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Welcome to Wild Child San Diego Nature School
Our Origin Story
Wild Child was born from a desire to create an environment that inspired joy for its employees and its students. The dream sprouted from a passion for teaching little ones to love the world around them, to love themselves, and to love others. Ms. Sarina, our founder, was working as a teacher at a private kindergarten when the idea of Wild Child took root within her. Her classroom had no windows and her schoolyard was free of grass, creatures, or even a playground. She imagined a classroom outside and decided to create one. During her free time, she created her curriculum and plan to start Wild Child Summer Camp in the Summer of June 2022. She enlisted the help of Mr. Jasper and Ms. Anna to start the summer off strong at Mission Bay with fun activities and a splash! Our first summer camp was a huge success and parents signed up to continue into the year. Fall-Spring 2022-2023 was Wild Child’s first year long program. It began with 5 students and 3 teachers. Now our program boasts three separate groups, seven teachers, and fifty students (some students part time). Wild Child has been an effort of passion, dedication, and perserverance. Ms. Sarina has dedicated countless unpaid hours to create a space for children to flourish and for her staff to feel valued.
About The Staff
Meet Our Founder, Director, and Original Lead Teacher: Ms. Sarina
Sarina is the daughter of a German immigrant. She grew up in San Diego and was homeschooled for her elementary years. She dreamed of a career where she could create a space to foster kindness for others and love of the natural world. She has a Masters in Teaching, B.S. in Biology and Early Childhood Education credits. She attended Point Loma Nazarene University's teacher training program where she completed the MAT. She taught preschool, kindergarten, second, and third grade in a traditional setting before starting Wild Child. She has experience supporting students who have mild to moderate disabilities in her classrooms and has completed formal training for that purpose. In her free time, Ms. Sarina enjoys hiking with her husband and baby, running on the beach with her dogs, camping, playing piano, and gardening. Her love for the natural world and ever growing curiosity helps her connect with students and see the world with wonder in their eyes.
Ms. Yalia
Ms. Yalia has enjoyed working with children for over five years. She graduated from UCSB with a BA in Global Studies and a BA in Spanish. She has credits in Early Childhood Education from San Diego Community Colleges and she loves the outdoors, creating artwork, reading, and spending time with your little Wild Ones.
Mr. Jasper
Merging his passion for plants and animals with his love for teaching, Mr. Jasper shares his enthusiasm as a citizen scientist with his students. Mr. Jasper has extensive experience working with kids of all ages. At the San Diego Safari Park Education Department, he facilitated overnight adventures for schools and private groups. As an instructor at The Institute for Effective Education’s Mt Helix Academy, he developed and implemented curriculum for the Physical Education Program, coordinated the aftercare program, and taught after-school clubs in gardening, zoology, 3D printing, rocket science, Lego building, chess, and arts and crafts. In his spare time, Mr. Jasper collects exotic plants, designs and fabricates large scale aquaponic systems, and propagates saltwater coral in his many reef aquaria!