Meet the Educators!
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Hi, my name is Meg!
Being at Little Naturalists brings me so much joy! These days, I am in the classroom a few times a month and as-needed with the support of curriculum and back-end development. In addition to working at Birchbark Books and running my own small jewelry business, I have many years of experience working one-on-one with children ages 3 months-18 years, and in group settings. I got my B.A. at the University of St. Thomas in Justice and Peace Studies with a Social Welfare minor in 2012. Other youth work I’ve done is literacy mentorship through Project for Pride in Living, the Youth Outdoors Program through The Conservation Corps, facilitating trips with middle schoolers in the BWCA with Project Success, and nannying one-on-one with several families. I am interested in supporting students in their emotional literacy skills as they learn how to respectfully connect with others in community, and have compassion for themselves.
I am always curious to find new ways to make our classroom a safer and more inclusive space for the students we serve. Like any of us, my own identities impact my perspective on life - some of my identities include being queer, neurodivergent, Ojibwe (Red Lake Nation), and mixed. I am a life-long learner, and am grateful to be on this journey with the Little Naturalists community! Miigwech, thank you!
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My name is Dani, and I am the founder and lead educator here at Little Naturalists Preschool! I have experience working with children ages 3 months to 12 years, and am passionate about nature-based education and environmental justice.In 2021 I opened Little Naturalists, in hopes of providing more accessible, full-time, nature-based education to children, while providing students with an inclusive classroom and a safe learning space for LGBTQIA+ students.
I have experience in both the classroom setting and one-on-one care. My experience in the classroom extends to working as both a teachers aide and lead teacher in various preschools around the United States. I went to school for early childhood education at MCTC in Minnesota.
Over the years and throughout my experience as an educator, I have been able to curate my own teaching styles, philosophies, and curriculum. I have a deep passion for nature and enjoy teaching my students through mindfulness, play, self expression, nature immersive learning, and using nature as an educational resource for children to learn and grow.
