Sara “Bear” Wolthers
Co-Founder / Board Chairperson

“I love seeing how capable children are”
Sara has spent 29 years of her life in Fall River, NS, having been raised there and now raising her own family there. She spent her post-secondary years in Sackville, NB, obtaining a degree in Psychology from Mount Allison University and being introduced the world of Autism Spectrum Disorder. She spent the next seven years working with children with Autism as both an Early Interventionist and with the IWK’s Early Intensive Behavioural Intervention Program where she was trained in both Non-Violent Crisis Intervention and Positive Behaviour Support for preschoolers. She was introduced to the wild through the Canadian Cadet Movement and has been hiking, camping and canoeing since the age of 12. This introduction lead to 15 years as a reserve officer in the Canadian Forces. Currently, Sara’s full-time endeavour is at Autism Nova Scotia and the raising of her two children, Tessa and Ryker. Sara attended the Forest School Canada Practitioners’ Course in Sussex, NB in August 2016.

Kellie “Hare” Allen
Co-Founder / Lewis Lake Lead

“Nature is awe-inspiring. Exploring the woods with kids makes me feel fully alive.”
Kellie moved to Nova Scotia with her family in 2012. Having been raised in northern BC and southern ON, she has spent the last 9 years exploring Canada’s Ocean Playground. Prior to working at home with her 9 and 11 year olds, she was a Director at a small non-profit called Careforce International. She spent 12 years working with children and youth around the world by training and leading groups of Canadians to conduct camps, workshops and building projects. Her sweet spot was working alongside Canada’s Indigenous youth on remote reserves. Kellie loves variety and has also worked as a home daycare provider and summer camp director. Her recent volunteer portfolio includes Co-chairing the St. Margaret’s Bay Stewardship Association, Secretary of BTCA, SMB Toy Library and Teaching children at Lifeboat Church. She has her BA in English and Communications and now having her Forest School Practitioner training, she is excited to enjoy learning alongside the children and youth of HRM.

Sarah “Songbird” Cooke
Play Practitioner

“Kids are the best. They say the most entertaining things and we have a blast exploring and learning together.” 

Sarah has been a resident of Nova Scotia her whole life and is a proud Scotian! Her love for the outdoors started at a young age. Every summer would be filled with family camping trips across the Atlantic provinces. Sarah is currently attending Dalhousie University working her way towards a Bachelor of Science. When not at her cool Forest School job, Sarah is playing music in bands. She was also part of the cadet program where she got lots of leadership and wilderness training. Sarah is excited to bring her love of music and the outdoors to Forest School for her 5th summer.

Anneka “Lynx” Dunnewold

Play Practitioner

Anneka “Lynx” Dunnewold is so excited for another summer of playing in, learning about, and exploring the forest! Lynx is a music student at Acadia University, hoping to specialize in education and eventually become a music teacher. When she’s not practicing her clarinet, Lynx spends her time hiking, canoeing, camping, or cooking outside. She can’t wait to share her love for nature with your children! Anneka can be found at our Fall River site.

Rose “Snail” Cassidy
Play Practitioner

My name is Rose but my forest name is Snail. I am currently a student at MSVU working towards a bachelors degree in child and youth studies, but my ultimate goal is to get my education degree and teach elementary school. I have a certification in CPR and AED. I love to spend hours in the garden working to grow little plants or out on walks with my puppies, Apollo, Dexter and Finn! Don’t get me wrong though, I also enjoy a rainy day inside playing games or reading books. I also enjoy expressing myself through painting and sketches. I can’t wait to meet the kiddos and get to know their parents as well!

Jill “Fox” Ramsay – Play Practitioner

Jill “Fox” Ramsay (she/her) brings over five years of experience to her role as a Lead Instructor at Roots and Boots Forest School. Jillian has pioneered two of our programs, the “Maple Buds” parents and tots program and the weekend naturalist and survivalist program, “Forest Fledglings.” With a Master’s in Resource and Environmental Management, Jill is committed to environmental education, specializing in wilderness safety, plant identification, and fostering connections between self, community and nature. She brings valuable experience from her role as a Stewardship Intern at The Nature Conservancy of Canada, where she planned and facilitated environmentally oriented community events and collaborated with Indigenous partners on conservation initiatives. Beyond her professional endeavors, Jillian is actively involved in community initiatives, including moderating a local Buy Nothing Community group. With her extensive leadership experience, Jill is eager to continue shaping the next generation of environmental stewards at Roots and Boots Forest School.

Fran “Fern” Bamford
Play Practitioner

Fran “Fern” Bamford moved from the UK in 2007 and has put her own roots firmly down here in Nova Scotia. She qualified as a teacher in the UK and, for the past 13 years, has worked as a junior high teacher to students with a range of learning, social, and emotional needs. Fran completed her Masters of Education at Mount Saint Vincent University in 2015. She continues to be excited about different ways of teaching and learning and sees great value in spending time outside and engaged with the world around us. In 2021, Fran completed the Forest School Practitioner Certificate and is always looking for opportunities to give kids time to connect with nature and each other.