Hi, I’m Marianna — mama of two beautiful souls and the founder of Nurtured Oak Nature School.

This little program was born from a quiet hope in my heart: to create the kind of space I longed for as a parent. A place where children are truly seen, where they can be themselves — messy, curious, sensitive, wild — and know they belong. That hope became the seed for Nurtured Oak.

At Nurtured Oak, we believe children are capable, whole beings from the very beginning — not empty vessels to fill, but bright lights to nurture. Our bilingual (Spanish–English) sessions invite children and caregivers to slow down together, explore creativity, and connect with the natural world. Through process art, storytelling, nature exploration, songs and more, we create simple but meaningful moments that spark curiosity, joy, and belonging.

Here, messy is never a bad thing. We believe childhood should be lived with muddy hands and curious hearts — where exploring your body, your world, and your questions matters more than keeping your clothes clean. This is a space where children don’t need to have all the answers — and where adults don’t either. Together, we learn that the search itself is the gift: that wonder, not certainty, is what makes life feel magical. Sometimes the journey of asking “why” and “how” reveals more about who we are than any final answer ever could — and that discovery is the real treasure, the gold at the end of the rainbow.

This isn’t a place for rushing through childhood. It’s a place for big feelings, wonder-filled mornings, and deep connection. Our focus is on nurturing the whole child — heart, body, mind, and spirit — while building community and celebrating each family’s journey.

With a background in Clinical Psychology, specialized training in Early Childhood Education, and certifications as both a Montessori Guide (AMS-accredited) and a Nature-Based Educator, I’ve spent over seven years walking alongside young children and their families. Still, it’s my own daughters who inspired this path — and who remind me every day what it means to slow down and listen deeply.

If you’ve been searching for a space that feels more like an extension of home — where your child can thrive naturally, grow joyfully, and be loved just as they are — you’re warmly invited to join us.

With love,
Marianna