Dr. Kendall Becherer
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In 2014, I co-founded TOAD School, an outdoor school that meets in public parks and on a local farm. I was looking for a space to help my (then 6-month-old) son learn to enjoy the outdoors. I grew up mostly indoors, doing art, music, studying and teaching. I thought that because I didn't like bugs or being cold that meant I didn't like being outdoors, but I've learned that there are so many other things to love about nature (and I can manage my discomfort). I have worked intentionally to make nature more a part of our family's life, and through this experience I have learned a lot about outdoor learning and child development, nature schools, forest kindergartens, outdoor gear and safety, and many other topics related to outdoor schooling.
In the fall of 2016, I trained with Erin Kenny at Cedarsong Forest Kindergarten on Vashon Island, earning a level 3 certificate. I’m now a co-director of the Washington Nature Preschool Association (WaNPA), where I helped coordinate the 2016 & 2017 Gatherings of 40+ Washington State outdoor school teachers and administrators. I recently gave a presentation at the 2017 Nature-based Preschool National Conference on "Helping Parents Understand the Ins & Outs of Outdoor Schooling." Occasionally, I substitute for my son’s local nature school, where I love taking photos of kids engaging with nature and each other.
In the fall of 2016, I trained with Erin Kenny at Cedarsong Forest Kindergarten on Vashon Island, earning a level 3 certificate. I’m now a co-director of the Washington Nature Preschool Association (WaNPA), where I helped coordinate the 2016 & 2017 Gatherings of 40+ Washington State outdoor school teachers and administrators. I recently gave a presentation at the 2017 Nature-based Preschool National Conference on "Helping Parents Understand the Ins & Outs of Outdoor Schooling." Occasionally, I substitute for my son’s local nature school, where I love taking photos of kids engaging with nature and each other.