The NBNC Team

Erik grew up exploring the woods and waters of the New York Finger Lakes, where a childhood spent building forts, catching frogs, and attending summer camp at their local nature center fostered an enduring love for the natural world. This passion led them to earn a B.S. in Environmental Education and Interpretation from SUNY ESF in Syracuse, NY. Since then, they've worked with children outdoors, from preschool to high school, in a variety of educational settings throughout the Northeast and Pacific Northwest.

They believe that self-driven play and exploration in nature, especially in the early years, are vital to children's development, and as a teacher with the Forest Preschool program they are deeply committed to helping children forge connections with the living world around them rooted in joy, wonder, and care.

When Erik isn't teaching, they can be found photographing plants and fungi, practicing yoga, and exploring the natural beauty of Vermont.