Women Who Run With the Wolves
Corinne (Ms. Rin)
Founder and West Heron Class Teacher
My name is Corinne Matovich, founder of Rad Roots Nature School. I have been formally trained in environmental education and nature connection through outdoor schools I have spent years at over my career as a naturalist and educator. I graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara with a double major in Environmental Sociology and Communication. Throughout my years I have worked as a naturalist at Rancho Alegre Outdoor School and as an educator at Fairview Gardens Center for Urban Agriculture where I guided children through lessons on plant life and farm to table practices, as well as Wilderness Youth Project- an amazing organization working to explore outside with children and build community. I then worked in an Indigenous village in Alaska where I studied to become a certified youth mental health advocate in order to address social emotional learning processes in communities in the Yukon-Kuskokim Delta. I have now been living in San Diego as a local nature school teacher and am excited to welcome your child to the community. My philosophy is influenced by Forest School models of the UK, social emotional learning techniques, ethnobotany, Coyote Mentoring, the art of storytelling, power of play, and California Native plant magic!
Ms. Anna
Program Director & East Coot Lead Teacher
Hi, I’m Anna! I’m honored to enter my fourth year with Rad Roots.
I earned my degree in Environmental Science with an Honors minor from San Diego State University and trained as a Wilderness First Responder with Backcountry Medical Guides.
My passion for outdoor education took root while working as a counselor at a science camp in the Santa Cruz Mountains, where I discovered the magic of curiosity, connection, and learning through nature!
I center my teaching on patience, support, and understanding—meeting each child where they are and providing the tools they need to grow, build confidence, and connect with their environment.
I believe nature offers endless opportunities for learning, growth, and healing. Being part of a team that honors these connections every day is a gift—and I’m so grateful to share this journey with such an inspiring and supportive community!
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Ms. Mandy
East Hummingbird Lead Teacher
Hi everyone! My name is Mandy Padilla. I was born and raised in San Diego, spending much of my childhood exploring the vast and diverse ecosystems of California and developing a love for the outdoors. Fostering this love, I studied cross-cultural environmental practices and volunteered with various conservation groups. Graduating from San Diego State University with distinguished honors, I received a B.A. in Anthropology and a minor in Sustainability. I continue applying my passion for sustainable practices and awareness through outdoor education, inspiring younger generations to continue the path of conservation.
Ms. Laura
Westie Hawk Lead Teacher
Hi everyone! My name is Laura Gualtero, and I’m a strongly-rooted Colombian deeply connected to my culture and heritage. I graduated as a psychologist in my home country, where I discovered the power of art therapy as a tool for self-expression and healing. Working with special needs children and adults gave me the chance to integrate art into my work, fulfilling one of my personal goals
After moving to the States, I worked as a nanny exploring Montessori principles with children, discovering the value of learning through autonomy, play and hands-on experiences.
Living in San Diego has been a transformative journey that has taught me about the rich cultural traditions of this land and helping me connect more deeply with my own roots, and teaching me how to listen to my body, intuition and emotions.
As I grow on my own path, I hope to inspire children to develop deeper connections to their souls and authentic selves, acknowledge the importance of being part of nature, honoring the rhythms and cycles of life.
I feel deeply grateful to be part of this meaningful project and look forward to collaborating and connecting alongside with the team!
Ms. Celia
West Heron Nature School Teacher
Hello! I’m Celia, also known as Ms. Celia. My passion for nature and the ocean was cultivated during my childhood in Rhode Island, aptly known as the Ocean State. My early years were spent immersing myself in the outdoors: playing in the dirt, climbing trees, and exploring nature's offerings. Over the past three years with Rad Roots, I’ve had the privilege of providing children with similar enriching experiences. I earned a BA in Sustainability, Philosophy, and Psychology from San Diego State University, which has significantly influenced my approach to teaching. My experience working with children, including years of holding a safe space outside for children to explore, as well as various devoted nannying roles, has further developed my skills in fostering a space filled with growth, curiosity and a love for nature.
Ms. Ariel
Westie Hawk Nature School Teacher
Born and raised along the biodiverse coastal shores of southeastern North Carolina, I spent my childhood immersed in the forest and the ocean—surfing, swimming, exploring, and observing. Encouraged by parents who valued outdoor play, I developed a lifelong passion for adventure, curiosity about the natural world, and a love for creative exploration. After nannying in Carlsbad 3 summers ago, I quickly developed a deep connection to San Diego and nourished it long enough to now happily call North County my home.
My connection to nature deepened through five summers as an instructor at an all-girls surf camp, where I taught ocean safety and surfing to students of all ages. These experiences not only strengthened my bond with the sea but also sparked my love for working with children and witnessing the joy that nature-based learning brings.
In 2023, I earned a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences with a concentration in Conservation from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. The following year, I completed a 200-hour yoga teacher training program, further deepening my appreciation for the somatic connection between mind, body, and soul.
I’ve also volunteered and interned with the Plastic Ocean Project, a nonprofit focused on educating communities about plastic pollution through research, art, and collaboration. My work with them reflects my commitment to environmental stewardship and the power of community-driven change.
I believe nature is our greatest teacher—offering us healing, insight, and a sense of belonging when we take the time to truly listen. My hope is to create a mindful, nurturing space where children can connect with the environment through science, spirit, and hands-on exploration— inspiring a relationship with the earth that encourages curiosity, respect, and self-realization. It is truly my dream to facilitate this as a teacher at Rad Roots!
Ms. Gabby
East Hummingbird Nature School Teacher
Hi everyone, I’m Gabby! Originally, I’m from Silverthorne, Colorado, a small town surrounded by snowy mountains, rivers, and aspen trees. Being raised in a small mountain town fostered my
great love for the outdoors. This love for the outdoors brought me to San Luis Obispo, where I graduated from Cal Poly with a degree in Environmental Management. After college, I spent two
amazing years back in Colorado as an outdoor educator for K-12 students, helping kids explore the outdoors, ask questions, and discover their own connection to the natural world. Those
moments of curiosity and wonder are what keep me inspired every day. Now based in lovely San Diego, I’m excited to keep sharing my passion for the earth with the Rad Roots community!
Ms. Nardos
Westie Hawk Nature School Teacher
Howdy! My name is Nardos, aka Ms. Nardos. I’ve been working as a teacher at Rad Roots for over three years now. My background and passion for working with kids stem from being the oldest sibling and cousin in a very large family both in the U.S. and in Ethiopia. I graduated in 2020 with a Bachelor’s degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in Political Science and African American Studies, and I moved to San Diego the year after.
I’ve worked with kids for over six years, most recently as a contact tracer for SDUSD, and in my current role as a project manager for the ABCD Study, a long-term research project that aims to understand what development looks like for youth around the country. My teaching style is rooted in understanding our own agency as a means to inquiry and progress in this world, along with a recognition of how small we are as a species and the importance of our role in preserving the planet.
I try to incorporate a continual understandings and respect for the intersection of inclusion, land stewardship, cultural awareness, sustainability, and civic responsibility.
Ms. Victoria
Westie Hawk Nature School Teacher
My name is Victoria Perez. I was born and raised in Shreveport, Louisiana where I grew up surrounded by nature and a deep appreciation for music and the arts. I am a musician, and yoga teacher of the last 7 years. I have loved teaching yoga classes for all ages, and intertwining my love for music and nature into those classes. Working for Rad Roots Nature school has been another beautiful opportunity to create a safe space that allows for growth and learning.
Outside of nature school I am a passionate outdoor explorer and traveler. I am also a student, studying spanish to become bilingual and connect deeper with my family and my own roots. I hope to provide a welcoming safe space for students and families to feel supported so that they too can embrace their roots and grow!