Our Idaho Team

Leadership Team

Alex & Shayla

Owners

We grew up in different states, yet both surrounded by the outdoors and we are so thrilled to be raising our children in Boise where we get to experience 4 seasons and enjoy many opportunities for outdoor adventures. Alex was raised in Flagstaff, AZ where the woods were his backyard. Hiking, building forts and games with friends in the forest were some of his favorite adventures. Shayla grew up on a small farm in Buhl, ID and appreciated a free range childhood with farm animals and making up games with her siblings.

When we had our fourth child we knew we wanted to cultivate a love for nature and adventure in our children as they grew. Wild Beginnings feels like the perfect space for us to teach and work with youth. We love creating opportunities for children to problem solve and get excited about new experiences.

We hope to meet you in our nature classroom soon!

Sarah

Saplings Coordinator

sarah@wildbeginningsnatureschool.org

I was born and raised in Idaho, spending as much of my childhood and teen years as possible in the beautiful mountains and especially rivers that abound here.  I received a bachelor’s degree in Recreation Management and Youth Leadership with an emphasis in Recreation Therapy and found a lot of joy through that program helping people of all ages and abilities find ways to enjoy nature and recreation.

I have spent most of the last 8 years raising my 3 kids and have truly found a love for creating adventures and learning experiences to have with them.   After a time of living in Michigan and Texas, I am thrilled to be back in Idaho to bring my family to the places I loved as a kid and for the opportunity to be a part of Wild Beginnings!

Kelsi

Pathfinders Coordinator

kelsi@wildbeginningsnatureschool.org

Hi I am Kelsi. I have a degree in environmental science and I’ve been teaching outdoor education for 10+ years from camps to farm schools, to nature programs. I have worked with infants up through high school. I love watching elementary students explore nature and discover new concepts.

I spend my free time camping, hiking, and fly fishing with my dog and husband. I am excited to be our Pathfinder Coordinator this year!

Nature Teachers

Melissa

Pathfinders Teacher

M– makes adventuring in nature a top priority for herself, her own family, and now your child.

E– elementary school educator was her previous title. She also holds a degree in Early Childhood Education and is an avid life-long learner. 
L– loves to hike, bike, paddle board, camp, garden, read, try out new hobbies, vacation, and plan the next fun day.
I– is a mother to four awesome outdoor loving children. Sometimes she feels like her children are trying to turn her home into a zoo. Currently there are chickens, a dog, frogs, a lizard, fish, the occasional ant farm or beloved roly-poly. Who knows what else is currently waiting to be discovered living in a mason jar in the corner of someone’s closet. 
S– sharing her love of nature through fostering adventure, sparking creativity, discovery, excitement, kindness, and learning stewardship are ways she’ll help your child grow.
S– she is excited to be sharing her passions in the Wild Beginnings team and looks forward to leading your child on their next immersive nature adventure.
A– aspires to live a big beautiful joy-filled life. 

Danae

Caregiver & Me Teacher

I spent 7 years in the classroom teaching students ranging from kindergarten to university level before becoming a “stay at home” parent to my daughter, Coraline. Among all ages, I have observed that students come alive when they’re outdoors. I believe that children and nature are inherently magical—put them together in a learning setting and you’ll be amazed! Nature is a wonderful teacher, healer, and joy-bringer!

I love getting to know each student as an individual and learning how to best support them in growing and harnessing their strengths to be a joyful force in the world. I love exploring, crafting, walking, and gardening in beautiful Nampa.