My name is Isabella, and I was raised in Shasta Lake. After high school, I moved away and dedicated the past decade to my education, professional career, and raising my children. During those years, my children attended Forest School, an experience that deeply shaped my appreciation for child-led, nature-based learning.

As a graduate student and professor at a California State University, I taught public speaking and focused my academic research on homeschooling, parental rights, and the importance of open dialogue around sensitive but essential topics. My personal journey into motherhood further deepened these interests and led my family to homeschool. We are currently in our second year of formal homeschooling.

After moving back home and recognizing the need for a local program similar to our previous Forest School—one that offers children and families opportunities to connect with nature and learn through exploration—I founded Beavers Forest School. The school is named in honor of my late father, Richard Beaver, who instilled in me a lasting love for the outdoors.

I look forward to growing this community together, supporting one another as parents, celebrating our children’s discoveries, and building a place where families feel at home in the forest.

Hi everyone, my name is Brittnei, I am a wife and momma to 3 beautiful children! I love being outside enjoying nature with my family and finding new places to adventure. As a kid I loved playing outside, climbing trees, rolling down grassy hills, and sports, being outside was my favorite activity! When I became a mother, I wanted to teach my kids that not all learning happens in a box, nature is such a big and beautiful world that can teach us many things. When I found Beavers Forest School my prayers were answered! Life is so much more than the world makes it out to be and I truly believe Beaver's Forest School has it right, getting into nature and letting children be children!

A mother of 4 children, 3 grown adult children and 1 special needs teenager, and 3 beautiful grandchildren.
- Retired Software Engineer and UI Designer of 20 years.
- Served on many Boards in various capacities and roles throughout my working career. Emphasis being on fundraising, business development, organizational development and structure, best practices development and board recruitment.
- Special interests/hobbies include:
- Nature Bathing: Both leading groups into Nature for a sensory immersion experience.
- Creating spaces within the framework of nature that foster a sense of peace, connection and mediative contemplation.
- Hiking, camping, water sports, winter sports and all round being in nature as much as possible.
- Planting trees
- Advocating for the special needs populations and finding ways to bring the natural world to them through adaptive physical actives in nature.
- Degrees:
- B.S. Adaptive Recreation Administration,
- M.S. Human Factors Engineering
- Certifications:
- Adult Learning/Eduction Techniques and Curriculum Development
- NLP (Neuron-Linguistic Programming) Technique
- Nature Bathing
- Yoga Instructor
- Meditation Instructor
- Wilderness First Aid

Hello, I’m Kayla! I am a wife, mother of two young children (ages 4 & 1), and an educator with a deep passion for whole-child, nature-based learning. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies from Sonoma State University and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from Sacramento State University. I spent six years teaching third grade before transitioning into full-time motherhood, homeschooling, and community-based education. Our family values time outdoors, meaningful rhythms, creativity, and connection. We love hiking, exploring nature, creating art, homemaking, reading together, and building strong relationships within our church and local learning communities. Being both a parent and an educator has shaped my belief that children learn best through play when they feel safe, curious, and deeply connected to the world around them. As the Education Coordinator Curriculum Specialist, and a member of the Board I create seasonal curriculum that supports the whole child and reflects the rhythms of nature. I care deeply about keeping learning developmentally appropriate, flexible, and rooted in real-life experiences, while also supporting mentors and teachers with clear guidance and training. My hope is to help create a learning environment that feels joyful, intentional, and supportive for both children and families.

With 21 years of experience as Accountant for a multi-million-dollar nonprofit, I’ve had the responsibility of managing everything from accounting and budgeting to subscription-based accounts receivable and merchant accounts. Born and raised in Redding, CA, where I’ve happily lived my whole life, I was able to run and play in a semi-rural setting. I am passionate about children having those same experiences today. Outside of work, you’ll usually find me enjoying my nieces and nephews, nature, animals (a parrot owns me), tending to my far too many houseplants, or diving into one of my many art and craft hobbies.

Hi, I’m mentor Sadi! I’m a mom of two wonderful kids (ages 4 and 7). I love spending time outdoors—whether it’s hiking through the woods, swimming, or simply exploring nature with my children. Hands-on play and learning are especially important to me, and I enjoy creating opportunities for kids to grow, discover, and build confidence through curiosity and exploration.

I’m excited to be part of this forest school adventure and can’t wait to learn and grow alongside the children as we discover the magic of nature together. 🌿

Hello, my name is mentor Terri, I’m a mother of two loving boys (ages 2-5). The journey toward becoming a Beavers Forest School mentor deepened when this passion became a purpose. Growing up, days were filled with building forts, exploring creeks, or climbing trees. The forest is the richest possible classroom, fostering curiosity, resilience, and problem-solving skills in a dynamic environment. The aim is to give children the gift of a wild, carefree childhood, allowing space to thrive and overcome challenges.

I am so excited to be a part of this amazing community of people and witness how much we grow as a group. To share the love of the outdoors together is truly something special! 🌱🐛

Hi everyone, my name is Destiny. I’m a mama to an energetic 4 year old girl. We love to spend our time outside, connecting and learning in nature! I love to give my child the freedom I had as a child to explore, develop, and connect with nature… in all different seasons. My daughter and I have already gone through the Beavers Forest School experience together and truly loved it. Being able to help lead a program that had such a positive impact on us, while helping children build confidence, curiosity, and respect for nature, feels incredibly rewarding and fulfilling. I am so excited and blessed to be a part of this forest school experience. I cannot wait to watch the kiddos and parents connect through the love of the nature 🍃✨

Coming Soon to a forest near you!

Hello! My name is Leigh-Ann Schack and I am deeply passionate about the profound impact that Forest School can have on families and on the development of children. I grew up with endless opportunities to roam, climb, dig, build, and daydream outside, and I love seeing my own children experience that same kind of joyful exploration at Beavers Forest School. It is exciting to see research now confirming that free play in nature supports cognitive growth, strengthens social skills, and builds resilient mental health. I’m truly honored to help our Forest School flourish for families throughout Shasta County. My professional background is in community development, mental health, and child development. I hold a Bachelor’s in Child Development and a Master’s in Social Work from Chico State, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. When I’m not chasing my two kids or geeking out over neurobiology, you’ll probably find me drinking coffee with friends, reading books or listening to podcasts, or playing fetch with my dog. My wonderful husband often leads our family into nature adventures, whether we’re camping, canoeing, or simply exploring a new area. .

My name is Rowan. I have a heart for the outdoors and a passion for helping young minds explore the natural world. I bring 6 years of experience working with children as a nanny and enjoy creating a safe, encouraging environment where kids can learn, grow, and build confidence through hands-on experiences in nature.

Mother of three beautiful full grown adults. Nana (aka Nina) to three... soon to be four, bright, brilliant and curious young grand children. I am a "mostly" retired dog groomer/ business owner of twenty five years. My passions are growing things... from vegetables to carnivorous plants, raising aquatic flora and fauna (both inside and outside my home) and soap making. I enjoy sharing those things with anyone who wants to learn about them. Especially children! I am a huge advocate for homeschooling and getting those curious minds and busy bodies OUTSIDE to experience all of the gifts and miracles that nature has to offer.

Hello, I am Malloire Mitchell, I am a teacher with a degree in early childhood development. I have two children and want to give them a love for the outdoors, growing up with as many outdoor learning experiences as possible. Supporting this resource feels perfect for our local community.

Hello! I'm Megan Powner, I have many titles but my favorites are a proud mom to two beautiful toddlers and wife to an incredible husband. We all love nothing more than exploring on nature's playground whether it's camping, hiking or just having fun in our yard. I feel most at peace and happiest watching them build their confidence and learn outside, preferably with a hot cup of coffee in my hand. Since both my children were born, they've always preferred the fresh air, feel of grass beneath their feet, finding cool rocks to collect that I usually discover in the washer. My husband and I dreamed of joining a forest school, but there weren't any in Shasta County, until Beaver's Forest School. Since the beginning, we've treasured every moment building this wonderful community and embracing the new friendships formed.

Hello my name is Stephanie, I was born and raised in Northern California, where my love for the outdoors continues to inspire my daily life through gardening, hiking, cooking, and crafting. I share these interests with my outdoorsman husband, three children, and numerous pets. Before becoming a stay-at-home and homeschooling mother, I worked in veterinary medicine for nearly a decade and studied animal science at Shasta College. My passion has always been to give a voice to those who cannot easily communicate. As a mother of adoptive children on the spectrum, I value inclusion and embrace the many different ways people learn. I believe that nature furnishes a safe and welcoming space for those who may struggle with traditional education standards, by providing opportunities for growth, connection, and discovery. This dedication to conservation and inclusion inspired me to join the board of Beavers Forest School, where I am committed to fostering a supportive environment for all families, especially those with special needs or unique circumstancesp>

Board Positions Open May 2026. Email to apply!

Board Positions Open May 2026. Email to apply!

Board Positions Open May 2026. Email to apply!