I’m Stef, founder of Nurtured by Nature.

When I want to escape a world consumed by screens and non-stop notifications, you might find me out on my paddle board, balancing barefoot on a log, or up close and personal with a mushroom I’ve never seen before!

As a Child and Youth Care Practitioner I’ve worked in group homes, treatment centers, women's shelters, schools, and respite care. In all these places, I see the unique challenges today’s kids are facing. Spending time outdoors was always part of my practice, but I didn’t fully grasp its true value until I experienced an unexpected setback.

In 2022, I was seriously injured while working in a traditional school setting. While I recovered, I found comfort in the time I spent in nature. What began as part of my rehabilitation soon became a rediscovery of the wonder and connection to the Earth that I felt in my childhood.

In 2023 I began certification as a Forest and Nature School Practitioner through Child and Nature Alliance Canada. I completed the program in 2024 and founded Nurtured by Nature.

To me, Nurtured by Nature isn't just a tagline—it's a heartfelt mission to rediscover our roots, re-establish connection with ourselves, and find solace in the ultimate source of comfort and grounding; the natural world.