Our Story

A lifelong resident of the Bay Area, Amanda’s work with young children began early in her life and has woven a thread throughout her professional endeavors for the past twenty years. Earning a B.A. in Urban Studies with a focus in Social Policy from San Francisco State University led Amanda to work with families facing homelessness, where she witnessed the remarkable impact quality early childhood education has on children enduring this life challenge. This experience prompted her to pursue continuing education in Child Development, and an enthusiasm for this work took root. Seeking to combine her love of the outdoors and working with children, Amanda worked in multiple school settings where children experienced organic gardening, cared for animals, and delved into the magic of mud and water play. Further work brought her to practice within a Reggio-Emilia inspired philosophy, in which she sharpened her ability to keenly observe and follow the lead of children, informing curriculum development and respecting the children as active and important citizens within their community. With a vested interest in promoting conflict resolution and pro-social skills amongst young peers, she celebrates the capacity for children to think critically, empathize, communicate, and problem solve with one another. Amanda is passionate about developing relationships with children and families, and believes every child possesses a unique and valuable view of the world we live in. As a certified California Naturalist, Amanda is committed to deepening her understanding of local ecology and strives to develop knowledge of environmental stewardship practices. Creating connections with the natural world is inherent in every child’s being, and Amanda seeks to strengthen the respect and understanding of it through immersive outdoor experiences at Roots to Branches.

Born and raised in the Bay Area, Joe grew to realize the fantastic natural wonders occurring in this diverse area. He began his career at various settings within the YMCA, where he first realized his love for working with young children. Joe received a B.A. in Human Development with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education from Sonoma State University and simultaneously developed and affinity for hiking and observing the beautiful regions of Sonoma County. Throughout his twenty-five years working with children, Joe experienced the marvels of Early Childhood Education in a variety of settings ranging from university programs to local and state-funded preschools, and most recently Joe worked as a director at Humboldt Community Preschool in Santa Rosa. Additionally, Joe spent two years providing an array of developmental support services to young children, broadening his outlook of how children grow and learn. Appreciating that each child is an individual with their own ideas, inspirations, and cultural backgrounds is his primary influence in facilitating experiences, and he seeks to promote inquiry and collaboration in an outdoor, natural setting. Joe earned a M.A. in Early Childhood Education at Sonoma State University, in which his thesis examined risky play in early childhood. Through this lens, Joe sees the immediacy for children to have the opportunity to engage with nature and challenge themselves to gain confidence, as well as enhance their physical, cognitive, social, and emotional skills. Establishing Roots to Branches fulfills a life long dream to create an outdoor-based program for children to connect to nature, the community, and one another.