DRW Interview Early Childhood Environmental Educator: Megan Gessler

Megan is the Early Childhood Program Coordinator for The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois where she leads their nature-based early childhood program within 1700 acres of diverse habitat including forests, prairie, creeks, oak savannas, and lakes.  She has nine years of experience managing and teaching at nature-based preschools.  Megan is also the founder of Northern Illinois Nature Preschool Association (NINPA), the first association for nature-preschools in America, as well as a part of the Leadership Team with the Natural Start Alliance, part of NAAEE. She holds a Masters Degree in Education along with a Certificate in Nature-Based Early Childhood Education from Antioch University New England and she is a featured contributor in David Sobel's recent book: The Sky Above and the Mud Below: Lessons from Nature Preschools and Forest Kindergartens.   Little Trees Early Learning Program website: https://www.mortonarb.org/learn-experience/youth-and-family-programs/little-trees NINPA website: https://ninpa.org/ Contributing Author: https://www.redleafpress.org/Sky-Above-and-the-Mud-Below-Lessons-from-Nature-Preschools-and-Forest-Kindergartens-P2424.aspx Resources: Storypark website:   https://www.storypark.com/