Meet the Roots and Wings team
we asked: why do you love experiential education?

Joshuah Emery
​Program manager, BLOOMS LEAD, 14-17 YRS

I love experiential education because it allows us to learn through hands-on experiences, making the knowledge we gain more practical and memorable. It also encourages critical thinking, creativity, and real-world problem-solving skills, which are essential for personal and professional growth.

Chelsea Clark
​Bulbs Co-LeaD, 5-7 YRS
Teaching team coordinator

I love experiential education because the learner gets to engage all of their senses. Children are hardwired to learn about the world through sensory experiences from the first day of life and I believe they will be much more likely to apply a concept to a real-life situation if they have had the chance to explore, engage, and observe through previous experiences where they've been allowed to make mistakes in a safe environment. 

Rian Hart
​​Bulbs Assistant, 5-7 YRS 

I love experiential education because the best way to learn is through trial and error. Experiential education allows learners to try something new and if it doesn't work, they can try something different. Encouraging learners to find solutions increases their capacities in problem-solving, critical thinking, teamwork and resilience. 
​I love experiential education as a way to learn in nature, because it provides opportunities to safely experiment and to study our interests in challenging ways. It helps us transform our relationships with the outdoors consistently, and to connect with our places both personally and within community.

Sarah Thober
Bulbs Co-Lead, 5-7 YRS

I love experiential education because it is a means for students to learn through real life interactions. Experiential education gives students the opportunity to problem-solve, question, inquire, and grow authentically. Deep learning, observations, and connections can be made when students experience learning by coming in contact with their world.

Shiren Tehrani
​Art Instructor, 5-10 yrs

I love experiential education because it is how I learn best and how I teach best - it enables students to follow their own ideas and work through problems as they arise, providing more depth overall to the learning experience.

Dana Belanger
​Sprouts Co-Lead, 8-18 YRS
Youth Garden Manager

I love experiential outdoor education! To me it is learning by doing, learning by living, and letting nature be an ever-emergent teacher. Participants are wholly engaged intellectually, socially, physically and beyond through their own discovery and sense making while integrating concepts and skills in real time. I value the confidence building that arises from this type of education and I appreciate watching participants grow their sense of self in step with the natural world.

Jess McCartee
​Buds Lead, 11-13 yrs

I love experiential education 
​because education is life itself. It is an ongoing, intrinsic part of our existence that shapes our thoughts, actions, and experiences throughout our lives. This type of education is intertwined with our journey, encompassing growth and development, and the formation of our character throughout our lifetime. 

KERI EASTRIDGE
​SPROUTS CO-LEAD, 8-10 YRS
​Program coordinator

I love experiential education because it helps students learn creative problem-solving skills, encouraging them to find unique solutions to tasks. Inviting creativity into the learning environment fosters adaptability and resilience, teaching students to embrace challenges and navigate new situations. When students are encouraged to think outside the box and bring their own strengths and interests into each task, the possibilities are endless!

SARA SMITH
SPROUTS ASSISTANT, 8-10 YRS

What I love about experiential education is that new knowledge is acquired in a meaningful way and real-world application of that knowledge is immediately apparent.
All Roots and Wings instructors and assistants:
  • Carry up to date CPR and First Aid Certification, every 2 years
  • Complete a background check every 3-5 years 
  • Complete the Basic Health & Safety Training from the State Department of Education
  • Lead instructors & Youth Garden Manager hold a 36hr Nature Based Teacher Certification from ERAFANS