Connecting children with nature through early years education, Jessica has more than 10 years of experience in program delivery, parenting & caregiver consulting, research, writing, and document management.  Jessica’s approach to early years education centers children and families, meeting them where they are, building on strength, promoting confidence, independence, and resilience. weaving together psycho-educational practices, indigenous-grounded pedagogy, a trauma-informed approach, and forest school ethos; Jessica has established herself as a subject matter expert.  She employs an experienced and practiced approach drawing on her academic background and utilizing skills developed in the cultural sector and communications focusing her practice on land-based education; inquiry driven learning and adventurous play in support of development and positive life outcomes.

Jessica R. Shepherd
Founder and Principal, Child Nature Connect