Our Programs are led by Local Outdoor Nature Educators
WILDERNESS FIRST AID TRAINED AMAZING EARTH EDUCATORS!
Marisa Bean, Environmental Educator and Naturalist, BEan in Nature, and Nature Educator, California Naturalist Program, UCSC, CPR and WFA certified.
Program Director, Creator, Teacher and MOM
Marisa is at most programs either as the lead earth educator or a co-lead, or the director or the support staff, as well as creatress of all BEan programs and inner workings, ponder. She loves to enjoy the kiddos each program day, to weave many new ideas with her amazing BEan Team Staff each and every week, month and year!
Connections and Collaborations
What a fantastic agency to work with! Join us for future events with OSA! Saturday we attended their special event at Sierra Vista Preserve! What a beautiful day and a beautiful moon! Check out Open Space Authority Events!
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Natural Leadership Training!
BEan Team waking up to their natural leadership through the horse connection leadership! https://www.thecircleupexperience.com/ "We are human animals but we are cut off from the natural signals of our animal bodies. We are ruled by thought, language, ego, and story. As adults, we have learned to put our mammal bodies to sleep. When we learn to listen to our inner world and its signals, we are alive and attuned to the depth and texture of our lives. We wake up a fundamental part of our hard-wiring that transforms our ability to shape our relationships. We call this our Natural Leadership, and though it may be hidden or forgotten, it is never lost. At The Circle Up Experience, you awaken your Natural Leadership so you can navigate the world, take hold of your most genuine desires, and build authentic connections." BETH KILLOUGH, Head Cowgirl, Owner |
Diamond Dahlstrom, 29 loves exploring and sharing his knowledge of the outdoors with others. The rolling chaparral hills, sandy coasts and boundless deserts of California is where he calls home, and his passion for adventure and learning the old ways are never-ending. His history with Riekes Nature Awareness program began when he was integrated into the teen program in 2004. He then became an assistant for the pre-teen programs a year later, which eventually lead to his current position as an instructor.
He has participated in various nature connection programs and primitive skills gatherings, such as Wintercount, Art of Mentoring, Native Eyes, The Buckeye Gathering, The Tracker School, Barn Dances, after school programs and more.
Diamond has been the mentor to both Bean Boys, Jeremy and Joshua, for 10 years and continues to pass on his excellent mentorship skills and lineage, as well as his friendship.
Diamond is as super excited to be in his 4th year teaching with BEan in Nature, and looks forward to making stories and going on countless adventures throughout our wilderness with his groups this year!
He will lead teach the Saturday 1x a month Nature Connection Program at Huddart and our Survival Summer programs.
He has participated in various nature connection programs and primitive skills gatherings, such as Wintercount, Art of Mentoring, Native Eyes, The Buckeye Gathering, The Tracker School, Barn Dances, after school programs and more.
Diamond has been the mentor to both Bean Boys, Jeremy and Joshua, for 10 years and continues to pass on his excellent mentorship skills and lineage, as well as his friendship.
Diamond is as super excited to be in his 4th year teaching with BEan in Nature, and looks forward to making stories and going on countless adventures throughout our wilderness with his groups this year!
He will lead teach the Saturday 1x a month Nature Connection Program at Huddart and our Survival Summer programs.
Bree Vargo (Bumble Bree) is a UCSC gradate with a BA in Environmental Studies.
She has a deep love of nature and over ten years of experience working with all ages of children. Bree has experience with fire by friction, archery, slack-lining, tree climbing, Ancestral outdoor cooking, plant and animal identification, tracking, wood carving, Permaculture and much more!
Bree is currently working on her Yoga Certification in Bali! We are excited to have her return to us with her Yoga Training!
Bree is excited to offer her experience and knowledge to our BEan Team on Mondays in Soquel and Thursdays at the NEST in Felton!
She has a deep love of nature and over ten years of experience working with all ages of children. Bree has experience with fire by friction, archery, slack-lining, tree climbing, Ancestral outdoor cooking, plant and animal identification, tracking, wood carving, Permaculture and much more!
Bree is currently working on her Yoga Certification in Bali! We are excited to have her return to us with her Yoga Training!
Bree is excited to offer her experience and knowledge to our BEan Team on Mondays in Soquel and Thursdays at the NEST in Felton!
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Jeremy Bean, 21 loves the outdoors, hiking, exploring outdoor spaces, and art are his passions.
Ancestral earth skills such as fire by friction, tracking, playing stealthy nature awareness games and art are but a few of his specialties! He has grown into a very patient, kind young adult who feels strong about safety and respect for each other and the land. We are very grateful he continues to desire to share his skills and talents with the younger generations. Jeremy has assisted BEan In Nature since 2010 and now, he is moving into leadership Co-Leading the 9-14 year olds at Anderson Lake, on Tuesdays, the 'Coyote' group! Jeremy completed 5 years of the Riekes Teen Nature Awareness program while also assisting in the Pre Teen Nature Awareness Program. He has had phenomenal long term nature mentorship, he is CPR certified and quality teen experiences with Teen expeditions, 4 Fires Teen Rendezvous and teachings from quality 8 Shields Programs and other amazing nature experiences with phenomenal leaders. Jeremy has been a student of Riekes Nature Awareness since he was 6 and finished his time there 2 years ago. Jeremy has grown into an amazing nature mentor, gaining skills from his focus and attention to his own nature awareness practices, and his longterm experience assisting and working with BEan in Nature program. You can meet Jeremy mentoring the kids in our at camp outs and summer programs. |
Jennie Gilrein - mom, teacher, social worker, mentor
Jennie has a Bachelor’s in Psychology, and a Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology. Her work experience includes leading grief groups for children, working with foreign exchange students, and spending several years as a Social Worker for foster youth. She also was part of a University of Washington research group called “Reconnecting Youth,” where she lead supportive peer groups in developing coping skills in public schools in Seattle. In all of these settings, her favorite aspect of the work was to experience the resiliency of youth, and opportunity to provide them tools to flourish.
Jennie has three children, currently ages 5, 9, and 13. She is in her sixth year of homeschooling her children, where she enjoys the opportunity to watch them gain knowledge in new and exciting ways, as well as learn new things about the world herself!
Jennie has a Bachelor’s in Psychology, and a Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology. Her work experience includes leading grief groups for children, working with foreign exchange students, and spending several years as a Social Worker for foster youth. She also was part of a University of Washington research group called “Reconnecting Youth,” where she lead supportive peer groups in developing coping skills in public schools in Seattle. In all of these settings, her favorite aspect of the work was to experience the resiliency of youth, and opportunity to provide them tools to flourish.
Jennie has three children, currently ages 5, 9, and 13. She is in her sixth year of homeschooling her children, where she enjoys the opportunity to watch them gain knowledge in new and exciting ways, as well as learn new things about the world herself!
Kelsey Eiland 25, naturalist, earth educator, wild explorer, and mentor
Kelsey has been involved in nature connection mentoring for five years and is so excited to join the BEan Team! She has a formal background in psychology and education and an informal background in watershed exploring, wild edible harvesting, and tiny house building. Her own journey through reciprocal mentoring has brought her deeper into the earth education field. She strives to support all people in returning to the land, their histories, and themselves. A word from Teacher Kelsey~
"I scaffold my classes so that they are accessible, fun, and engaging for green and seasoned outdoor explorers alike. We will explore skills such as scouting, camouflage, shelter building, plant/animal identification, and anything else students feel inspiration around. Everything we do is with SAFETY as our first priority, even when students may feel challenged to solve problems and work together to explore and learn. We tend to open our program with gratitude, song, and an active game related to the day's topic."
Kelsey has been involved in nature connection mentoring for five years and is so excited to join the BEan Team! She has a formal background in psychology and education and an informal background in watershed exploring, wild edible harvesting, and tiny house building. Her own journey through reciprocal mentoring has brought her deeper into the earth education field. She strives to support all people in returning to the land, their histories, and themselves. A word from Teacher Kelsey~
"I scaffold my classes so that they are accessible, fun, and engaging for green and seasoned outdoor explorers alike. We will explore skills such as scouting, camouflage, shelter building, plant/animal identification, and anything else students feel inspiration around. Everything we do is with SAFETY as our first priority, even when students may feel challenged to solve problems and work together to explore and learn. We tend to open our program with gratitude, song, and an active game related to the day's topic."
Margaret Hawkins, educator, nature lover
Margaret is very happy to be joining the BEan team this year. Margaret has volunteered at different nature based programs for 4 years and has been hiking, swimming, and learning all over California’s national parks her whole life. She is a big proponent of the concept that nature heals people and loves to get people connected back to the earth.
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Ross Fredell, Wilderness guide, earth educator
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I grew up in the North country of Minnesota. And having 3 brothers made for a lot of great fun in the woods. Being fortunate enough to be surrounded by trees as a youngster gave me the opportunity to develop a respect for nature.
Fast forward to my mid twenties and you'd find me working with a wilderness school in Connecticut called Two Coyotes. Here I found a great deal of passion for facilitating opportunities to allow others to grow in their comfort and connection with nature. I learned a lot in the five years I worked with Two Coyotes and am grateful for the opportunity to continue to grow as a nature guide with BEan in Nature.
Fast forward to my mid twenties and you'd find me working with a wilderness school in Connecticut called Two Coyotes. Here I found a great deal of passion for facilitating opportunities to allow others to grow in their comfort and connection with nature. I learned a lot in the five years I worked with Two Coyotes and am grateful for the opportunity to continue to grow as a nature guide with BEan in Nature.
In loving memory...Anole is not here yet I always KNOW she is with us in the forests, and the sweet places we get to roam and play with the kiddos...
~Anole Dahlstrom~ Nature Educator, fire doula, friend and mama Loving Momma to 4 beautiful children Diamond, Cleo, Jade and Sequoia It is with a heavy heart, we regret to say that our beloved Anole has passed away on August 7, 2017. Anole added her support, her love, her magic and her creative talents to all she did, in all of the wonderful programs she worked in. She always wove her magic, with love and attention, with the children. We are so grateful for our time with her and all that she mentored us in! We will continue on our adventures, our wild crafting and our ancient living skills & teachings in her honor. We will miss her radiant light but we shall carry it forward! 
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Angelique Snow, virtual assistant extraordinaire
Angelique has been working as a virtual assistant and bookkeeper for the past two years. She has accumulated 20 years of experience in administrative positions where she helped to create and implement standardized procedures and organizational plans to improve efficiency. When she is not helping her clients, she is homeschooling her children, spending time with her husband, serving in her church or getting lost in a great book. |
Our Amazing and Brilliant Teen Staff
Joshua Bean, 18
Josh has a passion for adventure and has an amazing gift with animals. He enjoys exploring and hiking the hills near his home, always coming back with great stories and amazing finds from the land. Joshua started nature awareness when he was 5 1/2 and he 16 years old, he participated in the teen program at Riekes for 3 years and mentored the Newt kids (6-8 year olds) at Riekes for 3 years.
Joshua assists in BEan In Nature, Nature Science and in our Summer Camps. He has been our assistant since 2012. His ability to help the children connect to the land and to each other, and have a great time outdoors, is what make Joshua such a great mentor.
Josh has a passion for adventure and has an amazing gift with animals. He enjoys exploring and hiking the hills near his home, always coming back with great stories and amazing finds from the land. Joshua started nature awareness when he was 5 1/2 and he 16 years old, he participated in the teen program at Riekes for 3 years and mentored the Newt kids (6-8 year olds) at Riekes for 3 years.
Joshua assists in BEan In Nature, Nature Science and in our Summer Camps. He has been our assistant since 2012. His ability to help the children connect to the land and to each other, and have a great time outdoors, is what make Joshua such a great mentor.
Michelle Ward, 17, loves the outdoors and anything with cute and cuddly 2 or 4 legs, or sometime even those critters without legs!
She is commonly found in a tree, her favorite place to be. She is an activist and loves nature and all it offers. She babysits children and has enjoyed doing so for many years. She has been a student with BEan In Nature, before BEan In Nature became public, since 2010 and an assistant since 2012. She also has assisted with Riekes Nature Awareness too. She is CPR certified.
She is super stoked to be on Staff with BEan In Nature!
She is commonly found in a tree, her favorite place to be. She is an activist and loves nature and all it offers. She babysits children and has enjoyed doing so for many years. She has been a student with BEan In Nature, before BEan In Nature became public, since 2010 and an assistant since 2012. She also has assisted with Riekes Nature Awareness too. She is CPR certified.
She is super stoked to be on Staff with BEan In Nature!
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Sam Hayashi, 17
Nature Assistant Extraordinaire! From a young age, Sam has always had a fondness for Nature — be it adventuring in the park with his friends or exploring the true wilderness through the Riekes Nature Awareness programs. When he began his journey of learning ancestral earth skills under the guidance of Diamond Dahlstrom and Jeremy Bean back in 2012, he discovered the sheer length of his passion for Nature. Sam has since then taken his journey of learning and mentoring to the next level by repeatedly attending skills gatherings such as the Buckeye Gathering and the Four Fires Rendezvous. He spent three years assisting weekly Nature programs and summer camps through the Riekes Center, and began working at BEan In Nature in 2016. Nowadays, he spends as much time possible learning and teaching in the natural world while managing his full-time studies at College of San Mateo. |
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Russell Peck, 15 - Singer, Archer & Archery coach and Peace lover
You can almost always find him on the ground somewhere reading a book or sleeping. When he isn't sleeping or reading, he is working on his fire skills, knife skills, archery, singing, or playing a game. After years of being a singer, he has gotten good at the art of projecting his voice to be heard during any game and also has learned how to take the lead in moments when there is confusion. Thanks to the mentors he has had in the past, he has been giving an amazing love and appreciation of nature. Since he has hit the changed voices part of Ragazzi Boys Chorus, he has learned to take a step back breathe, and then jump right back into whatever he was doing. Russell earned the USA-archery coach level 1 cert this summer and is quite happy teaching anyone how to shoot safely. Russell also has an easy going, goofy attitude. We are excited that Russell has joined the BEan Crew! |
Our staff embarking on other new and exciting adventures....we wish them well!
You might see some drop in to say HI or sub now and again!
Melanie Cunningham 26, forest fairy, nurse, musician & teacher extraordinaire
Melanie has loved nature since she was just a tot. She has lived in Hawaii and fitness is her thing! She earth lover, a naturalist, a Ukelele player and she currently is a nanny to 2 lovely girls.
Mel is WFA certified, CPR certified and lives in San Jose with her family. She received her RN license and practiced nursing in Hawaii before returning back to CA, to live life at a more natural pace, engage in the outdoors.
When Mel can she will sprinkle her talents in BEan IN NATURE!
Sheila Della Ratta - mom, artist, & naturalist
Sheila is a parent and artist, passionate about helping children connect to their innate creativity through wood, ceramics, mixed media and all around tinkering in life. She has been playing with mud for 17 years and specifically with children for about 8 years. She has two homeschooled boys who enjoy playing in mud with her regularly. “When we break a plate at home, we just make another one!” Sheila has B.A. in Anthropology. It was, however, as a result of her early human research she became interested in pottery. How did native peoples harvest clay? What methods did they use to transform the clay into pottery? These questions and more led her to explore the world of ceramics and through that exploration she realized that she was talented and hooked and what better way to share with the world than with the smiles and hands of children…
Her style is one that nourishes and guides children in their own ideas and vision by laying a foundation of skills and methods. Rather than encourage pre-determined projects, she sees her role as one that encourages patience, comfort and experimentation with clay. When not playing with mud, Sheila also enjoys sailing and the great outdoors having completed her California naturalist certification last year.
Sheila is a parent and artist, passionate about helping children connect to their innate creativity through wood, ceramics, mixed media and all around tinkering in life. She has been playing with mud for 17 years and specifically with children for about 8 years. She has two homeschooled boys who enjoy playing in mud with her regularly. “When we break a plate at home, we just make another one!” Sheila has B.A. in Anthropology. It was, however, as a result of her early human research she became interested in pottery. How did native peoples harvest clay? What methods did they use to transform the clay into pottery? These questions and more led her to explore the world of ceramics and through that exploration she realized that she was talented and hooked and what better way to share with the world than with the smiles and hands of children…
Her style is one that nourishes and guides children in their own ideas and vision by laying a foundation of skills and methods. Rather than encourage pre-determined projects, she sees her role as one that encourages patience, comfort and experimentation with clay. When not playing with mud, Sheila also enjoys sailing and the great outdoors having completed her California naturalist certification last year.
Jessica Magallanez, 22
I am that type of person who would rather be outside, rain or shine!
Jessica has been with BEan In Nature since 2016 and taught at Riekes for a year in 2017-18. Jessica has attention to detail and safety, she loves plant and flower IDing and photoing, she has a willingness to try anything, from sharing her own amazing art talents to to learning ancestral earth skill of fire to skinning and processing an animal. Her attention to children, their needs and their emotional wellness is unsurpassed!
Jess has always had a passion to work with kids. She loves helping them and teaching them to accomplish goals, skills and projects, whether they struggle, need help, fail or achieve them. She is also a big sister to a younger brother. She has been working with kids since she was 16; babysitting, on yard duty staff at Morgan Hill Charter School and such. She is super grateful and excited to be with BEan in Nature assisting, now moving into Co-Leading the 9-14 year old group the 'Coyotes' at Anderson in the Fall, and learning throughout our adventures and time with the kids and with our awesome staff.
Jessica is currently a full time student at De Anza college earning her AA degree in teaching and so as she gets her schooling accomplished she will be teaching with BEan, but we will see her out there with us here and there!
I am that type of person who would rather be outside, rain or shine!
Jessica has been with BEan In Nature since 2016 and taught at Riekes for a year in 2017-18. Jessica has attention to detail and safety, she loves plant and flower IDing and photoing, she has a willingness to try anything, from sharing her own amazing art talents to to learning ancestral earth skill of fire to skinning and processing an animal. Her attention to children, their needs and their emotional wellness is unsurpassed!
Jess has always had a passion to work with kids. She loves helping them and teaching them to accomplish goals, skills and projects, whether they struggle, need help, fail or achieve them. She is also a big sister to a younger brother. She has been working with kids since she was 16; babysitting, on yard duty staff at Morgan Hill Charter School and such. She is super grateful and excited to be with BEan in Nature assisting, now moving into Co-Leading the 9-14 year old group the 'Coyotes' at Anderson in the Fall, and learning throughout our adventures and time with the kids and with our awesome staff.
Jessica is currently a full time student at De Anza college earning her AA degree in teaching and so as she gets her schooling accomplished she will be teaching with BEan, but we will see her out there with us here and there!
Mia, 14
We are sad to say, Mia Will be leaving us for new adventures.
A testimonial from her time with us:
Working with BEan in Nature has been one of the highlights of my homeschool learning experience. The opportunities Marisa provided for me to learn, grow and connect in nature are unparalleled. Every day with BEan was an adventure.
I really enjoyed the opportunity to expand my knowledge and grow my skills in the area of being an assistant. Playing games with the kids was one of my favorite activities. Especially when we got to play skunk spray on the hot days. Being an assistant also provided me with the opportunity to mentor and be mentored. I learned how not only to handle myself but how to better handle the inevitable situations that arise in group settings. I learned to be a better leader and how to better direct the attention of the children.
BEan helped me grow as a leader, but most importantly the BEan clan became a family to me. I looked forward every week to seeing all of my kids. It was a safe place to bond and expand friendships. The mentors and leaders in BEan were always there for me and always willing to lend an ear, give advice or offer a helping hand. My time with BEan has helped shaped the person I am today, and I am thankful for all of the skills, memories, and friendships that I will carry with me forever. Thank you, Marisa and the whole BEAN TEAM! ~mia, 14 years old
Jesse Aubin loves to be out in nature.
He is commonly found 50 feet up in a tree reading, building a rope swing, or finding a good view. He also loves building fires, hiking, and playing music of all kinds. His many nature adventures include a semester at Conserve School in Wisconsin, outings with Boy Scouts, and plenty of time romping in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
Angelica Delgado
Angelica enjoys gardening, seed saving and keeping traditional food processing alive in her home and community. She is also active in her community on issues related to food justice and native food sovereignty. Reach out to her for other classes on community food related events! tletlyollot@gmail.com
Angelica enjoys gardening, seed saving and keeping traditional food processing alive in her home and community. She is also active in her community on issues related to food justice and native food sovereignty. Reach out to her for other classes on community food related events! tletlyollot@gmail.com
Jenn Hayes ~ Nature Educator
We wish you the best of luck in your new adventures!
We wish you the best of luck in your new adventures!
Jade Dahlstrom had his first nature connection experience at the age of 9 at The Riekes Center for Human Enhancement. Since then he has moved on to become a nature awareness instructor for children ages 5-18.
In the past he has co-lead outdoor survival trips, week long camping trips in remote areas throughout California, primitive skills workshops, and immersive classes introducing children and young adults to local wildlife I.D, primitive skills, shelter building, familiarizing them with bird I.D and bird language, track and sign, tree and plant I.D including the uses of medicinal and edible plants. Jade spends the majority of his time in the serene redwood forests of the Bay Area and the coastal mountain range of Santa Cruz.
In the past he has co-lead outdoor survival trips, week long camping trips in remote areas throughout California, primitive skills workshops, and immersive classes introducing children and young adults to local wildlife I.D, primitive skills, shelter building, familiarizing them with bird I.D and bird language, track and sign, tree and plant I.D including the uses of medicinal and edible plants. Jade spends the majority of his time in the serene redwood forests of the Bay Area and the coastal mountain range of Santa Cruz.
Scott Gentile has been teaching/working with kids for the better part of the past 23 years. Most of that work has been in the outdoor education field. Scott has led a trail groups of kids on short day hikes, and taught them information about the natural world through hands-on science studies, educational games, and first-hand nature experiences. Fostering a sense of community and teamwork is big part of this what Scott enjoys creating for these groups. Some favorite hands-on science lessons included solar, terrestrial insect, creek, Rhododendron, redwood, and salamander studies. The main outdoor ed. program Scott has worked for is the WOLF School (acronym for Web of Life Field School).
Scott has also taught many other science lessons for Renaissance Camp, an art and science summer camp through Santa Cruz County Parks. Scott has taught a wide variety of science lessons there, including ones in the areas of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. The age range for the lessons has generally been 6-12 years old. Some favorite lessons have included owl pellet dissection, egg-in-a-bottle (air pressure), paper airplanes (the physics of flight), and meringue-making (denatured proteins).
Scott also briefly taught arboreal oriented education lessons, and assisted with tree plantings, with an urban forestry company while he was finishing up one of his degrees in New Mexico. Additionally, he briefly taught some theatre games to third graders while in the Land of Enchantment.
More recently, Scott has led civics lessons at Kidizens, a Lego-based educational facility based in Los Altos. Scott also is currently assisting (and occasionally leading) math lessons for elementary-age (and younger) students at India Education Methods, or IEM.
Scott holds 2 degrees one in English and one in Biology, with minors in Secondary Education and Theatre.
Scott is excited to join our BEan In Nature, Nature Awareness team! You can meet Scott at A TEAM Homeschool in our Wednesday Eco Earth Investigations Class!
Scott has also taught many other science lessons for Renaissance Camp, an art and science summer camp through Santa Cruz County Parks. Scott has taught a wide variety of science lessons there, including ones in the areas of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. The age range for the lessons has generally been 6-12 years old. Some favorite lessons have included owl pellet dissection, egg-in-a-bottle (air pressure), paper airplanes (the physics of flight), and meringue-making (denatured proteins).
Scott also briefly taught arboreal oriented education lessons, and assisted with tree plantings, with an urban forestry company while he was finishing up one of his degrees in New Mexico. Additionally, he briefly taught some theatre games to third graders while in the Land of Enchantment.
More recently, Scott has led civics lessons at Kidizens, a Lego-based educational facility based in Los Altos. Scott also is currently assisting (and occasionally leading) math lessons for elementary-age (and younger) students at India Education Methods, or IEM.
Scott holds 2 degrees one in English and one in Biology, with minors in Secondary Education and Theatre.
Scott is excited to join our BEan In Nature, Nature Awareness team! You can meet Scott at A TEAM Homeschool in our Wednesday Eco Earth Investigations Class!