Sonny (they/them) moved from Philadelphia last year where they were born and raised. They love playing music, skateboarding, and gardening. They use they/them pronouns and can’t wait to meet you all!

Kimiko (she/her) is a nature enthusiast who enjoys exploring the wild beauty of California’s diverse landscapes through the lens of science, wellness, permaculture, and adventure. As an herbalist, artist and teacher, Kimiko likes to weave together stories of the plants with activities that help students discover the wonder of nature with curiosity, conservation, and creativity. She spends most of her time hiking, writing, and making short-films about the flowers, plants, and lands that she loves.

Mataan (they/them)  grew up in the bay area falling in love with coastal California. After studying Computer Science followed by a short career as a software developer, they're immensely excited to start teaching in the outdoors. Guiding as a Naturalist excites them because it allows them to excite people about the amazing ecosystems around them while constantly learning more. Two species they're excited about seeing at Walker Creek Ranch are Northern Spotted Owls and Ringtail Cats. When not outside you can catch them playing video games, board games, and even occasionally juggling.

Rachel (she/her) is an adventurer from a suburban town in Los Angeles who loves discovering magical spots in the forest, finding the best cafe in the city, and camping in the mountains. She enjoys capturing the world’s wonders through sketches, videos, and film photography. Her favorite way to recharge is through snowboarding, thrifting, long conversations, and listening to live music. After studying environmental science and conservation biology at UCLA, she has embarked on a journey to be a more conscious and compassionate being with a mission to protect our earth so it can be enjoyed by all its inhabitants.

Tara(she/her) grew up in California's Beautiful Sierra Nevada gold country, where she learned the value of nature connection. Adventure is as much a part of her life as drinking water! She graduated from Chico State with a bachelor's in Child Development and a great passion for outdoor engagement. She attended Walker Creek Ranch both as a student and as a cabin leader in the past and is thrilled to be coming back as a naturalist. Some of Tara's hobbies include swimming, hiking, crafting, spending time with loved ones, and hitting the road with her partner. She's delighted to be a part of this community and support students through nature engagement and science education.

​Krista (she/her) was born and raised alongside the outlet of Pilarcitos Creek in Half Moon Bay, California. In her young adult years, she has found herself working in native plant restoration, trail stewardship, youth literacy remediation, and creative writing instruction. She has woven these fields together through her passion for connecting individuals with their inner world and the living world around them. As an educator, she aspires to help students recognize their place in the web of life and cultivate joyful, respectful, and reciprocal relationships with their fellow beings. In her spare time, you can find her developing her musicianship, enjoying mindful movement practices, and exploring the impact of human activities on the modern plant communities of coastal California.