emma Sekercan

AmeriCorps Member at Wren’s Nest

Pronouns: she/her

I am so excited to be joining the Wren's Nest community as this year's AmeriCorps service member at Willowell. My interest in outdoor education began when I interned at Crow's Path Field School in Burlington VT during college. Watching children connect with nature, while building self awareness, resilience, and strong social skills continues to amaze me. Teaching and learning in the forest with kids brings me great joy! I earned my bachelors degree from the University of Vermont in elementary and special education. I have woven outdoor learning into each of my teaching positions; but the desire to teach outside full time as part of a close knit team of teachers is what brought me to Wren’s Nest after teaching in public schools.

My personal connection to the outdoors is built on lots of hiking, backpacking, skiing, swimming, and a little bit of biking. I've hiked both the Long Trail and Appalachian Trail and continue to spend a lot of time hiking in the green and white mountains. I've also been a caretaker on the Long Trail where I taught hikers to protect and appreciate nature- two important lessons to share with children as well! I feel as though being connected to the pace and rhythm of the natural world brings out the best in all of us and can teach us so much.