Tamara Wineland Founder, Director, Therapeutic Forest Approved Practitioner, RYT200

I’ve been working with children in various capacities since 1997. I started in a daycare center as soon as I was old enough to work and from there went on to work in a special education day program with the Tungland Corporation. Shortly after relocating, I taught music and dance at the Academy of Performing Arts in Prescott, Arizona and accepted the position of Musical Director. As the musical director I oversaw the annual company musical production. After a short break from teaching to complete my bachelor’s degree and to get married, I once again started teaching music and dance at East West Music and Dance in San Jose, CA in addition to working as the Family Programs Administrator for the United States Army Reserves. After another move and a break to start a family, I began master’s courses in special education with an emphasis in autism. I also completed a course in permaculture and forest schools in Portland, Oregon and went on to complete my Early Childhood Director Certificate at Pikes Peak Community College. During this time, I started a family nature club in Albuquerque at Kirtland Air Force Base and assisted Elevation Childcare Center with their forest program in the Bosque.

Adventur^Me represents inserting yourself into the adventure at any age and to never stop wondering. This is a dream come true and I am so happy to be home doing what I love. As a native Coloradan, the outdoors has been a part of my life from an early age and I am excited to now share in the wonder with your children and create a love of lifelong learning; because we are all born adventurous, and I’d like to keep it that way.

Miss Regan, MOTR/L, Therapeutic Forest Approved Practitioner, OT Program Director

Hi, I’m  Regan and I love working with kids and their families! I grew up in Michigan and Ohio and have always loved being outdoors. I knew from a young age that I wanted to be an occupational therapist after shadowing a therapist working in special education. I received my undergraduate degree from Ohio State University in human development and family sciences with a minor in psychology. I went on to get my Masters Degree in Occupational Therapy and graduated in 2009. From there I worked at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in acute care, inpatient rehabilitation and outpatient settings. After getting married, my husbands job relocated us to Cincinnati, Ohio. There I worked in a private practice outpatient facility and at Shriner’s Hospital for Children with kids who had experienced burn injuries. I took one year off in 2017 after having my second child and moving to Colorado. I then began working at Children’s Hospital of Colorado in 2018 in both inpatient and outpatient settings. I absolutely love the outdoors and was so excited when I found Adventur^Me for my son to attend. He has grown so much since starting school at Adventur^Me!  I feel so grateful to have met Miss. Tamara not only for my sons development, but also for myself.  After talking with her about my time as an OT she encouraged me to take a Therapeutic Forest School program with her this past winter which was amazing and so informative. I believe that the outdoors provides the perfect environment for children and adults with all different types of learning styles to grow emotionally, academically and physically. I  am so very excited to be joining Adventur^Me this fall and can’t wait to work with your family! 

Miss Lara,  MA, CCC-SLP, Therapeutic Forest Approved Practitioner, SLP Program Director

I grew up in Traverse City, Michigan where I learned to love the outdoors from an early age. Our family went backpacking, kayaking, and sailing frequently while I was growing up. I attended college at Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Michigan where I completed my undergraduate and graduate studies in Speech-Language Pathology. I met my husband, Timothy, there, and we moved to Colorado in 2020. I’ve worked in home health and outpatient settings with children ages one to nineteen with a variety of diagnoses including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), language disorder, speech sound disorder, stuttering, developmental delay, Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) and users of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). I continue to enjoy the outdoors as an adult, particularly through rock climbing, hiking, and biking. I am a certified Wilderness First Responder and completed an Adaptive Climbing Initiative workshop in the fall of 2021. I am passionate about connecting children with the outdoors and including families in the therapeutic process. The outdoors provides the ideal environment for children to grow physically, mentally, and emotionally. It offers natural opportunities for child-led communication and interaction with peers and adults. I’m thrilled to be a part of the Adventur^Me Therapeutic Forest Team, and I look forward to meeting your child and working with your family!

Miss Addy, OTD, OTR/L

Hello! I’m Addy and I was born and raised in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. I have always had a passion for the outdoors from a young age, whether it be hiking, kayaking, water skiing, snowboarding, or biking. I received my bachelor’s degree in Health and Human Physiology with a certificate in Disability Studies from The University of Iowa and received my Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from St. Ambrose University. My passion for working with kids was fostered by my mother who was a special education preschool teacher, spending time in her classroom allowed me to find my calling to become a pediatric occupational therapist. My doctoral research was focused on the developmental benefits of nature-based therapy for children and adolescents. Throughout this research, I was able to identify the multitude of benefits outdoor play and nature therapy provide for children. My passion for nature-based therapy continued to flourish during my 14-week rotation at AdventureMe Forest School this past winter. I am so excited to return to AdventureMe and begin my career as a nature-based occupational therapist!

Miss Erin Monday/Wednesday Forest Fun co-facilitator

I grew up in California with a love for playing outside. You could always find me
exploring the area, up a tree, climbing rocks, digging in the dirt, or enjoying a peaceful spot in
the tall grass. As a young adult, I lived with musicians and learned to play a little guitar and
percussion drumming and my love of music deepened greatly. I also became very drawn to
holistic healing and went to school for Massage Therapy. I practiced as a Massage Technician at a Chiropractic office in Escondido, CA, as well as a Spa in Taupo, New Zealand. Shortly after, I went through some major life changes, including starting a family. My passion turned towards children and I dedicated my time fully to being a mother. The elementary schools needed much help, so I volunteered in the classrooms helping teachers with whatever tasks they needed, including working with children in small groups and one on one. I joined a parent volunteer program called “Art Corp”, where I partnered with other parents to teach art lessons to the school kids in their classrooms. My lovely friend, Tamara, let me come spend the day with her and the kids at Adventur^Me . It was just such a wonderful place to be and I immediately started taking classes to work with kids. I now get to be in one of the most joyful places (being with little ones) doing the things that have been good for my soul since I was a child. I am also so grateful for the opportunity to work with and learn from Tamara. She has such a gentle loving spirit and knows so much! Adventure awaits!!!

Miss Landis, Lead Forest Kindergarten Teacher

I grew up in North Carolina where I attended the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and received my Bachelor’s in Studio Art with a concentration in Painting; and then my Graduate Certificate in K-12 Art Education. My grandmother was an artist, teacher and was always inspired and loved the beauty of nature; which she passed on to me! I have always found nature to be my sanctuary and a creative inspiration in my own art. I taught high school and middle school art in North Carolina until I relocated to Austin, TX. I met my husband Jason and we now have a 2.5 year old daughter, Layla; who loves art and nature just as much as her mother! I was the Summer Art Camp Coordinator and teacher for The Art Garage in Dripping Springs, TX where we taught ages 5-13 in a variety of mediums. We decided to relocate to Colorado this past year because of our love of the mountains and wanting to raise our daughter outside of the city and be closer to nature. We have two dogs, love hiking, kayaking, exploring and camping. I am excited to get to know the area and bring my love of art into the nature classroom and to build confidence and self esteem in our youth. 

Miss Katelynn, Forest Kindergarten Teacher

Katelynn Batzer, a Montana native, cultivated her passion for the outdoors before earning her B.A. in Education from the University of Providence. Beginning her teaching journey in Togiak, Alaska, she embraced a role as a first-grade educator. Returning to Montana, she married her best friend, simultaneously entering the military life. They quickly moved to Texas, in pursuit of her husband’s Doctoral degree of Physical Therapy. Her summers were dedicated to guiding on the Smith River in Montana, showcasing her skills as a gear boater, fly-fisher, and camp cook. During the school year, Katelynn taught 2nd grade at BASIS charter school while earning her master’s in elementary education.

After receiving military orders, Katelynn and her family moved to Alaska, where she spent two years as a dedicated 3rd-grade teacher, and deepening her appreciation for nature. In the meantime, she published her first children’s book “The First Catch,” a story about determination and fly-fishing. Before the military relocated them to Colorado, she and her husband welcomed their baby girl.  Now, as a devoted mother, Katelynn finds joy from introducing her daughter to the wonders of the world, aspiring to instill that same wonder in other children.

Mr. Evan, Forest Kindergarten Teacher

Hello, friends! My name is Evan. I just moved to Colorado Springs in April from Phoenix Arizona. I’ve been working in Early Childhood Education for the past 7 years and previously worked for District 11 with their special needs preschoolers. I love working with kids and am so excited to learn about animals and nature with
them this year. I’m a Navy Veteran – I was an electrician and was stationed in South
Carolina for 4 years. In my free time I enjoy hiking, gardening, and playing chess.

Miss Danielle, Nature Babies Program Director

Hi all! I am Danielle! An Ohio native, who has been living in Colorado for the past three years, and loving every aspect about it. I am an Ohio State University undergraduate, with a bachelor’s degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice. I have always been involved in child development since a young teenager. I followed my true passion, and that is caring for children. I have been a part of countless families over the years as a nanny and have enjoyed the many relationships that have blossomed and the difference that I have made within. I truly love surrounding myself with children and I am so excited for the opportunity to join  Adventur^Me, I have known Tamara for the past couple of years (I cared for past students of hers!). She has always been so warm and welcoming, and had no hesitation to bring me on; a beautiful soul. After my years of being a childcare specialist, I worked in ABA therapy with children with autism  and other developmental disabilities and furthered my education with countless hours of training. I LOVE being outside, the outdoors are a great place to learn and learn many skills. I am married to my husband, Brayden who is currently active duty in the United States Air Force. Together we have a golden doodle named Briggs. We spend our weekends together on hikes through the wilderness and stay outdoors as often as we can! I am looking forward to meeting you all and making a difference in your littles life! 

Mr. Eddie, Maintenance and Operations

I grew up in the Pacific Northwest camping along the coasts and inlands, fishing and crabbing, and enjoying the outdoors. My goal was always to fly airplanes, so I stayed focused and commissioned in the United States Air Force in 2003. I flew C-130’s and instructed new pilots for several years before deciding to leave to focus on family and new adventures. I’m currently contract flying supporting forest fires during the summers, and checking out new pilots in the off season. When I’m not flying, I enjoy working with the kids attending Adventur^Me, completing various projects and tasks, and spending time with my family.