At New Roots, we recognize that our forest preschool and daycare is located on the ancestral lands of the Wahpeton tribe, part of the Oceti Ŝakowiŋ (Seven Council Fires) alliance. We honor and respect the Indigenous communities who have stewarded this land throughout generations.
My Philosophy: Learning Rooted in Nature
I believe that nature is the best teacher. A child's earliest years should be filled with wonder, exploration, and hands-on experiences that foster curiosity, confidence, and a deep connection to the natural world. My nature-based approach nurtures the whole child--physically, emotionally, socially, and cognitively--through unstructured play, outdoor discovery, and meaningful interactions with the environment.
A Deep Connection to Nature
When children expierience nature firsthand, they develop a lifelong appreciation for the Earth and a sense of responsibility for its care. Our program instills environmental stewardship by allowing children to witness nature's beauty and cycles--planting and harvesting in the garden, listening to birdsong, and observing insects at work. By fostering love and respect for the natural world, we empower children to become caretakers of the Earth.
About Miss Vanessa
Founder & Lead Educator
I am a passionate educator with over 15 years of experience guiding young learners (newborn babies all the way to 3rd graders). My love and respect for nature shapes everything I do. I founded New Roots to share my belief that children who connect deeply with the Earth grow into compassionate, confident, and mindful individuals. Through the program, I hope to inspire children to value and care for the world around them, fostering environmental stewardship and a lifelong appreciation for the natural world.
I have a BA in Elementary Education and Spanish from the University of Minnesota Duluth and am bilingual in English and Spanish.
Outside of teaching, I enjoy spending time in wild spaces with my family (husband, daughter, and many critters), hiking, kayaking, gardening, fishing, and exploring.