We have two BC-certified teachers on site with the children two days per week. They oversee the home learning component, student learning plan and are the interface with NIDES.
Maia is an entrepreneurial educationist mama of two who dreams of changing the world through a transformed education system. She is a full-time teacher with the School District of Greater Victoria, currently on a parenthood leave to spend more time with her young kids, but could not resist the opportunity
Catie Bainbridge (she/her) is a white settler with British, Irish, and French ancestry and has been an uninvited guest on lək̓ʷəŋən territory for nearly three decades. She is a storytelling, bone collecting, cloud watching, mud splashing child-at-heart who loves to play and dream outside. She holds great reverence and respect
Our Forest Mentors are additional educators, specifically with outdoor education and/or wilderness awareness training. A mentor is present on site all three days.
Sophie grew up in Vancouver with her two siblings and has always loved being outside, discovering new places, and trying new things. She recently graduated from the University of Victoria’s Child and Youth Care program and cares deeply about building genuine relationships with children and giving them the space to
Valerie Salez is a 70’s bush kid from the Yukon. Forest adventures, living off the land and First Nation cultural ways have always been a part of her life. She has been a professional artist for the past 25 years, exhibiting and presenting her innovative works in Canada and around
Asta is an environmental educator, naturalist, writer, and storyteller with more than 15 years of experience connecting children and youth with science, nature, and the ocean. She holds a master’s degree in Coastal Zone Management and Educational Outreach and has worked in outdoor, marine, and community-based education with organizations including
My name is Jeremy Beninger, and I am originally from Nelson, B.C. For the past 15 years, I have called Vancouver Island home. I love being outside and have explored almost every corner of this island by kayaking, hiking, and going on nature walks. I am also a papa, and
Madison (they/them) is a dynamic, curious parent deeply committed to community care in various roles. As a crisis response worker, doula, and education assistant, they build meaningful connections and create personalized support systems within their community. Madison has a strong connection to the outdoors, learning from the land, sharing their
I am excited to join the EPIC Learning Community as a Forest Mentor this year! Originally from Southern Ontario, on the traditional lands of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe peoples, I moved to British Columbia after earning my Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education. My childhood summers spent visiting family
For much of the year, a practicum student from the University of Victoria’s Child and Youth Care Program is on site three days a week. They spend three to four months with the community to complete their course requirements.
My name is Brooklyn (she/her) and I am in my final year of my CYC degree at UVic! When I’m not at school or working you can find me cuddling with my rabbit Bunbun, crocheting, making art with friends or exploring all the lovely parks and trails around the island. Some
