David grew up in a big family in Wallingford, Connecticut, playing in the surrounding woods and farmland all four seasons.

As a young parent in New York City, David co-founded the parents group, “Preschool on the Planet.” After moving to San Francisco, his family enrolled in the Rocky Mountain Participation Nursery School, where David became parent education chair. He continued on as Lead Teacher and briefly as Director at Playmates Cooperative Nursery school, before founding Little Earthlings in 2017.

He has a Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education from San Francisco State University, a Preschool Site Supervisor Certificate from San Francisco City College, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts with Honors (and a secondary in Philosophy) from Manhattanville College in Purchase, New York.

He is part of a music and film production team called Telling Visions Unlimited, and loves playing music, producing, writing, cooking, eating and most of all his children (both attending UC Davis.) He is also at work on a documentary about San Francisco’s historic Hyde Street Studios & Wally Heider Recording.

Cait grew up in Portland, Oregon, and earned a Bachelor of Arts with a major in English and a minor in Psychology from the University of San Francisco, after which she developed a strong interest in alternative education.

Cait will be returning for her 3RD year of good work with little earthlings forest school! She will be heading up the aftercare program as well as continuing her expanding knowledge and practice of our unique approach to these early developmental years. She is well versed in the program and holds extensive knowledge of the many moving parts and dynamics that the efficient and meaningful running of the program requires, all while maintaining a kind and empathetic comportment. She is a friendly and welcoming ally and advocate for the children, parents and staff alike.

She has volunteered for three years at a crisis intervention hotline, counseling youth in emotional distress, managed a Haight Street vintage shop, and worked as a barista.

She enjoys creative writing, swimming in cold rivers, and hiking with her dog, Spitty.

Amanda, a native of Santa Cruz, CA, developed a deep love for the natural environment and native plants. Her exploration of the outdoors fueled her passion for sustainability, leading her to pursue a B.S. in Environmental Management and Protection with a focus on Botany from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo.

After working as an environmental educator and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analyst, Amanda pivoted to early childhood education while working with young children at the Botanical Garden in San Luis Obispo. She brings four years of experience teaching in diverse preschool settings, including Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and place-based nature schools.

While working for two years in Golden Gate Park at Woodland School and WildChild Forest School, Amanda became deeply connected to the local environmental education community. Most recently, she spent a year in Idaho’s Teton Valley, working at an outdoor science school, exploring the mountains, and deepening her practice of place-based education.

Alex was born and raised in Palo Alto, California. He studied Religion at University of Hawai'i before pursuing his teaching credential in play-based early childhood education at De Anza College where he gained hands-on experience as a student-teacher in a play-based preschool setting. There, Alex developed skills in observation, guidance, and creating a welcoming environment and engaging activities.

Alongside his work in education, Alex also spent a total of a year living on and off at a Green Gulch Zen Center, where his meditation practice and communal style of living cultivated patience, presence and emotional awareness. He draws from this practice in his teaching in creating a calm, respectful, compassionate environment where young children feel, understood, encouraged, and safe to explore their curiosities and be themselves.

Outside of work he can be found juggling, practicing gymnastics, experimenting in the kitchen cooking or learning a new language. He enjoys the process of being a beginner and discovering something new.

Pearl was born and raised in San Francisco, with Golden Gate Park being a very special part of her childhood and ongoing life. She has always had a deep curiosity and love for nature, animals, and children that continues to grow. She is currently enrolled in Early Childhood Development courses to further her education in this wonderful field. Pearl's interest in working with children really blossomed after the birth of her niece and nephew, now ages 6 and 3. She’s had the great pleasure of being a big part in their lives and watching them grow, while also learning a lot from them. With her love for children and nature, she was very drawn to the Little Earthlings program. In addition, she recently dove into the world of biology and completed a Marine Biology and Plant Biology course that ignited her passion for learning about all things related to the earth.

She also enjoys illustrating, meditation, and spending time with her two cats, Caper and Luna.