Our Team
Barbara Bick
Founder & Director
After 25+ years of teaching &
directing in the world of traditional, indoor preschool, I finally realized that setting kids free without walls is the best way to help them develop their true potential. I live here in
Alameda with my 14 yo daughter, her dad, bunny, and our 4 cats. We love to camp, snow ski
and travel.
Dan Burr
Co-Founder, Lead Facilitator
Bay Area native and child of the seventies, I have devoted over 25 years to working
in the field of child development. I have received 3rd (& final) level forest kindergarten training with the Academy of Forest Kindergarten Teachers, and I'm currently studying towards my California Environmental Education certification. I live in Oakland with my husband Aaron and our pitmix pup, Cotton. I spend lots of time tending to my garden, keeping bees, 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
I have been supporting preschools and
community organizations across the US and Scandinavia since 2006. I love integrating 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, skateboarding, and eating lots of food.
Rocio Mancia
Facilitator
Born and raised in the SF Bay Area, I’ve been an outdoor educator for the past 5 years
and I’m truly the happiest I’ve ever been. I enjoy the outdoors, performing improv, watching
movies, and eating delicious foods. Starting my third year with Neptune, I’m looking forward to
creating lovely memories with your little one!
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.
Ray Sevilla
Facilitator
I was born and raised in the Bay Area. I have been with Neptune for 4 years. On my days off I love to watch films and other forms of storytelling. When in nature, I look to its sounds and movement to ground me. I'm excited to connect with you and your family!
Is Sullivan
Facilitator
I use they/them and she/her pronouns. I am
delighted to begin my second year at Neptune! Witnessing children at play, creative and joyful, is an honor and what I love most about Nature School. Outside of school, I play by sewing and
bookbinding, helping my mom in her garden, splashing in the water, dancing and snuggling my
cat, Anya.
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.
Nyssa Bautista
Facilitator
I’ve been with Neptune since the summer of 2021. I graduated in the spring of 2022 from UC Berkeley, where I studied English and Global Studies, and where much of my research examined literatures of intentionally exploited communities, as well as post-colonial and decolonial theory and its effects on the human relationship with the environment. My hobbies include reading, writing, dancing, traveling, and learning different languages. Though I had aspirations for law and international relations, I discovered my passion for education
through Neptune, where I look forward to supporting our class to learn, grow, and care for our community.
Elena Frink
Facilitator
I have worked with Neptune since autumn 2020. Before Neptune, I was a naturalist at various museums and nature centers in the Bay Area. Originally from the Hayward area, I now live in Oakland with my partner and our cat. I am a big fan of all things nature from creepy crawlies to sunsets, seaweed, mushrooms, birds, space and humans.
Rosa Torres
Facilitator
An East Bay Native, I’ve worked with Neptune for just a year, coming from an administrative background. I welcomed my son Bryan during the pandemic and has shifted my whole perspective on life. I’ve learned to take each day with happiness, patience, and love [insert tears]. I’m passionate and dedicated. I love to learn and teach. I’m excited to welcome your children and I look forward to building a relationship together and strengthening their skills for the future.
Julianna Eckard
Facilitator
This is my first year here with Neptune and I’m beyond excited to be working here! I’ve lived in Alameda the majority of my life but I was born in Michigan and just recently received my bachelor’s from Michigan State University in Environmental Studies and 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 everyone and seeing where this year goes!
