Founder

Sarah is a Bank Street Graduate with an M.S. Ed. in Early Childhood Elementary Education, and has taught in a variety of public and private school settings in New York and New Jersey for the past 19 years. She is the 2018 recipient of the Margaret O’Neill Early Childhood Nature Educator Award for her work with Brooklyn Nature Days. Sarah is certified as a Forest School Kindergarten Teacher through Cedarsong Nature School and is currently pursuing her New York Master Naturalist Certification through Cornell University’s Cooperative Extension Program. She currently serves on the Board of the Eastern Regional Association of Forest and Nature Schools (ERAFANS). Sarah holds Permanent Teaching Certification in both New York and New Jersey. She is inspired by children's authenticity, energy, and expression and is rooted in the idea that we are always learning through experience, reflection, and finding the magic in day to day moments. Sarah believes strongly in the freedom, health, and creativity that ample time in nature can provide.

Director & Park-Support

Susannah is originally from Hershey, PA, but has been a Brooklynite for 21 years. She holds a BA in English with a minor in Women's Studies, a study abroad certificate from the University of Wales, an MFA in Poetry from Brooklyn College, and has also continued her education with courses and certificates through CUNY's New York Early Childhood Professional Development Institute. Susannah has 15 years of teaching experience with ages 2-10. She is certified in Infant, Child and Adult CPR Pro and Wilderness Advanced First Aid.

Susannah has found her pedagogical home outside in the park surrounded by children and nature. She believes that children are powerful in both body and mind and possess the skills and strength to complete difficult tasks independently. She wants to teach children that it is a sign of strength to ask for help/cry/try again (repeat).

Susannah lives in Kensington with her husband and their two spirited children. She loves baseball (Go Phillies!), birdwatching, swimming, playing strategy board games, 90s R&B, and roller coasters. She does the NYT crossword puzzle every day (nerd alert) and reads 50 books a year.

Enrollment Coordinator & Park-Support

Nina moved to the big city from the mountains of Asheville, NC in Sept 2018. She has a BA in Theatre Studies and a minor in Education from Guilford College. While living in Asheville she was a preschool teacher in the young threes classroom which is where her love for teaching began.
Since joining BND in Oct 2018, Nina has discovered a newfound love for all things feathered, leafy, woody, and muddy. She feels so fortunate to have found a career where she gets to teach kids to love and care for the earth and all the little critters on it.

In her spare time Nina leads a fairly sedentary lifestyle. She dabbles in baking, embroidery, and couch potato-ing with her husband and their little black cat. Nina is certified in Infant, Child and Adult CPR.

Teacher

Cameron was born on the Isle of Man before moving between Chicago, Belfast, Connecticut and eventually growing up on the north shore of Long Island. For as long as he can remember he’s been fascinated by the outdoors, spending much of his childhood learning and leading on trips from Harriman State Park to the Presidentials. Having been a Boy Scout and having become an Eagle Scout, his fascination with the environment has inspired him to help educate his community on key issues, such as Harmful Algae Blooms and Invasive Species. He is a recent graduate of Emerson College with a BFA in Creative Writing and a minor in Comedy. Cameron has worked as an Escape Room Operator, a Gardener, and Fundraiser for the Human Society among other things, and draws on his years of experience making children’s days brighter. He believes that children are endlessly curious, and providing them with new worlds to explore teaches them to be independent, questioning, and bright. Cameron is delighted to join the Brooklyn Nature Days team for his first full season, and so excited to meet his students and let them discover the wonders of Prospect Park. In his off hours, Cameron loves to paint, write, exercise and do the occasional stand up set.

Teacher

​Carles (pronounced Car-les) Griffith is thrilled to be rejoining the Brooklyn Nature Days community. As the mother of energetic twin boys, she draws daily inspiration from their boundless curiosity, which fuels her commitment to child-led, inquiry-based learning.

Carles​ was​ born and raised in Guyana, where connection to land, culture, and community shaped ​h​er deep appreciation for nature and storytelling. ​With a background in ​Childhood ​Special ​Education, Carles is passionate about inclusive, hands-on learning experiences that honor each child’s unique journey. Whether children are digging in the dirt, reading beneath a tree, or following a trail of questions, she is dedicated to nurturing their sense of wonder, discovery, and growth through play and exploration.

Parkwide Support Teacher

Cody grew up in New Jersey, spending lots of his free time in the woods alone and with friends. They studied Environmental Science and Johns Hopkins University and has spent most of their career as a quantitative ecology researcher studying animal movement patterns. Cody finds a lot of joy in working with children, and loves listening intently to see what naturally makes them feel curious, excited, and connected. He loves to facilitate connection and understanding and believes being in nature gives children the space to figure things out at their own pace. Cody also coaches the recreation climbing team at VITAL Brooklyn, loves writing music and playing in his bands, and doodling in his sketchbook.

Supply Runner / Play Enthusiast / Jr. Teacher-in-Training

Donovan Bortner-Palmer just completed his sophomore year at New York Harbor School, a marine biology-focused high school located on Governors Island, where he is concentrating on Marine Systems Technology and Ocean Engineering. Donovan plays 3rd base and is a relief pitcher for the NY Harbor School Sharks, his school's varsity baseball team. Donovan enjoys baseball (GO Mets!), video games, hiking, and birding. 

Donovan has attended Brooklyn Nature Days first as a student, and now as a teacher-in-training, since 2016. This summer, he will be responsible for delivering materials and supplies to all the groups and ensuring everyone has what they need. He will also be available for reading books to groups, helping out with art projects and games, and supporting teachers with their child-led activities while under supervision of an adult teacher. He is excited to learn more about nature and play-based learning this summer! 

Donovan is certified in CPR and First Aid. 

Teacher

Em Ingram is a recent graduate of NYU Gallatin School of Interdisciplinary Studies where their studies concentrated around environmental education and advocacy. They are excited to be joining the 9th Street robins for their inaugural Brooklyn Nature Days summer.

Being a born-and-raised outdoorsy Californian, proto-environmental educator, and goofy younger sibling, Em has a deep passion for and connection to Brooklyn Nature Day’s mission of providing quality nature-based educational play to children.

Em is excited to explore Prospect Park, and learn more about local plants and wildlife with your kiddos!

Teacher

Em Marie Kohl an educator and creative living on Lenapehoking (Brooklyn, NY). Em's personal and community practices move from a trauma informed center.  They have a BFA in Visual Arts from Rutgers, Mason Gross and an MFA in Creative Writing from Mills College. They are a garden steward at Aberdeen Community Garden in Bushwick and a community Yoga teacher.

After calling Brooklyn home for the past decade this fall Em will be moving full-time to Berkeley, CA to pursue an MA in Somatic Psychology at California Institute of Integral Studies.

Teacher

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Ethan has been living in Brooklyn for the last year-and-a-half, exploring Prospect Park all the while. He graduated from Wesleyan University with a degree in the College of Social Studies, an interdisciplinary major in history, government, economics, and political theory. Since graduating, Ethan has worked as a server and a middle school track coach. Ethan loves to read and write, but he is happiest when he is outside and on the go. Working with children connects him to a younger version of himself, one that is more curious and less inhibited. Ethan is thrilled to help children explore what it means to be a person in relation to others, and to nature. When he is not working, Ethan loves to ride his bike, whether it be in Manhattan or Montana. If someone pedals past you singing John Prine rather loudly, it is probably him.

Teacher

Giovanna was born and raised in sunny San Diego, California, where her childhood was shaped by a love for the outdoors—camping and backpacking along the coast, through the desert, and deep into the Sierra Nevada Mountains. When she’s not out adventuring, she enjoys expressing her creativity through writing, photography, and filmmaking.

Her diverse educational background includes performing arts training at Groundworks Theatre, Spanish language studies at Far Horizon Montessori School, and hands-on wilderness experience with the Poway Backpackers. One of her most unforgettable adventures was co-leading a group of high school students on a challenging backpacking trip that ended with a successful summit of Mt. Whitney.

For the past four years, Giovanna has lived just steps away from Prospect Park and is thrilled to spend the summer exploring its natural beauty alongside this year’s campers!

Teacher

Originally from Maine, Grace grew up exploring mudflats, searching for sea glass, and lying in mossy forests. She graduated from Barnard College with a Bachelor of Arts in American Studies, where she researched inequities within nature-based learning in preschool classrooms.

Grace is passionate about honoring childrens' ways of being, where time in nature enables children to explore sensorially, messily, and wholeheartedly without a pre-determined agenda telling them how to experience the world. She has worked with children in inquiry-based, play-based, and outdoor settings in Manhattan and Burlington, Vermont, and is thrilled to continue learning from children in Prospect Park this summer! 

Currently, Grace is completing her masters in Early Childhood Education with a certification in Special Education from Teachers College. In her free time, Grace can be found cooking for friends, biking around Brooklyn, and tending to her fire escape garden.

Teacher

A Texas native, Ian Starling graduated with a BA in Philosophy and Literary Studies from the American University of Paris before setting roots in NYC in 2015.

Ian grew up “indoorsy” and discovered his love and deep reverence for nature as an adult—now he’s making up for lost time and loves to get out and touch all the moss he can!

Ian has worked with kids for most of his life as a dance teacher, English instructor, and au pair, and can’t wait to bring his passion for learning and the outdoors together this summer at Brooklyn Nature Days. He can usually be found hiking, running, drawing, beading, or playing with his band.

Teacher

Jae is a native New Yorker, mother of 2, devout yogini, and nature lover.  When her children were young she facilitated free weekly meet-ups in the park for families and toddlers. Having raised her children in the park, she has witnessed first hand, the power of unstructured play in a natural environment.  As an “edu-carer” she hopes to instill a deep sense of curiosity and wonder, as well as gratitude for the natural world.  She is so very grateful for the resource that is Prospect Park, and honored to join the Brooklyn Nature Days team. 

Teacher

Jennifer has been a resident of Brooklyn for 20+ years.  She holds a B.S. in Acting and Italian from Syracuse University.  Before becoming a mother herself, she worked with Inwood House, a non for profit youth agency focused on improving outcomes for young mothers in child welfare.  In the past few years, you may have seen her volunteering in Prospect Park leading parent-child forest groups, singing songs, reading in ridiculous character voices and participating in imaginative play. Jennifer believes that immersing a child in nature balances their mind and body, offers them the opportunity to explore their innate interests, as well as practice kindness, empathy, and respect with each other and the living organisms around them.  She is so happy to be part of the incredible team at Brooklyn Nature Days and cannot wait to meet your tiny yet mighty adventurer.  Let the play begin!

Teacher

Jing was born in Taishan, Guangdong, and immigrated to Brooklyn when she was 4. She grew up in Bensonhurst, digging and riding her bike in circles in her backyard. Jing attended Northeastern University, where she studied Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience. During her time in Boston, she partnered with AmeriCorps to provide literacy and social-emotional development programs to local schools, while also conducting research in learning and brain development. After graduating, Jing worked in early childhood schools in Brooklyn, exploring a variety of child-centered pedagogies, including play-based curriculum and Montessori. Jing absolutely loves spending time outdoors, and you will often find her running or riding her bike in Prospect Park. Last year, Jing spent five months camping while building trails and working on carpentry projects for Vermont State Parks. Jing is always looking for opportunities to combine her love for working with children and their families, learning about the diversity of brain development, and nature.

Teacher

Kate is originally from the Hudson Valley and is currently based in Brooklyn. They graduated from Binghamton University in 2017 with a degree in biology, focusing on ecology, evolution, and animal behavior.

A lifelong nature enthusiast, Kate enjoys hiking, camping, and stargazing whenever they can. In their free time, they also love to read, sing, paint and draw, play video games, and deepen their knowledge of their favorite trees.

Kate is continually inspired by the natural curiosity children bring to the world. They are passionate about helping kids connect with and appreciate nature in meaningful ways. Kate has been teaching at Brooklyn Nature Days since 2021.

Teacher

Liv grew up on the North Shore of Long Island, where exploring tide pools, catching (and releasing) lightning bugs, and crafting with natural materials sparked her lifelong appreciation for the natural world.

She earned her degree in Education and Art & Visual Culture from Bates College in Maine, and later received a Master's in Youth Studies from CUNY School of Professional Studies. Her professional journey has taken her from the rocky coast of Maine to the redwoods of California and the mountains of Wyoming, where she worked in outdoor education before settling in Brooklyn seven years ago.

In New York City, Liv has taught human rights education, visual arts, and youth leadership programs across diverse classroom settings. She is passionate about designing experiential learning opportunities that inspire curiosity and extend beyond traditional classroom walls.

When she’s not teaching at Brooklyn Nature Days, Liv can be found working in art and design, leading cycling classes with Bike New York, or getting humbled in the ceramics studio.

Teacher

Mariana was born and raised in the Dominican Republic and has called Brooklyn home for the last 5 years. She is fluent in both the Spanish and English language and has extensive experience working with children as a childcare provider for local families as well as a mother to her own two beautiful, inquisitive children. Since her early years growing up in the Dominican Republic, Mariana has always been drawn to nature and the outdoors and is thrilled to be part of a program that matches her enthusiasm for child-led exploration and learning. Mariana’s joyful sense of curiosity is contagious and mirrored in her students excited faces as she empowers them to discover new things about themselves and the natural world around them.

Teacher

Naznin is a passionate and nurturing educator who believes deeply in the power of nature to spark curiosity, build confidence, and foster meaningful connections in young children. With a background in childhood and special education, she brings a thoughtful, inclusive approach to outdoor learning.

She has experience supporting diverse learners through hands-on exploration, storytelling, and play-based discovery. Valuing each child’s unique voice, Naznin strives to cultivate wonder and empathy in every moment spent outside. Whether she’s guiding a nature walk, leading a group game, or helping build a fairy house in the woods, Naznin is dedicated to nurturing joy, resilience, and a lifelong love of the natural world in every child she teaches.

Teacher

Born and raised in New York City, Olive recently moved back home after earning their B.A. in American Studies and Educational Studies and teaching in the Midwest. Olive is always learning new things and gaining new perspectives in the company of their students and believes that all children are powerful, capable beings. Olive looks forward to supporting each student as they play and explore in Prospect Park. In their spare time, Olive enjoys reading outdoors, baking pies, and re-learning how to rollerblade!

Teacher

Olivia was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, spending much of her childhood backpacking through the stunning Northern Cascades and along the Olympic Coast. While attending Barnard College, she returned to these same national parks each summer to lead backpacking trips for middle and high school students.

Her journey in early childhood and elementary education began as a day camp counselor, where she discovered a passion for engaging children through creative and dynamic play. During college, Olivia worked at a Montessori preschool on the Upper West Side and also babysat for families across New York City. She graduated from Barnard with a degree in Anthropology and moved to Brooklyn in 2023.

Over the past year, Olivia has worked at both the Children’s Museum of Manhattan and an elementary school, further developing her skills as an educator. This fall, she will begin an exciting new chapter as a full-time preschool teacher.

Olivia’s teaching philosophy is rooted in getting to know each child as an individual, nurturing a strong sense of community, and staying curious about children’s emotions, ideas, and play. She is especially passionate about creating environments where children and educators can learn together—particularly outdoors.

In her free time, Olivia enjoys film photography, reading, sewing, and rollerblading. She’s also on a mission to find the best hot chocolate in New York City—no matter the season.

Teacher

Paige grew up in Southern California, where she loved exploring the beach, the desert, and the mountains. She recently graduated from Sarah Lawrence College with a degree in Liberal Arts, concentrating in Theatre and Child Development.

Paige discovered her love for working with children at a young age and is excited to continue this path—she’ll be pursuing her master’s in education at the City College of New York this fall. She believes deeply in the power of play and finds joy in watching children learn and grow through both imaginative and hands-on engagement with their environments.

In her free time, Paige expresses her creativity through fiber arts, baking, and dancing as much as possible.

Teacher

Rizzo was raised in the woods of Connecticut and was educated by his parents in the identification and stewardship of nature from a young age. They have always loved children and have been working with kids since his first babysitting gig in middle school. Since moving to New York in 2021, he has been a full-time nanny. He realized you could combine a reverence for nature and child education when he first started working at Woodcock Nature Center: the nature sanctuary, animal rehab and summer camp in Connecticut that he went to as a kid. Since then, they have aimed their career towards being an early childhood nature educator. Rizzo has a BFA in Theater Performance from Chapman University, and is pursuing certification in Nature education for early childhood. Rizzo’s teaching style is centered around empathy and kindness. They believe children deserve autonomy and should be given the space and respect to exercise it. Rizzo LOVES to read and has taught himself ecology, mycology, and sustainable foraging. While not working, he will most likely be found doing those things or community organizing for the Trans and Gender Non-Conforming of Brooklyn.

Teacher

Ros has never shied away from mud! She grew up in the UK, hunting for insects and digging up Victorian “rubbish” in her backyard—early adventures that sparked a lifelong passion for the past. That passion eventually led to a PhD in Archaeology from the University of Cambridge. Since moving to the U.S. and becoming a mother, Ros has brought her curiosity and expertise into the world of Early Childhood Education. She’s excited to return to teach her second summer with Brooklyn Nature Days and to share the wonders of Prospect Park with your children.

Teacher

Rose DuCharme is a Long Island native, but has spent time living in Northern Maine, rural Ohio, and Southern California. They recently graduated from Kenyon College with a BA in English and Emphasis in Creative Writing.

Rose is passionate about language, creativity, and encouraging curiosity, wherever they go. They find inspiration in the natural world, especially while hiking, bug-watching, and spending quiet moments outdoors. In the fall, they will begin their MFA in Poetry at Columbia University.

Teacher

Sid grew up in Lower Manhattan and returned to Brooklyn after earning a degree in Media, Culture, and the Arts from Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts. Since graduating, Sid has primarily worked in creative production as a project manager, while also gaining valuable experience as a nanny and volunteering enthusiastically at youth-focused events. After calling Brooklyn home for five years, Sid recently moved to Queens.

An avid biker and nature lover, Sid is happiest outdoors and is passionate about helping children explore their creativity and enjoy meaningful time in nature. With a warm, attentive energy, Sid brings a thoughtful and engaging presence to their work with kids. A lifelong New Yorker who spent countless hours in places like Prospect Park, Sid is excited to support city children in connecting with the outdoors and growing into their fullest selves.