our team
Mary Skapof
Founder & Lead Teacher
Mary received her B.S. in Environment and Natural Resources with a specialization in Environmental Education from The Ohio State University. She has completed additional training in Early Childhood Education and the Cedarsong Way Foundations course in forest schooling. Mary has extensive experience developing and leading nature enrichment programs in schools, preschools, and childcare centers, including serving as the Nature Enrichment Teacher at a private school in Orange County, CA. She also worked as an environmental scientist in Ohio and co-created Southeast Michigan’s first fully outdoor Forest Camp during the summer of 2020.
While she respects all educational paths, her work focuses on early childhood enrichment that complements public and conventional schooling. She is passionate about integrating environmental education into public school settings and expanding access to nature-based learning for all children.
Mary lives in Orange County, CA with her husband, two sons, beloved cat, quirky dog, and wise turtle.
440-213-1830
Dana Orsini
Assistant Teacher
Lead Caregiver & Me Instructor
Dana Orsini, mom of 2 boys, brings her love for kids and passion for STEM to our preschool nature program! She left the Broadcom Foundation to focus on family and community while also substituting at St Serra School. Dana is excited to open young minds to new STEM nature ideas! Check her out in our drop-off classes as well as our caregiver-and-me sessions.
Michele Stevens
Substitute Teacher
Lead Caregiver & Me Instructor
Michele spent 20 years teaching first and second grade in the Garden Grove Unified School District and also led a reading program for children ages 2 to 4 at a private preschool. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she became a valuable community resource by supporting working parents through homeschool instruction and tutoring students of various ages.
She holds a degree in psychology with a minor in environmental planning and design, as well as a master’s degree in elementary education.
Michele also runs a small farm bird rescue and is affectionately known as the Village Chicken Lady in her neighborhood!