Forest Nursery School Team

Our Team includes one Forest School Practitioner and ECE II (Early Childhood Educator), one CCA (Child Care Assistant) and, whenever possible, a volunteer. We maintain a 1:6 ratio of Educators to Children, in line with FNS recommendations.

Our Educators

Esther McNairnay, ECE II

Co-Founder, Primary Educator

I am an ECE and Forest School Practitioner living and working in South Osborne. I have worked with children in the Riverview neighbourhood for almost 20 years. I have a BA in Human Geography which has shaped my interest and perspective on how children interact with the places they spend time in - how they shape these places and, in turn, how they are shaped by them. I consider my work connecting children to the land to be environmental justice work.
I know children to be trustworthy, capable and competent, and filled with wonder and curiosity. My work centres on building strong, caring relationships with children, families, and the land. Through this trust, care and attention, I believe children are afford room to play freely and deeply.

Katie Daman, CCA

Secondary Educator

I live in South Osborne and have been involved in community projects for over ten years, including co-founding the South Osborne Farmers' Market. I am passionate about co-creating strong, nourishing, relational communities for everyone. While I am still new to the field of Early Childhood Education, I am not new to caring for children or spending time outside. I am currently studying towards my Developmental Studies degree at U of W. The care I offer children is grounded in values that centre physical, emotional, and psychological safety, play, secure attachment, harm reduction, and autonomy. I believe it is one of the greatest privileges in life to have a child choose to trust you, and to be able to learn from them and the ways they experience the world when they are feeling safe and supported.

Alicia Alphonso, ECE III

Consultant

I am a proud band member of Waywayseecappo First Nation with roots in Guyana, South America. Winnipeg, along the Red River in fort rouge has been my home. My journey into the world of Childcare began in 2008, driven by a strong belief in the potential of every child. I knew that furthering my education would allow me to make an even greater impact. This led me to pursue a degree in Developmental Studies at the University of Winnipeg, where I gained deeper insight into child development and early childhood education. Graduating with my BA in June of 2024 has been one of my proudest achievements, affirming my commitment to nurturing the next generation. As a consultant, I am passionate about incorporating more cultural teachings and land-based education into early childhood programs.

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Tessa Allen

Substitute

Tessa lives in neighbourhood and joined us at the centre in 2018. She previously worked at the Riverview Community Centre establishing their day camp and conducting historical research on Riverview. Tessa will be taking her ECE diploma in 2025.

Corine Anderson, Executive Director, ECE III & Forest School Practitioner

Co-Founder

Corine is originally from Saskatchewan where she studied Fine Arts at U of S. She has worked in ELCC for almost 25 years in Alberta, BC and Manitoba. She sits on the Public Policy & Professionalism Committee at the Manitoba Child Care Association and is the Treasurer of the Manitoba Nature Summit. When she’s not at forest school or RACC, you can find her in her garden or making soup.