Meet Our Team
Sydney
Sydney, the creative force behind Brooklyn Trails, has spent a decade shaping enchanting early education programs in New York. Her journey is a tapestry of kindness, curiosity, and radiant warmth, carefully woven together with a profound dedication to child-centered teaching. Her most cherished compliments from students have been likening her to Miss Honey from Roald Dahls, "Matilda" and the feeling of being in one of "The Magic School Bus" books while at Brooklyn Trails.
It all began at Pitzer College, where Sydney's passion for teaching soared. From leading weekly food justice workshops for formerly incarcerated women to guiding creative writing classes for those still navigating the prison system, her commitment to inclusive and compassionate education took root.
Upon relocating to New York, Sydney's teaching expanded to include parent-child and caregiver-child play classes, spanning from Union Square Play to private homes across Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Long Island. Her path then led her to the natural wonders of Central Park, where she embarked on teaching Waldorf-based discovery classes with Brooklyn Forest, ultimately sowing the seeds of Brooklyn Trails in 2020.
Innovation and resourcefulness are Sydney's guiding lights as she embraces recycled, low-waste, and natural materials, creating spaces that ignite imagination, problem-solving, and collaboration. For her, education isn't merely about imparting knowledge; it's about sparking a lifelong passion for learning, art-making, and play, where children feel safe and confident enough in their learning environment to take risks, question the world around them, and stand up for their beliefs.
In her teaching, Sydney encourages children to see art as a precious tool tucked in their pocket, ready to help them untangle their feelings and process emotions. She believes that art-making offers a safe haven, whether one is seeking to find calm and flow or navigating something big and new. Emphasizing process over product, Sydney refrains from commenting on children's creations, empowering them to form their own perceptions about their work and fostering a culture of experimentation and ephemeral creation. Her approach instills in her students the understanding that not every creation needs to be a masterpiece adorning the fridge.
Alyssa
Alyssa is a dedicated youth educator, urban gardener, and community herbalist with a passion for guiding others in deepening their connection with themselves, their community, and the natural world—even within the bustling confines of a big city. Holding a degree in Science, Technology, and Society from Vassar College, Alyssa's journey in education began during the last three years of college as a Garden Educator at Poughkeepsie Farm Project, closely engaging with school-age children.
Upon graduating, she brought her determination back to New York City, focusing on continued work with children outdoors. For two years, Alyssa facilitated parent-child classes with Brooklyn Forest, providing a platform for children to explore nature and their senses in the scenic landscapes of Central Park and Prospect Park. Simultaneously, she worked with children with developmental disabilities, enhancing their skills in emotion regulation, socialization, and communication. Alyssa's approach involves creating educational and engaging activities tailored to each child's interests, fostering a dynamic learning environment.
Every child brings new curiosities and questions, and Alyssa finds joy in the process of shaping educational experiences that incorporate the unique interests of each individual. Through this, she has discovered the profound joy of staying present with youth and viewing the world through their curious eyes.
Beyond her work with children, Alyssa dedicates her time to supporting a growing community of BBIPOC herbalists. She offers avenues for reconnecting with the earth through educational classes, song, art, and nature study, contributing to the development of a vibrant and connected community. Alyssa's multifaceted commitment to education, nature, and community reflects her vibrant spirit and unwavering dedication to fostering growth and connection in diverse settings.
Katherine
Katherine is not just a poet and educator; she is a lifelong custodian of the natural world. Growing up in rural Tennessee, her days were shaped by foraging, running around barefoot, and immersing herself in the solitude of the woods. With a decade of experience working with children, Katherine has crafted a teaching practice rooted in non-hierarchical learning principles. Her approach prioritizes the sharing of knowledge and power, environmental stewardship, reciprocity, and the affirmation of diverse forms of expression.
Her introduction to Forest School occurred while working as an assistant teacher in a Kindergarten classroom at the Co-op School, where she dedicated four years of her teaching career. Later, she co-created and led a mixed-age Forest School-inspired playgroup called Albemarle School. During her time at the Co-op School, Katherine developed a curriculum for summer camp classes in writing and bookmaking.
In addition to her work at the Co-op School, Katherine teaches poetry workshops and literature courses at Brooklyn College, where she earned her MFA in poetry in 2019. Beyond the classroom, you'll find Katherine tending to her stoop garden, expanding her bird species life list, or delving into the world of fiber arts. Her multifaceted pursuits reflect a deep connection to nature, a passion for education, and a commitment to fostering diverse forms of expression in the world.
