Our Team
One of the things that sets us apart is our outstanding team of well-trained facilitators. All of our facilitators are friendly, professionally accredited guides, educators and/or nature connection mentors. We specialize in creating a fun and safe space for children to learn at their own pace and follow their individual interests.
Dave Verhulst
Dave has been sharing his passion for the natural and cultural history of wild places in Alberta for 18 years. He has a Master's degree in Recreation Management, is an accredited Master Interpretive Guide through the Interpretive Guides Association and a Wilderness First Responder. He is now working towards completion of Forest School Canada's practitioner's certification.
Dave has had a colourful career in the outdoors - In addition to his work with Nature's Tracks Forest Play, he works as a facilitator for the Pacific Centre for Leadership and for Leadership Development at the Banff Centre. He has worked as a Nordic Ski Instructor, Jackrabbits coach, Fire Communications Officer for Parks Canada, Executive Director of the Interpretive Guides Association, a canoeing guide and as a park interpreter in the mountain national parks and in Dinosaur Provincial Park. He loves playing outside, sharing stories and connecting both children and adults with the magic of the natural world.
Dave has had a colourful career in the outdoors - In addition to his work with Nature's Tracks Forest Play, he works as a facilitator for the Pacific Centre for Leadership and for Leadership Development at the Banff Centre. He has worked as a Nordic Ski Instructor, Jackrabbits coach, Fire Communications Officer for Parks Canada, Executive Director of the Interpretive Guides Association, a canoeing guide and as a park interpreter in the mountain national parks and in Dinosaur Provincial Park. He loves playing outside, sharing stories and connecting both children and adults with the magic of the natural world.
Meghan Keelan
I have always been drawn to the outdoors. As a child with an immense passion for saving the world one animal or plant at a time it seemed fitting to eventually situate myself in a small town with an abundance of nature around it.
Growing up my parents cancelled our cable in the summer months so I spent countless hours playing games outside, creating my own bird watching journals, and getting my hands dirty in the mud. When I wasn’t outside, I was writing letters to our city leaders about my local environmental concerns or raising money for any animal related organizations I could find. After completing a BSc at the University of Calgary I wasted no time in heading west to get out of the city and into Canmore. During the first few years I volunteered with Alberta Parks in school programs and got involved with Towards Zero Waste.
Moving to Canmore wasn’t necessarily about finding that perfect biology job, it was about deepening my connection with the one thing that allows myself to feel at peace – nature. Whether I am out hiking, climbing or simply sitting in the middle of the trees observing the forest life, I find indescribable joy from the nature surrounding me. I am thrilled that my passions have led me to Forest Play and have given me the opportunity to help deepen the connection our youth have to the natural world around us. I’ve also learned quite a few things from them along the way.
I have always been drawn to the outdoors. As a child with an immense passion for saving the world one animal or plant at a time it seemed fitting to eventually situate myself in a small town with an abundance of nature around it.
Growing up my parents cancelled our cable in the summer months so I spent countless hours playing games outside, creating my own bird watching journals, and getting my hands dirty in the mud. When I wasn’t outside, I was writing letters to our city leaders about my local environmental concerns or raising money for any animal related organizations I could find. After completing a BSc at the University of Calgary I wasted no time in heading west to get out of the city and into Canmore. During the first few years I volunteered with Alberta Parks in school programs and got involved with Towards Zero Waste.
Moving to Canmore wasn’t necessarily about finding that perfect biology job, it was about deepening my connection with the one thing that allows myself to feel at peace – nature. Whether I am out hiking, climbing or simply sitting in the middle of the trees observing the forest life, I find indescribable joy from the nature surrounding me. I am thrilled that my passions have led me to Forest Play and have given me the opportunity to help deepen the connection our youth have to the natural world around us. I’ve also learned quite a few things from them along the way.
Ronna Schneberger
Ronna has been a professional guide and naturalist for 20 years in the mountain parks. She has a degree in Recreation Management and enjoys sharing stories about the unique natural and cultural history of the Rockies with people from near and far. She is a certified Hiking Guide with the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides, a Nordic ski instructor, Wilderness First Responder and is a Professional Interpreter accredited by the Interpretive Guides Association. It is her goal to help people develop a reverence for this wondrous place, and teach them how to enhance their personal connection with nature and themselves where ever they live.