CO DIRECTOR & FACILITATOR

After working in journalism and not-for-profit organisations in her child-free life, Ilona has decided to switch her focus on providing outdoor learning and play opportunities for children in east London. Ilona is a Forest School leader and has trained in permaculture.

As a home educating mother of three she sees value in following a child’s lead and letting them explore and take risks. Growing up in Latvia, Ilona spent childhood foraging wild strawberries in summer and sledging down the snowy hills in winter.

TEAM MEMBER & FACILITATOR

Tasha is a mum of three, home educator, ex primary school teacher, Forest School Leader and wanna-be self-directed education facilitator.

She is passionate about children's rights, self-directed education as an option for all, nature, the study of biology and expressing all of the above in art. Tasha’s love for the natural world started when she was home educated as a child and led her to study Biology to degree level. She is excited to be part of a community that treats children with mutual respect and egality and allows families to offer a self-directed education to their children.

TEAM MEMBER & FACILITATOR

Elena is a Forest School Leader and a self-directed education facilitator who firmly believes that spending time in outdoor green spaces is crucial for the healthy and holistic development of children. Elena's practice integrates ethos of Deep Ecology, the insights of environmental psychology, and the practices of round speak, Compassionate Communication and Nonviolent Communication.

Elena spent her childhood in the historic and culturally rich city of Rome. Growing up with a strict routine, she found herself yearning for moments of unbridled play and creative self-expression. This personal experience, where opportunities for play were few, led to profound introspection throughout her journey into motherhood which blossomed into a passionate advocacy for child-led play. Today her mission is to restore to our children the freedom and self-led exploration that previous generations enjoyed.

CO DIRECTOR

Monica is a mother of three with a background in marketing and project management.

Her fondest childhood memories include exploring the hills, creeks, woods and beaches of California with her sisters and friends.

She got involved with Curious by Nature after seeing the benefits that child-led play, in nature, with a consistent group had for her own children’s development and wellbeing, along with her own wellbeing.