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.

LORI MEZZAVILLA, best known as "Otter", is an Ontario certified teacher who has a passion and enthusiasm for the natural world and is constantly looking to explore and learn more about the environment. From a young age she has been inspired by passionate teachers who exemplified what it means to bring learning to life and she aspires to do the same. Lori is eager to share her excitement and passion for the natural world by educating youth in a fun and hands-on way.

ANDREA TWIDDY, best known as "Pollywog", has been working with children for many years in various capacities such as caregiver, skating instructor, IBI therapist, and camp counsellor. Andrea also has 3 children of her own who keep her on the move from swimming pools to hockey rinks most days of the week. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time outdoors by the water or in the forest, reading, running, and playing board games. Many have asked why Andrea chose the name "Pollywog" and what it is (another name for tadpole). It stuck with Andrea through childhood and now as a facilitator here at Dogwood because she loved (and still does love) catching toads, frogs and snails! Her mother still tells stories of snails in Andrea's pockets going through the wash!

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.

JANELLE HUDGIN, best known as "Clover", grew up tracking animals, camping, roaming the beaches of Lake Huron and crafting. Her love for the outdoors flourished throughout the years as she has grown a deep understanding of the therapeutic benefits of nature engagement for all ages. After obtaining a degree in Recreation and Leisure Studies with therapeutic specialization from Brock University, she has spent over a decade facilitating programming to improve quality of life through play and exploration of one’s passions. Janelle’s favourite activities include foraging for plants, geeking out with field guides, gardening and the arts. You will often find her tending to Huggydubby Homestead, her forested acreage where she and her husband guide their children along a journey of learning self-sustainability, environmental stewardship, and adventure. Janelle is excited to provide opportunities for children to explore and engage in the forest school environment.

AIDAN DOAK, best known as "Pine", is an avid outdoorsman and a passionate Outdoor Educator. While completing his Environmental Management degree at the University of Guelph he began mountain biking, hunting, fishing, wildlife photography, and anything else that got him outside interacting with the nature. Aidan found himself contemplating what it meant to be connected with the natural world and spent a lot of time writing about his experiences. He strives to help children create a meaningful connection with the natural world and hopes to exemplify how kindness, curiosity and playfulness are deeply rooted in learning in the forest.

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.

BEN COATES, best known as "Bear", is a nature enthusiast and lover of all things sports-related. His love of athletics led him to study Kinesiology at Queens University where he took a keen interest in childhood development, particularly within an athletic context. This passion for athletics inspired Bed to explore outdoor sports and activities, including camping, canoeing, hiking and much more. Ben aims to pass on his love and passion for the outdoors to the children at Dogwood Forest.

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.