Episode 79 - The Unbeatable Combination of Occupational Therapy and Forest Education with Marika Austin and Angela Rosenberg

Episode 79 - The Unbeatable Combination of Occupational Therapy and Forest Education with Marika Austin and Angela Rosenberg

Author: Ricardo Sierra March 7, 2024 Duration: 1:11:31
You all know I like a good analogy, so I'm going to say that the duo of Marika and Angela reminds me of the heroes of my comic book days, when I was a collector.  I'd mow lawns for my neighbors, and then ride my bike six miles into town to buy my week's new issues.  One of my favorites was the Marvel Team-Up comic, where two heroes who don't usually 'hero' together do what they do best, and take care of business.  Spider-Man and Daredevil.  Wolverine and Iron Fist.  It was a 'golden age' of comics back then. Well, seriously, this marriage of occupational therapy and early childhood education in nature is just so SOLID.  There are no weaknesses in their game.  And Marika and Angela have teamed up despite the long distance between their Bay Area of California and Florida locations.    Our conversation covers WHY the approaches of OT is so effective for young people.  We dig into the detailed observations that therapists see in their students, and how it adds a powerful dimension to more traditional 'forest school' reporting.   The medical field adds credibility to our nature-based approaches that opens doors, gets attention and creates opportunities that help all of us doing nature work everywhere.  It's a good idea to know about it!  Marika and Angela on Instagram @naturebasedtherapists - https://www.instagram.com/naturebasedtherapists/ Nature Based Therapy Boot Camp Course - https://grounded-to-grow.thinkific.com/courses/nature-based-therapy-boot-camp Grounded to Grow 2024 Retreat - https://www.groundedtogrow.com/ Bearfoot Website: https://www.bearfootoccupationaltherapy.com/ Bearfoot Instagram @bearfoot_ot - https://www.instagram.com/bearfoot_ot/ Treeline Enrichment Website: https://www.treelineenrichment.com/ Treeline Enrichment Instagram @treelineenrichment - https://www.instagram.com/treelineenrichment/ Join the Forest Educator Patreon! https://patreon.com/ForestEducatorPodcast Connect with Ricardo: https://www.foresteducator.com/ https://www.theforestboxforkids.com/ https://www.hawkcircle.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricardo-sierra-5980931/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_forest_educator_podcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RicardohawkSierra

Ricardo Sierra has spent over three decades working in wilderness education, and that depth of experience shapes every conversation in Forest Educator with Ricardo Sierra. This isn't a lecture series; it's a collection of genuine dialogues with educators and practitioners around the world who are actively reimagining how we learn in and with the natural world. You'll hear from people integrating nature into schoolyards, running innovative forest camps, and applying outdoor principles in surprising business and leadership contexts. The discussions are grounded in the practical realities of the field-think less about abstract theory and more about tangible tools, adaptable strategies, and the honest challenges these pioneers face. Released twice weekly, each episode feels like pulling up a stump in the woods to listen in on a candid exchange between colleagues. Whether you're directly involved in outdoor programming, curious about the intersection of wilderness and professional development, or simply believe in the transformative power of a hands-on education, this podcast offers a steady source of inspiration and actionable insight drawn directly from the front lines of nature-based learning.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Forest Educator with Ricardo Sierra | A Podcast for Revolutionary Conversations about Nature-Based Education
Podcast Episodes
Episode 122 - Forest Educator Spotlight: When Things Go Sideways [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:46
If you haven't been in a situation where something happens that is unexpected, then congratulations! You probably have an amazing overworked program director who is really NAILING IT as far as logistics, details, staff t…
Episode 121 - Adventures in Ethnobotany with Zak Baker [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:56
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Episode 120 - Forest Educator Spotlight:   The Power of Slowing Down [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:21
I'm pretty sure we could all benefit from reducing the frenetic pace that seems to go hand in hand with our modern culture. It's a great topic, but it's not what I'm describing in this episode! Instead, I've spent most o…
Episode 118 - Forest Educator Spotlight:   Survival Trek, 1986 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:10
It was early August, in Harlemville New York. It was a six week immersion into the natural world, in one of my first 'wilderness skills learning intensives', with just a few tools, a blanket and a desire to see the world…