Amaia Aguirre Jimenez (she/her)

Assistant Teacher

Amaia is from northern Spain - the Basque Country - and grew up speaking Basque and Spanish. She earned her Master’s degree in Education at the Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea (UPV/EHU) in Spain. She studied classical piano and guitar at Larrabetzuko Musika Eskola Music Conservatory and Blues & Boogie-Woogie piano at the Blues School of Barcelona. After living in Nashville, TN for 10 years, she moved to New York City where she plays music professionally and teaches private piano students. Amaia has more than a decade of teaching experience, having taught the majority of that time in Montessori, Bilingual and Nature schools. She also has many years of teaching piano. She has always felt a fascination for the educational world and the impact it can have, understanding that its unlimited potential contributes to a more resilient and harmonious world. Amaia is passionate to nurture and encourage the children to help find their inner strengths while respecting and empowering their own idiosyncrasies. She also hopes to expand their love for music, their unlimited skills and their ability to think and reflect for themselves. She has worked at Wonderforest Nature Preschool since April of 2023. 

Ana Antunes (they/them)

Lead Teacher

Ana spent much of their childhood on the sandy shores of Long Island, NY. They graduated from Binghamton University with a B.A. in English Literature and are currently pursuing their MS.Ed. in Early Childhood Education at Brooklyn College. Their love of nature, advocacy and the arts are deeply intertwined. Before joining Wonderforest, Ana worked as a teacher upstate and in Prospect Park with our sister school, Brooklyn Nature Days. Ana’s teaching philosophy emphasizes curiosity, creative expression and community care. They strive to be mindful of and sensitive to every child's unique set of needs as they grow into themselves and the world around them. Outside of teaching, Ana loves to cook, read, draw and spend time in nature with their loved ones. 

Audra Brandt (she/her)

Co-Lead Teacher

Audra grew up in Kansas City and has been sharing her passion for art and puppetry with children for over 15 years. She moved to Brooklyn more than a decade ago after receiving a BFA in New Media from the Kansas City Art Institute. As a teaching artist, she has led storytelling and puppetry workshops to people of all ages, and enjoys collaborative projects that bridge generations. In 2015 she co-founded Storycamp—a child-directed summer program combining circus arts, survival skills and storytelling in the woods of Colorado and New Hampshire. Outdoor exploration holds a special place in Audra’s heart, and she firmly believes that taking risks through play is essential for nurturing emotional and physical confidence. With a background as a nanny, she is endlessly inspired by watching young children discover the magic and wonder that lives all around us. When she’s not exploring the great outdoors, you might find her building miniature worlds for stop motion animations, paper-mâchéing wearable puppets, or performing in a monthly haunted bingo night.

Bailey Brewer (they/she)

Assistant Teacher

Originally from California’s central coast, Bailey just moved to New York after graduating with a Classics degree from Oberlin College in Ohio. Bailey has worked with children primarily in camp settings for the past three years while also enjoying the opportunity of being an active older cousin to several boys under the age of 10. They are inspired by the sense of wonder and curiosity children approach the world with and have found an amazing fit with Wonderforest. Bailey strongly believes that every child is incredibly capable and should be provided the tools and support they need to grow and succeed. When not teaching, you can find them knitting an impossible number of projects, reading a good historical book, and enjoying New York’s amazing green spaces and museums.

Cindy Sanchez (she/her)

Assistant Teacher

Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, Cindy has been working in the early childhood field for the past 11 years, serving children of various backgrounds and ages throughout the city. Cindy loves working with children and seeing their eyes light up with each new discovery. She is currently working towards her bachelor degree in the early childhood education. In her free time she loves spending time with her 2 children, exploring the city and finding new adventures.

Chelsea Emery (she/her)

Assistant Teacher - Extended Day

With over 10 years of experience in child care, including working with foster children, Chelsea is passionate about creating safe, nurturing environments where kids can thrive. She’s had the privilege of providing emotional and practical support to help children navigate challenging transitions, and she’s worked with kids of all ages to ensure their well-being and development.

Chelsea loves planning fun, engaging activities that spark curiosity, while also keeping things structured and supportive. Building trust with both children and caregivers has always been central to her work, and she can't wait to bring this experience to the classroom, helping children grow and succeed!

 Harry Vartorella (he/him)

Lead Teacher - Extended Day

Born in Brooklyn, Harry has worked in childcare for ten years.  Graduating from DePaul University with a degree in Early Childhood Education, he’s worked as a tour guide, camp counselor, and environmental educator. After spending the last few years in Australia, he’s back in New York. He loves to play music and dance, and is excited to be a part of the Wonderforest family. 

 Joy Bingham-Battle (she/her)

Lead Teacher

Meet Joy, a teacher with a green thumb and a passion for sustainability. When she's not shaping young minds in the classroom, you'll find her tending to her thriving indoor jungle as a proud plant mom. From delicate orchids to vibrant tomatoes, Joy’s home is a haven for a diverse array of vegetables and plants.

Her commitment to the environment extends beyond her love for plants. Joy firmly believes in living a sustainable lifestyle and actively incorporates eco-friendly practices into her daily routine. 

Continuously striving for professional growth, Joy is currently enrolled in a CDA (Child Development Associate) program to further enhance her teaching skills and gain valuable credentials. 

With her green thumb, sustainable mindset, and ongoing pursuit of knowledge, Joy Is excited to join The Wonderforest Nature Preschool. 

 Julian Madera (he/they)

Ecology & Field Assistant Teacher

Julian hails from The Bronx, where they spent their early life thoughtfully observing & learning about the world around them, imagining a brighter one. Julian has always gravitated towards childhood education, starting their career volunteering at the Central Park Early Learning Center and leading an after-school class of 2nd graders at The Melrose School in the South Bronx. Jules also teaches in the park with our sister program, Brooklyn Nature Days. A fun-loving, compassionate, and creative spirit, Jules likes working with children because it allows him to utilize his active imagination. He loves to create dynamic scenarios where everyone is encouraged to share, grow and move with kindness. Above all, Julian rejects a one-size-fits-all approach to education and asserts the importance of treating each child as a unique and active participant in their learning journey.

Kat Costa (they/them)

Assistant Teacher

Kat received their bachelors degree in Human Services and Psychology from Northeastern University where they began to develop an interest in the role of play in child development. The summer after graduating they finally got the chance to dive headfirst into play-based and child-driven early education by working at a nature preschool in Boston and they haven’t looked back since! Being able to experience the joy and learning that comes so naturally to kids when they can connect with nature and when they are given the space and trust to be at the wheel of their own educational experience has been incredibly inspiring. Not to mention that having most of their childhood in the biodiverse city of Rio de Janeiro, Kat really values and strives to find ways to stay connected to nature and to explore different landscapes for themselves as well! 

Kat considers themselves to be somewhat of a hobby collector, spending all of their time outside of work learning different skills and crafts. They are currently trying to master crochet and embroidery while brainstorming ways to start teaching themselves how to make mosaics. They also love cooking and finding fun ways to stay active like bouldering.

Madison Winkes-Cantrell (she/her)

Assistant Teacher

Originally from New Orleans, Madison moved to New York nearly 10 years ago to attend NYU, graduating with an anthropology degree in 2017. Madison has worked with children in various capacities - a preschool assistant supporting early literacy in Lower Manhattan, a 4th grade teacher's assistant in the East Village, and most recently, a nanny to two lively little girls here in Brooklyn. She is so inspired by childrens' endless energy, enthusiasm, and imagination. This curiosity translates into her teaching approach, supporting each individual student's interests & needs. When not teaching, you can find her tending to her fire escape garden, fostering kittens, backpacking, and quilting. Madison is certified in Infant, Child, & Adult CPR.

Molly Harvey (They/Them/She/Her)

Co Teacher

Molly graduated with a degree in Human Development and Family Studies, and a minor in Applied Peace Studies from University of Wisconsin-Stout.

Molly has been working with children for almost their entire life. They started their professional career working as a Programming Coordinator for a summer camp in Wisconsin, and then transitioned to teaching at a nature-based Preschool. After years of teaching, Molly decided to jump back into the summer camp world and moved from Madison, Wisconsin to the Berkshires with their wife, Katy. Molly joined the staff of a summer camp in Hinsdale, MA, where they spent 2 wonderful summers. In October, Molly left the Berkshires to move to Park Slope, and has been loving the community and city life!

When Molly is not working, they like to watch women’s sports (Let’s Go Liberty!), read novels, write, and be outside. They have been spending a lot of time exploring all the exciting things New York has to offer, and are always looking for recommendations for cute cafes, great museums, and vegan spots!

Molly Mahoney (she/her)

Lead Teacher

Molly is an upstate native where she grew up immersed in all the outdoors opportunities offered. She received a BA in history and political science and recently received a MA in museum studies from Johns Hopkins University. She hopes to return to school to study education in the near future. Molly has worked as a nanny, encouraging a love for nature in all the kids she worked with. She’s excited to continue to nurture that love in her Wonderforest students! Her favorite thing about working with young minds is following their passions and encouraging independence and learning through play. In her free time, she loves spending time with her cat and wife, hiking, and exploring unique museums. 

Nia Scott (she/her)

Co-Lead Teacher

Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. Nia is a certified Teaching Assistant, CDA holder and CPR certified. She is always looking for ways to continue her professional development. She attended Brooklyn HighSchool of the Arts, majoring in Fine Arts. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor's Degree in Education from CUNY Medgar Evers College. Working with children is her passion. She has worked in early childhood education for 9 years. She has worked under many different educational umbrellas, such as Universal Pre-k, Montessori and Special Education AbA centered schools across Brooklyn & Manhattan. Her first experience working with children was as a youth Counselor/ Art teacher in her local community center. That experience led her to
discover her philosophy of allowing children to explore and learn in a loving environment where they can feel heard and seen. She wants to foster young creative spirits and allow children to feel limitless. She believes it takes a village to raise a child and when a parent allows you in their village it is an honor. Outside of education, in her free time she enjoys roller skating, riding bike trails, painting, reading comics and caring for her sweet little houseplants!

Paula Jimenez (she/her)

Assistant Teacher

Paula is a passionate, fun and uplifting educator and caregiver. She is fluent in Spanish and English and has been teaching for the past 5 years. She has a passion for education as well as caregiving, which she feels come hand in hand. She is currently finishing her teaching certification in early childhood education.

Working with kids has taught her the diversity of life, from young to old and in between. She has learned to be patient, creative, a great listener, and compassionate. Through her experience and education, when teaching or taking care of children, she finds it very easy to adapt to the needs of both the child as well as the parents. Meeting children where they are, and then expanding upon that, is her favorite way not only to connect with a child but teach them. Laughing often and enjoying what the world must offer, are among the many things she enjoys doing. She loves exploring nature and often goes on hikes, watches sunsets, and sits on the beach to connect to the beauty of earth. She makes it a point to see the world outside of her everyday routine.

Rachel Varley (they/them)

Co-Lead Teacher

Rachel grew up in a rural town near Lake Michigan with the forest as their backyard. Their early love for the Great Lakes and nature built a confidence and joy which inspired them to pursue creative and nature based education. They hold degrees in Theatre for Social Change and French and have worked in theatre arts education in Baltimore, New York, and Appalachia, and on teaching farms in Michigan, Norway, and Scotland. Rachel has 10 years of teaching experience and has worked in more than 15 city schools teaching arts courses for ages 2-85. They’ve also developed curriculum and policies supporting and protecting LGBTQ+ students and faculty, as well as students with disabilities. 

Rachel loves working with children because their curiosity, wonder, and freedom of self, inspires them endlessly as an educator. This relationship directly influences their inquiry-based teaching approach, encouraging children to consider their unique point of view and environment to promote resilience and play. They’re currently pursuing a Masters in Early Childhood Education and enjoy playing music, rock climbing, cycling, crocheting, and sewing. 

Vannessa Ju (they/she)

Substitute Teacher

As a young child, Vannessa grew up underneath the wide open skies of both Houston, Texas and Tainan, Taiwan. Vannessa has always felt a kinship to nature, imagination, and art–being an intuitively creative person, they are passionate about not only continuing to discover this magic, but also teaching others to embrace the intersectionality of this wondrousness as well! Much of Vannessa’s teaching history involves English Second Language education to Mandarin-speaking students in Taiwan, and understanding how to bridge the gap between kids who feel as if they are in-between worlds due to generational immigration. When Vannessa has spare time, she often spends it nurturing her own inner child through activities like fiber arts, long walks in gardens, and cuddling with her two cats, Sugar and Cher.

Kenny Frisby (he/him)

Operations Manager

Kenny was born in Dayton, OH and transplanted to NYC in 2001. He’s a dad, yogi, cat person, plant lover, and amateur crafter. At Wonderforest Kenny works mostly behind the scenes, helping to make each day go by smoothly.

Sarah Carlson

Founder: Brooklyn Nature Days, Wonderforest Preschool, BK Natur(Ed)

 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.