We Connect Children to Nature, Themselves and Others through Play:
Do you want your child to have fond memories of playing outside for hours, perhaps like you experienced?!
Are you looking for a place where your child is valued for who they are and also challenged to grow through play?!
Do you want your child to learn how to play with others, express their feelings and emotions appropriately, experience the space to "just be", and to experience a slower pace to develop without such harsh societal pressures?!
Playing at River’s Edge challenges social emotional growth and every sensory system including sight, touch, smell, hearing, taste, balance, and self-awareness to cultivate social, physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual growth.
Playing this way is a WHOLE child challenge which we call "play with a purpose"! Through this type of play and with the guidance of trained Licensed Professionals and highly trained Forest Guides, children are inspired to build deeper connections to nature, self, and others.
Our Story
River's Edge Forest Play was founded by child mental health practitioner, Teece Nowell, LCPC. Through her private practice Teece began to document the healing effects of spending time in nature for her clients. She researched her observations and found overwhelming support of the therapeutic benefits for children spending time outdoors connecting with nature and engaging in free play. After launching forest based programs, other professionals in various fields of child development "fell into her lap". They had come to the same conclusions in their work that Teece did in her practice; kids need to be outside more and they need time for free play to promote healthy growth and development. From this passion, River's Edge Forest Play was born and our nature play loving family of forest guides, kids, families, and schools continues to grow!
Our Team
We are a diverse team of professionals from the fields of psychology, occupational therapy, child life, environmental studies and education.
Colleen holds a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy and a Bachelor of Science degree in Occupation and Wellbing from Towson University. Colleen holds a MD state 90 hour general childcare certificate and a 45 hour school aged certificate. While at Towson, Colleen completed research in augmented communication and interned at Sheppard Pratt health systems working with adolescents with mental health disorders. Colleen has trained in the ConTiGo approach for nature-based therapy with children.
The diversity of our professions makes us a well rounded team to bring the best outdoor, WHOLE child development programming for your child!
Teece Nowell, BA/MS LCPC
Founder
Teece Nowell, LCPC is a Maryland licensed clinical professional counselor in private practice. Teece has been supporting children and their families to reach their potential since 2005. Teece has extensive training working with children whether in her therapy playroom or in nature. Teece has nature immersion training and has been certified by the country's most recognized professionals; Kathleen Lockyer of Rxoutside The NatureLed Practitioner, Erin Kenny of Cedarsong Nature School, Laura Park Figuerao of Outdoor Kids Occupational Therapy and Angela Hanscom of TimberNook.
Teece grew up on Maryland's Eastern Shore where she spent her summers exploring marshes, creeks and rivers and seeking adventures with her brother and sisters. When they weren't crabbing, sailing or chasing stingrays on Tripp's Creek, they built forts in the woods, pedaled for miles on their country roads, and discovered adventure trails through the fields. From sun up to sun down a gaggle of kids could be found exploring and adventuring and most importantly using their imaginations.
Going back to her roots in the country of Maryland's Eastern Shore and knowing the positive impact nature had on her spirit and confidence as a child, Teece is honored and excited to share River's Edge Forest Play with children and families.
"I love how nature allows children to be free, uninhibited, willing to explore and take risk and SQUEAL for joy! Nature is where it's at!!!" TN
Erin Songer
Executive Director
Erin brings over a decade of expertise in sales and marketing, coupled with a deep passion for childhood education and nature-based learning. Her journey into environmental education began with her involvement at River Edge Forest Play, a cherished program where her children have thrived for many years. Inspired by her experiences, Erin embarked on a path to enhance her skills, becoming certified through the Cedarsong Foundation course and The Cedarsong Way Forest School Therapist Certificate of Completion.
Erin's commitment to children's development is rooted in her belief that they are the future leaders of tomorrow. Her dedication extends beyond professional endeavors, as she actively contributes to creating nurturing and educational environments where children can explore, learn, and grow. Erin continues to blend her background with her newfound passion, striving to positively impact the lives of children and families through innovative educational initiatives.
"I believe parents should let their children be wild and imaginative, enjoying the forest and the sunshine, so they can grow into grounded adults who will create a better future." ES
Steve Songer
Executive Director
Steve holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Fitness from Salisbury University in Maryland. While at Salisbury Steve worked with mentally and physically disabled youth to form a power lifting team in the Special Olympics. Steve has worked with both adults & children in strength & conditioning as well as speed & agility training for 30+ years. In addition Steve has coached boys lacrosse for friends and family for 20+ years which includes both his boys Steven (9 yrs old) & Hudson (5 yrs old).
Having lived in South County for 40+ years, Steve knows the value Rivers Edge brings to the youth in the community and surrounding areas, having been one of those kids himself.
"My parents allowed my brothers & me to wander freely with our friends on a daily basis building leaf & stick forts, catching frogs & salamanders, and running down the paths we created. Watching my boys have similar experiences in the woods of Rivers Edge has been a true blessing for our family." SS
Jessica Farrell
Forest Guide
Jessica Farrell has been working with young children part-time since 2010 while leading a full-time career in photography and creative direction for national fashion retail brands. Throughout her years behind the camera, traveling with large crews to photograph catalogs, she remained closely connected to child-centered work—sharing her passion for yoga and mindfulness with children and adults alike.
Her journey into working with children began as a part-time yoga teacher after earning certifications in Hatha, Children’s, and Prenatal Yoga. Jessica brought this practice to a family shelter in Philadelphia and to Ronald McDonald Camp in the mountains of Pennsylvania, a week-long sleepaway camp for children ages 6–16 who had undergone cancer treatments. These profound experiences planted the seeds for her future path in education.
In 2021, Jessica transitioned from creative director to full-time early childhood educator, completing the Preschool Lead Teacher Certification at Anne Arundel Community College with a focus on Child Growth and Development and Early Childhood Methods and Materials. She has also completed training in Responsive Classroom, Magic 8 Early Childhood Practices, and holds First Aid, CPR, and AED certifications. Jessica has led pre-K classrooms and summer camps at a nearby private school, where her love for play-based learning and child-led discovery truly blossomed.
At River’s Edge Forest Play, Jessica brings together her background in child development, her visual storytelling expertise, and her deep-rooted mindfulness practice. Her lens now focuses on the wonder and magic of children learning in nature—capturing their joy, curiosity, and connection to the world around them.
Jessica lives in Annapolis with her husband and son. She’s an ECNL soccer mom who enjoys hiking, camping, beach bonfires, and growing and cooking organic food. She believes wholeheartedly in the power of nature to restore, inspire, and teach—especially through the eyes of a child.
“Growing up I remember running and exploring the woods, cornfields, rivers, and streams when visiting my family in the country. Those moments shaped me and now I witness that same freedom and connection in the children at River’s Edge Forest Play. What a gift!” JF
Ben Clark, BS/MS LCPC
Therapist
Ben Clark earned his Master of Science in Professional Counseling at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, AZ, and he also has a Post-Master of Science in Counseling: Trauma Certificate from Grand Canyon University. His therapeutic approach is strength-based, cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness-based, solution-focused, and emotionally focused methods. His work is creative, flexible, and tailored to everyone's needs. By recognizing a client's strengths and fostering personal growth, Ben helps clients move beyond simply managing or coping with challenges to genuinely thriving.
As a father of three, Ben understands and appreciates all the complexities present in family life these days and understands the importance of the unique needs of family dynamics. He brings over a decade of experience as a Behavioral Therapist, specializing in helping individuals and families overcome social, emotional, and behavioral challenges. His integrated approach and passion for connecting therapy with the healing power of nature make him an incredible addition to our team. His dynamic path of study deepened his appreciation for understanding human needs, including basic and environmental needs, security, relationships, emotional belonging, esteem, and the capacity for growth.
Ali Adcock, BA
FORESTplay Director, Tutor, and Forest Guide
Ali holds a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies with a minor in Sociology from St. Mary’s College of Maryland. During her time at St. Mary’s, she focused her studies on the Sociology of Childhood and Environmental Sociology—two fields that continue to influence her work today. A lifelong Girl Scout, Ali joined the organization in kindergarten and remains deeply connected through her annual summer volunteer work at camp. She earned the prestigious Gold Award by designing and leading a program that prepared athletes to compete in Special Olympics bowling.
Ali has always had a love for the outdoors, spending much of her youth camping with both her troop and her family. Surrounded by nieces and nephews while growing up, she naturally gravitated toward working with children. River’s Edge Forest Play has been the perfect place for her to blend her academic background with her passion for nature-based education.
In addition to her environmental and social science background, Ali is trained in the Orton-Gillingham Method through IMSE’s Comprehensive Plus course. This training equips her with specialized tools to support young readers—particularly those with dyslexia—in building strong, confident literacy skills.
"I love seeing children playing the way I used to play. We should be outside, getting in the dirt, making mud pies, and letting our imaginations run wild." AA
Lindsey Smith
Forest Guide
Lindsey is a wife and a mother; she enjoys spending time with family and friends. Lindsey has always been passionate about working children and helping others. She has organized charitable fundraisers, nannied for families and worked in the field of daycare. Lindsey has management experience and is CPR trained.
Lindsey believes River's Edge Forest Play is a good fit because she is a big kid at heart and loves seeing a child's imagination come to life.
"I love how these kids can come and be themselves in their most natural element. It's a very healing experience just to witness." LS
Alexis Haupt, BS
Forest Guide
Alexis holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Outdoor Leadership and Education from Elon University in N.C. Alexis is a dedicated advocate for holistic growth and immersive learning experiences. During her time at Elon University, Alexis served as a facilitator for an outdoor pre-orientation program, where she guided incoming students through transformative outdoor experiences. She also served as an Orientation Leader for students once they arrived on campus. Through these roles, she honed her skills in fostering teamwork, leadership, and personal development in outdoor settings.
Now, as a part of the RE team, Alexis is thrilled to continue her journey of inspiring others to connect with nature and discover the endless possibilities for growth and learning. With a passion for environmental education and a commitment to nurturing the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts, Alexis brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to the community.
"Life should be about loving all living things, humans and nature alike, and that love starts in childhood. I feel so lucky that I get to facilitate that love here at RE." AH
Christina Peake
Forest Guide
Christina is a passionate environmental science student with a decade of experience working with children. Her love for nature began in her childhood, filled with adventures like making mud pies, catching turtles, and camping with family. This deep connection to the environment fuels her desire to inspire the next generation.
Christina’s nurturing spirit and dedication to child development are evident in her 10 years of experience as a babysitter, nanny, and preschool teacher. Now at River’s Edge, she finds joy in helping children blossom and embrace their individuality. When not working, you can find Christina in the garden or playing with her dog.
“Being able to help children grow and learn to be themselves is special to me, I love to help children be present in each moment and be the best they can be. Children’s unique view on the world makes me happy.” CP
Nancy Youngkin
Forest Guide
Nancy has a true gift with children. Nancy and her husband of 40+ years raised 5 beautiful sons who have in turn given them 5 beautiful grandchildren. Nancy is a calm even tempered presence around children giving them space to learn and explore while helping them understand the value in sharing, taking risks and being kind.
Nancy has worked in childcare for the last 25+ years serving children in gym childcare centers while parents worked out, as well as working at a local church camp caring for children in their summer camp programs and school year retreats. Nancy has been a Forest Guide at RE for 5 years working in the summer camp program, the FORESTplay program and the Little Ones program. Nancy is calm, helpful and a gift to the children and entire staff of REFP.
"I love watching children running, playing and exploring in nature. I love seeing them navigate through all kinds of weather. To see them discover the wonders of nature is truly magical." - NY