Our Educators
Director and Lead Teacher
M.S. in Educational Leadership and Policy, Portland State University
Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, I have long cherished the mossy woods and lush green landscapes that the rain brings. I have spent the last decade deepening my love of the outdoors through my work in environmental and garden-based education in districts across the Portland-metro area. I grew up in a Swedish-American household, and am endlessly inspired and guided by the emergence of nature-centered and forest-based early childhood programs across Scandinavia. I received my Master’s in Educational Leadership and Policy from Portland State University in 2020, and I have long dreamed of combining my love of hands-on, experiential learning with outdoor, early education.
When I am not in the classroom, I love spending time exploring new neighborhoods on foot with my husband Michael, growing food in my backyard, sewing and crafting, and snuggling my two cats Dr. Napkin and Dilly Bean.
“To pay attention, this is our endless and proper work.”
—Mary Oliver
Meet Elin
“It's hard to put into words what an exceptional educator Elin is; she has impacted our family in an immeasurable way. Elin is kind, patient, creative and very nurturing. She has helped both our children really flourish! Elin has inspired in them a love for nature, baking, building and more -- through reading and hands-on exploration. She is very attuned to a child's individual development and always knows the perfect books to help them work through a current challenge or pique their curiosity in a new topic. She is very creative and always has the most wonderful activities for kids; she makes learning fun. We highly recommend the Little Fern Nature School as a place for your child to unfurl their full potential!”
— Lillian L. (Parent)