Andrea Hector, Co-Founder and Teacher
I grew up in Martinez, California. I spent most of my childhood exploring the hills beyond my family’s home and in my father’s garden. As a young child, my fondest memories were spent in nature, finding joy in the elements each season brought. This early relationship with nature has guided my work in the field of early childhood education and nature-based learning.
After receiving my Bachelor of Science degree at Sonoma State University in 2004, I realized I could integrate my passion for working with young children and exploring the natural world. I spent an additional three years getting my Masters in Early Childhood Education and Environmental Education, specializing in garden/nature-based learning. During this time, I worked as a teacher/garden coordinator at Old Firehouse Preschool, where I implemented a small gardening program and taught the children about the importance of growing and harvesting our own food. For three years, I taught in a mixed age Waldorf Kindergarten under the mentorship of many trained Waldorf teachers.
As an outdoor and early childhood educator, I am committed to fostering positive and meaningful experiences with children in nature. I am passionate about supporting young children through movement, storytelling, and honoring children’s interests through play in the natural world. I find children learn best when they are celebrated for who they are and the unique qualities they bring.
I am passionate about collaborating with other educators, connecting young children and their families with wild spaces and continuing my education. I have always been an advocate for the beautiful wild spaces in my community, especially all of our Regional parks. I believe the children I teach, are my best teachers.
When I am not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my husband and three daughters, Asilee, Fiona and Marleigh, gardening, hiking, camping and finding joy in all we do!
Debi Cooper, Co-Founder and Substitute Teacher
I was born and raised in Montana where I experienced big skies, open spaces, camping, and pure delight in mountain lakes and creeks at an early age. I have fond memories of playing freely outdoors with kids in my neighborhood for hours on end in all seasons. My early relationship with Nature has remained a constant thread in my life. It continues to provide me solace and resilience, and feeds a lifelong passion for staying curious and playful.
I’ve been an Early Childhood Educator since 2012. Along my journey, I was a visiting English and swimming instructor at an international school in Japan. For six years I taught and learned from preschoolers at Early Ecology Forest School in Oakland, CA. I have also served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for children and was a Human Resources Director at a non-profit for many years.
I’m committed to the conservation of wild places, and cultivating the significance of deeply connecting to Nature. I value and support children in discovering and developing at their own unique pace and take pride in bringing a variety of sensory learning through art, movement, natural materials, and extended periods of exploration within the natural world.
I’m a Nature photographer and have been told by colleagues and families that young children bring out a special joy in me!
My formal education includes: BA in Liberal Studies, studies in Waldorf and Reggio Emilia education, Early Childhood and Human Development, as well as continuing education on topics of emergent and anti-bias curriculum, creative process, mindfulness, arts and crafts and natural dyeing with local plants. Certified Next-Generation Yoga Teacher.
Katie Lynn Kravitz, Teacher
My name is Katie Lyne and I am a multimedia visual artist and youth educator, with an active creative practice in textile arts, various forms of printmaking, critical writing, drawing, painting, and book binding. In addition to working as a freelance artist, I am delving deeper into local wildlife and environmental studies.
My formal education comes from both the School of Visual Arts in NYC, and University of California, Santa Cruz, where I earned my degree in Fine Arts. I am eager to work with young students again and in an outdoor classroom! My experience in childcare and enrichment education has always been driven by a love for fostering creative thinking and play, emboldening student’s confidence and a joy in unfamiliar spaces and encounters! I’m looking forward to working with your child, and helping them feel enlivened by their local outdoor spaces.
Amanda Capra, Teacher and Social Media Manager
Amanda has been a Waldorf educator since 2017, working in both school and homeschool settings. She is a graduate of the Bay Area Center for Waldorf Teacher Training and brings a strong foundation in Waldorf pedagogy to her work. From 2019 to 2024, she founded and led an East Bay–based forest school, offering nature-based learning grounded in rhythm, play, and relationship.
Her approach is centered on the rhythm of the day, creating a sense of steadiness and care so children feel held, even without the walls of a classroom. Amanda is passionate about supporting the whole child and fostering environments where confidence, creativity, and belonging can unfold naturally.
She has a special love for handwork, guiding children in knitting, fiber arts, and practical skills that strengthen patience, coordination, and a quiet sense of accomplishment. She believes deeply in the value of outdoor childhood, where meaningful learning and social growth arise through connection to the natural world.