)
Experienced children educator at a Montessori pre-k school
Event organizer and outreach specialist for an animal advocacy non-profit organization
Translator and interpreter in Spanish and English
Completed various seminars on wildlife rehabilitation at South Florida Wildlife Center
Volunteer at Tamerlaine Farm Animal Sanctuary

As an honor student majoring in biology, psychology, and pre-vet medicine, one could make a good guess and say I enjoy science. But most people don’t ask how, or where, my passion for learning began. The answer is nature. I don’t really remember the first time that I was lost immersed in admiration by its wonders, because to me, it seems they were always there.

Having born in Uruguay, a very small country by the Atlantic Ocean, way to the south in South America, I had the opportunity to be raised exploring and experiencing nature’s marvels every day while still immersed in the capital city of the country. My childhood memories are my most precious treasures, from the long walks after a storm that my mom took us on, searching for and rescuing baby birds that had fallen from their nests; to playing in the mud with my rescued wild boar, Inos; or jumping between rocks at the beach and observing how anemones close when you touch them.

I was taught to respect all life, and even save jellyfish who were stuck in the sand at the beach. I learned to connect with animals as individuals, to understand them in their own ways, and to rescue and rehabilitate them. I learned to sail boats, climb trees, and developed a deep curiosity for the world around me and how things work. I learned how intertwined science, art, and even empathy are with the natural world, and how important it is for humans to have a deep connection with our planet. But the greatest lesson is the immense respect and compassion that I developed for our planet and its inhabitants; as well as the awareness that our actions as free willed individuals may and do affect this wonderful world and all of us living in it. I feel very deeply within me that it is imperative that in today’s world, where parents have to work long hours and may be tired and busy when they get home, kids can get their brains out of the screens and are able to experience nature in their daily lives first hand: touching, smelling, feeling, talking, painting, exploring, interacting, and laughing.

I’m convinced that spending time in nature, especially when we are young, is the way that new generations will be able to develop the love, respect and compassion that the world needs. Because otherwise, how could we love something that we don’t know? I really believe that this time has an immense impact in our respect for the planet and fellow earthlings; as well as in fostering our creativity, curiosity, and our physical and mental health.

I was born in Rostov on Don in Russia in a big house with a big yard that had a fruit garden where all the children helped my grandmother grew vegetables. Later, my family moved to Uzbekistan. It was there I learned about nature in Central Asia. I saw many mountains and experienced how they changed through the seasons. With specialized training in art and music, I frequently expressed my joy through these mediums.

I moved to New York with my children and my husband and started working with children after we settled in Kew Gardens. I especially enjoy working with children from 12 months to 2.5 years old.

Children are natural explorers and I see it as my role to offer ways for children to safely explore their curiosity and present opportunities to practice new skills, including behavior and social skills.

My daughter is now 15 and my son is 7 and we enjoy our time outdoors. I am grateful to be part of Kew Kids Forest School in our neighborhood.

Achievements/Interests:

Proud mom to a curious teenage girl and an active son
Experienced childcare provider
Trained in Infant Brain Development, Early Intervention, Managing Challenging Behavior Birth to 36mo, Infection Control and Barrier Precautions
Involved in parents committee and a volunteer at my children’s school

Teacher

RITA SIMAKOVA

Achievements/Interests:

Teachers Aid experience at All Angels Learning Center in Virginia
Lead teacher experience at The Primron in Maryland
Completed a Child Growth and Development, along with a Core knowledge on special needs course at Howard Community College
Currently learning Spanish
Animal and wilderness lover
Loves to cook and eat healthy

CHRISTINE WILLIAMS

Teacher

I was raised in New Jersey by a strong, independent and loving single mother, and two doting grandmas. It was in high school that I was first ever introduced to the idea of working with children when I took a course that broadened my mind when it came to a child and their growing minds. My first venture raising a child came soon after, when my sister had to be deployed soon after giving birth. This journey took me to Virginia and Maryland where I got into child care at a professional level.

My first experience in the field was as a teacher's aid working with multiple children ranging from 1 to 4 years old. I learned a lot about balance, teamwork and communication. Moving to Maryland gave me the opportunity to advance as I took a more challenging position as a lead teacher. Though it meant more responsibilities, it became a passionate role to wake up to. Different settings and roles with children have helped me connect with the educational process which is unique in every child.

Moving back north now starting a new life in New York where life seems faster, I notice how critical it is for children to slow down and connect with the nature around them and play at their pace. The way Kew Kids tries to foster a relationship with nature in a child growing up in this busy city really inspires me to find more innovative ways to nourish each little mind. I strongly believe every child shapes the future, and it is important that our future is filled with more love for nature and our Earth.