Alexis Slavina / Lead Teacher

Magic Nature represents a collision of my passions. I began working with children as a Disney Princess for parties almost 10 years ago! This creative career taught me the art of invoking imagination, managing high energy groups, and connecting with child passions. In 2018, I went on to volunteer with a community-outreach program for 30 children in the small town of Santa Isabel, Ecuador. This totally blew my doors wide open as I discovered the importance of reconnecting to the land and its history. I then picked up some classroom management skills at a Montessori-inspired education center in South Florida. Most recently, I worked with Two Coyotes Wilderness School here in CT!

Growing up in NYC, I was always curious about nature. The small wooded park across from my house was my sanctuary. I’d look forward to each summer spent with my grandparents in the Russian countryside, running barefoot and climbing apple trees. I began pursuing a strong connection with nature as an adult, backpacking internationally, going off-grid, learning about self-reliance and environmental stewardship. These days, I’m back in the Northeast, curating nature classes for kids from various walks of life!

Will Heyne / Lead Teacher

Hey! My name is Will. I am a passionate outdoor educator whose mission is to connect students with nature and self through wilderness skills. These skills include fire building, shelters, campfire cooking, foraging, tracking, plant identification, and much more! I have been teaching at Two Coyotes Wilderness School for 6 years. I run a year-round afterschool program with The Darien Nature Center and The Bridge Academy in Bridgeport, CT. These programs teach wilderness skills and grow confidence in every environment, from inner cities to deep forests. Previously, I worked as the head chef for The Unquowa School in Fairfield, CT, which has a farm-to-table dining program. I have also been the caretaker of several home, school, and community gardens. I look forward to meeting you soon!

Magic Nature’s mission is to facilitate enriching nature immersion experiences that helps raise healthy, happy, and free-thinking children. We creatively and artfully insert the below core practices into our classes:

  • Gratitude

    Finding a grateful heart for any aspects of nature and life helps reinforce the interconectedness of all things. This simple practice in appreciation sets the tone for a positive day and creates an opportunity for children to hold space for self and others.

  • Sit-Spot

    This practice involves choosing an intimate, solitary place to sit in nature to expand the senses, cultivate awareness, and study wildlife. This mindfulness practice may be structured as a journaling exercise or “hiding” game to appeal to children.

  • Risky Play

    We believe in the value of being risk aware versus risk averse. Instead of limiting children by reminding them of their shortcomings, we use intentional language to help kids notice hazards and confidently problem-solve.

  • Story of the Day

    We close our day by sharing a rose-bud-thorn, our favorite part of the day, something new that we learned, and something that was challenging. This routine helps kids self-reflect, give and receive empathy, and articulate experiences.

  • Child Passions

    We inspire enthusiasm for learning by dipping into the well of child passions, including wandering, questioning, and storytelling. Learning should be individualized and fun!