Meet Our Team
Why do we call our teachers, guides?
Your class guide is there to guide you through the rhythm of the class. They will listen to the rhythm of the children and adjust as needed.
Giving children this experience of an open plan and allowing them to follow their own curiosity is a powerful part of our programs.
Our guides bring their own unique expertise to your outdoor experience with nature!
Claudine, Founder & Outdoor Educator
I’m a mom of 3 kiddos, certified outdoor educator, nature based training facilitator, community builder, and logistics magician! My love for the outdoors and passion for building communities inspired me to create classes that are 100% outdoors, all-weather, and focused on the interests of the children involved.
Making outdoor education accessible to all families has always been the top priority of my mission. Our support team and class guides are all passionate about this mission, and I am honored to have a team so dedicated to getting more children outdoors! Outdoor Play Connection brings the benefits of nature and community to families all over the region!
When I am not in the forest as a mentor or class guide, you’ll still find me adventuring outdoors with my kids. Doing so allows us to enjoy the benefits of nature and makes the days go by easier. My favorite outdoor activities are surfing, hiking, and camping.
Guides
Certified Outdoor Educator: Level 1 with ANBE
Nature School Lead Guide
Outdoor Creators Lead Guide
Emma - Programming Director
I'm a homeschooling mom of two girls who loves to spend time outside rain or shine. I have been a member or leader in a variety of homeschooling co-ops over the years. I have worked with Claudine in a variety of roles for the past six years. When not spending time in the forest I am an avid reader and I love to crochet.
Mari - Programming Manager
Certified Outdoor Educator: Level 1 with ANBE
Outdoor Creators Lead Guide
Nature School Guide
I’m originally from Orange County, California; living in NJ for the past 17 years. I’m a mother of a 3 year old boy named Jack, and happily married to my eccentric husband Nick who I met in a mosh pit at a My Chemical Romance concert. I enjoy visiting theme parks with my family, traveling, trying new recipes, video games, and music. In addition, I’m bilingual- English/ Spanish. My favorite character is Ariel from the Little Mermaid, my favorite color is black and I cannot get enough of iced coffee. I can now proudly say I enjoy the great outdoors thanks to this wonderful community started by Claudine.
Audra
Nature School Guide
I have spent my life seeking and exploring natural places from the woods of the Appalachians to the beaches of California to the mountains of Afghanistan. With over 20 years experience as a teacher and mother, I can't wait to share this love and excitement with your children. When not out adventuring, I love doing yoga, reading and spending time with dear friends.
Brittany
Nature School Guide
Brittany is a rewilding mom of three mud-loving kids. As a former English teacher with a Masters in Education, she has taught grades 6-12, run interdisciplinary enrichment programs for elementary and middle school students, and designed programming and professional development for schools across the country. Brittany now spends her time building systems of support to ensure that all young people have access to the things they need most—including community and time in nature.
Margie
Nature School Guide
Mom of a young nature and bug lover. I'm a bodyworker and yoga instructor. I have taught elementary school children from pre-k to 7th grade and I've also worked with autistic children for many years. Nature has always been my happy place, I enjoy exploring the world through the eyes of children as their curiosity and wonder brings joy to me.
Sam
Nature School Guide
Sam is an educator with over four years of professional experience in environmental education and animal care. He has worked as a Naturalist at Flat Rock Brook Nature Center and as an Educator at the Bergen County Zoo, where he developed and led programs for audiences of all ages.
Currently pursuing a degree in Environmental Studies, Sam combines his academic background with a lifelong fascination with wildlife and the natural world. He is passionate about helping others build meaningful connections with nature and understand the role each of us plays in protecting the environment.
Aidil
Outdoor Creators Guide
I am a single mom of two adventurous homeschooled boys. I am originally from the Dominican Republic, raised in NYC, and a NJ resident since 2022. My kids are the reason why I have grown a love of the outdoors, and they are helping me conquer my fear of bugs. I went on a foraging experience once and I absolutely fell in love with nature. I enjoy being outdoors not only because my kids love it, but because I find it grounding, freeing, and calming. I love the warm sunny weather, traveling, and dancing. I also enjoy learning new things and cooking from scratch.
Support Team
Sam, OBM
Sam is our Online Business Manager and Systems Expert! She helps make everything run smoothly and efficiently. Sam joined OPC from the beginning of our classes launching, and is the backbone of making all the information you receive seamless. Her ability to make things efficient frees up time for us to focus on creating the best programs for you!
Sam lives in England and has 7 animals! They love being part of her business, especially appearing on zoom calls!
Systems, Automation Expert
