Leah Smith

Background

About Leah Smith

Leah Smith has nearly 20 years of experience working with children in a variety of settings. From large early learning centres to private family child care, she brings the love of nature and the passion for the outdoors to those around her. Leah is an ECEII, Forest School Practitioner and parent of two wild children. She now aims to expand her work in this field by sharing her education and experience with groups and individuals, offering a holistic approach teaching children and supporting the adults in their lives-Working in the childcare field since 2005-Trained as a Montessori Teacher for preschool aged children -Holds an honours diploma from Red River College's Early Childhood Education program -Certified Forest School Practitioner via Forest School Canada -Has been facilitating workshops for the Manitoba Childcare Association annual conference since 2014 -Former board member of the Manitoba Nature Summit, now a workshop presenter for their events-Worked for FortWhyte in their inaugural year of Forest School programming as the lead ECE-Founder of NatureAlly Learning, a company committed to bringing forest school practices to children, families and educators through seasonal programs, day camps and professional development workshops. This culmination of experience has her in her current role of Managing the Forest School Department at FortWhyte Alive, providing in the field time with children in their programs, training for staff and volunteers along with Professional Development opportunities for the greater community of childcare professionals and parents.