Kim is a director, founder and teacher at Free Spirit Forest and Nature School. Growing up in Collingwood, it’s no wonder she has always had a heart for playing outside and appreciating the great outdoors. She graduated from Brock University’s Health and Physical Education Program, where she developed a deep understanding of play-based learning. She completed a Bachelor of Education in Outdoor Ecological and Experiential Education at Lakehead University in
Matt Simpson is a director and founder of Free Spirit Forest and Nature School. He has dedicated his life to working with children and is passionate for the outdoors and its use in empowering students through meaningful experiences. He graduated from Lakehead University with degrees in Outdoor Recreation and Geography, as well as a BEd in Outdoor Ecological and Experiential Education. He is a graduate of the NOLS Outdoor Educator
Matt is a teacher at our Collingwood School and while he grew up in nearby Anten Mills he has lived all over Ontario teaching at different outdoor centers and camps. He went to Nipissing university earning his Bachelors of Environmental Geography and Bachelors of Education. Matt has loads of experience backcountry camping as a guide and has worked with youth of many diverse backgrounds and upbringings. He has a knack for
Ashley is a teacher at our Collingwood and Duntroon Schools. She is an Ontario Certified Teacher with a specialization in Outdoor and Experiential Education from Queen’s University and is certified in Advanced Wilderness First Aid, Ontario Naturalist Level I, as well as Project WILD, Below Zero & Wild About Sports. In addition to this, Ashley has been working in Outdoor Education since 2016, leading a variety of team building, leadership,
Robyn is a teacher at our Wasaga Beach School. She graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University with a degree in Global Studies and English. She completed her Bachelor of Education at the University of Toronto and is an Ontario Certified Teacher. Robyn is currently completing the course to become a certified Forest and Nature School Practitioner through Forest School Canada. Robyn has taught children in a range of environments including schools
Kelly is a teacher at our schools in Meaford and Collingwood. He is an Ontario Certified Teacher, having received his Bachelor of Education degree from Lakehead University. He has fond memories of camping as a Boy Scout, canoe tripping in summer camp, and exploring his Grandfather’s apple orchard in Clarksburg as a child; and he wants to pass on the appreciation for the outdoors to the next generation. In his
Travis Schreyer is very fortunate to have grown up in Wasaga Beach and the surrounding area, with its bounty of outdoor activities. With so much to experience, he quickly fell in love with nature and exploring the world. Rock climbing is his passion and it has taken him all around the globe to from Colorado to Thailand. Growing up in a world of constant technological innovations, he has witnessed and
Michelle Cioci grew up in Newmarket, and spent most of her time going on countless camping and canoeing adventures with her family. Eventually, this led her to Thunder Bay where she completed an Honours Bachelor of Outdoor Recreation at Lakehead University. The unique experiences she gained from her time there, reinforced her passion for facilitating meaningful experiences in the natural world – experiences free from the pressures of societal norms, that
Laura is a teacher at our Collingwood School. She grew up on a farm in Meaford, hiking the Bruce trail in her backyard, and has always loved the outdoors! She graduated from the University of Guelph with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a minor in Family and Child Studies. She has worked with children and youth from all walks of life and in all different settings since she
James is a teacher at our Meaford location. He is beginning his second year of his Bachelor of Education at the University of Ottawa this fall. James completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Waterloo in Honours Geography and Environmental Management and was selected for the 2019 Academic Achievement Award which is presented annually to the top graduating student from the program. James has over 5 years of experience
