BRAD GRAVES (Director), best known as "Mosquito", is an Ontario certified teacher who has a passion for outdoor & physical education, conservation, & environmental sustainability. His experience in educating youth extends over various environments, including teaching in schools, coaching, instructing swimming and ski lessons, and managing Dogwood Acres Camp. Brad's love of sports, sense of adventure, and exploring the outdoors has provided the perfect combination of interests to develop a nature-based mentorship program.

MICHELLE GRAVES (Director), best known as "Doe", is an Ontario certified teacher who is passionate about working with youth to increase their awareness of the environment by simply spending time in the outdoors and reconnecting with nature. Through her experiences in the classroom, various children’s camp settings, and outdoor education programs, she has recognized the value of outdoor time for children to explore, play, and learn through meaningful, inquiry-based, and child-led interactions and experiences. Michelle is an advocate for ongoing learning, positive character development, and youth leadership.

MILA HAYNOS-OWEN, best known as "Scooter", has a Masters Degree in Communication and has been involved in teaching for over 25 years. Experiential learning as well as living books are her passion followed by environmental studies and the arts. After guiding her own three children through 14 years of homeschooling, Mila is excited to continue the journey of nurturing young explorers on a path of learning, discovery and adventure in the beautiful forest school environment. When not in the forest, Mila tends to her family eco-lavender farm (Lavender-Blu), and is a member of the Scugog Arts supporting, growing and promoting a variety of local art events.

KATE CRAINE, best known as "Willow", has a profound love for nature that was deepened by five transformative years in Costa Rica. She is a strong advocate for forest school princples and enjoys working with children, guiding them to explore and connect with the natural world. With a degree in Sociology, Kate has gained valuable insights into the positive impact of nature on both individuals and society. She views nature as a powerful healer and encourages children to spend time outdoors to discover its emotional benefits and foster a lifelong connection to the earth. Currently, Kate is pursuing certifications as a Forest School Practitioner and a Forest Therapy Practitioner.

AUDRIANNA LINDSAY, best known as "Dragonfly", is an Ontario certified teacher and is passionate about teaching and learning alongside all children that she works with. She believes that inquiry, play-based, and hands-on learning are what helps to foster meaningful learning experiences for children. Audrianna enjoys going outside, finding ways to take care of the environment, and exploring nature especially by spending time hiking, gardening, or cottaging. She believes that being in the natural environment is important to childhood development and wellbeing. Audrianna is excited to be apart of the Dogwood Forest team where she can combine both her passion of educating youth and spending time outdoors.