Our Founders

Sara Hampton

My first nature teachers were the cool waters and sandy beaches of Lake Michigan, and the glow of lightning bugs on hot Chicago nights. 

Now redwoods, live oaks, and coastal fog continue to shape my understanding of how children learn in connection with the natural world, and root in me the belief that nature isn’t an add-on to childhood — it’s at the heart of it.

For more than 25 years, I’ve worked in early childhood education, developing nature-rich, emergent, and anti-bias curriculum. 
I completed my early childhood studies while becoming a new parent, then founded and directed a home-based preschool while raising my own children. 

Today, I find joy in the forest with children, watching them grow into capable explorers and compassionate caretakers of themselves, each other, and the natural world.

Darci Andresen

I’ve been a forest school teacher for over 10 years, learning alongside children from the trees, birds, and sky. My earliest teachers included a prolific apricot tree, the scent of ball sage, and the lullaby of evening crickets.

I have a Master’s in Natural Resource Ecology and have trained with the Academy of Forest Kindergarten Teachers and the Animas Valley Institute.

Before co-founding Roots y Ramas in 2022, I served as program manager and lead teacher at Early Ecology Forest School, one of the first forest schools in the Bay Area.

Being with children in the forest is my greatest joy, and I am passionate about deepening our collective connection to the Earth and advocating on Her behalf.

Eva Sivill

I’m an outdoor educator with over 15 years of teaching experience. I was born in Vilafranca del Penedès, a village between the Mediterranean and the Montserrat mountains in Catalonia, Spain.

I speak Catalan, Spanish, and English, and my Catalan roots deeply inform my teaching.

I hold a bachelor’s in Elementary English Education and a master’s in Systemic Pedagogy.

Since moving to Oakland in 2013, I’ve taught in dual-immersion programs and trained with the Academy of Forest Kindergarten Teachers. My time at Early Ecology Forest School deepened my passion for connecting children to nature. Trained in Nonviolent Communication and grounded in mindfulness, I find joy in nurturing children’s growth and our shared bond with the Earth.

FULL TIME STAFF

PART TIME STAFF

Rocío Domínguez

I was born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, and raised on Ohlone land. Bilingual in Spanish and English, I hold an associate degree in Child Development and have worked with children for over 20 years.

My journey began with babysitting and grew into a lifelong calling as a preschool teacher. Sara and I co-led Big Trees Play School for many years, cultivating a warm and playful community.

I love adventuring with children and helping them discover their unique gifts. I believe that time outdoors and connection with nature are essential for children to thrive. I’m thrilled to be part of Roots y Ramas and to continue guiding children as they explore, grow, and shine.

Denise Duquette

I am a trained Forest Kindergarten Teacher and have devoted my teaching since 2014 to mentoring children in ecology and heart-centered ways. I’ve taught in nature-based and mindfulness programs throughout the East Bay and Marin, helping children cultivate belonging—in nature, in community, and within themselves.

My approach nurtures empathy, curiosity, and respect for the interconnected web of life, both human and more-than-human. I cherish witnessing children’s wonder and delight as they form deep, lasting relationships with the natural world.

Jenny Miller

I worked my way through college at the nursery school on campus, getting a B.A. in architecture at Washington University in St. Louis. I later earned a teaching credential from the Northern California Montessori Teacher Training Center in Mountain View, CA.

I had the joy of being the Director and a teacher at Garden Day Small School, a preschool in Berkeley, for 29 years.I have always been happy in the company of small children and learn at least as much from them as they do from me.

 I love getting to know children and being a part of a vibrant and caring community of young families.

M Shirey

I’m a substitute teacher at Roots y Ramas, and I use they/them pronouns. I was born and raised on Chupcan/Bay Miwok land in Concord, California. For over 10 years, I’ve worked as a nanny and caregiver, supporting nine children—including two Roots y Ramas alumni—and I’ve been a proud step-parent for the past six years.

My experience spans Waldorf and Montessori philosophies, and I’m fluent in American Sign Language. I’m passionate about supporting children of all abilities with respect, care, and a sense of belonging.

When I’m not with kiddos, I love hiking, backpacking, and foraging off-grid. My greatest joy is helping children feel safe, joyful, and confident in who they are..

Anna-Marie Nilsson

I grew up in Oakland and spent my childhood climbing trees, camping and doing all sorts of sports. I taught kindergarten at St. Paul's School and Head-Royce School in Oakland for 30 years and another 10 years teaching K and 1st grade in Lafayette.

In my spare time I hike, camp and have fun babysitting 2 grandkids.

Jobs

One of our goals as a school is to build a community that shares the values of nature connection and anti-racism. To that end, part of our mission is to train others, ideally people of the global majority** that are traditionally underrepresented in outdoor education and forest schools, in a nature-connection teaching modality. We encourage ECE students and BIPOC communities to apply. 

We are always looking for substitute teachers who often become full time hires