We are a small and experienced team of Nature Mentors who have been drawn to working in nature with children because we know its so beneficial for them – and for us! We love what we do, and we do it with passion. We are nature mentor/playworkers who specialise in working with young children for adventures in WILD nature settings.
All our mentors carry early childhood qualifications, first aid, blue cards and child protection certificates. If you are interested in volunteering or working with Birdwings, please feel free to leave your resume with us and we will be in touch when a position is available.
Renee Bendixen
Nature Mentor
The outdoors are where I belong and you’ll often find me sitting in my garden happily sipping a cup of tea watching the children play, or rolling in the mud with them.
I’ve worked in schools and children focused programs for nine years and have a love for allowing youngsters to explore and learn by doing. Usually this involves a lot of laughter, mess and fun!
I have two young kids myself which keep me grounded and remind me to enjoy each moment because life moves fast and it’s a wonderful journey.
Kyra Sanford
Nature Mentor
Nature is my happy place. I have two beautiful children and we love exploring the natural world and going camping.
I come from an early childhood education background, I have always had passion for and encourage play at any age. I am currently attending university to become a paediatric Occupational Therapist.
Hilde Gaddes
Nature Mentor
I am originally from Norway. On extended visits back to my birth country, I have worked in Forest School Kindys, where we did fun, educational activities like at Birdwings, however not in hot weather, but cold, with lots of snow and ice!
I also work within Natural Medicine, and appreciate how important spending time in nature is for our body and mind. I practice yoga, love walking on the beach, but most of my spare time is spent off-tracking in rivers, mountains or the bush, often camping out.
Emma Allen
Nature Mentor
I feel at home in nature! I love spending time camping and being outside at the beach or going for bush walks. I grew up on a large farm in New Zealand, enjoying my childhood feeding lambs, milking cows and running barefoot in the bush. I have my diploma of Early Childhood Education and have spent time at another bush kindy setting. I am so blessed to have found Birdwings and enjoy my passion of spending time with children in nature. I have a son and have also been a foster carer for the past few years.
Claire Galbraith
Nature Mentor
I grew up on Wiradjuri country (Bathurst NSW). I’ve lived on the lands of the Koombumerri for five years, working in early childhood for most of that time.
Nature is where I can disconnect from a hectic schedule. In nature I feel like I’m one part of a huge, living system. It’s humbling and uplifting all at once!
I love that children are trying their best to grow and progress. At the same time they are always looking to have fun. I can’t think of a better group of people to work with.
