Yea, I love nature.
But why should you go outside with me?
I bring a unique combination of naturalist knowledge and early childhood teaching experience to my work with children and their families outside. Much of my work follows the 8 Shields philosophy, is inspired by Coyote's Guide to Connecting with Nature, and includes little tidbits that I've picked up here and there.
Most importantly, I love to play outdoors with kids. Whether you are coming to Among the Ferns for resources to support your budding naturalist at home or plan to take a class with me, we are going to have fun!
You have inspired me and my son to play outside more!
- Ferns and Fronds Playgroup parent
Professional Experience
Leadership and Professional Work
Professional Development Coordinator, Eastern Region Association of Forest and Nature Schools
Nature-based and Outdoor Education Specialist, Homestead School, Glen Spey, NY
Classroom Naturalist and School-Age Programs Co-Site Director, Live & Learn Early Learning Center
"Big Fish Little Fish" Naturalist, Seacoast Science Center
Science, Nature-Play, and Learning Professional Learning Community Facilitator, Four Winds Nature Institute
Eastern Region Association of Forest and Nature Schools Nature Based Teacher Certification Program Facilitator
Primary Education
B.S. Environmental Conservation and Sustainability - University of New Hampshire
Additional Education and Professional Development
Graduate work in Antioch University New England's M.Ed. Nature-Based Early Childhood Education
Nature-Based Teacher Certification Levels I, II, & III - Eastern Region Association of Forest and Nature Schools
Topics covered over 72 hours of coursework: Coyote Mentoring core routines, directional teaching, risk identification and assessment/hazard mitigation, emergent curriculum, mindfulness practices for children and adults, nature-based program management and development, natural history, and so much more.
Certifications
CPR/First Aid Certification Infant-Adult through American Red Cross
New Hampshire Early Childhood Teacher Credential Level II through Child Care Aware
Project WILD, Project WET, Project Growing Up Wild, and Project Learning Tree Certified
Honors and Recognition
Speaker and presenter at 2019 and 2020 Natural Start Alliance Conference
2018 TEDx Portsmouth Speaker - see the video below!
I balance administration, community, time learning and playing outside, and other employment. I am also a Mama to a young child, whose needs and attachment are still deeply connected to me. My daughter accompanies me to (and sometimes participates in) my work and I do my best to balance meeting everyone's needs. Thank you for joining me in working towards a culture that supports and uplifts working mothers and the re-prioritization of a balanced life.
Based in Shohola, PA
Email: emilyamongtheferns@gmail.com
I acknowledge that I live, work, and play on stolen land. The original peoples of what's now called Pennsylvania, as well as the rest of this continent, were wrongfully & forcibly removed from their lands. I understand that Native Americans are still here; my Host Nation peoples, the Munsee Lenape, are still here. I offer deep condolences to the past, present, and future Indigenous peoples who experienced harm at the hands of my ancestors and other colonizers and for the systemic racism they still experience today. I promise to do my best as an ally and support my Host Nation and all Indigenous peoples with my actions. I recognize this statement is just the first step and commit myself to continue to grow and work towards reparations and healing.