About Outdoor Education Consulting
Why I'm Here
My life's purpose and my life's work are the same; to connect children and adults to the outdoors, and to instill in them a sense of belonging to nature that can direct and inspire their learning for a lifetime.
My Offerings
I offer a range of services including staff professional development, site visioning, individual coaching and homeschool consulting. If you are unsure exactly how to get your students outdoors, I will guide you every step of the way.
NEW! I will begin offering planned outings, camping trips and family weekends in the Fall of 2025! Just ask! I'll be happy to tell you what this could look like for your class, homeschooling group or staff!
Why is outdoor education important?
Outdoor, nature-based education improves and enhances every aspect of learning.
Decades of research has shown us that connection to the outdoors benefits all children, having profound and powerful effects on every area of student growth and learning.
Those who struggle socially or academically benefit exponentially, but any student employing any learning style or preference benefits from the leaderships skills, problem-solving, higher level thinking and hands-on, real world gifts that are given when children are encouraged to learn outside.
Time and again I have seen firsthand the far-reaching benefits of more time in outdoor spaces.
Offering chances for all children to experience outdoor learning is important for all generations; it is critical for today's child, humanity and our planet.
Why do you need a consultant?
You have enough on your plate. Let me support you in this process.
I have been an educator for more than 25 years, working in public, private and alternative schools with most age groups, and starting an outdoor school from scratch that I directed for seven years. Throughout these experiences, I have gained a strong knowledge base in child development, best practices for various stages and subject areas, as well as the unique challenges that must be overcome when creating an outdoor learning model.
At the core of my consulting practice is supporting teachers in providing rich learning experiences while outside with their students.
I can show you how outdoor spaces can be best utilized, and built upon, to fuel student learning across all subject areas, and ignite new excitement and joy into your teaching by sharing with you the endless opportunities for students to engage with the natural world.
I can share quick and easy ideas so that taking your students outside does not feel like a chore added onto a long list of things a teacher must build into each day. We will spend time discussing the 'how' and 'when,' so that you feel better equipped to incorporate more outdoor activities into the school day and help you plan and schedule outdoor instruction. Learning about structure and safety will help you feel more confident that you, too, have the tools to expand your teaching outside of your classroom.
It is my passion to help you create meaningful, enriching experiences that will only enhance classroom time and student learning goals.
Testimonials
"Monica has created a one-of-a-kind, inclusive community and a special place for young ones to grow in ALL the ways they need to grow, while they experience greater connection to themselves, each other and with creation." -Andy B.
"Monica has an intuitive spirituality in her understanding of creation and the responsibility to care for it. She encourages curiosity, empowerment, exploration and how to tread lightly. Her influence brings hope and kindness to a world in great need." -Sheila G.
"Monica's passion for childhood, nature and education make her an incredibly dynamic facilitator of sacred learning spaces, and the gifts she brings to the outdoor school community are invaluable." -Hannah C.
Working with Outdoor Education Consulting has brought meaningful professional development and fresh innovation to our school. Monica’s deep expertise in early childhood development and outdoor education makes her program an incredible asset to any educational setting. She has a unique ability to help teachers thoughtfully incorporate outdoor education principles into traditional classrooms, making its benefits accessible to a wider range of students and communities—without the need to shift entirely to an outdoor model. Monica took the time to truly get to know our teachers and our school, asking thoughtful questions and personalizing her approach to meet our needs. Her guidance has been both practical and inspiring.
-Dr. Kathleen House