About
Creating A School Where Nature Meets Nurture
sessions every season in Brighton & Cavan, Ontario
The Best Learning Happens In The Forest
By tuning into nature’s rhythms, we equip children to make a positive and intentional impact — not just today, but for generations to come.
We envision a future where every child feels deeply connected to themselves, their community, and the natural world. A future where they meet life’s challenges with courage and curiosity, and thrive in harmony with the earth and all its inhabitants.
Rooted in gratitude, abundance, and awe, our mission is to help children learn about the world, and fall in love with it — so they will care for it always.
The Roots of our Wild Beginning
I’m Rebecca Seabrook, though most families know me as Bec, and I’m the Founder and PrinciPAL of Child of the Wild.
As a child, I thrived in traditional school, but I watched many loved ones struggle in the very same system. Inspired by the words “Be the change you wish to see in the world,” I pursued Child and Youth Care with the dream of supporting the next generation.
After graduating, with honours, I landed what I thought was my dream job with the school board… but it didn’t take long to realize the reality didn’t align with my heart. The system’s standard of care fell far short of what I knew children truly needed. Burnout, rigid rules, and compassion fatigue weren’t worth the so-called perks.
So, I hung up my ‘golden handcuffs’ and walked straight into the wild.
What began as pages of dream-filled notes grew into Child of the Wild: a thriving, heart-centered Forest and Nature School where children are free to play, wonder, and grow with nature as their guide. Since 2022, we’ve been serving families throughout the Northumberland County and Kawartha Lakes with visions for continued growth… so much is still in store!
At the core of this dream is my daughter Addison, my future children, and my own inner child, who would have loved a school like this growing up. With gratitude and excitement, I continue to guide Child of the Wild forward, both behind the scenes and in the forest with our wild ones.
What Grounds And Guides Us
CommUNITY
From the forest floor to family gatherings, we’re building friendships and support systems that grow beyond our time in the woods. Our programs create lasting bonds between children, parents, and the wider community.
Formative Adventure
Climbing trees, balancing on logs, and splashing in creeks build resilience and confidence, all in a safe and supportive environment.
Sense of Belonging
Every child arrives exactly as they are—and that’s who we welcome. We create spaces where kids feel safe, seen, and celebrated, knowing they truly belong.
Accessibility
Every child deserves the chance to learn and grow in nature. We work to remove barriers so more families can experience the magic of Forest School because nature should belong to everyone. Read about our accessibility measures here.
Meet The Team Of Passionate And Experienced Individuals Dedicated To Nurturing The Minds, Hearts, And Spirits Of Children
At Child of the Wild, we're proud to have a team of passionate and dedicated facilitators who share our vision for nature-based education. Our team members are carefully selected for their relevant education, training, and/or work experience in childcare/education related fields. We prioritize the safety and well-being of our wild one(s), which is why all our facilitators undergo a thorough hiring process, including a clear criminal reference check and up-to-date first aid and CPR-C certification.
Rebecca Seabrook
Founder | PrinciPAL | Lead Facilitator- Brighton
Bec is a passionate advocate for children and driven by a deep love for their growth and well-being. With over 10 years of frontline experience in traditional and non-traditional settings, she brings a wealth of knowledge and a relational, trauma-informed approach to her work.
Bec's connection to nature is a source of inspiration for her program. She is dedicated to creating spaces where children can thrive, feel safe, and be their authentic selves. For her, there's no greater joy than witnessing children connect with the natural world and with each other. With a heart full of love and a spirit of adventure, Bec is committed to nurturing the next generation of wild explorers.
Fun facts: Bec is left-handed, a lover of cats, chickens and cows. Sean, her high school sweetheart and daughter Addison are the loves of her life.
Ashley Tyms
Lead Facilitator – Cavan
Ashley has been working with children for nearly 20 years, guided by a natural ability to connect deeply with kids and follow their curiosities. With a background as a Child and Youth Counsellor in schools, treatment homes, and alternative education settings, she brings both skill and heart to every session.
Ashley believes nature is the perfect space for children to learn healthy risk-taking, movement, and self-trust. She’s passionate about creating playful, inclusive environments where kids feel alive, connected, and safe to express themselves.
Fun facts: Ashley can run super fast on her tippy toes, she loves climbing trees, and she says the best part of any day is laughing and playing games with kids.
Kyle McKee
Program Facilitator – Cavan
Kyle’s love of the outdoors, experience coaching young people, and passion for encouraging kids to get outside are what brought him to Child of the Wild. He believes nature gives children the opportunity to slow down, get curious, build confidence, and develop a deeper connection with the world around them.
Kyle is passionate about creating spaces where kids feel safe, included, and encouraged to be themselves. He brings patience, an open mind, a love of adventure, and a passion for bushcraft and hands-on projects to his time with our wild ones.
Fun facts: Kyle has a Border Collie named Samson, is a certified snowboard instructor, loves fishing, and has a Black Belt in Karate.
Alisa Bricknell
Lead Facilitator – Brighton
Alisa grew up splashing in ponds, riding ATVs, and camping under the stars. Today, as both a certified high school math and chemistry teacher and a devoted mom, she brings her love for learning and nature together at Child of the Wild.
Her inspiration? Her young son. Watching him discover the world through curiosity and play fuels her passion to give other children the same wonder-filled opportunities. She’s especially drawn to water and loves exploring ponds, streams, and their ecosystems with kids.
Fun facts: Alisa builds her own furniture (a bed frame, desk, and sensory table so far), loves the show Survivor and thinks she could win, and sings with a lot of soul, even if not always on key.
Matthew Gougeon
Program Facilitator – Brighton
Matthew’s path to Child of the Wild has been shaped by his love of nature, coaching youth sports, and a deep appreciation for the way the forest can help us slow down and reconnect. He’s found a love for fueling kids’ confidence, connection, and inner 'wild child'—and he is excited to bring that spirit to Child of the Wild.
Fun facts: Matthew is happiest hiking with his dog, Ace and monkeying around with his two busy boys. He loves music, Belgian waffles, poetry, and basketball.