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 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 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 17 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 this program, her long-term ambitions are coming to fruition.

DADE 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.

Leeza Abramov was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York and moved to south Florida to obtain her bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science and dance at Nova Southeastern University. Being from a city, Leeza’s access to a natural, rich environment was null – she never had the opportunity to explore the outdoors in ways children should. Her drive for environmental conservation and education only grew stronger during her years in university. Leeza has interned at county parks leading nature tours and education programs, and even became certified as a Florida Master Naturalist. Leeza began her teaching journey when she was only fourteen years old, assistant teaching at a preschool for six years that practiced Reggio Emilia and Waldorf methodologies. Her passion for environmental education sky rocketed during a mission trip to Guatemala where she used eco green-building techniques to help build a school made out of tires in a village. Leeza is extremely passionate about spreading environmental awareness and incorporating a holistic approach to learning for our youth. It is so important now more than ever! Leeza happily spends her time exploring, playing, discovering and learning with the Kinder Roots group at Greynolds Park.

Kirstin Hoffman holds a deep love and respect for nature, owing most of that to her home state of Michigan. Growing up surrounded by water and a stone’s throw from a forest, cultivated an understanding of the natural beauty of the world. It is amongst the water and trees where Kirstin finds her sense of peace. Kirstin has an extensive background in education, from teaching swimming lessons as a teen to lead classroom teaching in Detroit; and most recently adventuring into garden and outdoor education. Kirstin knows her calling in life is to teach, and by focusing on the intersection of education and the outdoors, she has finally found a space to teach that makes sense to her. She hopes to connect with her students through nature, instilling in them the same respect and love she grew up with.  Kirstin hopes to continue exploring alternative forms of education and is excited for the possibilities that abound when working with the Adventure Roots group at Greynolds Park.

BROWARD TEAM

Charmaine Alavi and her family of 4 moved from Canada to sunny South Florida in 2022, they have been loving it since. Her two children attend Take Root Forest School and are thoroughly enjoying their experiences as Tender and Adventure Roots. Charmaine enjoys the outdoors, swimming, yoga and crafting of all sorts. As a very family oriented person, she and her husband and two kids enjoy adventures together – taking the opportunity to try new and exciting things. Charmaine has been working 20 + years in both public and private school settings, as well as summer camp counseling in Bancroft, Ontario. During that time she taught early childhood up to grade 6. She holds degrees in Accomplished Early Childhood Education, Bachelors in Psychology, Bachelors in Education, and Special Education. From raising caterpillars as they transform to butterflies and setting them free, growing beans, planting trees, and going on nature adventures in all seasons…the wonders of nature inspired Charmaine when teaching over the years. She worked diligently to adapt the mainstream classroom into a more nature-based classroom by following the philosophies of Waldorf and Reggio Emilio – incorporating a more holistic approach to learning. Charmaine creates curriculum and activities inspired by the children’s curiosity. When her daughter was young she came upon a mainly outdoor school that followed Reggio Emilio, Waldorf and holistic style. Charmaine quickly fell in love and enrolled her daughter. Upon moving to South Florida, she and her family discovered Take Root and knew they needed to be a part of it. Now, Charmaine will be sharing her enthusiasm and zest for learning with not only her own kids, but the forest school kids. Charmaine will be using her years of experience as Onsite Director for the Broward Take Root programs.

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.

Ronique Carty was born and raised in South Florida. Ronique has a friendly personality and a loving heart. As a child, Ronique loved to read books, sing and write poetry. When young she had difficulty connecting and conversing with people and other children. She chose to use music and stories as a way to help people understand her and to connect in the best way she could. Ronique comes from a long line of educators and child care workers, she is always willing to take care of any child who comes her way.
After discovering how children are treated in schools and how it affects their behavior, she started out as a behavior analyst working with kids with mental and physical disabilities. She strives to make a difference by making sure every child gets the best education no matter the circumstances. She finds joy in understanding the children around her and knowing that she’s able to guide them a sense of happiness, even during their worst moments. Ronique will be sharing her tender and loving guidance as an assistant teacher.

Nicole Rush was born in South Florida and raised in New Jersey where she grew up spending her days on the beach and hiking in the woods. She has been teaching youngsters since she was a young girl herself. Following that passion, she earned a Bachelors degree in Psychology and a Masters degree in Education from Rutgers University in 2003. Nicole has over ten years experience as a special/elementary school teacher. Nicole has also spent many summers volunteer teaching, hiking and exploring in Central America. In 2013, as state mandates and standardized testing took over, she decided to take a break from teaching in traditional public schools. She moved to Florida, became a certified dog trainer, and successfully established a dog walking/training business. During Covid, Nicole’s zest for teaching kids resurfaced and after 7 years as a business owner and home remodeler, she found herself dabbling with homeschooling with her little girls. She became immersed in Tinkergarten classes, planned lessons and crafts for neighborhood play groups, and assisted in local Montessori classrooms. It is no surprise, that she continued her own educational growth on forest schools and place based learning. Nicole has a strong conviction that social emotional growth is more important than academics, leading her to research and implement Brain-Based learning strategies and Responsive Classroom methodologies as a mother and educator. She believes in teaching kids to be reflective problem solvers while meeting curriculum objectives through music, movement and multi-sensory modalities. You will find her starting each day with morning meetings, messages, games, activities, and sharing circles-;enhancing youngsters social, emotional, and academic growth. It is this educational approach that draws her to Take Root for her youngest child and to join other “outside the box” Forest School teachers and and nature guides as part of the team. Nicole will be supporting and exploring with the Kinder Roots groups as they discover the trees, ponds and trails of the Broward forest.

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.

Leaha Perl, raised in South Florida, is a passionate nature-based educator, mother, and advocate for child-led learning. Her journey into creating workshops on childhood learning stems from her personal experience homeschooling her daughter. Through this experience, Leaha discovered that the key to motivating her daughter was by following her lead and establishing a rhythm that resonated with her natural curiosity. This approach not only helped her daughter thrive but also influenced Leaha’s teaching style in the classroom. Leaha holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in behavioral healthcare from the University of South Florida and her teaching certification from Florida Atlantic University. She is also a certified Forest School Teacher and has completed training in sustainability education. With over a decade of experience teaching math and sustainability in Broward County, Leaha played a pivotal role in helping Pines Middle School earn Green Apple status and Temple Beth Emet become the first Jewish Green School in Florida. She now offers nature-based educational programming for early childhood and works with educators to integrate child-led, nature-focused learning into traditional schools. Through her company, Mindful Nature Explorers, Leaha is dedicated to weaving spirituality, wellness, and environmental awareness into educational experiences for children and families. She also gives back to her community as a Wish Grant volunteer for Make-A-Wish of South Florida and serves as an advisory board member for Heal The Planet. When she’s not working, you can find Leaha in nature, dancing, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. Leaha will be providing exciting and supportive workshops for parents through the Take Root Forest Learning Community – Forest School at Home.