COME REDISCOVER PLAY, NATURE & BUSHCRAFT AS WE CONNECT WITH LAND & EACH OTHER.

When I lost my brother to an overdose some years ago - his death and my healing took me on a journey of self discovery and a reawakening of a deep nature connection.

During this time I spent many hours in nature, seeking peace and soul nourishment - allowing myself the wave of emotions that came in various forms. Riding these waves were memories of our childhood that carried the same theme - being outside. The great outdoors was one of adventure, a place of freedom with space to run, explore and be loud. This was a place we learned perseverance, resilience and problem solving and my memories of these moments helped me rediscover play and myself once again.

It was also during this time of grief, healing and discovery that my youngest son was having challenges with social interaction, meltdowns and behavioural issues. We were blessed to have professionals in our lives who saw his struggles and guided us to get an assessment done to understand his needs and support us in helping meet those needs. One of the most eye opening strategies I witnessed was watching how he behaved when spending time outdoors. The slower pace, the natural light, the space to be were all agents in less triggers and a calmer demeanor.

After hearing his diagnosis of ADHD, social anxiety and sensory processing disorder -I began to research nature and the brain. I combined my findings with the first hand observations of my son, and other children in my care, with my recollections of how childhood once was. This self discovery led to furthering my education for outdoor learning, bringing programs outside and educating others on the benefits of. The passion behind all of this was the catalyst to the birth of Rediscover Play Nature & Bushcraft Schools and more recently to Therapeutic Support and Intervention for Mental Health.

Melissa’s 20+ years of hands-on operational experience include: Pre-Crisis Intervention Youth Worker, Support Worker for clients with brain injury and developmental disabilities, Leadership Training School Facilitator, Office Management and Director of After School Care Programs.

Melissa has post secondary in Child and Youth Care (BCYC), a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Development and is certified as a Forest & Nature School Practitioner(Child & Nature Alliance of Canada) and Certified Outdoor Mental Health Practitioner (The Therapy Adventure). 

Other Certifications include: Brain Story, Mental Health First Aid and  CPR/First Aid

Shari Cossette, Middle School Generalist at Heritage Christian Academy

• Melissa is an amazing talented educator who desires to see children unlock and reach their true potential. She has a unique ability to see skills and talents that are undiscovered and build students' confidence in both their areas of strength and weaknesses. Working with Melissa and watching her in action has taught me a lot about meeting students where they are at and building a plan to help them reach their potential.

• Gayle Friesen, Elementary School Teacher at Bearspaw Christian School

  • If I had a child needing care, I would seek out Melissa's program! She is well studied in her field and designs her care programs with the welfare of the whole child in mind. She is passionate about outdoor pursuits and creative play for children and works tirelessly to give children unique experiences most do not have access to. All around amazing.

• Chioma Aboaja Database Administrator at Bearspaw Christian School

  • My three kids have participated in Melissa's nature program at Bearspaw Christian School. Melissa is passionate about helping students achieve their potentials while connecting with nature and gaining some life skills. Her program is well thought out with fun and engaging lessons tailored to a growing child's needs.
    Her program helped boost my kids' self-confidence while acquiring many life skills, such as social, communication, perseverance, risk appreciation, and mitigation skills. My kids' positive experiences and skills from her program are fondly remembered as part of their success story.
    I highly recommend her program for anyone who wants to enhance their child's social, nature orientation and academic abilities in a safe and loving environment.

• Sandra ScottSandra Scott· Community Development Facilitator at carya Community

  • Melissa is passionate about providing children access to outdoor education and the loose parts play experience. She understands how these opportunities help children build resiliency, innovative thinking skills, and a strength of character. She understands that “PLAY” is a child’s “WORK”. She is a true “TEACHER” inspiring everyone she meets to experience their everyday in a new joyful way.

We can provide adapted/modified programming, as needed, for those children requiring extra support. We hope to see more schools aligning with our vision and allowing children who are on the autism spectrum (ASD), who have ADHD, or are diagnosed with fetal alcohol syndrome to be part of our nature school as part of their Individual Program Plan (IPP). **Parents, if your child has an IPP or struggles in traditional school settings - speak with your school administrators to ask them to allow your child to be part of the nature program 1- 2 days a week as part of their Individual Program Plan, many schools see the benefits and will work with you.

**Families who qualify for funding are encouraged to have their aid join our programming - if you have no funding but your child requires one on one supports we will work out a fee that will help your family.