Our founder, Roxanne Baer, is a long time outdoor-enthusiast. Growing up in the Blue Ridge Mountains, she developed an early love for nature and all the fun and adventure it holds. She spent her early years caving with the Virginia Highlands Grotto where her dad was a Project Caver and in college picked up a love for rock climbing that eventually led to pursuing a certification as a PCGI Top Rope Guide. Much like a kid herself, she has always enjoyed working with the younger generation, opening their eyes to new possibilities, adventures, and encouraging them to think outside of the box. When she stumbled upon Tinkergarten and Forest Schools, it was like everything clicked into place.

Roxanne’s formal training includes a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a focus in World Music from Virginia Commonwealth University. She is also a Licensed Massage Therapist with a current practice in Virginia Beach, and a Virginia-Certified Emergency Medical Technician. She has completed her 200hr Yoga Teacher Training and Social Emotional Facilitator Certification from Breathe for Change and is continuing on with an additional 300 hours this year which includes a Trauma-Informed Teaching Certification. She is also certified as a Forest School Teacher and Director through the Forest School Training Institute and trained as a Tinkergarten Teacher. She is the Marketing Chair of a local non-profit Nature Matters. She also trains in Irish Dance and Brazilian Capoeira.