Wildflowers Forest School

Wildflowers Forest School was established in 2014 to provide a space for children to be outside and learn about the world around us through all seasons.

Our goal is to create a community of resilient, active children through inspirational, stimulating, hands on experiences and play based education that will foster self-esteem, confidence, creativity and responsibility.

Wildflowers Forest School is a Non-Inspected Private School (#668633) with the Ministry of Education.

Located in Bechtel Park

Wildflowers Forest School is located on approximately 100-acres of land called Bechtel Park in Waterloo, Ontario. The park is owned and managed by the City of Waterloo. Bechtel Park offers many different types of vegetation, ecosystems, habitats, woodlot, and the Laurel Creek floodplain.

Meet Our Team

  • Brandy Schell

    FOUNDER

    Brandy is the owner, operator and an educator of Wildflowers Forest School.

    Brandy enjoys working with people of all ages and has been teaching for many years. Brandy is a Certified Forest School Practitioner and an Ontario Certified Teacher, she holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree, and Emergency First Aid and CPR certificate. Brandy loves spending time outdoors not only with her classes, but also with her husband and four children. She enjoys helping people of all ages experience the world of wonder that can be found in nature.

  • Melynda Pomeroy

    EDUCATOR

    Melynda is so excited to be joining the Wildflowers team! Her son and her have been attending forest school since 2015 and have made great friends and memories!

    Born and raised in Nova Scotia she is a water girl at heart. She graduated from Dalhousie University with a BSc in Kinesiology and from The University of Maine with a degree in Early Education. She worked for 5 years with the Edmonton Public School Board teaching in the early education program.  She loves everything about being outside (except for mosquitos!). When she has some free time she enjoys knitting, running, baking and volunteering.

  • Lorna Ramessar

    EDUCATOR

    Lorna absolutely loves the outdoors!! Lorna and her husband Kevin and are raising two teenagers who also crave being outside and are very involved in their little urban farm with chickens, bees, and a large veggie garden.

    Teaching at Wildflowers is incredible and Lorna loves being with all the kiddos outside. They never fail to surprise her with their knowledge and creativity. When she's not having adventures in the forest Loran works as a doula/birth worker in the Kitchener area.

  • Kelly Moores

    EDUCATOR

    Kelly first connected with Wildflowers in fall 2020 at Parent and Tot, and joined the team in fall 2021. Kelly got her first experience in Environmental Education as a leader in training at Sunship Earth when she was only 14 years old and was hooked. She has worked off and on in Outdoor and Environmental Education ever since, including 5+ years as an Interpretive Program Guide with the Grand River Conservation Authority. She holds degrees in Environmental Science (BScH) and Environmental Studies (MES) with focus in restoration ecology, parks and protected areas, and environmental monitoring in a changing climate. Kelly is also in the midst of raising two wild flowers of her own at ages 4 and almost 2. Kelly loves baking, growing her own food, figure skating, playing ultimate, and connecting with other displaced Bluenosers.

What Parents and Teachers Are Saying

 

"I want to send you a thank you because our daughter had such an amazing time. She was thrilled and wanted to see you everyday. Thank you for making such a positive impact."
- Wildflowers Forest School Parent

 

I just wanted to say how much we appreciate what you guys are doing for our kiddos! My boys love it so much. The difference in their evenings apposed to a regular school day is literally 360. They're calm, and happy after a successful day at forest school. I've also noticed my boys are building more commonalities together and in turn they are building a stronger bond.

I know it's still super early in the winter season but man oh man I'm just so pleased with this program. 

-Jamie (a parent)

 

"Hi Brandy, I just wanted to say thanks for an awesome Spring session! Melynda and Katelyn were great. The kids had a great time and made some friends. We're working on the separation anxiety, but as long as I was in the background this time (I tried to stay out of the way) they were fine. Thanks for being flexible with that! Have a great summer"

— Wildflowers Forest School Parent

 

"Thank you Brandy. Llew is really enjoying the program. It's his first learning experience outside the home and I am so happy it has been so positive.  He loves all the instructors he has had so far."
- Wildflowers Forest School Parent

 

"Thank for a fantastic spring session. Vera and Isidore are solidifying their love of nature and much character. I appreciate that!Have a wonderful summer. See you in the Fall."
- Wildflowers Forest School Parent

 

"Dear Brandy,
Thank you very for the amazing day at the Wildflowers forest school. Unbelievable after two years… we made it happened!  We are delighted with our day! It was well organized and plenty of activities to please every one. It was wonderful to explore the fauna and flora close to home. It was great to meet you, your staff and your family.”
- Mme Isabel Teacher (her class came on a field trip)

 

"She very much enjoyed her session with Lorna and Marta last fall and she looks forward to enjoying the forest with your wonderful teachers again soon!"
-Wildflowers Forest School Parent

 

Max is loving Forest School this year.  So glad he is able to take advantage of this opportunity."
- Wildflowers Forest School Parent

 

"Melynda, I can't thank you enough for such a wonderful year. We really appreciate all the extra care and support you offered our boys. They had a fantastic time. I hope you have a wonderful Summer!”
- The Benninger Family