Our Team
Dan Burr
Co-Founder, Lead Facilitator
Bay Area native and child of the seventies. I have devoted 25 plus years to working in the field of child development. Co-founder of Neptune Nature School, I have received 3rd (& final) level forest kindergarten training with the Academy of Forest Kindergarten Teachers. I live in Oakland with my partner Aaron and our fur baby, Cotton. I spend lots of time tending to my garden and koi pond, and creating sharp hot dangerous things out of metal. I also own and operate Apestoothcrossbows.com. As an active member and sponsor at Bay Area Maker Farm, I like to introduce students to creative outlets you won't find at your average preschool, like blacksmithing, farm animal care, use of found or reclaimed materials, and I love to celebrate the odd, unusual and eccentric!
Is Sullivan
Facilitator
I am delighted to begin my fifth year at Neptune! Witnessing children at play, creative and joyful, is an honor and what I love most about teaching at Nature School. I have received forest kindergarten certification with the Academy of Forest Kindergarten Teachers in Bishop, CA. In my free time, I love to dance, make art, practice calligraphy, and swim in the Bay.
Rocio Mancia
Facilitator
Bay Area native. I’ve been an outdoor educator for the past 8 years and I'm truly the happiest I’ve ever been. I love to read, travel the world, be out in nature, perform improv, watch movies, and eat delicious foods. I’m looking forward to creating lovely memories with your little one!
Barbara Bick
Founder, Director
I’m a Bay Area native. After 25+ years of teaching & directing in the world of traditional, indoor preschool, I discovered forest/nature school is the best way to help kids explore & develop their true potential. I live here in Alameda with my 17yo daughter, her dad, bunny, and our 3 cats. We love to camp, snow ski and travel.
Charlotte Green
Associate Facilitator
About 2 years ago I started working at Neptune Nature as a summer camp counselor and just kinda never left and have loved every second of it! When I’m not running around with the kiddos playing pretend fairies or witches, I’m probably doing an art project, listening to music on vinyl, hanging out with my friends, or working on my classes at College of Alameda :).”
Bina Brock
Facilitator
This is my third year working at Neptune Nature School.
I am a Mom of two lovely teenagers, and a longtime resident of Alameda.
I love to get out in the water, garden and engage in all manner of arts and crafts.
Jenny Seiler
Facilitator
I've gotten to work with a lot of different groups in outdoor settings - high schoolers building trails, grade schoolers exploring wetlands, grown ups watching birds - and working with this group of preschoolers has been my favorite experience by far. Getting to see them take in the world around them through nature and their peers is a gift. My youngest was one of the founding students at Neptune and it's a pleasure to be part of this community. It’s great to be able to use my degrees in Ecology and Conflict Resolution with such a delightful crew. Outside of school I spend a lot of time making, sewing and mending, plus watching my kids do their sportball pursuits.
Julianna Eckard
Facilitator
This will be my fourth year here with Neptune! I’m so excited to continue learning and exploring with all the kids. I’ve lived in Alameda majority of my life but I was born in Michigan and received my bachelor’s from Michigan State University in Community Sustainability. I’m a huge nerd when it comes to the environment so I love being in nature and I’ve always loved working with children and seeing the world from their point of view. I’m looking forward to meeting all the new faces and seeing where this year goes!
Maria Sandoval
Facilitator
I have a true passion for working with our young learners, helping each child progress in all areas of their development. Personally I am a mother, I love to go on adventures exploring new places, fishing, ATV riding and eating pizza.
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Emma Stephens
Facilitator
I’m excited to start my second year with Neptune Nature! I have worked with kids ranging from babies to high school for the past several years. I enjoy making crafts with the preschoolers out of trash washed up from the bay and other recycled materials. I have a lot of fun going camping, rock climbing, going on walks to find free little libraries, and babysitting my three year old nephew.
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Princess Andersen
Facilitator
I'm a recent EHS graduate and majoring in Sociology at College of Alameda. I started working here at Neptune in June as a Summer Camp Counselor. I live here in town with my mom and our dog. I play basketball, and enjoy walks and self care days.