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Meet the Team

Mission

Curious and Kind Education empowers children to learn about themselves, others and nature while developing their minds and bodies.

  • We believe nature nurtures learning.
  • We believe in honoring children’s self-directed learning instincts.
  • We believe education’s purpose is to create a kinder, more sustainable world.

In a nature-based setting, education is reimagined and keeps the sparks of learning alive for children. Curious and Kind is a place where every child feels seen, is loved, and has the opportunity to get a little muddy.

We are looking for great people to be prepared to grow the team soon. If you love children, nature and learning, we would love to hear from you!

Justine Wilson, MEd & EdS

Founder and Educator of Curious and Kind Education

Some of Justine’s best and earliest memories came before the nightly dinner bell would call all the neighborhood kids home. You could find her and neighbor kids knee-deep in the muddy creek, as they worked together to build dams and bridges all the while falling in love with nature. Justine went on to become an educator having worked as an outdoor science educator, grade 1 and 5 teacher, literacy coach and Prk-5 principal in 4 countries over 17 years. Recently, she gave herself the gift of time to reflect and align the purpose which drives her as an educator. She has a passion for trusting children and empowering them through self directed learning. She finds joy in facilitating and supporting children’s curiosities and interests inspired from nature.

Certifications and Credentials

  • Forest School Teacher Institute- Emergent Curriculum & Director Training
  • Masters degree in Education focusing on Integrated Place-based Education- Antioch University
  • Principal/Administrator credential in Florida and Colorado

Mariah Battaglia

Educator- Nature Stay and Play Leader &
Forest School/Agile Learning Facilitator

Mariah Battaglia is a passionate early educator, nature lover and longtime local resident who has seen the need for programs like Curious and Kind. She has nearly a decade of experience working with children of all ages in daycares and private settings. Mariah believes in fostering children’s natural interest, empowering them to connect with their body and environment. She creates safe spaces for children to learn and grow in. Mariah is our Stay and Play Leader and also facilitates a few days a week at the Forest School Agile Learning Center.  She is thrilled about our current school year!
 

Vicki Somoya, MFA

Educator- Forest School/Agile Learning Facilitator

Vicki is a professional dancer who has taught dance, movement and theater to adults and children her whole life. She has been working along-side children of all ages since 2018, most recently in Seattle as a teacher for Tiny Trees Outdoor Preschool program in the city parks. She then created, managed and taught what became, from a small homeschool group, a multi-age all outdoor school on a farm on the island of Kauai from 2020-2022. Her passion is for every child to be seen for who they truly are, and to nourish their innate abilities and visions with many loving experiences with nature, animals and people. 
 

Cera Azzi

Educator- Nature Stay and Play Assistant &
Forest School Agile Learning Substitute

Cera is a traveling learner and is so excited to be joining the fun with Curious and Kind Education. With her Bachelor’s in Elementary Education and being a lifetime big sister, she loves spending time with kids. Cera knows that being able to support children in their learning and growing can be so special. She can’t wait to see what adventures will come through her journey with Curious and Kind and your explorers!
 

Jaime Rumley

Substitute Educator, as needed

Photo and bio coming soon….
 
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Fresh air, open paths
Sticks not telling what to be
Acceptance knows love

~ Haiku by Joe Pounds ~
After an interview with Justine, Founder of Curious and Kind Education

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