Parent and Teacher Testimonials

“Carolyn has such a special way of communicating with both parents and children. She finds the most beautiful places to explore and helps support and guide you on the most wonderful adventures. I’ve learned so much from her about how to allow my child, and myself, to feel safe and comfortable in wild spaces in nature.”

“As a Pediatrician I think the best thing we can do for our children now is to take them out into nature and spend time with them. And doing that in small groups with a trusted teacher and guide is such a wonderful way to do that. We all need the mental and physical health benefits of being together in nature and outdoor spaces are the safest places to be together and to avoid the risk of COVID-19 transmission."

Lauire Bostick Cammon, MD and mother

“When working with children and parents, teacher Carolyn uses her extensive knowledge of developmentally appropriate play in conjunction with her innate intuition about what each child needs. She’s sensitive to the constantly changing overall mood of the group and is flexible in altering activities depending on what’s going on.  She’s comfortable with the many strong emotions of young children, and appropriately views conflict resolution as a natural part of any curriculum. Kids love her!”

-Tonya Jacobs, mother of two children who were both in Carolyn’s classes at Mountain School

“Carolyn was my daughter's first preschool teacher when she was just 2 years old.  We loved Carolyn so much and were fortunate enough to follow her to the next parent participation preschool that held classes in the beautiful mountains near Santa Cruz.  Carolyn is one of those people who has a gift for working with children.  She is so patient, intuitive, caring and nurturing.  She is so creative with the games she plays with the kids.  We still play some we learned from her.  They loved all of the healthy cooking projects she did outdoors, and the still like trying new foods. My children are now 9 and 10 and we have kept in touch, my children still adore her.  She is a true master at bringing nature, music and fun to learning together.”

-Stephanie Lasher Jones, mother of two, Dietitian

“Carolyn is wonderful, caring, and compassionate teacher.  She’s so much fun, engaging but also firm and encouraging to the kids. She really encourages children’s creativity. Some of our best preschool memories were with Carolyn at Mountain School in Los Gatos. I’m so grateful I made a physical photo album from those days. Having an insightful, experienced, and nurturing teacher like Carolyn made all the difference in our lives! My daughter is now in 5th grade and we’re still in touch.”

-Kelly Haiso Klocker, Mother and Artist

“Carolyn is a mindful and experienced naturalist. Our children absorbed her positive attitude, caring and love throughout her program. Every time I picked up my kids, their beautiful smiles told me how enjoyable their times with Carolyn. Both of my boys remember their times outdoors with fondness.”

-Stephanie Kwok, San Jose, CA

“Carolyn is passionate about outdoor play for young children.  With years of experience working with children and educating parents, families will be in good hands. Her ideas are both fresh and grounded in research.”

-Amanda Bell, Owner Santa Cruz Forest School 

“Carolyn is an incredible teacher who deeply cares about children and families. Her passion for the outdoors and nature shines through her teaching as she wants children to experience the joy and benefits from being in nature and connecting with it. Carolyn is excellent at fostering children’s natural curiosity and wonder as she explores the natural world together with them.”

Jutta Braken-Guelke (Preschool Teacher at Los Gatos-Saratoga Observation Nursery School aka “Mountain School”)

“Carolyn is a breath of fresh air introducing nature to the children and families. Working together, problem solving and experimenting. Mixing and baking on a creek side bed, hiking in the forest, exploring under an old stump enjoying the surprises you find when you slow down and take in what surrounds us.

I have worked with Carolyn for 10 plus years in an nature based primarily outdoor school. The appreciation of nature and passion for the outdoors she passes on to all, myself included.”

Sharon, LGSONS Teacher

“Time spent in a natural setting with Teacher Carolyn is magical. She helps to open our senses to the details and simple pleasures that a walk in the forest has to offer, whether a child, parent or fellow teacher.”

Teacher Sarah, Mountain School