Meet these fabulous educators.

Audrey Elszasz

Co-Founder/Outdoor Education Specialist

Audrey Elszasz is a Level 3 Forest School Practitioner with a 25-year background in early childhood education. She founded Laurel School's Outdoor Pre-Primary (Northeast Ohio's first outdoor education program for 3-5-year-olds), Nature Adventures at Holden Arboretum, and Co-founder of Friends in the Forest: Learning social skills in the outdoor environment. In 2018, she co-founded The Natural Classroom.

Audrey co-authored one of the first studies to have quantitative data comparing an outdoor preschool with a traditional preschool. This study highlights the effectiveness of a high-quality outdoor pre-primary education program and brings important quantitative data to the literature. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1225659.pdf

Audrey was a partner in the Outdoor Preschool Policy Action Framework (https://willamettepartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Outdoor-Preschool-Policy-Action-Framework_FINAL-for-web.pdf). A group of experts across the country to helped build a policy action framework to seek licensure for outdoor preschools.

Certifications

• Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist

• 2015 Graduate of Cedarsong Forest Kindergarten Residential Teacher Training Program, Vashon Island, WA

• Wilderness First Aid

• Project Adventure Facilitator

Honors and Awards

2018 Conservation Educator of the Year ~ Cleveland Museum of Natural History

Mary French Conway Endowment for Teaching Excellence ~ Laurel School

Audrey facilitates Early Years, Pre-Primary, and Primary Forest School at Pine Lake.

“Children who spend time outside are inclined to experiment and solve problems. They become compassionate carers of the land. The complex learning environment of the forest naturally develops confidence, resilience, and curiosity."

Rachel Gilbert

Outdoor Education Specialist

Rachel Gilbert brings a passion for outdoor learning mixed with a background in education and child development. Rachel has always felt a strong connection to nature, but it wasn't until she became a mother that she began to understand the importance of child-led, outdoor play for children and started to see the benefits in her child. A former K-12 music teacher, Rachel is excited to embark on her 4th year with The Natural Classroom!

Certifications include Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist, Cedarsong Way Certified Teacher, and Wilderness First Aid.

Rachel also enjoys gardening, cooking, hiking, running, and spending time with her husband and two sons.

Rachel is a Pre-Primary Forest School facilitator at Willey Creek.

Diane Bretz

Apprentice Facilitator

With five years of experience nurturing young learners in a toddler classroom at an independent school, Diane brings a deep understanding of early childhood development, curiosity-driven learning, and responsive caregiving to her new role at The Natural Classroom. Transitioning into forest education, Diane is passionate about extending learning beyond classroom walls. 

"I believe the forest is the perfect classroom- sparking imagination, encouraging risk-taking, building confidence, and fostering a deep connection to the environment from an early age. My fondest childhood memories were days spent with my siblings and neighborhood friends exploring our backyards, setting up 'campsites' along the creek, and making mud pies and rock soups for all to enjoy. My love of the outdoors continued as I grew older with backpacking, including trips along the Appalachian Trail, Yosemite National Park, Allegheny Forest, and Denali National Park in Alaska. After having children, my family embraced muddy boots, unstructured play, and days spent exploring outside together. I am beyond excited to cultivate a love of and respect for the natural world with young learners."  

When not watching one of her three children participate in sports, Diane enjoys spending time with her two dogs, baking, hiking, gardening, backyard birding, and paper crafting. 

Diane will join the Pine Lake Early Years and Pre-Primary Forest School teams this year!

Jennifer Carlson

Substitute Facilitator

I grew up exploring the woods in Ohio, where my love of nature began. I spent my childhood covered in mud, swimming in lakes and creeks, and observing any animal I could find. Currently, I am a stay-at-home parent to my three young daughters and get to encourage their own love of the natural world.

I have a passion for protecting the natural wonders that exist in nature. I have a graduate degree in Environmental Science. My graduate work led me to a research program on the western coast of Africa, where I lived for a year. I worked for seven years as a biologist with the State of Ohio, where I was lucky enough to conduct fieldwork in the rivers, streams, and lakes around northeast Ohio. 

I am working toward my certification in the Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist program through the state of Ohio by volunteering at the Portage County Park District.

Jennifer is a substitute facilitator!

Marie Hattman

Substitute Facilitator

Trained as a classical singer, Marie became a teacher by chance when she was asked to teach by an educator who heard her at a concert in Italy. She has continued to teach ever since, becoming a certified teacher and working with music and kids in public and private schools in the U.S. and abroad for over 20 years. In her free time, Marie has always enjoyed hiking, camping, and horseback riding, but it was through parenthood that her passion for outdoor education has grown. Marie is thrilled to work with the Natural Classroom, combining her love for nature and the joy of working with children.

Marie’s son is a former student at The Natural Classroom. Marie is a substitute facilitator.

Lisa Weight

Substitute Facilitator

Lisa is a former 1st grade teacher turned stay-at-home mom of five kids. While raising those kids, she realized the importance of being out in nature as part of a healthy childhood. And her obsession with nature took off! She is an ERAFANS Level 1 certified nature-based teacher as well as an Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist. She currently volunteers at Holden Arboretum.

Lisa enjoys yoga, reading, birdwatching, hiking, and gardening. She lives with her family on 12 acres, which right now has entirely too much grass. She’s excited to start the process of turning much of that grass into a wildflower meadow this year. She’s also looking forward to sharing her love of nature with the children at The Natural Classroom.

Jon Elszasz

Woodworking Specialist

Jon Elszasz's background in engineering and violin-making, and his hands-on approach as a do-it-yourselfer make him uniquely qualified. Jon completed his Level One Forest School training and has worked alongside the Saturday Forest School team this year. His focus on specialized woodworking projects will provide opportunities for children to develop their self-esteem, creative and critical thinking, and confidence while using real tools to make their ideas come to fruition. Jon will spend time at all three sites on a rotating schedule.

Paige Cantin

Saturday Facilitator

Paige Cantin is a former interpretive park ranger and science teacher turned stay-at-home mom to her two kids! She studied biology, environmental science, and sustainability at Kent State and began her teaching career in Florida.

Paige spent her childhood exploring the woods in and around Geauga County with her dad, brother, and dog. She moved to Vermont after college and fell in love with the mountains and the northern attitude of “there’s no such thing as bad weather.” Paige believes that all kids are born scientists and explorers. It is our responsibility to nurture their inquisitive nature to develop both an understanding and an appreciation for our natural world.

In her free time, Paige enjoys hiking, kayaking, and fishing with her family. She is also trying her best to gain a green thumb through establishing permaculture guilds in her yard!

Paige is a Saturday Forest School Facilitator and a substitute for all three sites!

Claire Harig

Willey Creek Apprentice

A student at the University of Akron, Claire is pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education with a focus on Environmental Ethics. Her journey into teaching and working with children has been shaped by a lifelong connection to nature and a deep curiosity about the world around her.  She is a certified yoga instructor who enjoys teaching yoga outdoors.

Growing up, Claire spent her childhood climbing trees, exploring the outdoors, and traveling with her family. Today, her love for nature continues through hiking, paddleboarding, and relaxing at the beach. She’s also a beginner gardener who enjoys learning about flowers and the natural rhythms of the seasons.

As an apprentice with the Natural Classroom, Claire is excited to share her enthusiasm for the outdoors while continuing to learn and grow in a setting that honors curiosity, connection, and care for the earth.

Claire returns in 26/27 for her second year at Willey Creek. We are excited to have her join Pre-Primary!

Jillian Finkbeiner

Apprentice Facilitator

Jillian brings more than 15 years of experience as a K–12 special education teacher to her work in outdoor education. She believes children are wise, intuitive, and inherently connected to the natural world. With a background supporting moderate to intensive learners, she approaches each experience with patience, compassion, and thoughtful creativity.

She holds certifications in Energy Medicine Yoga, trauma-informed yoga through Breathe for Change, Social Emotional Learning facilitation, and Orton-Gillingham, Wilson, and Sonday reading programs. Jillian also practices sound balancing with tuning forks and is passionate about the ways rhythm, movement, and time in nature help regulate and strengthen growing nervous systems.

A devoted student of the sacred seasons, Jillian feels most at home teaching beneath open skies — near trees, water, and fresh air. When she’s not facilitating, you’ll likely find her kayaking, hiking, crafting, listening to music, or adventuring with her chocolate labs, Bowzer and Mazel, who are quite certain they are assistant teachers.

She lives by the jewel of Ahimsa:

Step lightly. Do no harm. Honor our relationship with the earth, with one another, and with ourselves.

Jillian will work alongside Rachel at Willey Creek Pre-Primary Forest School for the 2026/27 school year.

Andrea Trimmer

Substitute Facilitator

Andrea is a stay-at-home mom to two young daughters, with an engineering background and a passion for nature, informal STEM education, and tap dance. Andrea is a life-long nature lover and finally fulfilled her childhood dream of owning her own forest when she moved to the Bainbridge area in 2016. She enjoys hikes, creek walks, and gardening. She especially enjoys watching her girls discover bugs, critters, flowers, and a general love of the outdoors. Andrea has been drawn to education in many ways, including working at the Great Lakes Science Center and starting her own business teaching tap dance and tutoring STEM subjects. Andrea also has a passion for tap dance, with a focus on musicality, improvisation, and the percussive aspects of the art form. She is thrilled to join the Natural Classroom and combine her creativity, informal education experience, and her love of nature!

Andrea is a substitute facilitator!

Karen Murphy

Substitute Facilitator

Karen is a nature lover, animal advocate, and lifelong learner who lives in Northeast Ohio with her husband, three children, and a house full of pets—including reptiles and rodents! Originally from Buffalo, NY, she studied Sociology at LeMoyne College and has decades of experience working with children in camps, libraries, childcare centers, and community programs.

With a background in massage therapy and a passion for holistic living, Karen is beginning Yoga Teacher Training this fall. She enjoys fostering animals, volunteering as a CASA and youth mentor, and exploring the outdoors with her family. Karen is excited to bring her love of nature, kids, and curiosity to The Natural Classroom community as a substitute.

Vesna Elbert

Outdoor Education Specialist

Vesna Elbert is an Early Childhood Educator who is passionate about play-based, child-led outdoor education. She has many years of experience with children, being a stay-at-home mom with her own three children and watching children in her home before going back to school to do what she loves! She is passionate about connecting children with the natural world and facilitating at forest school!

Her own recollections of playing in the woods as a child have fueled her desire to be a part of the forest school movement that is gaining popularity across the country. When Nature Adventures was started at Holden Arboretum Vesna jumped at the opportunity to be part of it, eventually becoming the lead facilitator for the group on Saturday mornings. She has been with the Natural Classroom since its start in 2020. She is an Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist and a volunteer for the Cleveland Metroparks and Cuyahoga National Park. Vesna has her certificate as a Forest School Teacher through the Forest School Teacher Institute, along with her Wild Med First Aid and CPR.  She especially loves exploring the outdoors with her husband, children, and three-year-old grandson!

”Snow, rain, or shine the children show up excited to start a new adventure! Coming from a traditional preschool classroom, it’s clear that a picture in a book is no substitute for being immersed in nature and experiencing the real thing. Being connected with the earth is a lifelong love!”  

Vesna facilitates Early Years and Pre-Primary Forest School at the Beaver Run.

Fun Fact: Vesna has been with The Natural Classroom since the beginning at Silver Creek Forest School.

Joanne Canonico

Apprentice Facilitator

Joanne Canonico is a lifelong learner and enjoys the wonders nature provides. She is a proud Buckeye and graduated with an art degree from the Ohio State University. Her love of working with children began over twenty years ago when she worked at an after-school care program. Joanne has worked with homeschoolers throughout her career and homeschooled her four children. She recently wrote and taught an outdoor art and science curriculum, merging her passion for curiosity and creativity.

Joanne facilitates Early Years and Pre-Primary Forest Schools at Beaver Run!

Alyssa Weiland

Apprentice Facilitator

With over 15 years of experience as a nanny, Aly has always found joy in nurturing the wonder and curiosity of early childhood. A passionate advocate for nature-based learning, she consistently encouraged the children in her care to spend time outdoors—building fairy houses, examining bugs, observing wildlife, and hiking through local parks filled many of their days.

After her most recent nanny position came to a close, Aly has continued to share her love of the natural world with her son, Jackson, who now attends forest school at TNC. Together, they enjoy hiking, camping, gardening, traveling, and even training side by side for Spartan Races.

In her personal time, Aly is a dedicated crochet artist and enjoys studying and practicing primitive camping and bushcraft skills.

Aly will join the Pine Lake Early Years and Pre-Primary teams next year, along with Saturday Forest School!

River Williams

Apprentice Facilitator

River has worked professionally with early elementary students since graduating from the University of Arizona in 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Education, Major in Deaf Studies, Educational Interpreting Emphasis. She is passionate about nurturing children's curiosity while fostering meaningful connections with the natural world. River enjoys helping children discover the wonders of nature and develop a deeper understanding of the ecosystems around them.

Growing up in Arizona, River spent much of her childhood exploring outdoors. Her father taught her to identify plants and animals from a young age, sparking a lifelong love of nature. Since relocating to Northeast Ohio, she has enthusiastically embraced learning about the region's unique flora and fauna.

When she's not outdoors, River enjoys crocheting, sewing, reading, and pursuing new interests and skills.

River will be apprenticing with the Pine Lake Primary team during the 2026–2027 school year, and she is excited to learn alongside the children and educators of The Natural Classroom community.

Katie Wojno

Apprentice Facilitator

Katie has spent the past 13 years teaching children with special needs and is passionate about helping children of all abilities blossom into their unique expression in the world. While earning her Master's degree in Early Childhood Education from Kent State University, she discovered a deep appreciation for child-led educational approaches and nature-based learning.

Katie's connection to the natural world runs deep. From practically living outdoors at Silver Lake as a child to embarking on countless backpacking and camping adventures, she has always felt most at home outside. Over the past decade, she has cultivated a meaningful relationship with the changing seasons, finding that aligning her inner life with the rhythms and cycles of nature brings a profound sense of purpose and belonging.

When she's not exploring the outdoors, Katie enjoys natural dyeing, photography, songwriting, and sound healing. She brings creativity, curiosity, and a deep reverence for both children and the natural world to everything she does.

Katie will join the Pine Lake Primary team!

Renee was a partner from inception through the first two years of operation. After a year of maternity leave, she returned to the Sun Valley site as an educator for one year. While no longer playing an active role with The Natural Classroom, Renee remains a lifelong ally. Her contributions and initiatives helped to make this organization what it is today.