Our Team

Helping students grow and growing with them

Arija Bunkis

Founder and Director of Out & About

Welcome!
My name is Arija, and I’m a storyteller, rock-collector, continual-learner, upside down enthusiast, and educator. I was born and raised in Whitehorse, Yukon, where I spent my childhood playing, fishing, hiking, snowboarding, camping, and exploring the outdoors in every way possible. Nature became my playground and classroom, sparking a lifelong love for the outdoors that continues to shape my career today. With my experienced and continued work, I have developed a deep relationship with the land, and I continue my learning through many forms.

I continue to deepen my understanding of the intricate relationship between nature and the human nervous system, exploring how immersive interactions with natural environments shape and enhance our neurological development. These experiences not only refine our nervous system's ability to regulate and respond to stimuli but also profoundly influence our holistic growth—integrating physical, emotional, social, and cognitive dimensions. By studying this connection, I aim to uncover how nature fosters resilience, adaptability, and a deeper capacity for thriving in complex and ever-changing environments.

I hold a degree from the University of Ottawa and graduated with honors in Early Childhood Education from Algonquin College. As a certified Forest School Practitioner through the Child and Nature Alliance of Canada, I have developed safe and engaging programs that allow both children and adults to connect with nature. My additional certifications in Wilderness First Aid, First Aid, and Swift Water Rescue ensure that I’m prepared to create enriching outdoor experiences with safety at the forefront.

I have over 20 years of experience teaching as a snowboard instructor and outdoor educator, working for Algonquin College and in different parts of Canada and the world. My time at Camp Misquah, a summer camp for individuals with special needs, enriched my understanding of how outdoor environments can foster personal growth and connection, further deepening my commitment to inclusive, nature-based education.

I’m passionate about guiding others in creating connections within themselves and building tools for behavioral management/identification. My experience and knowledge enables me to build confidence in other educators, parents, caregivers, and children in developing skills in risky play in supportive and brave settings.

Currently based in Petawawa, I continue to expand my knowledge in outdoor education, child development, and neuroscience. I’m open to sharing my experiences and insights with other educators and individuals, helping them enhance their approach to outdoor learning. I truly believe that outdoor play is the ideal environment for holistic development, and I’m passionate about encouraging others to embrace it.

I look forward to connecting and learning together as we continue to explore the boundless opportunities the outdoors provides.

Meet the Team

  • Suzanne Heale

    EDUCATOR

    Suzanne has a degree in Recreation Therapy from The University of Waterloo. This led her to working for the City of Ottawa as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist and Special Olympics Ontario as a District Developer. She also spent 12 summers working at camps for children and young adults with physical and developmental disabilities. Most of those glorious summers were spent at Easter Seals Ontario - Camp Merrywood. She started as a sailing instructor, then worked as the Head Counsellor before becoming the Program Director & Assistant Camp Director for the final 6 years. Since 2016, she has been operating her own small business, providing specialized recreation programming and respite care.

    Suzanne believes strongly in the Forest School Philosophies and is currently studying to become a certified Forest School Practitioner with CNAC. She enjoys her gardens, chickens, pets and homesteading while raising her kids using these same philosophies. She is loving time on the Land with the Out and About Community!

  • Kennedy Shaw

    EDUCATOR

    Kennedy is originally from Alberta! She came to Ottawa in 2016 for University and graduated the Child & Youth Care program at Algonquin College. As a child, Kennedy felt a strong bond with the mountains and waters around where she grew up. Still today, she feels a pull towards Mother Nature and loves being immersed on the Land.

    Kennedy believes that children are full of magic that only need tending with gentle hands, open minds, and caring hearts. Kennedy is thrilled to begin this new school year at OAFNS and beyond excited to explore the outdoors with your amazing children!

    Kennedy is our Lead educator at our Petawawa location and provides wonder and enthusiasm into each day.

    Kennedy, we are thrilled and grateful to have you!

  • Kacy Block

    EDUCATOR

    Kacy was born and raised in the Ottawa Valley, spending much of her life enjoying the outdoors and focusing on living a sustainable lifestyle. She has a deep appreciation for the simple things in life and is a huge advocate for play based learning and arts education.

    Kacy studied and apprenticed in Theater Arts at the Sudbury Theatre Centre for many seasons, growing to love helping with annual children's theatre program.

    Later shifting her focus to independent music studies, she practiced guitar for 20+ years and can be found performing at many local venues and community events.

    Kacy believes imagination is our greatest resource as human beings and brings her knowledge and love of music, play, art and nature together as an educator, guiding and nurturing the creativity in children.

    Kacy has spent the last 3 years working in traditional child care space, but is over the moon to join Out and About this summer and get back to nature.

    Welcome Kacy!

Meet the Team

  • Conor Leggott

    FACILITATOR

    Conor is a volunteer parent/educator with Out and About Forest Nature School. He has been delivering education in various roles since 2011, ranging from kids Lego camps to youth polar expeditions. He is
    currently on a break from the practice of law and enjoying getting out and about with his two children. He thinks Out & About is fantastic because it encourages parents and children alike to enjoy getting outside for fun, free, immersive play in nature. Having not changed much since he was a kid himself, Conor enjoys goofing off and looking at cool bugs.

    We are incredibly fortunate to have him here! Thank you Conor!

  • Chanelle Knox

    EDUCATOR

    This is Chanelle! 

    Chanelle was raised in the valley and grew up on a hobby farm. She has always loved the outdoors and spent the majority of their childhood building their imagination through outdoor play. Chanelle loves exploring the outdoors through hiking, forest walks, and driving the trails via UTV with her family.

    Her passion has always been rooted in working with children, beginning in her youth as a babysitter, completing co-ops in schools, then graduating as a Child and Youth Practitioner from Algonquin College. She has previously worked as an EA in elementary and high schools, ABA therapy, and within a day treatment center for children and youth.

    Her passion for working with children extends through her education and knowledge of the benefits of outdoor play and child led learning. She is incredibly excited to be joining the Out & About team, and looking forward to making some unforgettable memories, and observing the amazing work that being in the outdoors can do!

    She can’t wait to see each and every child grow and glow this year through Out & About Forest and Nature School!

    Welcome Chanelle! 

Want to Join the Team?

  • NEW STAFF OPPORTUNITY (Petawawa)

    EDUCATOR

    Are you an ECE, EA, teacher, or outdoor educator passionate about child development, play-based learning, and the transformative benefits of time spent in nature?

    Out & About Forest and Nature School is hiring! We're looking for enthusiastic educators who thrive outdoors and want to inspire children to explore, grow, and connect in a child-centered, play-based environment.

    Send your CV and Resume to outandaboutinnature@gmail.com

    If you’re ready to enhance your skills and share your passion for outdoor education, apply today and become part of our vibrant team!

    Let’s nurture curiosity and foster adventure together!