Vanessa “River” Yakobovich
Founder, Director, Lead Field Educator
Born and raised in Monterey bay, climbing the mossy oaks of Carmel valley and walking the intertidal zones of Point Pinos in Pacific Grove, she developed a deep love and knowledge of the natural world. These early childhood explorations fostered her lifelong passion of connecting others to the awe and beauty of nature.
Vanessa believes that being in nature is primary learning for any educational journey and has taught children and adults for over a decade. She founded and directed Coyote Camp, an outdoor science camp program for the Larkspur recreation department, managed several other summer camps, and taught environmental science in many California outdoor school programs, including NatureBridge at the Golden Gate campus. Recently, Vanessa was a curriculum director for the nature based microschool program for Terra Marin School, a private school in Marin County.
She embraces two worlds; one being a solid scientific curriculum that qualifies a well trained naturalist, and the other being the ancient, wild, instinctual world of the wilderness; both offer a rich and vast educational potential.
Vanessa weaves science discoveries into students’ personal growth for themselves and others while gaining a deep empathy for nature and their connection to it. Holding diverse, equitable, and inclusive safe spaces for all students is paramount in her classes; “I frame that nature is for everyone no matter who you are. Everyone has the right to be a scientist, to explore nature, and to enjoy being outside. Just like a healthy forest; we are successful by how diverse we are!”
Cora Molthen
Field Educator
My name is Cora Molthen. I believe very much in outdoor education and how it both nurtures and grows each child I teach. I hope to guide my students to be loving and compassionate to the earth, to each other, and most of all, to our unique and beautiful spirits.
As each child engages with the elements of the earth, we create a space for them to fully bond with the land, with the streams of water and the creatures that walk this planet. The earth provides ample opportunities for children to work together in a loving and calm environment. Nature so readily provides with its green and healing colors that's all around us. In the students’ discoveries, they open up the key to the love of nature that is inside them to grow.
As a teacher I assist them to see that they are a part of it all, and to further activate the reflection of themselves through the earth. In doing so they see and appreciate their gifts of who they are, to shine in a place that calls them to fully open in a safe and loving space.
I have six years of being an early childhood educator with 18 units in early childhood development. In addition, I have sixteen years of working with all different ages and special-needs within my career as a teacher. From 2022 to 2023 I worked as a behavior technician in developing healthy skills for clients to help with their language acquisition and their social emotional growth. I do this in using breathing tools, asking for space if they need it, and going to a quiet area to assist in their state of equilibrium
In the educational system I learned how to work with all children; how to be receptive to their needs, how to get them excited, and how to be the best teacher possible by creating a safe place within me. I am an instrument to the children I serve in a balanced co creative environment that is mutually connected to my spirit.
During the summer of 2023 I found this magical place of safety and connection as a teacher in Earth Trek Forest School. I am forever grateful for this opportunity to be part of this amazing outdoor classroom and to work alongside Vanessa River. She understands and highly fosters each student to see their potential, including me.
A friend in college said to never stop swinging after graduating, She knew my dreams to be a teacher. She told me these kids need you. As a result, my life always cycles back to this mission.