About
Our Mission
Wild in Wonder Forest & Nature School was created with the vision and mission of supporting a child-led, play-based, inquiry-driven, and holistic approach to learning through connecting children to the natural world. We believe the natural world to be a rich environment for learning in which all children have the right to freely play. We recognize that extended free play outdoors is often a missing component in our children's education. Therefore, we seek to close this gap by having as many children as possible running around wild in wonder for the natural world around them. Currently, we are offering forest school programs for children 3-11 years old.
To learn more about our mission and vision, as well as the Forest School ethos, please refer to our parent handbook.
Meet the facilitators!
Karalynn Hubbard- Founder & Lead Facilitator
My name is Karalynn Hubbard and I am the founder and lead facilitator of Wild in
Wonder Forest and Nature School. I was born and raised in Southern Alberta where I
developed a love of the natural world. I graduated from the University of Lethbridge with
a combined degree in French and Education and taught French Immersion to
elementary aged students for 2 years. My experience teaching was wonderful, but most
days I longed to be outside with the students learning in a less prescribed and more
natural way. I also saw a great need for children to become connected to the land. When
I was introduced to forest school, I realized that many of my values as an educator were
in alignment with its educational ethos. I am now a certified Forest & Nature School practitioner through the Child & Nature Alliance of Canada who is committed to supporting children’s learning in the natural world. I look forward to the rich and meaningful learning that will unfold with the children of Wild in Wonder in the Crowsnest Pass.
When I am not learning with children in the outdoors, I am spending time with my family, hiking, practicing yoga, or bird watching with my husband.
Hello, I'm Janae!
I was born in Calgary and grew up in Southern Alberta. I've always loved the outdoors, and am thrilled to be helping with Wild in Wonder Forest school. My family moved to the Pass last year, and we have completely fallen in love with the mountains and people here. As a relationship enthusiast, I completed my Bachelors degree in Marriage and Family Science. My schooling largely involved child development and the science behind environments and factors contributing to a child's wellbeing. As a certified Family Life Educator, I believe outside play is an integral part of a child's growth and development. There is no replacement for these rich nature experiences. Let's get outside and explore Wild in Wonder in the Crowsnest Pass!
Janae Stephan- Facilitator
My name is Simone Walton. I was born and raised in Crowsnest Pass. Through my teen years I found I always gravited towards working with children in the community through coaching and working as a facilitator for the Boys and Girls club. My passion for children led me to obtain my level 3 diploma in early childhood education at the Medicine Hat College. My education provided me the privilege of teaching for many years at the Medicine Hat College Daycare in the preschool room. I eventually moved to Moose Jaw where I worked teaching again in a preschool room and with the Moose Jaw multicultural center to integrate refugee families into Canadian culture.
I had my son in 2012 and worked as a substitute teacher for the Moose Jaw school board before my longing for the forest and mountains motivated me to move home. I wanted to raise my son in the same beautiful environment I had the privilege to grow up in myself. Up until now I have remained a stay at home mom and dedicated my time to raising my son who is now ten. I am also currently teaching a kids martial arts program. I am very excited to be back working with children along side people that share the same values.
Simone Walton-Facilitator
My passion for learning, discovering and being outdoors goes back as far as I can remember, my love for sharing that with others started in my teens as I increased my volunteering with Girl Guides of Canada.
I grew up half in Lethbridge and half on Vancouver Island. I received my bachelor of Natural Resource Protection from Nanaimo’s Vancouver Island University with hopes of returning to the Rocky Mountains and I’ve been here ever since.
I love being out in nature and exploring it with others too.