Our Team
Rooted in Purpose,
Guided by Wonder
Founder & Certified Nature Educator
Meet Gabrielle - The Heart Behind the Philosophy
With a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Development and Learning and more than a decade of experience in licensed early childhood programs, Gabrielle has dedicated her career to understanding how young children learn, grow, and thrive. Her experience spans the classroom and beyond, having served as an early childhood teacher, preschool director, and owner of a licensed child care program.
Throughout her career, Gabrielle has seen firsthand what developmentally appropriate practice truly looks like: children learning through play, meaningful relationships, hands-on experiences, movement, curiosity, and the freedom to explore.
That understanding took on an entirely new meaning when Gabrielle and her family spent nearly two years traveling the country with their two young boys. From forests and mountains to coastlines and national parks, she watched her children learn through real-world exploration and experienced alongside them just how naturally curiosity, confidence, and connection grow when children are given the freedom to engage with the world around them. Her family’s adventures deepened her own relationship with nature and helped shape her belief that some of childhood’s most meaningful learning happens beyond four walls.
Combined with her professional background and certification in nature-based education, those experiences inspired a vision for something she felt was missing in her own community. As a mother, Gabrielle wanted more than simply finding the right program for her children. She wanted to create it.
Linden Wood Nature School is the culmination of that vision: a place where childhood is honored, learning is intentional without being rushed, and children have the time and space to play, wonder, take healthy risks, build confidence, and develop a lasting relationship with the natural world.
Gabrielle is excited to bring everything she has learned as an educator, director, program owner, nature educator, traveler, and mother home to Linden and create the kind of educational experience and community she hopes will become a meaningful part of many families’ childhood years.
Co-Founder & Head of Operations
Meet Burke- The Visionary Behind Linden Wood
By day, Burke works as an Associate Creative Director for outdoor footwear and gear company Merrell, where his career is rooted in creativity, storytelling, and a shared love for the outdoors. Outside of his corporate role, he is a hands-on father, lifelong creative, and adventurer at heart.
At Linden Wood, Burke is the heart, hands, and creative force behind bringing the vision to life. From dreaming up spaces and solving problems to coordinating projects and overseeing the countless details happening behind the scenes, he has helped transform an idea into a place children can truly experience.
While Gabrielle brings the early childhood education and nature-based philosophy behind Linden Wood, Burke has an incredible ability to take that vision and ask, “How do we make this real?” His creativity and hands-on approach can be seen throughout the property, from the outdoor classroom and lodge to the trails and thoughtfully designed spaces children will explore.
As a father of two young boys, creating Linden Wood is personal for Burke, too. He has poured his heart, creativity, and countless hours into building a place where children can get outside, take healthy risks, discover what they’re capable of, and experience the kind of adventurous childhood he and Gabrielle want for their own children.
Linden Wood may have started as a dream, but Burke is a big part of the reason that dream has become a reality.
Assistant Director & Nature Educator
Meet Lauren- A Champion for Confident, Capable Kids
Lauren holds a Bachelor's degree in Athletic Training and a Master's degree in Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Sport Management. She has spent the last seven years as an Athletic Trainer, caring for all ages of active people. Her career has centered around helping others physically and psychologically, being someone others can turn to as a source of support or advocacy.
As a mom to two young boys, Lauren has found herself thinking more and more about what children truly need to thrive. She believes children are incredibly capable, resilient, and unique. That we should take time to discover their personal gifts while giving them the tools they need to grow.
She loves the idea of children learning through
movement and real-life experiences, in tandem with strong foundations in literacy, math, and science. Having patience for a child's independence and exploration is extremely valuable in a time when the world is in a rush.
Being outdoors, staying active, getting dirty, and feeling connected to a community aren't extras to her-they're an important part of childhood.
Lauren is excited for the opportunity to learn and grow, right alongside the children at Linden Wood