Our Team

Daniel, our lead teacher at Little Finch, brings a wealth of experience, having taught at our school for the past 7 years. Following the principles of the Coyote Guide, his curriculum focuses on connecting children with nature. Daniel's favorite activities with the kids include exciting adventures like mushroom hunting, fort building, engaging in reflective practices, singing songs, and sharing stories—activities that align perfectly with Little Finch's core values as a forest school. Additionally, Daniel has completed his Level 2 training with the Forest Kindergarten Teacher Training Program at the Academy of Forest Kindergarten, further enriching his expertise in nature-based education.

Cristina, the founder of Little Finch Forest School, has been passionately involved with the school since its establishment in July 2018. Having a background in Child and Adolescent Development, she holds a BA in Early Childhood Development and a later MA in Elementary Education from San Francisco State University. Prior to starting Little Finch, Cristina taught at Montessori and Reggio Emilia inspired private schools in San Francisco for several years.

Her journey as an educator led her to be deeply inspired by Richard Louv's book, "Last Child in the Woods," which highlighted the growing disconnect between children and nature. This realization motivated Cristina to create an all-outdoor program that nurtures a strong connection to nature, as she firmly believes that nature provides the ideal learning environment for children at any stage of their development.

Through her years of directing and teaching at Little Finch, Cristina has observed and documented the profound impact of nature on children's learning and development. She considers herself fortunate to be able to offer a program that fosters a meaningful relationship between children and the natural world.

Though Cristina has stepped out of her directorial role, she remains actively involved in the administrative aspect of Little Finch Forest School. Her dedication to nurturing a love for nature in children and providing them with a holistic learning experience continues to be the guiding force behind the school's mission.

Madison has led as a Nature Educator with Little Finch for 5 years. She is a lifelong researcher of imaginative expression, mind-body connection, and play-based learning. 

She is passionate about tending a space where children can express themselves freely, practice relating with others, and explore the natural environment. With her Masters from the University of Houston’s PATP, she offers a range of professional work in artistic development and creative collaboration. She continues ongoing study with the Academy of Forest Kindergarten Teachers and scaffolds her curriculum from The Coyotes Guide. 

She wants every student to experience the many gifts of learning outdoors, from nervous-system regulation to personal resilience. Her teaching style is marked by her deep love of the woods, the wild, and the whimsical.