Meet our StaFf:
Carly
OCT-Ontario Certified Teacher
Owner/Principal and Teacher at The Owl’s Nest Holistic School
Carly is the Principal and Owner of The Owl’s Nest Holistic Alternative School and is a team teacher of the Kindergarten/Grade One Holistic Alternative School Program. Carly took a leap after 10 years with UGDSB to align her teaching with her beliefs in children. She believes in small class sizes, that children are competent and capable and that outdoor learning is integral to children’s learning. Problem solving, executive functioning skills, social learning and better understanding our own needs and ways to be self sustainable are at the forefront of the programs she develops. “Those are the skills of our children’s future and it’s time that we teach in a way that builds resiliency and ingenuity in a world that is evolving and transforming so quickly. The skills of the past: retention, memorization, rote, and behaviour focus are not the skills of the future. Children need to be free to really embrace their own learning with skilled professionals that can support them in expansive ways.” Carly is an advocate for involving students in the process of building up their environment and program. Involving the community, families and larger global topics are vital to create connection and authentic learning moments that become a part of the students core curriculum and life. Her passion for the outdoors is guided by her love for an understanding of brain and child development. Doing what is in the best interest of our children is most important. This means creating structure, safety and connection within routines, story telling, student involvement and trusting the child as a learner (while gently pushing them along in their zone of proximal development).
Carly curated this school for her 2 children and her community. With the support of her husband and business partner they have grown to reach families and children beyond the Minto community and in larger numbers while still maintaining small groupings and massive connections.
OCT-Ontario Certified Teacher
Owner/Principal and Teacher at The Owl’s Nest Holistic School
Carly is the Principal and Owner of The Owl’s Nest Holistic Alternative School and is a team teacher of the Kindergarten/Grade One Holistic Alternative School Program. Carly took a leap after 10 years with UGDSB to align her teaching with her beliefs in children. She believes in small class sizes, that children are competent and capable and that outdoor learning is integral to children’s learning. Problem solving, executive functioning skills, social learning and better understanding our own needs and ways to be self sustainable are at the forefront of the programs she develops. “Those are the skills of our children’s future and it’s time that we teach in a way that builds resiliency and ingenuity in a world that is evolving and transforming so quickly. The skills of the past: retention, memorization, rote, and behaviour focus are not the skills of the future. Children need to be free to really embrace their own learning with skilled professionals that can support them in expansive ways.” Carly is an advocate for involving students in the process of building up their environment and program. Involving the community, families and larger global topics are vital to create connection and authentic learning moments that become a part of the students core curriculum and life. Her passion for the outdoors is guided by her love for an understanding of brain and child development. Doing what is in the best interest of our children is most important. This means creating structure, safety and connection within routines, story telling, student involvement and trusting the child as a learner (while gently pushing them along in their zone of proximal development).
Carly curated this school for her 2 children and her community. With the support of her husband and business partner they have grown to reach families and children beyond the Minto community and in larger numbers while still maintaining small groupings and massive connections.
Megan
RECE (Registered Early Childhood Educator)
Megan is excited to continue her journey at the Owl’s Nest Holistic Alternative School this school year as an Arts and Planning Time Teacher.
Megan will be an integral part of our school for our Holistic Alternative Program as she provides planning time for teachers and delivers a diverse arts program for our students following the Ontario Curriculum along the students’ interest.
Art is a lifelong passion for Megan. She was first inspired when her grandparents gifted her paint, a drawing book an easel. Throughout childhood, high school, college and beyond art become a integral part of who she is, developing her skills and learnings into a career “Painting with Megan”. She runs classes online and in person and is a part of the Listowel Art in the Park. Megan holds a certificate in Art Therapy as well, expanding her knowledge of the impact of the arts on our whole selves. Sharing joy and creativity with others is Megan’s mission. “When creating art, we can express ourselves in ways words cannot.” Each interaction and lesson offers the students a way to express their learning though incredible emotional and social intelligence allowing for heightened awareness as they explore, problem solve and interpret the world around them. Along with her talents and the expertise that she brings to our School, Megan is appreciative of this opportunity to expand her own growth as an artist and educator.
RECE (Registered Early Childhood Educator)
Megan is excited to continue her journey at the Owl’s Nest Holistic Alternative School this school year as an Arts and Planning Time Teacher.
Megan will be an integral part of our school for our Holistic Alternative Program as she provides planning time for teachers and delivers a diverse arts program for our students following the Ontario Curriculum along the students’ interest.
Art is a lifelong passion for Megan. She was first inspired when her grandparents gifted her paint, a drawing book an easel. Throughout childhood, high school, college and beyond art become a integral part of who she is, developing her skills and learnings into a career “Painting with Megan”. She runs classes online and in person and is a part of the Listowel Art in the Park. Megan holds a certificate in Art Therapy as well, expanding her knowledge of the impact of the arts on our whole selves. Sharing joy and creativity with others is Megan’s mission. “When creating art, we can express ourselves in ways words cannot.” Each interaction and lesson offers the students a way to express their learning though incredible emotional and social intelligence allowing for heightened awareness as they explore, problem solve and interpret the world around them. Along with her talents and the expertise that she brings to our School, Megan is appreciative of this opportunity to expand her own growth as an artist and educator.
Katie
RECE (Registered Early Childhood Educator) Ceramics Certified
Katie is one of our fantastic educators in our Forest School Program. She is an Early Childhood Educator looking to carve the pathway of education in the early years. With her passion for sustainable living, environmentalism, outdoor cooking, winter gardening, entomology, wildlife tracking, and journaling, she brings adventure and a new perspective to our programming.
Katie brings her pedagogy of Inquiry-Based, Emergent, Experiential and Play-Based Learning to her programming, which includes being skilled in safely guided risky play. Katie prioritizes the importance of including indigenous perspectives and values in her programs. She will be co-creating the learning environment with her students. She puts a strong focus on building up children’s resilience and independence to explore more of the forest. When in Katie’s presence you will feel her love. Each child feels a sense of belonging, well-being, engagement, and is encouraged in their unique expression of learning.
RECE (Registered Early Childhood Educator) Ceramics Certified
Katie is one of our fantastic educators in our Forest School Program. She is an Early Childhood Educator looking to carve the pathway of education in the early years. With her passion for sustainable living, environmentalism, outdoor cooking, winter gardening, entomology, wildlife tracking, and journaling, she brings adventure and a new perspective to our programming.
Katie brings her pedagogy of Inquiry-Based, Emergent, Experiential and Play-Based Learning to her programming, which includes being skilled in safely guided risky play. Katie prioritizes the importance of including indigenous perspectives and values in her programs. She will be co-creating the learning environment with her students. She puts a strong focus on building up children’s resilience and independence to explore more of the forest. When in Katie’s presence you will feel her love. Each child feels a sense of belonging, well-being, engagement, and is encouraged in their unique expression of learning.
Jenn
OCT (Ontario Certified Teacher)
Jenn is one of our amazing Forest School Teachers. She has a Bachelors degree in Human Kinetics specializing in outdoor adventure leadership. This includes her specialized background in wilderness survival, plant identification, risk management, wilderness first aid, and outdoor excursions/sports. Her Minor in Indigenous studies allows her to be more deeply connected to the land and native people while also strengthening her and her student’s understanding of the natural world and ourselves on a holistic level.
Being a Certified teacher through the OCT gives her a solid understanding of teaching strategies and curriculum that can be linked in our programs.
Being born and raised in Minto, Jenn feels a rooted connection to our comminuty and native wilderness. She found her calling and passion for the outdoors and outdoor education through the CELP at Norwell which she became deeply involved with.
She strongly believes that, “when outdoors, youth can construct on a bigger scale, explore the world at first hand and experience natural phenomena ”( Maynard and Waters, 2007). It is at the core of a Jenn’s beliefs that that outdoor learning fosters the emotional, physical, cognitive and spiritual well-being of students. These benefits are the key to better educational and developmental outcomes for all.
OCT (Ontario Certified Teacher)
Jenn is one of our amazing Forest School Teachers. She has a Bachelors degree in Human Kinetics specializing in outdoor adventure leadership. This includes her specialized background in wilderness survival, plant identification, risk management, wilderness first aid, and outdoor excursions/sports. Her Minor in Indigenous studies allows her to be more deeply connected to the land and native people while also strengthening her and her student’s understanding of the natural world and ourselves on a holistic level.
Being a Certified teacher through the OCT gives her a solid understanding of teaching strategies and curriculum that can be linked in our programs.
Being born and raised in Minto, Jenn feels a rooted connection to our comminuty and native wilderness. She found her calling and passion for the outdoors and outdoor education through the CELP at Norwell which she became deeply involved with.
She strongly believes that, “when outdoors, youth can construct on a bigger scale, explore the world at first hand and experience natural phenomena ”( Maynard and Waters, 2007). It is at the core of a Jenn’s beliefs that that outdoor learning fosters the emotional, physical, cognitive and spiritual well-being of students. These benefits are the key to better educational and developmental outcomes for all.
Geri Nelson (goes by Mrs. Nelson)
OCT (Ontario Certified Teacher)
Mrs. Nelson is a passionate teacher who recently retired after 31 years of teaching for the Avon Maitland Board of Education. She was drawn out of retirement by connecting to our school philosophy as a volunteer and has now joined our team as a part of the Kindergarten/Grade 1 Teachers in our Holistic Alternative School Program. Mrs. Nelson has a Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Studies; Bachelor of Education. This, combined with teaching various grades K-6 makes her an integral educator for merging the curriculum and nature in our programs. Mrs. Nelson specialized in music and physical education. She has her specialist in reading, primary education and special education.
Mrs. Nelson is a Mom to two beautiful and amazing kids. She is very passionate about outdoor learning to enhance the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being of children. Mrs. Nelson can be found watching Monarchs, finding waterfalls and climbing intense terrain in her spare time. She is excited to facilitate this journey with our students this fall.
OCT (Ontario Certified Teacher)
Mrs. Nelson is a passionate teacher who recently retired after 31 years of teaching for the Avon Maitland Board of Education. She was drawn out of retirement by connecting to our school philosophy as a volunteer and has now joined our team as a part of the Kindergarten/Grade 1 Teachers in our Holistic Alternative School Program. Mrs. Nelson has a Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Studies; Bachelor of Education. This, combined with teaching various grades K-6 makes her an integral educator for merging the curriculum and nature in our programs. Mrs. Nelson specialized in music and physical education. She has her specialist in reading, primary education and special education.
Mrs. Nelson is a Mom to two beautiful and amazing kids. She is very passionate about outdoor learning to enhance the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being of children. Mrs. Nelson can be found watching Monarchs, finding waterfalls and climbing intense terrain in her spare time. She is excited to facilitate this journey with our students this fall.
Jenn
Registered Early Childhood Educator (ECE)
Jenn is our amazing Registered Early Childhood Educator who will be running our before and after school, Preschool and Parent and Tot programs. She is passionate about play-based learning in nature, and fostering care and love for the natural world. She was born and raised on a beef farm in North Wellington, where her love for nature and animals began.
After having her daughter, she decided to change her career path to focus more on children. She valued a high quality learning environment for her daughter, and like many parents worried about her child’s care and education.
The Owls Nest is near and dear to her heart, because her own daughter has been with them for the last 3.5 years. Carly’s views and relationship with the children was so inspiring to her, that she became a mentor both professionally and as a parent.
Since graduating, Jenn worked at a childcare centre in Waterloo Region. She broke norms of, “keeping to the path” and provided the children with daily opportunities to explore nature outside of the centre walls. She saw the impact of small class sizes and the exploration of the forests impact on the children’s engagement and learning, and knew she needed to be a part of the wonderful programs The Owls Nest was offering this Fall.
Registered Early Childhood Educator (ECE)
Jenn is our amazing Registered Early Childhood Educator who will be running our before and after school, Preschool and Parent and Tot programs. She is passionate about play-based learning in nature, and fostering care and love for the natural world. She was born and raised on a beef farm in North Wellington, where her love for nature and animals began.
After having her daughter, she decided to change her career path to focus more on children. She valued a high quality learning environment for her daughter, and like many parents worried about her child’s care and education.
The Owls Nest is near and dear to her heart, because her own daughter has been with them for the last 3.5 years. Carly’s views and relationship with the children was so inspiring to her, that she became a mentor both professionally and as a parent.
Since graduating, Jenn worked at a childcare centre in Waterloo Region. She broke norms of, “keeping to the path” and provided the children with daily opportunities to explore nature outside of the centre walls. She saw the impact of small class sizes and the exploration of the forests impact on the children’s engagement and learning, and knew she needed to be a part of the wonderful programs The Owls Nest was offering this Fall.
Liz
ECE/ OCT (Early Childhood Educator/Ontario Certified Teacher)
Liz is a graduate of University of Waterloo Developmental Psychology Program with an Early Childhood Education Certificate. The philosophy of the program was “let ‘em play, let ‘em play, let ‘em play”. She went on to get her Bachelor of Education from University of Western Ontario and then was an elementary school teacher in the Avon Maitland District School Board, teaching grade 1 to grade 8 for about 10 years. She has additional qualifications in Reading, Primary Education and Special Education.
Liz has 3 children ages 25, 23 and 15. She took “early retirement” when her middle daughter was just 6 and faced significant health challenges due to a seizure disorder. She never stopped being interested in learning and took each new opportunity to explore new aspects of life.
Eventually, this interest led to founding an amazing play-based business which focussed on children’s health and wellness known as DrumFIT. She and her former business partner we lucky enough to touch the lives of thousands of children between Alberta and Newfoundland helping them find the beat of their own hearts and move to their own unique rhythm through music, movement and free-expression.
The last few years have been a wonderful blend of learning and growing and Liz has been waiting for the perfect opportunity to once again re-enter the world of education. The Owl‘s Nest Holistic Alternative School embodies all the things Liz loves about teaching: listening, watching, community, learning with and from each other all in the presence of nature. She believes that we can learn much about ourselves when we are watching what happens to the animals, trees, plants and our habitat through the seasons. She is so incredibly excited to be a part of the amazing family that has been built and looks forward to learning more about the forest through the eyes of the children.
ECE/ OCT (Early Childhood Educator/Ontario Certified Teacher)
Liz is a graduate of University of Waterloo Developmental Psychology Program with an Early Childhood Education Certificate. The philosophy of the program was “let ‘em play, let ‘em play, let ‘em play”. She went on to get her Bachelor of Education from University of Western Ontario and then was an elementary school teacher in the Avon Maitland District School Board, teaching grade 1 to grade 8 for about 10 years. She has additional qualifications in Reading, Primary Education and Special Education.
Liz has 3 children ages 25, 23 and 15. She took “early retirement” when her middle daughter was just 6 and faced significant health challenges due to a seizure disorder. She never stopped being interested in learning and took each new opportunity to explore new aspects of life.
Eventually, this interest led to founding an amazing play-based business which focussed on children’s health and wellness known as DrumFIT. She and her former business partner we lucky enough to touch the lives of thousands of children between Alberta and Newfoundland helping them find the beat of their own hearts and move to their own unique rhythm through music, movement and free-expression.
The last few years have been a wonderful blend of learning and growing and Liz has been waiting for the perfect opportunity to once again re-enter the world of education. The Owl‘s Nest Holistic Alternative School embodies all the things Liz loves about teaching: listening, watching, community, learning with and from each other all in the presence of nature. She believes that we can learn much about ourselves when we are watching what happens to the animals, trees, plants and our habitat through the seasons. She is so incredibly excited to be a part of the amazing family that has been built and looks forward to learning more about the forest through the eyes of the children.
Meet Néstor
Board of Directors of The Owl’s Nest Holistic School
Néstor is a proud father of two incredible kids and husband to his best friend Carly. Together they grew a fondness of this community as it affords the rich open space, agriculture and pace that they sought to raise a family. Having attended Laurier University and Guelph University in pursuit of concurrent degrees in Psychology and Philosophy, Néstorknew his future was in helping change the world of children. Spending hours as a volunteer in classrooms with the UGDSB eventually leading to a yard supervisory role while attending University. From there after leaving University he worked with Family and Children Services of Wellington County as a social worker for adolescents as well as a volunteer position with the Community Torchlight organization in Guelph on the help phone lines. Inspired by the birth of their children, Néstor took on a role in Sales from which he had found success prior to returning to school, rising through the ranks to take on a management role. This role allowed the team to conclude that conventional schooling was not for their children, the decision was made for Carly to establish a home based early development centre. Now as a school, he sits on the Board of Directors for the Owl’s Nest Holistic Alternative School charged with overseeing the Not For Profit business decisions of the organization.
Board of Directors of The Owl’s Nest Holistic School
Néstor is a proud father of two incredible kids and husband to his best friend Carly. Together they grew a fondness of this community as it affords the rich open space, agriculture and pace that they sought to raise a family. Having attended Laurier University and Guelph University in pursuit of concurrent degrees in Psychology and Philosophy, Néstorknew his future was in helping change the world of children. Spending hours as a volunteer in classrooms with the UGDSB eventually leading to a yard supervisory role while attending University. From there after leaving University he worked with Family and Children Services of Wellington County as a social worker for adolescents as well as a volunteer position with the Community Torchlight organization in Guelph on the help phone lines. Inspired by the birth of their children, Néstor took on a role in Sales from which he had found success prior to returning to school, rising through the ranks to take on a management role. This role allowed the team to conclude that conventional schooling was not for their children, the decision was made for Carly to establish a home based early development centre. Now as a school, he sits on the Board of Directors for the Owl’s Nest Holistic Alternative School charged with overseeing the Not For Profit business decisions of the organization.
Meet Michelle
Michelle is a Trent university graduate with a BA Honours Degree in Environmental and Resource Studies and History. She is in the process of completing a program at the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition, to be a registered holistic nutritionist. She has spent almost a decade as an outdoor educator and wildlife conservationist. Michelle has ample experience working alongside children with autism spectrum disorder in varous outdoor settings. She has also been a lifeguard for 12 years and a canoe instructor for 8. Michelle travelled to Costa Rica for 7 months studying entomology and working with leatherback sea turtles. She loves all things wetlands. Her favourite animals include snakes, turtles, spiders and slugs! In her spare time she is predominantly hiking, paddling and giving love to the misunderstood creatures of the earth.
Michelle is a Trent university graduate with a BA Honours Degree in Environmental and Resource Studies and History. She is in the process of completing a program at the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition, to be a registered holistic nutritionist. She has spent almost a decade as an outdoor educator and wildlife conservationist. Michelle has ample experience working alongside children with autism spectrum disorder in varous outdoor settings. She has also been a lifeguard for 12 years and a canoe instructor for 8. Michelle travelled to Costa Rica for 7 months studying entomology and working with leatherback sea turtles. She loves all things wetlands. Her favourite animals include snakes, turtles, spiders and slugs! In her spare time she is predominantly hiking, paddling and giving love to the misunderstood creatures of the earth.
Meet Heather
Heather is passionate about encouraging children to be their authentic selves and to follow their natural curiosities, imagination, creativity and self-expression. She believes that when engaged in nature, so much learning happens naturally and children learn about themselves, each other as well as how to take care of one another and the natural world. She believes that through experiential learning in nature children develop empathy, self-confidence and healthy risk taking. She places value on nature connection and thinks that sustainable, environmentally friendly practices begin with an appreciation for nature.
Heather has lived and taught on a couple different organic veggie farms the last few years and loves the farming lifestyle. She enjoys wandering in the woods, gardening, harvesting medicinal and edible herbs, natural crafting, drumming, dancing, practicing yoga, knitting and caring for her pet rabbits, among many other things. She also loves learning languages and is very excited to be a part of children's French language learning journey at Owl's Nest.
Heather is passionate about encouraging children to be their authentic selves and to follow their natural curiosities, imagination, creativity and self-expression. She believes that when engaged in nature, so much learning happens naturally and children learn about themselves, each other as well as how to take care of one another and the natural world. She believes that through experiential learning in nature children develop empathy, self-confidence and healthy risk taking. She places value on nature connection and thinks that sustainable, environmentally friendly practices begin with an appreciation for nature.
Heather has lived and taught on a couple different organic veggie farms the last few years and loves the farming lifestyle. She enjoys wandering in the woods, gardening, harvesting medicinal and edible herbs, natural crafting, drumming, dancing, practicing yoga, knitting and caring for her pet rabbits, among many other things. She also loves learning languages and is very excited to be a part of children's French language learning journey at Owl's Nest.
Meet Katie OCT – Ontario Certified Teacher
Katie is a life-learner, an educator and mom to two beautiful boys (6 and 3). She is excited to be joining the incredible team at The Owl’s Nest, though you may have already seen her around with her little mud loving son or in your child’s own classes as a supply teacher.
In 2013, she graduated with a BA Honours in Contemporary Studies from Wilfrid Laurier University and her Bachelor of Education from Nipissing University through their Concurrent Education program.
Two years ago her family moved to a rural property outside of Drayton – almost instantly she could see how access to outdoor spaces allowed her children to learn, grow and develop into their authentic selves. She and her children spend most of their time outside exploring, raising monarch caterpillars, gardening and appreciating the beauty of nature – especially watching the changes with the seasons, the sun sets, sun rises and the stars above!
When she came across The Owl’s Nest programs she felt an immediate connection to the mission, philosophy’s and core values as both a parent and an educator. Katie is looking forward to continue being a part of The Owl’s Nest community and supporting your child(ren) through their own personal journey of learning and growth!
Katie is a life-learner, an educator and mom to two beautiful boys (6 and 3). She is excited to be joining the incredible team at The Owl’s Nest, though you may have already seen her around with her little mud loving son or in your child’s own classes as a supply teacher.
In 2013, she graduated with a BA Honours in Contemporary Studies from Wilfrid Laurier University and her Bachelor of Education from Nipissing University through their Concurrent Education program.
Two years ago her family moved to a rural property outside of Drayton – almost instantly she could see how access to outdoor spaces allowed her children to learn, grow and develop into their authentic selves. She and her children spend most of their time outside exploring, raising monarch caterpillars, gardening and appreciating the beauty of nature – especially watching the changes with the seasons, the sun sets, sun rises and the stars above!
When she came across The Owl’s Nest programs she felt an immediate connection to the mission, philosophy’s and core values as both a parent and an educator. Katie is looking forward to continue being a part of The Owl’s Nest community and supporting your child(ren) through their own personal journey of learning and growth!