Mission
Curious and Kind Education empowers young people to learn about themselves, others, and nature while developing their minds and bodies.
- We believe nature nurtures learning.
- We trust in a child’s ability to guide their own learning journey.
- We believe education’s purpose is to create a kinder, more just, and sustainable world.
We reimagined education! Our programs were inspired by the self directed learning and forest schooling concepts which keep the flames of learning alive for folks. At Curious and Kind, every person is valued, cherished, and encouraged to embrace the joy of getting a little muddy.
Justine Wilson, MEd & EdS
Founder & CEO of Curious and Kind Education
Forest School ALC Facilitator- Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays
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
Sherry Summers
Forest School ALC Facilitator- Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays
April Noss
Forest School ALC Facilitator- Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
April comes from an extensive background in environmental and childhood education. She is a Florida Master Naturalist graduate and has spent more than two decades educating children of all ages in various settings and subjects. She is passionate about doing her part to reduce the “nature deficit” facing children in our society. April is a yoga teacher and owns Sarasota Karate Club, where she is the primary instructor of traditional Japanese karate. In her spare time, she loves to spend as much time as possible in nature. She also enjoys traveling the world with her husband and three children, cooking healthy meals, singing, and playing her guitar and mandolin. She is excited to inspire every child at Curious and Kind Education with the same love of learning and nature that she has.
Jamie Tremps
Forest School ALC Facilitator- Tuesdays and Thursdays
As a Southwest Florida native and lifelong learner, Jamie knows firsthand the beauty and importance of growing up in oneness with nature. From her own earliest childhood memories she has been running around barefoot communing with bugs. Today as a mother, professional singer/songwriter, artist and beekeeper, she is passionate to continue sharing her love of learning and joie de vivre with children and our community. Jamie believes in the importance of trust and honesty and being a good listener, knowing from experience with her own family and as a member of a local homeschool co-op that children learn best when inspired and excited to express and create from within themselves. She holds a degree in psychology from the University of South Florida.
Libby Bailey, MAT
Nature Stay and Play Leader- Sarasota & Bradenton
Forest School ALC Facilitator- Wednesdays and Fridays
Jack Berry
Forest School ALC Facilitator- Tuesdays and Thursdays
Born & raised in Sarasota, Jack grew up eager to explore & respect our beautiful natural surroundings. As an adult this spirit of adventure took him on the road & into the recording studio with a variety of international musicians. During the pandemic he decided to make the most of the extra downtime by fully exploring his hometown, riding his bike down every street & kayaking through every navigable waterway! He has also been sharing his passion for sustainability, making art, & thinking “outside the box” with our community since 2010, leading workshops at schools & museums & organizing family concerts with his band The Garbage-Men. He values open equitable conversation & imaginative solutions, hearing & giving an enthusiastic try to any idea & every perspective, whether building a DIY guitar out of a recycled cereal box or brainstorming out loud together through a challenging conflict. He is also enthusiastic to offer his more recent experiences working with local sustainable landscaping & native plant organizations, sharing ecological empowerment & community food resilience that we will need for a sustainable future. He loves his family & their pets, thrift stores & yard sales, & looks forward to continuing to grow the food forest at their new home!
Amy Korenman
Teen program Facilitator- Mondays and Wednesdays
Amy has always loved being around kids. She worked for 8 years as an Outward Bound Instructor which lead her to get a masters degree in social work. Amy moved her family down to Florida with the hope of raising her children outdoors and to allow them to follow their own interests and passions. This led her to meet some amazing families with the same goals and she helped co-found Spark ALC in West Bradenton. Amy has become known around the sarasota/manatee counties as a huge supporter of self directed learning and project based learning programs. Amy is excited to lead the teen program at Curious and Kind and allow new teens to explore their wishes and passions in a unique way.
Chris Trammel, MA
Chief of Operations
Teen Program Facilitator- Mondays and Wednesdays
8 Week Mini Course Leader
Chris is a lifelong learner and educator with a passion for exploring our amazing world through a variety of perspectives, whether it be a cultural, environmental, scientific, personal, or some other way to see our world, he believes there is always something new and exciting to discover. Chris has worked as an outdoor science educator and a social studies teacher in a variety of public and private school settings. He is excited to help teens explore new perspectives and develop their own unique passions and understandings about the world.
Credentials
Masters Degree in Global History from American Public University
Florida Educator Certificate- Social Studies Grades 6 – 12
Anabel Socarras
Curious and Kind Substitute
Anabel was raised in Miami FL. and truly enjoys being close to the beaches. She spent most of her adult life in various states in the Midwest. Including where she received her Early Childhood Education degree at Baylor University in Waco, TX. As an educator and being bilingual, she also enjoyed teaching Spanish. She brings a rich tapestry of experience to everything she does. Now, her creativity extends beyond the classroom into the comforting glow of handmade candles and the delicious aromas of her kitchen, where she loves cooking and developing recipes. A passionate advocate for health and nutrition, Anabel also enjoys the discipline and energy of personal training.
Her greatest joys, however, come from her family – she is a proud mother of 2 adult sons and an adult daughter, as well as, a doting grandmother to a vibrant and curious seven-year-old boy. When she is not spending time with loved ones, you can find Anabel connecting with the beauty of nature and singing along to her favorite tunes.
Monika C. Carter
Curious and Kind Substitute
Monika is a proud Aquarius and a sixth-generation South Floridian deeply rooted in the vibrant culture and beautiful chaos of Miami. She thrives in sunshine, salty air, and spontaneous adventures. As the mother of two spirited boys, she’s constantly on the move—and often in the water—camping, hiking, paddle boarding, or surfing alongside their dad.
With 13 years of experience as a Girl Scout, Monika knows her way around a campsite and can craft a mean s’more. Her ideal day includes quirky day trips, treasure hunting through local thrift shops, snapping candid photos, dancing freely, and cooking meals that always feature plenty of garlic.
She brings a dynamic blend of nature, love, and joy to the Curious and Kind community, and she’s excited to help nurture connection and creativity through her presence and passions.
Cera Azzi
Social Media whizz!
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
