Diona Reese Williams Edited Production: Angel Productions  DRW Guest: Sarah Folgoson  Facebook Page: @dionareesewilliams Instagram  DRW Personal Brand: @drw_dionareesewilliams  Instagram Out Back Learning LLC: @outbacklearning2019  Facebook Page: @outbacklearning2019 Podcast: https://anchor.fm/diona-williams --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/diona-williams/support

Amy Williams currently works as a school psychologist at Palominas School District in Hereford, Arizona. She has worked as a school psychologist for the past six years, holding positions at school districts in southern Arizona and Phoenix. She received her Master of Education in School and Applied Child Psychology degree from the University of Calgary in Alberta, Canada. She also holds a Bachelor of Education from Nipissing University, Ontario, Canada. Prior to becoming a school psychologist, Amy worked as an international teacher in Kuwait for nine years. During this time, she taught upper elementary and middle school. She completed additional qualifications in Guidance and Career Education through Queen’s University, Canada, and worked as a middle school counselor during her final two years in Kuwait. Amy is currently enrolled in Arizona State University’s Graduate Certificate program in Applied Behavior Analysis. She plans on using the knowledge and experience she gains in this program to enhance her current skills so that she can more effectively help the students and educators with whom she works. Amy is passionate about consulting with and educating teachers, parents, and administrators about supporting students’ mental health and social-emotional development. Amy is originally from Toronto, Canada but currently lives in Sierra Vista, Arizona. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, reading historical fiction, and spending time with her family.   Reference  Dr. Bruce Perry  Dr. Bruce Perry  Neurosequential Model  Neurosequential Model  Arizona State University  ASU- Applied Behavior Analysis Graduate Certificate  Diona Reese Williams Edited Production: Angel Productions  DRW Guest: Amy Williams Facebook Page: @dionareesewilliams Instagram  DRW Personal Brand: @drw_dionareesewilliams  Instagram Out Back Learning LLC: @outbacklearning2019  Facebook Page: @outbacklearning2019 Podcast: https://anchor.fm/diona-williams --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/diona-williams/support

In today's DRW interview, I enjoyed meeting with one of my dear friend's Jacque Raftery. She is a mom of 3 kids ages 6, 3 and 1. She has a Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and currently works as the Assistant to the Director of Cactus Wren Co-Op Preschool. Before that, she worked in community behavioral health as a therapist and case manager. When her children were born, she decided to do the critical work of being their primary caregiver since behavioral health was too draining for her. However, working for Cactus Wren Co-op Preschool brought her into the world of early childhood education and has broadened my understanding of the importance of supporting the 0-5 population in my community. Website: https://www.cactuswrenpreschool.com/ Diona Reese Williams Edited Production: Angel Productions  DRW Guest: Jacque Raftery  Facebook Page: @dionareesewilliams Instagram  DRW Personal Brand: @drw_dionareesewilliams  Instagram Out Back Learning LLC: @outbacklearning2019  Facebook Page: @outbacklearning2019 Podcast: https://anchor.fm/diona-williams --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/diona-williams/support

Allison Houtz Experiential Education Program Coordinator Bio: Allison is a passionate, lifelong advocate for young children, families, and early educators. She’s worked in early education at large for the past 17 years, through teaching, directing, child advocacy, parent training, coaching, and higher education leadership. Allison currently serves students, faculty, and community members as the Experiential Education Program Coordinator within the Education Department at Prescott College. One of her many hats is leading the Center for Nature & Place through community building and professional development. She’s dedicated to bridging the gap between early education and much needed family resources in rural communities like Yavapai county. Allison believes wholeheartedly that we have a moral obligation to not only support children, but we owe it to our community and future together. One of the most profoundly true quotes I have found elevates the life work I hold so dear, as consultant, trainer, and advocate for children and families: “What we do early in life lays the foundation for all the rest. Early preventive intervention can be exceptionally valuable” (Shonkoff, & Meisels, 1990). This is my philosophy on early childhood education: I believe that early experiences are pivotal to human development, and as such, should be a focal point in our society when it comes to funding and resources for the public. Early Childhood Education runs in my blood – I do what I do because of the foundation my mom laid as an early education leader and advocate for community access to quality care. She’s a mover and shaker and I’ve found myself following in her footsteps and digging my heels in the field we both care deeply about. Below is the content requested for our upcoming DRW Interview: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NPECEcenter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterfornatureandplace/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/thePCCenter4Nat Website: https://www.centerfornatureandplace.org/ Summer Institute dates: June 4-6, 2021 Online Modules coming early 2021 Ask us to host a workshop for your team! Email @[email protected] Diona Reese Williams Edited Production: Angel Productions  DRW Guest: Allison Houtz  Facebook Page: @dionareesewilliams Instagram  DRW Personal Brand: @drw_dionareesewilliams  Instagram Out Back Learning LLC: @outbacklearning2019  Facebook Page: @outbacklearning2019 Podcast: https://anchor.fm/diona-williams --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/diona-williams/support

Seraph White brings nearly two decades of non-profit experience to the role of Interim Executive Director for Outdoors Empowered Network, and has expertise in fundraising, marketing, and operations. She is passionate about increasing access to nature and the outdoors and is looking forward to finding creative, systemic, and strategic ways to fulfill OEN’s mission. Seraph has an MA in Environmental Leadership from Naropa University and a BA in Environmental Studies from UCSC. Seraph grew up camping and is passionate about access to the outdoors. She regularly packs her family into a hybrid Toyota Prius C to travel the American West, including over thirty National Parks. She is an alumnae of NOLS semester in Alaska and a long-time student of nature connection and deep ecology. When not camping, Seraph lives in her hometown of San Francisco. -- Seraph White Interim Executive Director Outdoors Empowered Network Website: www.outdoorsempowered.org As always, the purpose of the interviews is to highlight the great work of the individuals who are making a huge impact in the world of early childhood environmental education. Diona Reese Williams Edited Production: Angel Productions DRW Guest: Seraph White Facebook Page: @dionareesewilliams Instagram DRW Personal Brand: @drw_dionareesewilliams Instagram Out Back Learning LLC: @outbacklearning2019 Facebook Page: @outbacklearning2019 Podcast: https://anchor.fm/diona-williams --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/diona-williams/support

Seraph White brings nearly two decades of non-profit experience to the role of Interim Executive Director for Outdoors Empowered Network, and has expertise in fundraising, marketing, and operations. She is passionate about increasing access to nature and the outdoors and is looking forward to finding creative, systemic, and strategic ways to fulfill OEN’s mission. Seraph has an MA in Environmental Leadership from Naropa University and a BA in Environmental Studies from UCSC. Seraph grew up camping and is passionate about access to the outdoors. She regularly packs her family into a hybrid Toyota Prius C to travel the American West, including over thirty National Parks. She is an alumnae of NOLS semester in Alaska and a long-time student of nature connection and deep ecology. When not camping, Seraph lives in her hometown of San Francisco. -- Seraph White Interim Executive Director Outdoors Empowered Network Website: www.outdoorsempowered.org As always, the purpose of the interviews is to highlight the great work of the individuals who are making a huge impact in the world of early childhood environmental education. Diona Reese Williams Edited Production: Angel Productions DRW Guest: Seraph White Facebook Page: @dionareesewilliams Instagram DRW Personal Brand: @drw_dionareesewilliams Instagram Out Back Learning LLC: @outbacklearning2019 Facebook Page: @outbacklearning2019 Podcast: https://anchor.fm/diona-williams --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/diona-williams/support

Megan is the Early Childhood Program Coordinator for The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois where she leads their nature-based early childhood program within 1700 acres of diverse habitat including forests, prairie, creeks, oak savannas, and lakes.  She has nine years of experience managing and teaching at nature-based preschools.  Megan is also the founder of Northern Illinois Nature Preschool Association (NINPA), the first association for nature-preschools in America, as well as a part of the Leadership Team with the Natural Start Alliance, part of NAAEE. She holds a Masters Degree in Education along with a Certificate in Nature-Based Early Childhood Education from Antioch University New England and she is a featured contributor in David Sobel's recent book: The Sky Above and the Mud Below: Lessons from Nature Preschools and Forest Kindergartens.   Little Trees Early Learning Program website: https://www.mortonarb.org/learn-experience/youth-and-family-programs/little-trees NINPA website: https://ninpa.org/ Contributing Author: https://www.redleafpress.org/Sky-Above-and-the-Mud-Below-Lessons-from-Nature-Preschools-and-Forest-Kindergartens-P2424.aspx Resources: Storypark website:   https://www.storypark.com/ --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/diona-williams/support

In today's interview I had the pleasure to talk with Cassandra Ellis, founding director of The Kinship School, which offers educational coaching, consulting and direct service with young children and families in nature. The way she works is inspired by E.O. Wilson’s words: “We are drowning in information, while starving for wisdom. The world henceforth will be run by synthesizers, people able to put together the right information at the right time, think critically about it, and make important choices wisely.” Cassandra synthesizes somatic practice, place- and nature-based learning, radical self-inquiry, collective care and intergenerational learning to build bonds that strengthen the individual, family, collective and the web of life. She is a Washington State approved early childhood education STARS Trainer, Child Development Associate (CDA) Professional Development (PD) Specialist, certified holistic movement teacher, certified children’s yoga teacher, and certifiably hilarious first-time dog mama. Cassandra plays, works and lives in the lush Pacific Northwest. She gives gratitude to the Snohomish Tribe and the extensive web of Coast Salish tribes that have tended to the lands long before she planted her own feet there. Social Media: www.thekinshipschool.com @thekinshipschool (Instagram) Resources: Heather Kindem's website, designer of The Happenings Mat: thehappeningsmat.org/ This is the Nonviolent Communication (known as NVC and also known as Compassionate Communication) needs inventory I mentioned: cnvc.org/training/resource/needs-inventory And the feelings inventory: cnvc.org/training/resource/feelings-inventory Also since I mentioned her, Claire Warden: claire-warden.com/ And Chicago Botanic Garden's nature preschool: chicagobotanic.org/preschool Stepping Stones Nursery School in Chicago: steppingstonesnurseryschool.net As always, the purpose of the interviews is to highlight the great work of the individuals who are making a huge impact in the world of early childhood environmental education. Diona Reese Williams Edited Production: Angel Productions DRW Guest: Cassandra Ellis Facebook Page: @dionareesewilliams Instagram DRW Personal Brand: @drw_dionareesewilliams Instagram Out Back Learning LLC: @outbacklearning2019 Facebook Page: @outbacklearning2019 Podcast: https://anchor.fm/diona-williams --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/diona-williams/support

In today's interview, I had the pleasure of meeting with Nikki Julien from the Arizona Wildlife Federation. She took a moment to share how she entered Environmental Education and discussed her work with the Arizona Wildlife Federation. If you want to learn more about AWF and the field of Environmental Education, this is the interview to watch. Thank you, Nikki, for taking the time to stop by the DRW "show." If you are interested in supporting this podcast, please check out my latest product called the Goal Development Plan. You can find this plan on my website  http://www.dionareesewilliams.com Thank you all for your support, and remember to continue to be blessed in nature. Nikki Julien Information: Facebook: Nikki Julien Instagram:  nikki.julien Twitter:  AZWildlifeFed Twitter:  https://twitter.com/Nikki.Julien --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/diona-williams/support

In today's interview, I had the pleasure of meeting with Nikki Julien from the Arizona Wildlife Federation. She took a moment to share how she entered Environmental Education and discussed her work with the Arizona Wildlife Federation. If you want to learn more about AWF and the field of Environmental Education, this is the interview to watch. Thank you, Nikki, for taking the time to stop by the DRW "show." If you are interested in supporting this podcast, please check out my latest product called the Goal Development Plan.  You can find this plan on my website  http://www.dionareesewilliams.com Thank you all for your support, and remember to continue to be blessed in nature.  Nikki Julien Information:   Facebook: Nikki Julien  Instagram:  nikki.julien   Twitter:  AZWildlifeFed  Twitter:  https://twitter.com/Nikki.Julien --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/diona-williams/support