MEET OUR TEAM

TARA HABECK
Outdoor Education Instructor

Tara Habeck is passionate about early childhood education and the rich connections between communities, individuals, and the environment. She founded the Ann Arbor Forest School, then called Florecita, in 2012 after studying outdoor education with her mentor and neighbor, Jeannine Palms of Blossom Home. Tara is a world traveler and an avid learner. She is a bilingual Spanish speaker.

EDUCATION / TRAINING

  • B.A. in Psychology with minor in Spanish, University of Michigan
  • Associate Degree, Child Care Professional, Washtenaw Community College
  • Permaculture Design for Educators certificate training
  • Simplicity Parenting Family Life Coach training
  • Tom Brown Tracker School training
  • Non-Violent Communication training

MEDIA / PRESS

WEMU’s Green Room radio interview: “Learning Without Walls, The Local Programs Where The Outdoor Rules!”
Ann Arbor Family MagazineAsk the Expert: Nature As Classroom: A Glimpse Inside The Ann Arbor Forest School

SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS

Curriculum Panel, Washtenaw County Association for the Education of Young Children

Tara is available to consult or speak at your event. Email: tara@annarborforestschool.com

Casey Jezewski
Outdoor Education Instructor

Casey is an environmental educator and a lover of all things outdoors. She is thrilled to share her knowledge of the natural world at forest school. Casey grew up in metro Detroit, where there weren’t a lot of opportunities to experience nature. Because of this, she realizes the importance of letting children explore outside starting at a young age. In Casey’s free time  you can find her hiking, scuba diving, skiing, or attempting to crochet.  

EDUCATION / TRAINING

  • B.S. in Marine Biology with minor in Spanish, Bowling Green State University
  • Project WILD Course Certification
  • Certified Interpretive Guide 
  • Project Learning Tree Course Certification
  • Kulture City Sensory Inclusive Training
  • ASD/IDD Crisis Training
  • CPR/First Aid Certification 

Interested in learning about the Forest School philosophy?