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 creating sharp hot dangerous things out of metal. As an active member and sponsor at Alameda's 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!
Christine Hagerup
Assistant Director, Facilitator
Originally from the DC area, I have been supporting schools and families across the US since 2006. I love bridging curiosity and art in nature, and am super excited to engage our families in rich explorations of what it means to be a community! Outside school, I love traveling, fishing and foraging, skateboarding, and going to the gym.
Rocio Mancia
Facilitator
Bay Area native. I’ve been an outdoor educator for the past 7 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 16yo daughter, her dad, bunny, and our 4 cats. We love to camp, snow ski and travel.
Rosa Torres
Facilitator
What a great experience to be outdoors and simply have fun! I am a mama who loves to be silly and do activities. I especially like sensory play; play dough, gluing, scissor work, and mud and water play. I am a bit of a hobby hopper and enjoy researching new topics that spark my interest. Outside of school, I like to lounge around, watch cooking shows, eat sweets, take naps, and go on long car drives.
Julianna Eckard
Facilitator
This is my third 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.
Emma Stephens
Facilitator
I have worked with kids ranging from babies to high school for the past several years. This is my first year as an outdoor educator and I am excited to combine my appreciation for nature with supporting children’s passions and curiosities. I have a lot of fun going camping, hiking, going on walks to find free little libraries, and trying new sports.
Is Sullivan
Facilitator
I am delighted to begin my fourth year at Neptune! Witnessing children at play, creative and joyful, is an honor and what I love most about teaching at Nature School. This summer, I completed my Academy of Forest Kindergarten Teachers certification in Bishop, CA. In my free time, I love to dance, make art, practice calligraphy, and swim in the Bay.
Khi Foster
Facilitator
In addition to my work here, I am currently studying to become a Doula. In the future, I want to start a commune, a place where people who look like me can call home, a safe place to evolve
and heal. My interests are holistic health, nature, advocating for the African American community, and children's development. I feel blessed to work and grow in an environment that is a combination of most, if not all, of my personal interests.
Nairobi Taylor
Associate Facilitator
I was raised in Alameda and I’d love to travel the world one day. I have been with Neptune for a year. I am in my 2nd year of college, continuing to take classes about Child Development. As an associate facilitator and aide, I intend to support your child as they grow and help provide them with a memorable experience at Neptune. I am a bookworm and would love to introduce students to books they connect with. I am excited to learn more each and every single day while working here. I look forward to connecting with you and working with students during this exciting time in their lives!
Bina Brock
Facilitator
This is my second year working at Neptune Nature School.
I am a Mom of two lovely teenagers, and a longtime resident of Alameda.
I have had many strange and wonderful adventures and look forward to having more.
I love to do projects with kiddos, little and big. What should we do today? Grow a seed, paint something bright or go on a little walking adventure? I look forward to getting to know you.
