Our Team

Meet the Wild & Immersive team

Wild & Immersive leader holding up wild raspberries in the forest

Not only will you spend time communing with nature and making new friends at Wild & Immersive, you’ll also be interacting with our fun and knowledgeable staff.

Learn about our paths towards outdoor learning, our passion for the environment, and why we became involved with Wild & Immersive.

Victoria

Field Education Manager

Victoria has a B.Sc. in Biology and a masters in Ecological Restoration. Her passion for terrestrial ecosystem recovery led her to Wild & Immersive because she believes the first step in combating the current environmental crisis is to empower individuals to get out and enjoy their own backyards. Through exploration of the natural environment, comes curiosity, and curiosity seeks knowledge.

“Protecting our environment should be an easy sell: go outside, play, explore, ask, learn, and take action! Everyone is capable of doing this and Wild & Immersive is helping them do that.”

Christiane

W&I Coordinator

Originally from Northern Ontario, Christiane Smoroden graduated from Laurentian University with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences and complemented her academic journey with a certificate in Environmental Monitoring and Impact Assessment from Cambrian College. Christiane has been an integral part of the Wild & Immersive team since 2018.

“I am dedicated to educating youth and adults in fluent French and English on how to be stewards and I believe that begins with knowledge of the nature that surrounds you. The impact of this information creates a fondness and a bond one has with nature. If everyone was an environmental steward, its condition could be fully restored. We are the voice for nature!”

Kjersten

Outdoor Educator

After finishing a diploma in Outdoor Leadership at CBC in Abbotsford, she’s currently working towards a BA in Applied Leadership. Several summers working at a camp as a lifeguard, teaching outdoor activities, and a year with BC Parks as a student park ranger led her to Wild & immersive. Her focus is ecological restoration and public outreach to inform others on animal safety and leave no trace principles.

“The Wild & Immersive team are a great group of people teaching things that I am passionate about. I enjoy spending time outdoors and with kids, I strive to pass on knowledge and respect of the creation that we live in to future generations.”

Christina

Outdoor Educator

Originally from Seattle, Christina has been living in BC for over 10 years, originally moving up to Vancouver to attend UBC. She then moved to Nelson and completed her Bachelor of Education through UBC’s West Kootenay Rural Education Program. She worked as an elementary school teacher for several years before moving back to the Lower Mainland and focusing on outdoor education.

“I love learning outside and helping students build relationships with the natural world. I’m excited to explore the area and find the best berry picking spots!”

Kaitlyn

Program Facilitator

Currently pursuing an Outdoor Environmental Education diploma from UBC, Kaitlyn holds a BA in Geography with a minor in Environmental Studies from UVic. Kaitlyn brings her experience in ecosystem restoration, and youth leadership to the Wild & Immersive programs. She thrives on working with kids, finding their curiosity and creativity both inspiring and energizing. While at Wild & Immersive, Kaitlyn is excited to help others experience the mental, physical and social benefits of outdoor activities.

“There are endless things to learn from nature, it is where I feel the most myself and at peace. I believe the more people that can connect with nature the more we can care for it and each other.”

Aaron

Program Facilitator

Recently graduated from UBC with a Bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature, Aaron is now pursuing a career in education. Beyond his involvement with W&I, Aaron is committed to promoting recreational activities for young people at the Greg Moore Youth Centre. He creates a welcoming environment where youth can engage in activities and take ownership of their space. He enjoys giving kids the freedom to play and experiment, and he is often impressed by their creative responses. An avid hiker, Aaron has recently developed a passion for mushrooms and is becoming a budding mycologist. He looks forward to exploring and discovering fascinating fungi alongside local foresters.

” I am excited to be part of the Wild and Immersive Forest School team as our programs allow for kids of all backgrounds to develop skills and learn in a stimulating and enriched environment.”

Jennifer

Program Facilitator

Jennifer’s passion for the environment developed at a very young age, growing up in a family who loved being outdoors and learning about nature. She loved her teachers as a child, and this inspired her to become a teacher in order to have a positive impact in children’s lives from a young age. Jennifer has her Honors Bachelor of Applied Science with a Major in Early Childhood Studies and a Diploma in Early Childhood Education.

I am proud to be a part of the Wild & Immersive team because of how they whole heartedly root their programs in nature and make sure that we always keep learning about the environment around us.

Jessica

Program Facilitator

Originally from Southern Ontario, Jess earned a BA in Geography and has spent several years exploring her passion for natural processes and hands-on learning. Her background as an art instructor and appreciation for outdoor education has fuelled her love for helping children connect with nature. Jess cares deeply about sustainable practices, and sources natural materials for artistic projects that honour the environment while leaving no trace.

“I’m excited to be part of the Wild & Immersive team, helping children discover the magic our natural world provides and fostering a sense of wonder that can last a lifetime.”

Have an interest in helping others and learning more about teaching in an alternative, natural classroom?

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