Meet the Team!
Ms. Amy,
Founder & Lead Educator
Ms. Amy is a warm, thoughtful educator who believes children learn best when they're given room to wonder, wander, and lead the way. She holds a Master's of Educational Studies from Johns Hopkins University, and her experience with young children is extensive, spanning across elementary classrooms, toddler and preschool programs, and camp settings.
Ms. Amy is also a homeschool mama to an energetic, curious 7 year old boy, and watching him grow has only deepened her appreciation for how much children absorb when they're free to explore at their own pace. Through their many days spent learning together outdoors, she has seen firsthand how child-led nature play shapes both mind and heart. Whether she's helping a child identify a birdsong, dig for worms, or simply sit still and notice the wind, Ms. Amy's mission stays the same: to nurture a lifelong love of the outdoors, one small discovery at a time.
Background & Approach
Before bringing Explorers by Nature to San Diego families, Ms. Amy worked as an outdoor educator with Tinkergarten for many seasons and has now been leading Explorers by Nature for four years! At the heart of her approach is a deep respect for children's emotions and instincts—she listens closely, meets kids where they are, and equips them with real skills for navigating the world around them, using natural, hands-on materials rather than anything overly polished or prescribed. Her philosophy draws from Montessori, Social-Emotional Learning, Waldorf, and Forest School traditions.
Ms. Kelsey~
Nature Play Teacher
Kelsey is a joyful, curiosity‑driven educator who is passionate about child development and helping kids learn through exploration, creativity, and plenty of outdoor adventure. With a Master’s in Education and years of experience teaching STEM and nature‑based science, she’s just as comfortable guiding a hands‑on engineering challenge as she is leading a hike, spotting insects, or encouraging explorers to dig into the wonders of the natural world.
Before teaching STEM for K–8 learners, Kelsey spent several years as an outdoor science instructor, where she guided students in a variety of exciting lessons, led archery, rock-climbing and ziplining adventures, and helped students build confidence through real‑world, nature‑rich experiences. Kelsey brings a warm, gentle and encouraging approach to every group she works with.
Whether she’s building a mini‑ecosystem, exploring a trail, or sparking a new STEM idea, Kelsey’s goal is always the same: help children feel capable, connected, and excited to learn.
Ms. Keely~
Nature Play Teacher
Ms. Keely is a joyful, passionate teacher who believes learning should feel a little bit like an adventure—full of curiosity, creativity, and plenty of laughs along the way. She mixes her classroom experience with a love for the outdoors into engaging, hands‑on lessons that help kids discover their strengths and celebrate their “aha!” moments. When she's not teaching, you’ll almost always find her outside—exploring campgrounds, chasing her toddler son, or recharging in the fresh air with her family—which inspires her belief that wonder belongs in everyday learning. Ms. Keely is all about building real connections, cheering on growth, and creating a warm, upbeat space where children can explore, follow their curiosities and blossom
