About Us
Why Forest School?
Roots Forest School provides a balance of child-led play and focused experiential learning. Students at Roots engage with their surroundings and are immersed in nature. Our place-based curriculum follows the flow of the seasons with the study of local ecology and seasonal changes, as well as learning the importance of taking care of this place, its creatures, and each other. Research shows that this approach encourages the development of executive functioning skills that will contribute to a student’s success in future academic and personal endeavors.
OUR MISSION
Through nature-based early childhood education, Roots Forest School fosters curiosity, community, and imagination to inspire stewardship and empower life-long learners.
OUR VALUES
An outdoor environment helps children:
- Develop a sense of wonder, a motivating factor for lifelong learning.
- Develop independence by having more space to roam.
- Develop judgement and an ability to assess risk.
- Be stimulated by constantly changing surroundings.
- Spend the day running, jumping, balancing, and climbing – important for developing gross motor skills and core body strength.
Play allows children to:
- Use their creativity while developing dexterity, as well as physical and emotional strength.
- Develop executive function, which is the ability to control and direct emotion and behavior, an indicator of success in school.
- Create a world where they can conquer their fears.
- Enhance their confidence and develop resiliency for future challenges.
- Learn how to work in groups, negotiate, and resolve conflict.
We believe that Roots Forest School can guide children to grow in profoundly positive ways and build a solid foundation for life long learning.
For in-depth information about all aspects of Roots Forest School, including curriculum, gear, and class descriptions please see our Parent Handbook.
From the Forest
get to know us
Stephanie Day
Founder
In 2015 Stephanie combined her passions for teaching and spending time outdoors when she opened Roots Forest School. After moving to McCall in 2013 Stephanie identified a need for more preschool options in McCall’s growing community of young families. Following thorough research into best practices in early childhood education Roots Forest School was born. Prior to moving to McCall Stephanie worked as an elementary teacher in the suburbs of Seattle. She received her B.A. in Elementary Education with a minor in reading from Montana State University-Billings. Stephanie continues to learn and grow as an educator, collaborating with other nature based educators around the country, as well as educators in the McCall community and around the state of Idaho. Although her greatest learning happens alongside her students. “Viewing the world through the eyes of a child is the most incredible part of my work. Daily I am reminded by my students how truly incredible this world is that we live in. There is a lesson to be learned from each towering pine tree, rain puddle, overturned log, and footprint in the snow.” Stephanie was named an Idaho Environmental Educator of the Year in the non-formal educator category in 2019 and was also featured on KTVB 7 Boise’s Innovative Educator series.
Emily Dreier
Educator
Emily grew up in the wet forests of western Oregon. She learned of her passion for the outdoors through mountain biking, hiking and swimming in the lakes and forests located in the Coast Range and the Cascades. Emily has spent several years working with children of all ages in different capacities: teaching swimming lessons, coaching swim teams, teaching high school math and statistics in Anchorage, Alaska and teaching jr. high math and science in Wenatchee, Washington. She enjoys learning along side her students and also is amazed by what her students have to teach her. Emily moved to McCall in 2015. She is so excited to have the opportunity to become involved in Roots Forest School. When Emily isn’t in the forest, she can be found hanging out with her family. She also enjoys skiing, sewing and the challenges associated with gardening in McCall.
Maura Goldstein
School Director
Maura’s long-held dream of working as an outdoor educator in McCall has come true at Roots. She joined founder Stephanie Day when the school expanded from family classes to preschool classes in 2016. Maura has adapted as the needs of the school have changed, and now serves as the Director of Operations in addition to her teaching duties. She is a native of the East Coast but was determined to move to Idaho after working a season in the Payette National Forest in 2009. She completed her B.A. in Health and Societies at University of Pennsylvania in 2011 and then moved west in pursuit of outdoor work. Maura built and maintained trails for a year with the Washington Conservation Corps and subsequently worked for a variety of schools and non-profit organizations as an outdoor and experiential educator. She has led students on trails throughout California, Wyoming, Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. “The 2022-2023 school year is my seventh year as a teacher at Roots and I am inspired each day by the enthusiasm of our students and the setting in which we get to work and play.” In 2020 Maura joined the board of the Idaho Association for the Education of Young Children, bringing a nature-based perspective to their work across the state. Maura is currently pursuing an M.Ed. in Early and Special Education at Boise State University as part of the Early Childhood Emerging Leaders Program.
Corinne La Bella
Educator
Corinne was raised in the small town of Palmer Lake, Colorado and was fortunate to spend her summers in McCall. At a young age she knew that McCall was home. She attended college at the University of Northern Colorado for Elementary Education. However, Idaho was calling and she responded. Most of her 20’s were spent as a wildland firefighter. Corinne is a “Jill of many trades” having spent time working a plethora of jobs in McCall, always finding ways to work outside. In 2020 Corinne sold her business, North Fork Coffee Roasters, so that she could work closely with the natural world. She spent the past few years building a strawbale and cob home with her mother as well as working on an organic farm in Teton Valley. Creating nourishing relationships with place and people is her passion. Corinne is honored to work alongside the children of our community at Roots Forest School. Her admiration for their curiosity, pure presence, sense of awe and wonder are what inspire her to teach. She is devoted to supporting them in their self discovery and exploring the magical place we get to call home. Bikepacking, farming, natural building, mythology, and time with her pup, Gerry, are a few of her favorite things.
Emma Woodworth
Educator
Emma has worked in Outdoor and Environmental Education with a wide range of ages and is excited to be narrowing in on early learners with Roots! She grew up in Minnesota, attended Whitman College for a B.A. in Biology-Environmental Studies, and moved to Valley County in 2018 to attend McCall Outdoor Science School (MOSS). Her love for the outdoors led her to guide wilderness trips in Minnesota, Wyoming, Washington, and Oregon and work at residential outdoor schools in California, Utah, and Idaho. After graduating from MOSS, she continued her EE career in McCall as an Americorps member coordinating and teaching place-based education for the McCall Donnelly School District. Emma spends her spare time backpacking, skiing, reading, knitting, baking, and snuggling with her cat, Kieko.
Jenn Gray
Programs Administrator
As an alumni parent and founding Roots board member, Jenn has volunteered hundreds of hours at Roots and brings intimate knowledge of our philosophies and operations. Jenn will handle a wide array of administrative tasks that help keep us running smoothly including tuition, bookkeeping and enrollment.
Olivia Shoultz
Educator
Olivia’s passion for young learners, community, and exploring the natural world is realized here at Roots Forest School! Olivia spent her childhood moving around the country quite regularly. Though her circumstance was everchanging she found comfort, joy, and security in the constancy of nature. The confidence, and sense of self that she has gained from her outdoor exploration is what she aims to share with the world. Olivia is enamored with young children and has spent the last ten years caring for and educating them in a variety of ways. Through her work, she has developed a reverence for the
imagination and curiosity of young learners and is determined to empower her students to be autonomous in their learning journey by reinforcing strengths, provoking thought, and providing kind nurturing language to each student. When she is not in the forest classroom, you can find her
snowboarding in the backcountry, backpacking in our local mountains, knitting, baking, reading, and kayaking the many incredible rivers Idaho has to offer.
Cora Coleman
Outreach Coordinator
Cora joins our team this year bringing her background as a small business owner to oversee marketing, event coordination and fundraising. As an alumni parent and founding member of the Roots Alumni Association, Cora brings a passion for our mission and a deep understanding of our school philosophies.
Board of Directors
Lynne Edwards
PRESIDENT
Lynne has lived in McCall for over 20 years. She is Nana to a current Roots student which is how she became aware of the significant impact an outdoor educational experience can have on young minds and hearts. “I was inspired by watching Roots kids explore and develop a sense of wonder, appreciation and comfort in the outdoors and I am honored to be a more active member of the Roots organization.” Lynne has a background in Human Resources and non-profit organizations. She retired after working in the office at McCall Donnelly High School, one of her more fulfilling jobs. Lynne enjoys taking care of her grandkids, golfing, book group discussions, walking with friends and taking trips in their AdventureVan.
Anna Kinney
SECRETARY
As a mother of one alum and two current Roots students, Anna has observed the gifts of forest school firsthand. Born and raised in Boise, she loved outdoor play as a child and spent most weekends during her teenage years with her family at their Valley County cabin. Anna attended the College of Idaho where her love for children, education, and the natural world lead to a degree in Biology with minors in Educational Studies and Music. After earning a Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies, she worked in Family Medicine in Boise and Seattle before moving to McCall in 2014 and growing deep roots in this beautiful mountain community. Anna maintains her PA license with occasional clinical work but primarily focuses her efforts on supporting her young family at home. She loves volunteering as a parent or community educator in the local schools and is deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve on the Roots Board. During quiet moments, Anna enjoys reading and snuggling with her babies. ”
Katie Morell
Katie has enjoyed living in the McCall-area with her husband and three children for the past 8 years. She serves Roots in several capacities: as a parent, Music Teacher, and as Treasurer on the board of directors. Her Bachelor of Arts in Music degree from the College of Idaho, coupled with intensive educational studies has laid the groundwork for a successful partnership with Roots. She currently assists with bookkeeping within her family’s local excavation company, which has prepared her for her contributions as board Treasurer. She feels incredibly grateful for the opportunities and unique educational experience Roots has provided for her children, and feels honored to be able to give back. Katie enjoys being with her family, teaching and playing music, skiing, and runs a small custom sewing business from her home.
Jenn Gray
Jenn grew up near McCall, off the grid, and learned the names of common trees, birds, and flowers from her self-taught naturalist parents. Her childhood was spent playing in creeks and building forts. She attended Gonzaga University in Spokane, which included a year studying abroad in Florence, Italy. She graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Nursing, and spent 8 years working as a post surgical nurse, before moving to McCall with her husband to raise their 2 children. Jenn spent time working with a non-profit that trained bloodhounds for search & rescue work. Her son attended classes at Roots for 4 years. She now volunteers in her children’s classrooms & in her free time enjoys photography, kayaking, hiking, and hunting for morels & huckleberries.
“I love teaching at Roots because so much of the learning process is directed by the students. Although we develop learning themes and make teaching plans, we adapt our teaching daily to address the interests and needs of our students. We set-up learning provocations that inspire curiosity, creativity, and collaboration, but ultimately our students are leaders in their own learning journey.”
– Kaela Frank, Former Roots Educator