Forest Kindergarten
Throughout Europe and the UK, Forest Kindergarten is an alternative to kindergarten education. Rather than focusing on learning through stillness and the formal classroom, Forest Kindergarten focuses on both movement and the environment outside, being the main teacher. Forest Kindergarten combines outdoor skills to aid in social-emotional intelligence and resilience. In addition, within our program, we have times for mathematics, reading, writing, science, engineering, art, and cooking.
Ages 4-6 years old
Fall Term // September - Dec (4 equal payments of $1500)
SpringTerm // January - May (5 equal payments of $1500)
Early bird discount of $150 a month for $1350 per month!!!
Monday-Friday 8:30 am-1:30 pm// After Care 1:30-5:00 pm
Pick-up and drop-off instructions will be given for each month. We meet at state and city parks. Then, each week we host, Farm Fridays provide an additional outdoor experience where children learn animal husbandry, gardening, cooking, art, and more!
Meet the Teachers
Our team is trained in education, ecology, and childhood.
Our mission is to rewild childhood to save the planet.
Melissa Eiser
Melissa Eiser ("Ms. Mel") holds a Bachelor's Degree in Studio Art and Art History from California State University Channel Islands, graduating Magna Cum Laude, and has completed extensive Early Childhood Education coursework through Ventura County Community Colleges. She is a certified Associate Teacher for ages 0-5 years.
With years of experience as a homeschool educator, caregiver, artist, and mother of two, Melissa is passionate about fostering curiosity, creativity, and connection in children. She has guided child-led learning through nature exploration, open-ended art experiences, and hands-on discovery, drawing inspiration from forest school practices. Melissa is deeply committed to creating joyful, inclusive environments where children feel safe to explore, take healthy risks, and develop a lifelong love of learning.
Rachel Zook-Brimer
Rachel holds a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara, with an emphasis in Marine Ecosystems, and has spent her career designing and leading programs that inspire curiosity, confidence, and stewardship in young people. Through her work with organizations including Sea League, Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara, and the Santa Barbara Adventure Company, Rachel has developed a talent for creating meaningful outdoor experiences that foster wonder, exploration, and a deep connection to nature.
Rachel brings a calm, joyful presence to her work with children and believes that some of the most powerful learning happens through hands-on discovery in the natural world. As a Certified Wilderness First Responder and Lifeguard, she combines a strong commitment to safety with a spirit of adventure and exploration. Whether exploring tide pools, observing wildlife, or engaging in imaginative outdoor play, Rachel strives to create experiences that spark curiosity and empower children to become thoughtful, capable learners.
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Melissa B. Wilder, M.S. & M.L.A.
Melissa B. Wilder is an ecologist and educator with 24 years in the classroom. Currently, she researches bold strategies to save half the Earth for other species and rewilding Homo sapiens. In 2019, she was awarded the “Dean’s Outstanding Thesis Prize” at Harvard University and graduated from their sustainability program with a Master of Liberal Arts. She also holds a master’s certificate in resource management, a master's of science in environmental education, a bachelor's degree in outdoor education, and an Outward Bound Educator certificate.
She is a certified mentor teacher from Harvard's Graduate School of Education and a certified maker spaces leader from MIT. She has taught in both higher education and preK-12th grade private and public schools. In 2020, she moved to Santa Barbara to be a STEM educator and later the Director of Academic Innovation at the Riviera Ridge School. In 2023, she was awarded Santa Barbara Environmental Teacher of the Year at the Earth Day Festival. She is the owner and founder of the Little Blue Creche and a faculty member at Harvard University's Extension School.
Brianne Vogel, M.A. Ed
Brie has a Master of Arts in Education and over eight years of experience taking children outside. Whether on wilderness trips throughout the state or in the garden creating plots and compost Brie loves using the natural world to help children discover more about themselves and the Earth. She recently finished her Early Childhood certificate from Ventura College and is a Certified Agricultural Literacy Educator, a Certified School Garden Coordinator, an Environmental Action Civics Trained Educator, and an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach.
Brie will be leading our on-site garden program and will also be managing our nature-based Summer Day Camp for ages 4-10 years old around Ventura County. Brie can often be found hiking the mountains with her baby and partner.
