Meet The Team

OUR STORY: Ms. Ashley is the founder of Nature Nurtures. She is a loving wife and mother of 2 with a dream in her heart and a passion for teaching. She believes children of all ages need more exposure to nature in their daily lives as she understands it to be a critical and foundational aspect in child development. During teachers college her vision of Nature Nurtures was sparked.

"After having my first daughter I found myself critically questioning what education should look like, what I wanted for my children, and what I wanted to represent as an educator. Life aligned one day when an old childhood friend, Dawn the owner of Serenity Rising Farms, mentioned she had a space available that I could use as a school house if I was still interested in taking that leap! Cover me in goosebumps, I couldn’t imagine a better location! This farm hold a special place in my heart. Serenity Rising Farms used to be known as Chapmans Berry and Christmas Tree Farm. When we grew up we would spend hours out on the trials, fields, and forests.

In an ever changing world, it is important to me that my daughters and other children experience the same kind of childhood freedom. To have the opportunity to turn my dream into a reality, HERE, is a full circle moment. I cannot wait to watch this space sprout alongside its students!"

Founder and Lead Educator

Ashley Lord

Meet Ashley, she considers herself a lover of learning, nature enthusiast, and a passionate educator who is always looking for new opportunities to expand her knowledge. Her educational background consists of:

General Arts and Science Certificate
2 year French Conversational Program
Undergrad Diploma - majoring in English
Bachelor of Education - graduated with honours
Additional Qualification in Special Education and Intermediate Health and Physical Education
Ontario Certified Teacher
CPR trained

In university Ashley established and coached a dance team for 3 years, as the arts have always inspired her. She has been first aid and CPR trained for the past 6 years and has worked in a variety of teaching positions for the past 8 years.

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Owner of Serenity Rising Farms and Principal

Dawn Chapman

Meet Dawn, the dedicated owner of Serenity Rising, a hobby farm newly open to the public. She and her partner Chris, are working towards building a self-sustaining farm. She is an inspiring step-parent to his two children and their new baby girl.

Dawn has an extensive knowledge of the land and animals on the farm. She is an occasional facilitator for Nature Nurtures who has grown up outdoorsy and involved in child and youth work.

Dawn has experience working as a compassionate, skilled leader for various youth groups, including summer and day camps she runs through Serenity Rising. She also has plenty of experience working with horses, teaching connection clinics, riding lessons, and more.

Mindfulness, Yoga, and Meditation Educator

Melissa Lord

Meet Melissa, she is a loving mother and entrepreneur filled with ambition. When she isn't busy crafting and repurposing you can find her gardening, reading, traveling or exploring in nature. Mindfulness, yoga, and meditation have been a part of her daily practice for 23+ years.

Melissa strongly believes in empowering children with self-regulating skills that will help them navigate life with confidence and self-awareness.

She passionately believes in living intentionally, that everything in life is connected, from the food we eat to the air we breathe. It is her goal to inspire others to live with intention and to train students how to develop the skills necessary to guide them purposefully and mindfully through life.

Meet the Team

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