Meet our Mentors
Andrea Baird
I am the owner and founder of Painted Bloom Farm and Nature School. I have a nature-based teacher certification from the Eastern Region Association of Forest and Nature Schools and Nature Journaling Educator certification from the Wild Wonder Foundation. I’m also a Master Gardner and cut flower farmer, studied Fine Art and have been an art instructor for many years. I am the mother of seven wonderful children and six darling grandchildren who are the loves of my life. Combining my passion for children, nature and art has made my life more joyful than I could have ever imagined. I wholeheartedly believe in what we provide for our students here on our little farm and look forward to every beautiful day!
Chelsea Baird
I have a bachelor’s degree in International Studies with a minor in English and spent my early career as a primary school ESL teacher in Taiwan and China. After moving home to Twin Falls I then spent five years as a behavior rehabilitation specialist working with children in a public school setting before joining forces with my mom to begin a nature school. I’m a huge biology and social science nerd and I love encouraging children to discover how weird and wonderful this world can be. I love animals (my houseful are living proof), hiking and camping, foraging, and natural dye projects. I’m so proud of the work we’re doing and firmly believe a holistic approach to education is an essential part of creating confident and resilient human beings.
Hannah Loewen
I have adored nature for my entire life. I grew up in Michigan but traveled all across the United States with my family to visit as many National Parks, Forests and Monuments as we could. I knew from a young age that I wanted to share my passion for the natural world with everyone I came in contact with! I graduated from Brigham Young University-Idaho with a degree in Zoology and Natural Resources. I have had the fantastic experience of working at the Flat Ranch Natural Reserve in Island Park, as well as the Caribou-Targhee National Forest in Ashton and Island Park before moving to Twin Falls with my husband. I thoroughly believe that a deep connection with nature is essential to creating a strong upcoming generation . I’m so excited to pass on the knowledge and love of nature that I possess to our students!
Sandra Bosteder
I am a certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide, a licensed Arbinger Institute facilitator for conflict resolution, and have master’s degrees in physical education, athletic administration and health education. I’ve been a leader in a women’s outdoor adventure program and a lifetime learner of outdoor activity, and have felt the complete, embracing benevolence of nature. I’ve also taught at middle school, high school, and college levels and have discovered delight in student progress toward independent thinking and have observed that nature’s school creates far more opportunity for learning and retaining those skills. I am looking forward to this grand, new adventure where we all learn together from each other.