Ms. Steffanie

Naomi was asked to make a portrait of who she considered to be her HERO throughout this pandemic. 

"I painted Ms. Steffanie because she created the best school in nature so me, my brother and many of our friends can continue learning but with no walls, no ceilings, and no carpet. I love going to Nature School because we get to do our homework under the trees and get learned a lot not just about science but also about important people, local wildlife, write poetry, read books together, and learn how to be better to our Earth. She teaches everything and we are lucky to have her. My mom also volunteers with her and she is in charge of ALL the art stuff. At regular school we dont get to do any crafts or arts projects, but at Nature School we do them every week, and sometimes we even get prizes like clay and sparkly markers". 

Ms. Steffani created a nature school in response to the lack of a safe learning environment throughout the pandemic. Biologist, educator, and mom of 8yo boy whom like many others had lost the joy of learning and had no sociability, used her community-organizing and love of teaching to create this community-based program where kids have not just regained normalcy and stayed away from screens, but are also connecting to nature, staying fit, participating in conservation projects, and exceeding academic achievement.