Melissa / Founder, Lead Teacher
Melissa is a mother of two children who loves hiking, camping, and traveling with her family. These experiences have shaped her view as a global citizen, with a deep belief in social justice, cultural appreciation, and the importance of connecting children to nature.
She is the founder of Verde Wildwood Forest School and also teaches Spanish at an independent school in Seattle. Melissa holds a statewide Early Childhood Education (ECE) certificate, a short certificate in School-Age Care, and an AAST degree in Early Childhood Education. She is currently pursuing a degree in Children, Youth, and Families Studies to further strengthen her ability to support families as a whole.
Erik / Summer Camp Director
Erik is a Seattle native, father of two outrageous children, and husband to Melissa. Outside of living and teaching in Seattle, he spent two years living and teaching in Guatemala with his family. During the school year, Erik teaches full-time at an independent school in Ballard, WA. Erik is a Washington State-certified teacher with a decade of teaching experience and holds a Master of Arts in Teaching degree. Recently, Erik earned the Certificate in School Management and Leadership from Harvard University.
Erik has led and directed a wide variety of summer programs over the last 20+ years. These programs reinforced his love and appreciation for the natural world that surrounds us all. Sharing the wonders of the PNW with his wife and children has rekindled Erik’s desire to foster similar joy within each child he works with.
Seattle, WA, 98155
contact@verdewildwood.org
(425) 998-4610
Learning outdoors - growing wildly 