LITTLE EXPLORERS
Little Explorers
Meet Our Big Navigators
Curriculum Director and Lead Instructor
Megan Gessler
Megan is the founder of two internationally renowned nature-based early education programs. She established and directed the Northern Illinois Nature Play Association (NINPA), and serves on the Executive Leadership Team of the North American Association of Environmental Education’s (NAAEE) Natural Start Alliance.
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Lead Instructor
Lisa Gaynor
With over ten years of educational experience including Education Program Guide and Summer Camp Instructor at the Morton Arboretum and various leadership roles in parent teacher organizations, Lisa is very passionate about working with and for children.
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Assistant Instructor
Ben Knitter
Ben has 11 years of experience working as a teacher and an assistant for Park Ridge Park District's nature preschool program.
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Substitute Instructor
Marilyn Brink
Marilyn is an early childhood educator, nature play advocate, and passionate facilitator of nature-based early learning.
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Volunteer
Jean Domyancic
Jean loves kids and the outdoors! Jean has 40+ years of teaching experience ranging from preschool to 8th grade in both private and public schools.
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Volunteer
Deborah Hohl
Deb spent her teaching career working with kindergarten through second grade children who needed some support learning to read. She is excited to be volunteering with Little Explorers and is enjoying getting to know the students and watching them develop.
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Volunteer
Rita Feltes
Rita spent much of her life in libraries. Rita is excited to volunteer at Little Explorers and sees it as a perfect fit to combine her love for children and her love for nature!
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Facilitator
Amanda Arnold