Megan Gessler

Background

About Megan Gessler

Internationally recognized administrator, educator, and naturalist with a proven track record of innovation and expansion in nature-based early outdoor education programs. Manages staff and operations at a nature-based early learning program, including developing all curricula. Founder of the Northern Illinois Nature Preschool Association (NINPA), the first regional association of nature-based educators in the USA, and member of the Executive Leadership Team of the Natural Start Alliance. Masters Degree in Education and Certificate of Nature Based Early Childhood Education from Antioch University New England. Certified Master Naturalist and Certified NatureStart educator. Co-author of the Children's Environmental Kinship Guide and founding member of Environmental Kinship International. Mentor for Prescott College's Center for Nature- and Place-based Early Childhood Education Summer Institute in 2019 and 2020. Co-organized and supported the 2016, 2017, 2019, and 2022 Midwest Early Childhood Educator Symposium at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Ill. Co-organized the 2018 World of Wonder: An International Nature-Based Early Learning Conference in Chicago that had 400 attendees. Presented at each 2014-2022 Nature-Based Preschool National Conference. Presented at each 2015-2019 Inspiring Nature Play Professional Development Conference at the Chicago Botanic Gardens. Presented at the 2019 Vaskebjorn Conference. Created and organized large scale community events and projects, including Kendall County’s first nature play space, fire safety festival, and service dog fundraisers by utilizing local and regional media.