Play builds the kind of free-and-easy, try-it-out, do-it-yourself character that our future needs – James L. Hymes Jr.
Cedar Hollow Forest School teachers are dedicated to and experienced in nature-based early childhood education. Our teaching team includes Founder and Teacher Jen Petry and Teacher Becca Bell. Jen and Becca are honored to work with your children and guide them as they learn, grow, and explore.
Jen Petry
founder & Teacher
Hello! I’m Jen Petry
I am beyond excited for the first year of Cedar Hollow Forest School! This program may be new, but I am bringing years of experience teaching young children in a nature preschool setting. I had the privilege of teaching at Hartley Nature Preschool for six years, where I experienced first hand how preschoolers are naturally curious, creative, and imaginative. I find so much joy in watching young children interact with nature and each other, while learning through play.
Growing up in Southwest MN I always enjoyed spending time on the river and exploring the outdoors, so it was an easy decision to move to Duluth where the outdoor opportunities are endless. I attended UMD and earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation and Outdoor Education. After years of work and travel I went back to school and earned my Master’s in Teaching and K-6 teaching license from the College of St. Scholastica. Most recently my husband Greg and I have been busy raising our two young children Ada (2 years) and Finn (3 months)- sharing the wonders of the outdoors with them has been a true delight!
Becca Bell
Teacher
I am honored to be a part of the new nature preschool community here in Duluth! After completing my Master’s in Environmental Education at UMD, I worked for several years at Hartley Nature Preschool alongside Ms. Jen. I’ve also taught in California and the Proctor Public School system where I worked to integrate nature play into more ‘traditional’ preschool settings and can speak to the power and wisdom nature bestows to us if we simply allow time and space for that learning to occur. I see my role as an educator is to support safe yet risky discoveries of self, others, and our environment. It is a joy to be able to continue facilitating this learning with Cedar Hollow Forest School!
Outside of the classroom you will find me and my pup Juni enjoying the many green spaces around Duluth in all seasons!
Cedar Hollow Forest School 