Take Root Team

The Directors, Teachers & Nature Guides of Take Root Forest Learning Community come from varied backgrounds and places. They are teachers, scientists, psychologists, philosophers, explorers, students…what they all have in common is their love and passion for providing children with a unique opportunity to learn through experience. They are drawn to the outdoor world and the wonders of nature. Their backgrounds and education include training and certifications as teachers – both elementary and secondary, in various holistic pedagogues, natural history, the sciences and environmental education philosophies. Take Root trains their teachers using guidelines from the Forest School Teacher Institute and the Academy of Forest Kindergartens. All teachers are certified in CPR and First Aid and are finger-printed and background checked. Take Root upholds the highest standards in safety and in education. Each teacher is passionate and dedicated to the philosophy of the program and the needs of each child.

Emily Feldman (she/her), Co-Founder & Director

Director of Operations: Team/Staff Management, Behavior & Strategies Specialist, Marketing & Media, Festivals, Camp, Waldorf Methods & Curriculum

Emily Feldman, co-founder of Take Root Forest Learning Community and founder of Treehouse Learning has been teaching and directing for over 15 years in both public and private institutions. She uses progressive educational methodologies, including Waldorf and other cooperative learning models to foster a community of independent, creative thinkers and balanced, well-rounded human beings. Emily stepped into the world of education with a desire to create a safe, loving atmosphere – supportive of learning, growing and discovering.  She sees each child’s true potential and is passionate about encouraging and guiding the children through fun and compelling education. This passion led her to build and grow Treehouse Learning from the ground up.  Now, in co-creating and directing Take Root, Emily is moving forward, bringing her dreams to life.

Christy Schultz (she/her), Co-Founder & Director

Executive Director: Administration, Marketing, Enrollment & Content Design, Nature Family Field Trips, Nature & Place-Based Methods & Curriculum

Christy Schultz, co-founder of Take Root and founder of The Nature Teacher and ECO-Every Child Outside, has been working with children and teaching, in both the indoor and outdoor classroom, for more than 25 years. Her experience is diverse and unique. After graduating from Florida State University and pursuing her chosen field of Elementary Education, she spent years hoping to find fulfillment while occasionally working in the more traditional classroom. Looking for a change and seeing a need for nature education in the community, she discovered the wonders of the outdoor classroom – where she has continued inspiring and educating both the young and old on the beauty of natural ecosystems, particularly those in South Florida. As a Certified Florida Master Naturalist and Interpretive Guide, Christy is well-trained and versed in the intricacies of Florida Natural History and Ecology.  She has spent the last 20 years out in the field – along our coastal shores, in the waters of the swamps, and hiking the highlands.  She and her students are always discovering, exploring, and learning. Take Root Forest Learning Community is the natural path for Christy…in co-creating and directing Take Root, her long-term ambitions are coming to fruition.

TAKE ROOT TEAM

Camila Sosa, a first generation immigrant, found solace as a child in the classroom amongst teachers and classmates with whom she felt a bond. Those teachers made a long lasting impact on her life and thus inspired Camila to become an educator herself. After completing her AA in Early Childhood Education, Camila struggled to picture herself in a traditional classroom. She did not envision forming the kind of relationships she wanted in her classroom within the boundaries of the public model. Immediately after graduating Camila sought out an alternative form of education and luckily came across Treehouse Learning. For one year she trained with Director, Emily Feldman, learning and implementing holistic models like the Waldorf Pedagogy.  Over the next few years as a teacher in the outdoor environment, Camila witnessed and experienced many lessons that Mother Nature provided. These experiences widened her idea of education to one that holds space for healthy relations between humans, as well as to the place and the land. Outside of being outside 😉 , Camila enjoys challenging her mind through hobby board games (no, not like monopoly)  and connecting body and mind via physical activity. Camila Sosa has been a part of the Take Root Community for more than six years and will be using her years of experience as Onsite Director for the Dade Take Root programs and also as the lead Tender Roots Guide.

Holly Goldfarb Reeves was born in Brooklyn NY. Her family moved to south Florida in 1976 when she was 4 years old. Holly spent her childhood playing in the mangroves – with long days digging in the dirt climbing trees and swimming in the ocean.
As a licensed massage therapist, Holistic Health Care Counselor and Birth Doula of over 25 years, Holly has been an active part the South Florida community. In 2017, Holly decided to leave her private practice – after 19 years, in order to homeschool her daughter, Juniper. As a homeschooling mom, she realized her natural talent for teaching. Holly followed her heart and has continued teaching – whether for her daughter, for a homeschool pod, for her self-created Nature Scouts group and for Take Root’s Nature Seekers.  
She is a teller of stories, a singer of songs, a lover of animals, plants, people and the whole planet…Holly views the world with a childlike wonder. Through her passion for teaching, being outdoors, preserving and educating the beautiful sunshine state of Florida, Holly feels right at home being a part of the Take Root Forest School team. Holly will be inspiring the Broward Adventure Roots with her tales, songs, stories and endless energy – naturally and seamlessly creating a LOVE for LEARNING!

Elizabeth (Lizzie) Albolino moved to south Florida at age 2 from NY. Her father moved the family to be raised in what he described as a tropical paradise, and it was! She grew up on the sandy beaches with her family submerged in all the beauty and wonder Florida offers. Long days beach side, exploring her lush magical backyard and reading were big parts of what made up childhood for her. Lizzie is a lover of animals, nature and children. She went on to work in early education. Working with kids was a natural talent and she enjoyed planning and teaching the more creative side of things. Crafting, baking, sewing, knitting, fairytale, folklore and history are a few of her greatest passions and talents.  Aside from early education Lizzie also has a degree from Johnson and Whales as a pastry chef. Lizzie’s recipe for childhood is to add a little faith trust & pixie dust and anything can become magical! After working in a law firm as a paralegal for many years Lizzie realized that this work was not soulful, and she missed children and the great outdoors! Lizzie was thrilled when given the opportunity to join the Take Root team where she is able to be the truest version of herself, sharing her many creative talents and easy-going disposition. Lizzie will be adventuring with the Explorer Roots in the Broward Forest!

Laura Sazunic is a native of Argentina, where she obtained a degree of Bachelor of Science in Special Education and started Waldorf Teacher Training.
Since the beginning, Laura was known for having an innovative approach to teaching – always moving desks aside or working outside the classroom. Laura strived to nurture the soul, mind, and body of her students, adding hints of art, acting, dancing, and games to the mainstream curriculum. She expanded the boundaries of the “old school” with positive feedback from peers, parents, and children alike.
Laura knew there had to be an alternative out there, something more “in-tune” with her view of the child, and her personality. She researched Reggio Emilia, Montessori, and Waldorf approaches and from each one of them she assimilated wonderful things.
After moving with her husband to South Florida, Laura joined a Waldorf start-up that years later would become an established Waldorf School. During her time there she worked with early childhood and elementary age children. Laura taught Main Lessons and special classes including Spanish, handwork, games, and developmental movement. She had a great deal of fun developing and implementing summer camps for mixed ages and participating in field trips and seasonal events. Meanwhile, she completed further training for Waldorf Teachers and graduated from AHE’s Educational Support Program. With the arrival of her second child in 2017, Laura started exploring at-home and on-the-road schooling alternatives, which allowed her and her family to spend more time together and in nature. On that road, Laura met the Take Root Team and experienced the inspiring work taking place. Laura adds her tremendous experience, love for nature and alternative learning to the Take Root Team. Laura gently guides the Tender Roots and their families as they play and learn in the forest.

Mária K. Decsy specializes in fostering learning through play and
guiding children to explore new ideas and experiences, focusing in on nurturing curiosity, competence, creativity, community, mindfulness and effective self-expression. She is particularly passionate about early education through nature play, believing it enhances children’s learning and development. Mária’s strengths lie in engaging children, designing experiential activities, and building strong relationships with both children and parents. Her diverse educational background includes roles as a governess, nanny, ESL and music teacher, and facilitator of preschool and toddler activities. Mária’s young daughter has been an invaluable part of her journey, accompanying Mária to nanny jobs and
outdoor classes. Mária is eager to bring her skills and enthusiasm to the Take Root Team in Broward while engaging with the kids ages 5-6.

MaeLeigh Daley grew up in Arkansas “The Natural State” and has been living in sunny Miami with her nature-loving family since 2022. With a background in music education and a deep interest in early childhood development and child psychology, MaeLeigh’s journey into teaching has been a blend of formal study at the University of Arkansas and hands-on exploration with her own children and students. As a mom, music teacher, nanny, and farm camp counselor, MaeLeigh has spent more than a decade immersed in child-led, heart-centered, nature-based learning.Drawn especially to the holistic philosophies of Montessori and Waldorf, MaeLeigh has spent years self-studying these methods, weaving them into her own parenting and teaching style. Her love of music naturally expanded into toddler music education, where she found inspiration in programs like Pomelody and the Dr. Feierabend method—celebrating movement, rhythm, and connection through song. MaeLeigh is most at home in the outdoors—whether identifying native plants and animals or paddling through mangrove trails on her kayak. MaeLeigh discovered Take Root while searching for a forest school for her own children and immediately felt a sense of belonging. Now as a Nature Guide, she brings her musicality, her reverence for the natural world, and her warm, intuitive teaching style to the Take Root community—fostering wonder, connection, and a love for learning under the open sky.

Josefina Prats– My connection with children has been a lifelong journey, but I’ve been working professionally with kids in Miami for many years. My three daughters are my greatest teachers and have deeply inspired my path. Working with children fills my soul, it helps me grow and brings me true happiness, especially when we are outdoors. Over the years, I’ve trained in Nature-Based Education, Psychology, and Conscious Education. My experience continues to show me that what children need most is to feel safe, respected, and free to be themselves in a natural environment. I believe in child-led learning, where children are empowered to explore, create, and grow at their own pace. I’m grateful to be part of this beautiful community, which I see as a small but meaningful contribution to a much-needed shift in education. I hold great hope for the future and for a world where more children can experience learning in connection with nature and with their true selves.

Catalina Lemaitre has worked with children since she was a teen, at after-school programs, as a volunteer in art therapy children’s groups and schools, in Nepal while traveling the world, and more recently, as a homeschool mom. In the past Catalina worked in Public Diplomacy at the US Department of State traveling across embassies to better understand and measure the impact of cultural and arts activities. She witnessed first-hand the power of art in changing lives, fostering peace and promoting mutual, cross-cultural understanding. Catalina has a Master’s Degree in Peace Operations from George Mason University’s School of Public Policy, and an undergraduate degree in Economics with a minor in Art History from Suffolk University.  She is also formally trained in Mind Body Medicine, Yoga, Nature Education and Observational Drawing, and informally in so many other art forms (lately macramé and weaving obsessed). In 2023, Catalina founded Art History in the Park, a play-based shared art history & art making experience for homeschooling families – a monthly community space for families to come together and explore their shared human history and innate creativity. Catalina’s work is devoted to bringing art back to the center of our experience, ensuring that every child knows that creativity is innately human, and to do so with nature as the third teacher. Also in 2023, she began teaching at local micro schools and had the honor to create a customized Art History Play program for Take Root, a dream match since both her children attend and love this program and over the past 4 years it has become an extension of their family. The location couldn’t be more ideal, the Bonnet House Museum and gardens offers such a rich environment for art & history adventures. Monthly, Catalina will bring her Art History in the Park program to Take Root’s homeschool groups – cultivating new artistic & observational skills, growth in connection to ourselves, each other and the amazing history of Bonnet House through art, history & play.

Amanda Moore, a homeschooling momma and wife, calls Fort Lauderdale home, where she loves exploring the city’s parks, beaches, and hidden gems with her family. Her son is Take Root Forest School’s biggest fan and is enrolled in the Tender Roots program. With a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts from Florida International University (with a focus on early childhood education, journalism, and ecology of south Florida), she’s all about embracing and capturing the beauty and innocence of childhood, learning through play, and dancing in the rain. Now that her own childhood dream of becoming a mother has finally come true, you can find Amanda and her little dude on a mission to soak up every sunbeam, discover new wonders, and make memories that shine as bright as the Florida sun. When she’s not making memories with her little sidekick, Amanda loves sharing snippets of their adventures and the school’s happenings as a member of our Instagram team.