by jarrettkrentzel | Jul 6, 2026 | Educators
Hi, I’m Mia!
I was born and raised in the Comox Valley, and my passion for working with children grew during my time in group care and an after-school care program.
Building meaningful relationships with children over those two years inspired me
to pursue Early Childhood Education and discover a career that truly fills my heart.
I love spending time outdoors and spend much of my free time paddle boarding,
camping, fishing, and hiking with my dog. Coaching a children’s paddle boarding
team deepened my love for working with children outdoors and reinforced the
importance of connection, confidence, and learning through shared experiences in
nature.
Some of my favourite moments have been spent co-learning alongside children in
natural environments. I love following children’s interests and embracing the
unexpected moments that often lead to the richest learning. Children teach me
something new every day.
Children are our future and my hope is to nurture their curiosities, confidence,
helping them grow with a sense of wonder, belonging, and connection to the
natural world around them.
by jarrettkrentzel | Jun 25, 2026 | Educators
Hi, I’m Teacher Zoë (they/them) — a queer nature educator, musician, facilitator, and
parent who is endlessly inspired by children’s curiosity, creativity, and connection to the world around them.
For over 20 years, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside children and families
through community arts, recreation, childcare, and education programs. My background in Social Work (BSW, University of Northern BC) has shaped the way I support children and families — with a focus on empathy, belonging, relationship-building, and creating spaces where everyone feels welcome to explore, express themselves, and find community.
My work as a musician, artist, and licensed Music Together® educator has deeply
influenced my approach to learning and connection. I believe creativity is a powerful way to build relationships, encourage self-expression, and help children and adults alike discover new ways of understanding themselves and the world around them.
As a parent raising two young children here in the Comox Valley, I’ve experienced
firsthand the magic of learning through child-led play, getting muddy outside, asking big questions, and following children’s natural sense of wonder. I believe nature offers endless opportunities for creativity, resilience, empathy, and discovery — not only for children, but for the grown-ups who walk alongside them.
One of my favourite parts of working with young children is seeing how learning flows
back and forth between children, grown-ups, and the land itself. So I am beyond thrilled to be leading the Cumberland and Courtenay Nestlings Programs in Fall 2026, and am so excited to to explore, play, and learn alongside you and your little ones!
by jarrettkrentzel | Jun 25, 2026 | Educators
Toronto-born and French-speaking, I’ve built a life around exploration—of places, people, and the natural world. My earliest memories of being outside are spending time in the cul-de-sac with my friends, climbing into our tree house, and truly living in the present moment. Nature brings out the best in us because it brings us back to who we are.
I’ve spent 15 years working as an elementary school teacher, always striving to bring learning beyond the classroom walls. Whether through hands-on projects, loose‑parts play, or nature‑inspired art activities, I’ve consistently looked for ways to get students outside—engaging their senses, exploring their environment, and discovering how much learning comes alive when they’re connected to the natural world.
I’ve since lived in Quebec City, Costa Rica, and New Mexico, carrying that same love of the outdoors with me wherever I go. My travels have always revolved around exploring a new beach, mountain, volcano, forest, or ocean—always seeking out the unique landscapes of the country or city I’m visiting. Travelling the world continues to shape how I connect with communities and the environments around me.
At the heart of my work is a belief that children should engage their bodies, minds, and all five senses outdoors—and above all, let their imaginations run wild to learn and thrive. I am ready and enthusiastic about this new adventure in Campbell River, where the mountains, the forest, and the ocean meet.
by jarrettkrentzel | Mar 21, 2026 | Educators
Tania Abel MANAGER/Nature Educator Early Years Program (Qualicum Beach) Qualicum Beach has been my home for 23 years. It’s been a great joy to contribute to several early childhood circles for over two decades. My work is grounded in nurturing each child’s...
by jarrettkrentzel | Aug 20, 2025 | Educators
Allie Livesay Nature Educator Heartwood Learning Program (Black Creek) I am grateful to live and work as a visitor on the traditional territory of the K’ómoks First Nation, known today as the Sahtloot, Sasitla, Ieeksun and Puntledge people. For the past decade, I’ve...
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