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.

Kate Johnson

Hi there!  I’m Kate — lover of picnics, flower-pressing, and the magic of childhood wonder. I graduated from Utah State University with a degree in Child Development and Family Studies, focusing on outdoor education and the preschool years. I’ve had the joy of working at the Wild Beginnings Nature School in Boise, as well as starting Evergreen Nature School in Logan, Utah before moving here to Twin Falls. I’m especially inspired by Waldorf and Montessori approaches and the way they honor the whole child. When I’m not exploring nature with little ones you can find me soaking up every moment with my husband- most likely with a tub of ice cream in hand. I’m so excited to grow roots here in Twin Falls and share in the wonder of nature with your little ones!

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.