Shelley

Shelley is a passionate outdoor educator dedicated to making nature accessible to all. With 14 years of experience working with children with special educational needs (SEN), she has gained a deep understanding of the unique challenges and rewards associated with this role. Her belief in the transformative power of the natural world has driven her journey in outdoor education, offering lessons and experiences that extend beyond traditional classroom settings. From an early age, Shelley was drawn to the outdoors, finding tranquillity, adventure, and a wealth of learning opportunities in nature. This personal connection to the environment has grown into a professional mission to share its benefits with others, particularly those who might encounter barriers to access. Working with SEN children has highlighted the importance of adaptability, creativity, and patience, as well as the profound impact that customised outdoor experiences can have on an individual's development, well-being, and self-esteem. Shelley is dedicated to creating inclusive outdoor programs that accommodate various needs, ensuring that children, youth, and adults of all abilities can appreciate and learn from the natural world. Utilizing innovative methods and a compassionate approach, she aims to dismantle the physical, sensory, and cognitive barriers that could hinder some from fully participating in outdoor activities. Her ultimate goal is to instil a lifelong love for the outdoors in those she works with, aiding them in uncovering their strengths and creating resilience through nature-based learning and engagement. Shelley is an advocate for more accessible outdoor education, convinced that everyone should have the opportunity to connect with nature and experience its profound benefits. She aspires to motivate a new generation of environmental enthusiasts through her work.

Qualifications:

Lev 3 Forest School Leader

Lev 2 Mindfulness Practioner

Lev 2 ASD, ADHD and PDA awareness

Lev 2 SEND Teaching Assistant

Workplace First Aid

Paediatric First Aid

Safe Guarding Trained

Lev 2 Food Hygiene

Keeping Children Safe in Education Part 1

Safe Guarding and Child Protection Trained

Prevent Awareness

Full DBS Checked.

Meet the Team

Jon

Jon has spent the past 17 years instructing and operating in some of the most challenging environments on earth, including jungles, the Arctic, and deserts. Raised in rural Essex, he found his greatest joy in the woods, igniting his interest in Bushcraft. Jon imparts his Bushcraft and Survival skills in an engaging and easy going way. He views Bushcraft and Survival as complementary disciplines and is passionate about teaching practical, versatile Bushcraft skills, finding true joy in the act of teaching. Jon believes that acquiring Bushcraft and Survival skills early in life is crucial for cognitive development. He argues that children who learn basic bushcraft survival skills grow into confident, empowered individuals who thrive in life, regardless of the challenges they face. They evolve into innovative problem solvers with a profound connection to nature.

Qualifications:

NCFE Lev 2 - Bushcraft, Survival and Wilderness Living Skills.

NCFE Lev 3 - Animal Tracking, Primitive Crafts, Foraging and Wilderness cooking.

Lev 3 Safeguarding Adults.

Lev 3 Safeguarding Children.

Prevent Awareness.

Prevent Referrals.

Workplace First Aid.

Paediatric First Aid.

Advanced D&I Trained.

Full DBS checked.

Shannah

Hi I'm Shannah, a military wife and mother of two. I am passionate about providing children and young people with the best opportunities in life, supporting their well-being and education, and removing barriers so they can achieve their goals regardless of obstacles. With experience in safeguarding, pastoral care, mentoring, and learning assistance, I advocate for teaching resilience and have supported military children and families for four years.

Qualifications:

BSC Honours in History.

Lev 2 Mental Health.

Lev 2 Counselling Skills.

International Refugee Committee Certificate.

Lev 3 Safeguarding.

Prevent Awareness.

Full DBS Checked.

Nicky

Hi i am Nicky, my early career was in retail management across various fashion outlets. I then returned to college to pursue studies in psychology, sociology, and environmental science, and have continued my education with mental health courses. I have worked as a support worker for adults with severe learning disabilities and am currently a mental health support worker. I have a passion for psychology and the ways in which people behave and interact. The things i enjoy most are nature, mystical forests, walks, marine life, the beach, and creating inventive snacks. I adore bright colours and embrace my hippy soul.

Qualifications:

Lev 2 Safeguarding Children.

First Aid Awareness 2024.

Fire Safety Awareness.

Health and Safety Awareness.

Lone working 2024.

Food Safety Awareness.

Workplace Violence and Harassment Trained.

Infection Prevention Trained.

Mental Health and Dementia Awareness.

Safe Guarding Adults Awareness.

Sharps in Care Trained.

Fluids and Nutrition Trained.

Handling Stress at Work Qualified.

Handling Violence and Aggression Trained.

Full DBS Checked.

Suse

Suse is a qualified Environmental Health Practitioner, currently working in local government in the Environmental Protection Team. She works part time in this role and dedicates her remaining time to lecturing within a university, on a BSc course in Environmental Health. Suse has a particular interest in Microplastic pollution and has conducted studies to find the infiltration of this pollution into the food chain. Before embarking on a career within Environmental Health, Suse had worked in various roles involving animals, including veterinary practices and Longleat Zoological Park. This area of work inspired Suse to gain a BSc in Animal Science and Conservation through the University of Plymouth. Suse is proud to be a member of the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) and sits as an Environmental Protection Student Support Coordinator on the Environmental Health Advisory Panel of the CIEH.

Abi

I’m originally from The small island of Shapinsay in the Orkney islands. Growing up I spent every minute I could outdoors and have always had a love for nature and the environment, something I am now instilling in my own son who is almost 2. I especially love the beach and the sea having spent 2 years at Nautical College in Orkney. After college I worked as a manager in our family cafe, mostly behind the scenes baking all the cakes! I then went on to work in another local bistro as a cook where I worked up until I moved to North Devon 3 years ago. I’ve always enjoyed working with children and have a passion for working with children and young adults with additional needs. It has been a privilege to have the opportunity to work with Green Paths, every day has been a learning day and it has been amazing to be able to work with Shelley and Jon and see first hand their passion for outdoor education.

Sarah

Hello, My name is Sarah, I moved to North Devon roughly a year ago, and I am originally from upstate New York. I have travelled and lived all over the world. Embracing the world and cultures it has to offer is something I look forward to sharing with your children. I am a mother of two wonderful kids and one spunky fur pup. In my free time I enjoy being at the gym, hiking, and being adventurous. I am passionate about all types of bugs and creatures, which I look forward to teaching your children about, along with how to love the earth and the things she has to offer us.