Women Who Run With the Wolves
Corinne (Ms. Rin)
Founder and Teacher
My name is Corinne Matovich, founder of Rad Roots Nature School. I have been formally trained in environmental education and nature connection through outdoor schools I have spent years at over my career as a naturalist and educator. I graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara with a double major in Environmental Sociology and Communication. Throughout my years I have worked as a naturalist at Rancho Alegre Outdoor School and as an educator at Fairview Gardens Center for Urban Agriculture where I guided children through lessons on plant life and farm to table practices, as well as Wilderness Youth Project- an amazing organization working to explore outside with children and build community. I then worked in an Indigenous village in Alaska where I studied to become a certified youth mental health advocate in order to address social emotional learning processes in communities in the Yukon-Kuskokim Delta. I have now been living in San Diego as a local nature school teacher and am excited to welcome your child to the community. My philosophy is influenced by Forest School models of the UK, social emotional learning techniques, ethnobotany, Coyote Mentoring, the art of storytelling, power of play, and California Native plant magic!
Ms. Anna
Program Director & East Lead Teacher
Hi, I’m Anna! I’m honored to enter my fourth year with Rad Roots.
I earned my degree in Environmental Science with an Honors minor from San Diego State University and trained as a Wilderness First Responder with Backcountry Medical Guides.
My passion for outdoor education took root while working as a counselor at a science camp in the Santa Cruz Mountains, where I discovered the magic of curiosity, connection, and learning through nature!
I center my teaching on patience, support, and understanding—meeting each child where they are and providing the tools they need to grow, build confidence, and connect with their environment.
I believe nature offers endless opportunities for learning, growth, and healing. Being part of a team that honors these connections every day is a gift—and I’m so grateful to share this journey with such an inspiring and supportive community!
Ms. Emma
Westy Lead Teacher
My name is Emma Bayne, and I am so excited to bring my passion of both the outdoors and art to Rad Roots. Since gaining my degree in Art Education from the University of Arizona I have worked in a wide variety of education roles. These roles include elementary art teacher, camp counselor, in home caregiver, and English language assistant in Madrid, Spain. In hoping to better combine my love of art and the outdoors, I am currently working towards my Masters of Education with emphasis in Outdoor Education.
Being a certified yoga instructor, my teaching philosophy lines up most with the practice of yoga, and I focus heavily on emotional and bodily regulation and creative expression. I feel this inquiry based and exploratory teaching style better facilitates outdoor learning and environmental appreciation. I am honored to explore the beauty of San Diego, and be both student and teacher in this wonderful community!
Ms. Celia
West Nature School Teacher
Hello! I’m Celia, also known as Ms. Celia. My passion for nature and the ocean was cultivated during my childhood in Rhode Island, aptly known as the Ocean State. My early years were spent immersing myself in the outdoors: playing in the dirt, climbing trees, and exploring nature's offerings. Over the past three years with Rad Roots, I’ve had the privilege of providing children with similar enriching experiences. I earned a BA in Sustainability, Philosophy, and Psychology from San Diego State University, which has significantly influenced my approach to teaching. My experience working with children, including years of holding a safe space outside for children to explore, as well as various devoted nannying roles, has further developed my skills in fostering a space filled with growth, curiosity and a love for nature.
Ms. Lindsay
East Nature School Teacher
Hi, I’m Lindsay! I graduated from Colorado State University with a B.S. in Human Dimensions of Natural Resources which, among other things, taught me the value of creating relationships with our environment — especially at an early age. I grew up in Maine, camping, hiking and skiing, moving to Colorado for college and then to San Diego. Since graduating, I’ve gained a variety of experiences in the fields of both environmental stewardship and childhood arts education, having worked at environmental nonprofits, greenhouses, and, currently, work part-time at school/nonprofit Apt 4 Music in Point Loma! I believe in leaning into imagination and gentle guidance into exploratory-based learning. I’m very grateful to be able to combine my skills and experiences as a teacher at Nature School!
Ms. Laura
Westy Nature School Teacher
Hi everyone! My name is Laura Gualtero, and I’m a strongly-rooted Colombian deeply connected to my culture and heritage. I graduated as a psychologist in my home country, where I discovered the power of art therapy as a tool for self-expression and healing. Working with special needs children and adults gave me the chance to integrate art into my work, fulfilling one of my personal goals
After moving to the States, I worked as a nanny exploring Montessori principles with children, discovering the value of learning through autonomy, play and hands-on experiences.
Living in San Diego has been transformative journey that has taught me about the rich cultural traditions of this land and helping me connect more deeply with my own roots, and teaching me how to listen to my body, intuition and emotions.
As I grow on my own path, I hope to inspire children to develop deeper connections to their souls and authentic selves, aknowledge the importance of being part of nature, honoring the rhythms and cycles of life.
I feel deeply grateful to be part of this meaningful project and look forward to collaborating and connecting alongside with the team!
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Ms. Mandy
East Nature School Teacher
Hi everyone! My name is Mandy Padilla. I was born and raised in San Diego, spending much of my childhood exploring the vast and diverse ecosystems of California and developing a love for the outdoors. Fostering this love, I studied cross-cultural environmental practices and volunteered with various conservation groups. Graduating from San Diego State University with distinguished honors, I received a B.A. in Anthropology and a minor in Sustainability. I continue applying my passion for sustainable practices and awareness through outdoor education, inspiring younger generations to continue the path of conservation.