Sarah is a teacher at our Wasaga Beach, Collingwood, and Duntroon locations. She loves people, and graduated with a degree in hospitality. She has been camping, canoeing, hiking, and exploring Canada since she was a twinkle in her momma’s eye. She has seen firsthand the benefits of nature-based play through her work with children as a Guide leader and youth leader, and now as a mother of three. Sarah believes that it is more important than ever for children to understand and connect with nature as they are the future guardians of our fragile Earth. She is thrilled to be working with FSFNS.

Sarah is also working towards a diploma in holistic nutrition. In her ‘free’ time, she volunteers with Friends of Clearview EcoPark, and loves hiking, canoeing, camping, puttering in her vegetable garden, and hanging out with her family and friends.

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 a certified Forest and Nature School Practitioner through Forest School Canada. 

Robyn has taught children in a range of environments including schools in Northern Alberta, a Haitian refugee village in the Dominican Republic, and SickKids Hospital in Toronto.  Robyn worked as an environmental educator leading field trips at the Tiny Marsh Provincial Wildlife Area.  It was this experience that made her decide that she wanted to continue teaching (and learning) outdoors!  In her free time, Robyn enjoys hiking, snowshoeing, camping and working in her vegetable garden.  She loves being active in/on the water, but also appreciates relaxing on the shore.  You can usually find her hiking – you may see her finishing up another section of the Bruce Trail! 

Jesse is a teacher at our Collingwood School. He has a college background in journalism, is trained as a professional chef and is a paddling guide for Free Spirit Tours. He is an avid backcountry adventurer who has spent a lot of time guiding friends and family through unfamiliar territory in the interior.

Jesse has worked with Free Spirit Tours for the past three year. He has developed his skillset through training programs and first-hand experience. Jesse is also a husband and father to three beautiful children. He has completed several courses in mental health support for children and has vast experience with young people with special needs.

His passions for the outdoors, working with children and being a caretaker for the environment has led him to this position. Passing along the knowledge and experience is very important in the goal of preserving and spreading gratitude to the natural gifts that we are blessed with.

In his off time, you can find him deep in the Algonquin backcountry, fishing in parts unknown, on the trail and developing a lasting bond with his family and nature. If he looks familiar, you may have seen him portaging his canoe through Wasaga Beach in search of the next adventure!

Jackie is a Child and Youth Worker and educator who has dedicated many years to building effective relationships, developing and facilitating programs, providing advocacy and creating community liaisons to improve child, youth and family outcomes and influence positive community capacity. She has experience in a variety of educational, community service and mental health settings.

Jackie has lived, worked, raised her family and played in Simcoe County for thirty years. She is passionate about meaningful relationships and life long learning across generations, to nature and community. You will find her enjoying adventures in the forest, on the trails and in the water.