our team

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Our dedicated and professional staff is what sets Forest Play apart.

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​All of our facilitators are passionate about fostering participant connection to self, others and the natural world. We are friendly and professionally trained as guides, educators and/or nature connection mentors. 
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​We specialize in creating a fun and safe space for participants to explore the edges of their world at their own pace.  We meet them at their edges and gently pull them beyond and deeper towards connection.

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DAVE VERHULST 
DIRECTOR

​The coyote mind behind the program, Dave is the founding member of Forest Play 

Heather Stark 
Program Manager

   A cheeky sense of humour and joy for play make Heather an ideal leader and manager for Forest Play

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Marlou de riijk
​Forest Play leader

The play instigator, Marlou is a welcomed Dutch addition to Forest Play 

Siobhan blanchard-moran  
​FOREST PLAY LEADER

Fun-loving and bright, Siobhan can turn
kid frowns upside down

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Heidi widmer
​forest play leader

No stranger to the forest, Heidi thrives on a little
game-induced adrenaline

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Emily Nishikawa
​FOREST PLAY LEADER

Fresh from the xc race trails, Emily's passion for adventure and exploration led her to Forest Play. 

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Jen Groundwater
Paperwork Wrangler

A supporter of Forest Play from the beginning, Jen keeps all the books and accounts running smoothly

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Katarina Dučaiová
Forest Play Leader 
12-15 year old Groups

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Ronna Schneberger
Support Staff​

With nature in her heart, Ronna has stood by Forest Play since the beginning. 

Fern Yip
Summer Forest Play Leader

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