About Trails for Kids

Our mission is to provide children of all socioeconomic backgrounds direct nature interactions to encourage their physical and emotional social wellbeing. These experiences will promote prosilience, instill tolerance, provide social environmental justice and inspire future land stewards.

 

Kevin Borrelli
(Interim Director)

Kevin Borrelli brings with him 5 years’ experience in outdoor environmental education and early childhood development and a lifelong love for natural science and history. His teaching focuses on experiential and sensory learning that aims to develop curiosity, confidence, and independence in children. Currently, his curriculum includes locally collected specimens from NJ that emphasize the joy and accessibility of studying the geology, ecology, paleontology and other relevant subjects in our home state and beyond. He is trained to handle macroinvertebrates, reptiles, amphibians, and raptors. Outside of teaching you can find Kevin creating art, playing music, and exploring the great outdoors.

 

Debbie Ibrahim
Director

My name is Debbie Ibrahim or Ms. Debbie as the kids call me.

I am an informal teacher with 36 years of experience & have taught ages two-seniors. I live in Summit NJ since 2000 with my husband & have raised 3 daughters here.

Philosophy: Children need to be outdoors playing with curiosity & the freedom to imagine. Nature needs to be part of our children's lives on a daily basis for not only physical strength & motor skills, but most important for mental health.

I graduated from CUNY - Hunter with a BA in Bio-Psychology and in 2019 completed my Child Life certificate. I have training in DBT, Transformative, and Mindfulness. I recently received my certificate from ANFT as a Forest Therapist/Forest Bathing.

Other Certifications include CPR/ First Aid, Rutger's Environmental Stewardship/Tree Stewardship, NJ Audubon Naturalist Training & National Geographic Teaching Certification and NOLS Wilderness First Aid

 

Natalie Ferrao
Teacher

My name is Natalie and I have been a Montessori teacher for 20 years. I am trained and qualified to teach children aged 3 to 6 years old, as well as birth to 3 years old. I was born and raised in England where I have always had a love and strong connection to the outdoors, regardless of the weather.

I am a mother of 9 year old twins and understand the importance of being within nature and using what it provides to expand their world, imagination and build important life skills while keeping that love of creative outdoor playing alive!

 

 

Hollie Graze
Teacher

Hello, my name is Hollie Graze, I worked as an occupational therapist. I am an artist, and nature enthusiast. I have worked in the New York City Department of Education since 2001 after graduating from NYU. I have experience working with children Pre-K to eighth grade as well as children ages birth to three years old. I have a degree in Fine Art and own a creative business. When I am not making mosaics, I enjoy gardening, hiking, and birding. I believe nature is a powerful contributor to our well-being and development, inspiring introspection, curiosity and creativity, competency and confidence.

 

 

Miss Selina
Teacher

Hi, I’m Miss Selina. I’m a certified physical education teacher in New York and New Jersey. I taught PE in a K-8 private school on the UWS for several years. I left teaching to spend more time with my children and founded “Moffle Bar”, an Asian American food stand that pops up at local festivals and street fairs. I enjoy being able to share my love of movement and food with the children through hands on activities that spark fun and creativity. I am the parent of a 16, 14, and 3 year old. In my very little spare time, I enjoy gardening, baking, time in the gym, and sports with friends.

 

Mariasha
Teacher

Hello! My name is Mariasha. I have been working with children ages 0-13 for 9 years teaching, working as an aid for children with special needs, organizing and facilitating childrens programs and more. Additionally I worked and trained as an organic permaculture farmer and landscaper for 2+ years. As a teacher, I aim to maintain a class environment where children feel cherished, celebrated, curious and safe, where children learn to be kind and caring to each other, and learning is exciting and hands-on. In my free time I enjoy foraging, hiking, reading, creating art, yoga, dancing and organizing gatherings.

 

Naomi Brogden
Teacher

I love being outdoors and sharing my curiosity about nature and animals with kids, encouraging them to explore and learn in an inclusive way