Address: 5030 Sudley Rd West River, MD 20778
REFP: 85100
Offering Enrichment Programs for Child Development
A Nature Immersion Experience:
Our philosophy, Our Forest Site, and Our Staff
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.
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 & Director
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
Colleen Wright, BS/MS, OTR/L
Forest Guide and Occupational Therapist
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.
Colleen loves working with children and has previously been a private nanny, a school aged childcare teacher, a camp director and a Sunday School teacher. She enjoys hiking, kayaking and spending time in nature.
"I absolutely love watching the children grow in their confidence and be filled with the wonder of nature. There's nothing else like nature to bring out kid's infectious creativity, joy and enthusiasm. " CW
Laurel Katherine (LK) Toohey, BA/MS, CCLS
Forest Guide and Child Life Specialist
Laurel Katherine (LK) Toohey holds a Master’s degree in Child Life with an emphasis on Child Development from the University of Charleston, SC. LK holds a Bachelor of Art degree in psychology from Clemson University. LK is certified by the Association of Child Life Professionals and previously provided services to children and families at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center in Baltimore. LK completed a child life practicum at the Medical University of South Carolina and a semester long child life internship at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C. While at the University of Charleston, LK researched the impacts of psychosocial support services for children experiencing loss.
LK has diverse experiences working with children and families at hospitals, development centers, shelters, camps, support groups, and many other settings. She enjoys being a mom to her infant daughter, running, reading and spending time exploring new places.
“Connecting to nature can be considered a crucial element of human development. I love seeing kids grow in their strengths, face new challenges with courage, and learn the importance of community.” LK
Ali Shulman, BA
Forest Guide
Ali holds a Bachelor of arts degree in Environmental Science with a minor in Sociology from St. Mary's College of Maryland. While at St. Mary's, she studied the Sociology of Childhood along with Environmental Sociology. Ali holds a lifetime membership in Girl Scouts, joining when she was in kindergarten and currently volunteering time every summer at camp. She earned her Gold Award by developing a program to prepare athletes to compete in Special Olympics in bowling.
Ali has always loved being outdoors, camping with her troop and her family. Growing up with multiple nieces and nephews, she was always surrounded by children. She felt that River's Edge Forest Play was a perfect fit for her as she is able to combine her Environmental Science degree while working with children outdoors.
"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." AS
Tina Hayden, BS
Forest Guide and Administrator
Tina holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science from American Public University. While at APU, she was the president of the student chapter of The Wildlife Society, as well as secretary for the Maryland state chapter of The Wildlife Society. Tina worked many years in the accounting world before returning to her true passion - nature and the environment. Before joining River's Edge she worked as the program/camp director for another conservation education organization.
Tina has always had a love for the great outdoors and recognizes the importance of connecting with nature and the healing aspects such a connection offers. Tina is a certified Kripalu Mindful Outdoor Guide, guiding others on their own journey to discover their own deep connection with nature. In addition to that, she has completed the Maryland Master Naturalist, Growing up Wild and Project Wild certifications.
"Nature teaches us to be present in the moment. It does not worry of the past or what the future will bring. Seeing others make that crucial connection to nature, to release their worries and simply be in the moment, is a magical journey to witness". TH
Samantha Ludlum, BS
Forest Guide and Curriculum Specialist
Sammi holds Bachelor's of Science degrees in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Salisbury University. She graduated Summa Cum Laude with a 4.0 GPA after completing her final semester of student-teaching. Sammi has obtained her teaching license from the Maryland State Department of Education.
Sammi has been an integral part of the River's Edge family since 2017. She came to River's Edge after graduating from Broadneck HS and while attending Anne Arundel Community College. Sammi's gift for working with children was immediately apparent. She has spent her summers working as a River's Edge Forest Guide since 2017. Being the oldest of four girls, Sammi has always known she wanted to work with children. She enjoys being outdoors, reading, doing puzzles, and coaching volleyball. Sammi knew that River's Edge Forest Play was the perfect fit for her because it allows her to work with children outside of the traditional classroom setting, in nature.
"Giving children the space to explore their imaginations and develop a connection with nature is so important. It's amazing to see how they grow in their confidence and their independence in such a short time in the forest." SL
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
Lindsey Smith
Forest Guide
Lindsey is a wife and a mother to a 1 year old, 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
Elyce Willburn, BA/MS
Forest Guide
Elyce has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, both earned at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. Elyce has limited working proficiency in American Sign Language and a Master's of Science in Forensic Psychology with distinction completed in December 2023.
Elyce is a military veteran, serving as a US Army Airborne All-source Analyst for 3 years. Elyce has worked with children in camp and educational settings in New York City. She is passionate about creating a joyful and safe environment for all children. Elyce has a wonderful husband and 2 beautiful sons.
"I really enjoy watching the children be creative in this space. Creativity needs to be nurtured and this is a great space for that." EW
Marlena Jordan, BS/MS
Forest Guide and Curriculum Specialist
Marlena is an experienced youth educator who has devoted 14 years teaching elementary age children in the diverse public school system. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Maryland in 2009 and her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from McDaniel College in 2015. She is a CYT and has been teaching movement, breathwork and meditation since 2017.
As a kid, Marlena spent time digging in the dirt for bugs and befriending frogs. She is thrilled to begin a new chapter in an environment that serves children best ~ the outdoors! She is passionate about the relationship humans have with nature and believes that it teaches us to slow down and be present with each moment.
Outside of RE, you’ll find Marlena walking in the woods with her pitty pup, Tula. She loves making fires, drinking herbal tea, dancing and soaking up the sun.
“I love connecting with our youth and asking them questions to better understand their perception of the world. It helps me understand that being a kid is what we all are striving to be - curious, creative and connected”. ~MJ