MS PUMA

Lead Teacher - Farm Builders

I grew up in Southern California in a semi-rural suburb of Los Angeles.  My backyard had an old apricot tree that I would climb and in the summers eat apricots with the squirrels.  I spent most of my time outdoors as a child and this is where I found my peace, quiet, and happiness.  My time in this tree would lay the foundation for a lifetime of tree climbing with children and a quest for the perfect apricot (not easy to find)!

I have a background in holistic nutrition and worked as a cook for yoga retreats in my 20’s and later as a cater chef while I was getting my degree in Child Development.  I have been working in childcare for almost 20 years, 5 of those as an early childhood educator.  My passion is for outdoor education and restorative justice.  I believe nature is the best teacher and having children grow slow with the cycles allows them to mature and thrive at their own pace.  

In my free time I am an avid camper, naturalist, and dancer.  A perfect evening for me is a home cooked meal with my family and friends.  Every day I relish my time on Earth, and feel deep gratitude for the mystery of life.