Nature Preschool Conference

Fri. and Sat., June 8-9, 2012

Presenter Biographies

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

David Sobel
David Sobel is a revered educator and writer who has illuminated the philosophy of place-based education on an international level. He has authored numerous books including Childhood and Nature: Design Principles for Educators (Stenhouse Publishers, 2008); Place-Based Education: Connecting Classrooms and Communities (Great Barrington, MA: Orion Society, 2004); Mapmaking with Children: Sense-of-Place Education for the Elementary Years (Portsmouth, NH: Heineman, 1998); Children's Special Places: Exploring the Role of Forts, Dens, and Bush Houses in Middle Childhood (Tucson, AZ: Zephyr Press, 1993); Beyond Ecophobia: Reclaiming the Heart in Nature Education (Great Barrington, MA: Orion Society, 1996). Sobel is currently Director of Certificate Programs at Antioch University New England.

PRESENTERS

Marty Watson
Marty Watson began her work as Director of Dodge Nature Preschool in St. Paul, Minnesota in 2008. She has extensive experience working with students of all ages during her 30-year career in education. Marty incorporates the Reggio Emilia approach to develop innovative nature-based curriculum that nurtures relationship between student and teacher.

Stephanie Bozzo
Established in 2006, the Audubon Nature Preschool educates budding environmentalists under the stewardship of founding director Stephanie Bozzo. Stephanie is passionate about conservation and the little ones she teaches. She will be presenting with Katie Rooney, an esteemed fellow educator at ANP.



Monica Wiedel-Lubinski
As founding director, Monica strives to provide a well-rounded foundation for students through nature-based learning at The Nature Preschool. She began offering nature series for preschoolers in 1999 at Irvine prior to formal establishment as The Nature Preschool in 2010. In addition, her education writing has been featured in print and online publications. She was also instrumental in the design and ever-evolving expansion of the Outdoor Classroom at Irvine. She will be presenting with Assistant Director Karen Madigan.