Kitsap Memorial

Anna holds a Master's degree in Applied Linguistics from University of Marie Curie-Sklodowska in Lublin, Poland. Before moving to Washington in early 2017 she taught English as a second language in Poland and Germany for almost 10 years.

Throughout her teaching career she has always remained a learner first, but the most valuable lessons came from being a parent. She believes it's extremely important to let children become comfortable with the whole spectrum of emotions available to them in the earliest stages of their development. Providing a safe environment where they can freely interact with nature and their peers will help them become self-aware and respectful of themselves, others and the world around them.

Anna loves hiking and exploring Washington both solo and with her family. She's an avid yoga practitioner and a certified instructor. She's also a competitive strategy board gamer and an amateur piano and ukulele player.

Since he joined the Magnolia team in July of 2022, Nate has found it extremely empowering for children to know that their voices are heard, understood, and important to those who listen.

Nate spent much of his childhood fascinated by biology. Many of his birthday presents were anatomical models. Because his parents nurtured and encouraged these interests, he developed a long-standing passion for biology, wildlife, ecology, and of course, learning! All things that lend themselves well to forest school! Nate also received a bachelors in zoology from Oregon State University in 2025, giving him the opportunity to share his knowledge of wildlife as it appears in the forest.

In his free time, Nate enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, baking, playing with his dogs (Shroomy and Luna), making silly voices for stories, and creative writing.

Kennedy attended Lindsey Wilson College and received a B.A. in History and Women’s & Gender Studies in 2020 and an M.A. in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies from the University of Louisville in 2022. After jumping around in the nonprofit world, they found their calling while serving as an AmeriCorps member at the Louisville Nature Center in Louisville, Kentucky, where they worked with educators and teachers in the Swallowtail Forest School program. They are excited to continue learning about outdoor education and see young children blossom and engage with the wonderful world around them. Kennedy is originally from the great Commonwealth of Kentucky and is so excited to join the Magnolia family here in Washington!

Liz earned her Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science in 2016. Her love for the outdoors and working with children led her to Bellingham, Washington, where she served as both Program Manager and Lead Teacher at Firs and Fiddleheads Forest School. There, she guided children through play-based, nature-centered experiences and developed a strong passion for social-emotional learning in outdoor environments.

She later moved to the mountain town of Mammoth Lakes, California, where she held two separate roles that allowed her to explore both sides of her interests. As a research assistant for The Mono Lake Committee, she worked in the field studying the local ecosystem, and as a preschool teacher at a Montessori-based program, she focused on supporting children’s independence, emotional growth, and curiosity. Together, these experiences deepened her appreciation for both environmental science and early childhood education.

Liz is excited to be a part of the Magnolia community and continue fostering strong relationships, social-emotional development, and a lifelong connection to nature. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, skiing, reading, and spending time at the beach with her husband and their Labrador, Daisy.

Beth holds a BFA from Carnegie Mellon University and is a classical pianist.  Beth began exploring child education philosophies when her son was young.  She began in Waldorf preschool classes, has taught in a Montessori classroom, and was also a paraeducator for special education in the public school district.  Now having found Magnolia Forest Preschool, Beth says, "When I'm at Magnolia everything that I've seen and learned comes together. It's there that I'm happiest and the children seem happiest."  On any given day you will find Beth working with children, being a homeopath or playing the piano.